Catholic Church on Friday "unequivocally" aplogised to Canada's indigenous people for about a century of abuse at church-run residential schools which were set up by government to assimilate indigenous children into mainstream. However, indigenous leaders are still waiting for mea culpa from the pope himself.

"We, the Catholic Bishops of Canada, express our profound remorse and apologize unequivocally," read a statement, in which they said they were "fully committed" to reconciliation.

The issue of abuses in church-run schools in Canada hit international headlines after discoveries of about 1200 unmarked graves at three sites where indigenous children were forced to attend the schools

In total, some 150,000 Indian, Metis and Inuit children were enrolled from the late 1800s to the 1990s in 139 of the residential schools across Canada, spending months or years isolated from the families.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-200-indigenous-children-went-missing-or-died-after-entering-a-hospital-in-quebec-411863">At least 200 indigenous children went missing or died after entering a hospital in Quebec</a>

It also comes less than a week before Canadians mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

The solemn commemoration for the thousands of indigenous children who died or went missing from the schools was set by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said in June that Canadians were "horrified and ashamed of how our country behaved."

In the statement, the bishops said they "acknowledge the suffering experienced" by indigenous students and the "grave abuses" inflicted upon them, including "physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and sexual" mistreatment at the hands of headmasters and teachers.

"Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality, failing to respect the rich history, traditions and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples," they said.

"We also sorrowfully acknowledge the historical and ongoing trauma and the legacy of suffering and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples that continue to this day," it was said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Catholic Church on Friday "unequivocally" aplogised to Canada's indigenous people for about a century of abuse at church-run residential schools which were set up by government to assimilate indigenous children into mainstream.

Catholic Church on Friday "unequivocally" aplogised to Canada's indigenous people for about a century of abuse at church-run residential schools which were set up by government to assimilate indigenous children into mainstream. However, indigenous leaders are still waiting for mea culpa from the pope himself. "We, the Catholic Bishops of Canada, express our profound remorse and apologize unequivocally," read a statement, in which they said they were "fully committed" to reconciliation. The issue of abuses in church-run schools in Canada hit international headlines after discoveries of about 1200 unmarked graves at three sites where indigenous children were forced to attend the schools In total, some 150,000 Indian, Metis and Inuit children were enrolled from the late 1800s to the 1990s in 139 of the residential schools across Canada, spending months or years isolated from the families. Also Read | At least 200 indigenous children went missing or died after entering a hospital in Quebec It also comes less than a week before Canadians mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. The solemn commemoration for the thousands of indigenous children who died or went missing from the schools was set by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said in June that Canadians were "horrified and ashamed of how our country behaved." In the statement, the bishops said they "acknowledge the suffering experienced" by indigenous students and the "grave abuses" inflicted upon them, including "physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and sexual" mistreatment at the hands of headmasters and teachers. "Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system, which led to the suppression of Indigenous languages, culture and spirituality, failing to respect the rich history, traditions and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples," they said. "We also sorrowfully acknowledge the historical and ongoing trauma and the legacy of suffering and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples that continue to this day," it was said. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada: Catholic Church apologises 'unequivocally' for indigenous people abuse in schools

Bears look cute but they are ferocious predators. With their sharp claws and speed, they earn their place in the list of apex land predators. But would you imagine a goat defeating this giant killing machine? Something of this sort has happened.

Forensic necropsy of a dead female bear in Canada has revealed that it was killed by a mountain goat. Those carrying out the necropsy said that the bear was found to have deep wounds on its neck and armpits. Parks Canada says that this suggests that the bear was likely killed by a mountain goat that used its sharp horns to change outcome of what could possibly have been fatal encounter for itself and not the bear.

The remains of the bear were found on Burgess Pass trail near Field, British Columbia The bear was most likely trying to hunt the mountain goat.

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When bears attack, they focus on head, back of the neck and shoulders of its prey. Effectively, the attack comes from above for the prey.

The defensive response of the mountain goat must have been to jab the bear with its sharp horns. But a Parks Canada ecologist said that a mountain goat killing a bear this way has never been documented before.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/australian-man-suffering-from-acute-pain-breaks-guinness-record-for-longest-plank-twitter-explodes-411325">Australian man suffering from acute pain breaks Guinness record for longest plank; Twitter explodes</a>

Moutain goats can have horns as long as 12 inches. The furry animal is an excellent moutain climber and can easily scale a near-vertical wall of rock. But the latest development has amused everyone.

Nature is full of wonders indeed!

Bears look cute but they are ferocious predators. With their sharp claws and speed, they earn their place in the list of apex land predators. But would you imagine a goat defeating this giant killing machine?

Bears look cute but they are ferocious predators. With their sharp claws and speed, they earn their place in the list of apex land predators. But would you imagine a goat defeating this giant killing machine? Something of this sort has happened. Forensic necropsy of a dead female bear in Canada has revealed that it was killed by a mountain goat. Those carrying out the necropsy said that the bear was found to have deep wounds on its neck and armpits. Parks Canada says that this suggests that the bear was likely killed by a mountain goat that used its sharp horns to change outcome of what could possibly have been fatal encounter for itself and not the bear. The remains of the bear were found on Burgess Pass trail near Field, British Columbia The bear was most likely trying to hunt the mountain goat. Also Read: 33-year-old UK man spends $275 every month, on dirty socks When bears attack, they focus on head, back of the neck and shoulders of its prey. Effectively, the attack comes from above for the prey. The defensive response of the mountain goat must have been to jab the bear with its sharp horns. But a Parks Canada ecologist said that a mountain goat killing a bear this way has never been documented before. Also Read: Australian man suffering from acute pain breaks Guinness record for longest plank; Twitter explodes Moutain goats can have horns as long as 12 inches. The furry animal is an excellent moutain climber and can easily scale a near-vertical wall of rock. But the latest development has amused everyone. Nature is full of wonders indeed!

Mountain goat kills attacking grizzly bear with horns

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision to call for snap elections is proving to be a mistake. A surge in Wuhan virus cases has led to public anger. As Canada votes, opinion polls show Trudeau is falling short of a majority. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas US Edition: Canada votes: Trudeau's fate hangs in balance

In a pathbreaking move, one of the oldest sex worker organisation based in Toronto has become the first of its kind to get unionised in the country under the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). &nbsp;

The group’s name is Maggie’s. Jassie Justice, an outreach worker at Maggie’s, who led union efforts, said “Unionising allows staff to tangibly address racism, transphobia, low wages, and too few working hours for staff.”

Watch:

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Although the union only represents Maggie’s staff, sex workers across Canada hope the move sparks a nationwide trend. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sex workers say, unions make it possible for workers to force employers to give them paternity leave, paid time off and meaningful ways to address violations and abuses incurred on the job. Pay-docking can also be tackled through it.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guinness-certifies-107-year-old-siblings-from-japan-as-worlds-oldest-twins-414652" hreflang="en">Guinness certifies 107-year-old siblings from Japan as world's oldest twins</a> &nbsp;

Across Canada, many strippers have to go through third-party agencies to get work at clubs, so they are subject to the ways they are treated by club management and by the agents coordinating their work. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-41-million-dementia-cases-globally-undiagnosed-claims-study-414671" hreflang="en">Over 41 million dementia cases globally undiagnosed, claims study</a>

When it comes to pay, agencies take a cut, and clubs use pay docking as a way to penalise strippers for being late or failing to hit targets. “It’s straight-up extortion,” one stripper said. &nbsp;

To make matters worse, there aren’t enough government guidelines protecting sex workers, including strippers.&nbsp;

In a pathbreaking move, one of the oldest sex worker organisation based in Toronto has become the first of its kind to get unionised in the country under the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

In a pathbreaking move, one of the oldest sex worker organisation based in Toronto has become the first of its kind to get unionised in the country under the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The group’s name is Maggie’s. Jassie Justice, an outreach worker at Maggie’s, who led union efforts, said “Unionising allows staff to tangibly address racism, transphobia, low wages, and too few working hours for staff.” Watch: × Although the union only represents Maggie’s staff, sex workers across Canada hope the move sparks a nationwide trend. Sex workers say, unions make it possible for workers to force employers to give them paternity leave, paid time off and meaningful ways to address violations and abuses incurred on the job. Pay-docking can also be tackled through it. Also Read: Guinness certifies 107-year-old siblings from Japan as world's oldest twins Across Canada, many strippers have to go through third-party agencies to get work at clubs, so they are subject to the ways they are treated by club management and by the agents coordinating their work. Also Read: Over 41 million dementia cases globally undiagnosed, claims study When it comes to pay, agencies take a cut, and clubs use pay docking as a way to penalise strippers for being late or failing to hit targets. “It’s straight-up extortion,” one stripper said. To make matters worse, there aren’t enough government guidelines protecting sex workers, including strippers.

In a first, sex worker group gets unionised in Canada

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party has won a minority government. Watch this report to know more.

News Alert: Justin Trudeau to remain Prime minister of Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed what he called 'clear mandate' in the snap polls for his government to go through the Covid pandemic. He has been projected to win&nbsp;by TV channels.&nbsp; However, with polling stations likely to still be reporting results into the morning, it was not yet clear if the Liberals had gained enough seats to form a majority in parliament that would allow Trudeau to pass his agenda without opposition support.

"You (Canadians) are sending us back to work with a clear mandate to get through this pandemic into brighter days ahead," he said, flanked by his wife Sophie Gregoire and their children on stage at a victory gala. "That's exactly what we are ready to do."

Although voting has ended, final results may not be known until Tuesday morning due to the close contest and large number of mail-in ballots.

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The snap elections were called by Trudeau last month to get a new mandate and better hold on power that would eliminate his reliance on opposition parties to pass his policies.

<img alt="Justin Trudeau" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f9137b7-e4f0-4734-bfee-05e27544699c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9N84X8.jpg" />

(Canada PM Justin Trudeau casts his vote)

Voting across Canada's six time zones started early in the Atlantic island province of Newfoundland and was to wrap up in westernmost British Columbia at 7:00 pm local time (0200 GMT).

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Trudeau said he felt "serene" after casting a ballot in Montreal.

"We worked very hard during this campaign, and Canadians are making an important choice," he told AFP, flanked by his wife Sophie Gregoire and their children.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-elections-few-things-that-you-need-to-know-about-the-campaign-414449">Canada elections: Few things that you need to know about the campaign</a>

O'Toole, meanwhile, tweeted: "Proud to cast our ballots today, make sure you do the same! #SecureTheFuture." 
At 49, Trudeau has faced tougher political bouts and still come out unscathed.

But after six years in power, his administration is showing signs of fatigue, and it's been an uphill battle for him to convince Canadians to stick with his Liberals after falling short of high expectations set in his 2015 landslide win.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed what he called 'clear mandate' in the snap polls for his government to go through the Covid pandemic. He has been projected to win by TV channels.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed what he called 'clear mandate' in the snap polls for his government to go through the Covid pandemic. He has been projected to win by TV channels. However, with polling stations likely to still be reporting results into the morning, it was not yet clear if the Liberals had gained enough seats to form a majority in parliament that would allow Trudeau to pass his agenda without opposition support. "You (Canadians) are sending us back to work with a clear mandate to get through this pandemic into brighter days ahead," he said, flanked by his wife Sophie Gregoire and their children on stage at a victory gala. "That's exactly what we are ready to do." Although voting has ended, final results may not be known until Tuesday morning due to the close contest and large number of mail-in ballots. Also Read: Chechnya strongman and Putin ally Ramzan Kadyrov wins 99% of vote The snap elections were called by Trudeau last month to get a new mandate and better hold on power that would eliminate his reliance on opposition parties to pass his policies. (Canada PM Justin Trudeau casts his vote) Voting across Canada's six time zones started early in the Atlantic island province of Newfoundland and was to wrap up in westernmost British Columbia at 7:00 pm local time (0200 GMT). Also Read: Biden to tell UN he does not believe in a 'New Cold War': US official Trudeau said he felt "serene" after casting a ballot in Montreal. "We worked very hard during this campaign, and Canadians are making an important choice," he told AFP, flanked by his wife Sophie Gregoire and their children. Also Read: Canada elections: Few things that you need to know about the campaign O'Toole, meanwhile, tweeted: "Proud to cast our ballots today, make sure you do the same! #SecureTheFuture." At 49, Trudeau has faced tougher political bouts and still come out unscathed. But after six years in power, his administration is showing signs of fatigue, and it's been an uphill battle for him to convince Canadians to stick with his Liberals after falling short of high expectations set in his 2015 landslide win. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada: Justin Trudeau, projected to win elections, delivers victory speech

Voters in Canada will head to polls on Monday to elect the country's 44th Parliament. Watch this report for more details.

Canada : Justin Trudeau banking on pandemic management

Voting kicked off Monday in Canadian elections that are headed for a photo finish, with liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seeking a third term but threatened by a strong challenge from rookie conservative leader Erin O'Toole.

Trudeau called the snap election hoping to parlay a smooth COVID-19 vaccine rollout -- among the best in the world -- into a new mandate to steer the nation's pandemic exit, without having to rely on opposition party support to pass his agenda.

But the contest, after a bumpy five weeks of campaigning, appears set for a repeat of the close 2019 general election that resulted in the one-time golden boy of Canadian politics clinging to power, yet losing his majority in parliament.

A sudden surge in COVID-19 cases led by the Delta variant late in the campaign, after the lifting of most public health measures this summer, has also thrown a wrench into the works. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-elections-few-things-that-you-need-to-know-about-the-campaign-414449">Also read | Canada elections: Few things that you need to know about the campaign</a>

Voting across Canada's six time zones started in the Atlantic island province of Newfoundland at 8:30 am (1100 GMT) and was to wrap up in westernmost British Columbia at 7:00 pm (0200 GMT).

At 49, Trudeau has faced tougher bouts and come out unscathed.

But after six years in power, his administration is showing signs of fatigue, and it's been an uphill battle for him to convince Canadians to stick with his Liberals after falling short of high expectations set in his 2015 landslide win.

"The main ballot box question at the start of this campaign was whether the Liberals deserved to have a majority government," said Daniel Beland, a politics professor at McGill University in Montreal. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-justin-trudeau-sought-a-poll-he-risks-losing-with-only-a-week-to-go-413093">Also read |&nbsp;Canada's Justin Trudeau sought a poll he risks losing with only a week to go</a>

"But now the question is whether they deserve to stay in power."

Going into the final stretch, the two main political parties that ruled Canada since its 1867 confederation were neck and neck with about 31 percent of voting intentions each and four smaller factions nipping at their heels.

An estimated 27 million Canadians are eligible to cast a ballot to select 338 members of Parliament. To keep his job, Trudeau's Liberals must win a plurality of seats and take at least 170 for a majority.

Due to the pandemic, a significant number of mail-in ballots (1.2 million) are expected, which could mean the results may not be known Monday evening.

Pollster and former political strategist Tim Powers advised not counting Trudeau out.

"I still think Justin Trudeau will win a minority government," he told AFP.

"But is that a win for him?" he added, suggesting Trudeau may be turfed as leader if the Liberals fare poorly at the ballot box.

'Anti-vaxxer mobs,' China 'counterstrikes'

The 36-day campaign -- the shortest allowed under Canadian law -- saw the contenders spar over climate actions, indigenous reconciliation, affordable housing, the recent Afghanistan crisis, mandatory Covid-19 inoculations and vaccine passports.

Rivals criticized Trudeau for calling the election during a pandemic.

Meanwhile, the 48-year-old O'Toole was knocked for his backing of Alberta and two other Tory-led provinces' loosening of public health restrictions too soon, with Covid outbreaks now forcing their overwhelmed hospitals to fly patients across Canada for care.

At rallies, Trudeau was dogged by what he described as "anti-vaxxer mobs," including one that threw stones at him.

He also received endorsements from former US president Barack Obama and his former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

O'Toole, meanwhile, fumbled over gun control and was warned by Beijing, according to Chinese state media, that his proposed hard line on China -- Canada's second-largest trading partner, with whom relations have soured over its detention of two Canadian nationals -- would "invite counterstrikes."

Overall, commented Max Cameron, a professor at the University of British Columbia, "this hasn't been a polarizing election. There's actually a lot of clustering around the middle."

"This isn't Republicans versus Democrats south of the border," he said, referring to the United States.&nbsp;

"This has been very much a Canadian campaign in which there's a strong consensus around what are the issues and how they have to be tackled."

O'Toole, a relative unknown who became Tory leader only last year, tracked his party to the political center, forcing the Liberals to compete for votes on the left with the New Democrats and Greens, as well as the separatist Bloc Quebecois.

The Conservatives, however, also saw their support clawed in the final week by former foreign minister Maxime Bernier's far right People's Party.

When the final count is in, said University of Winnipeg professor Felix Mathieu, "it's unlikely anyone will have obtained a majority."

Voting kicked off Monday in Canadian elections that are headed for a photo finish, with liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seeking a third term but threatened by a strong challenge from rookie conservative leader Erin O'Toole.

Voting kicked off Monday in Canadian elections that are headed for a photo finish, with liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seeking a third term but threatened by a strong challenge from rookie conservative leader Erin O'Toole. Trudeau called the snap election hoping to parlay a smooth COVID-19 vaccine rollout -- among the best in the world -- into a new mandate to steer the nation's pandemic exit, without having to rely on opposition party support to pass his agenda. But the contest, after a bumpy five weeks of campaigning, appears set for a repeat of the close 2019 general election that resulted in the one-time golden boy of Canadian politics clinging to power, yet losing his majority in parliament. A sudden surge in COVID-19 cases led by the Delta variant late in the campaign, after the lifting of most public health measures this summer, has also thrown a wrench into the works. Also read | Canada elections: Few things that you need to know about the campaign Voting across Canada's six time zones started in the Atlantic island province of Newfoundland at 8:30 am (1100 GMT) and was to wrap up in westernmost British Columbia at 7:00 pm (0200 GMT). At 49, Trudeau has faced tougher bouts and come out unscathed. But after six years in power, his administration is showing signs of fatigue, and it's been an uphill battle for him to convince Canadians to stick with his Liberals after falling short of high expectations set in his 2015 landslide win. "The main ballot box question at the start of this campaign was whether the Liberals deserved to have a majority government," said Daniel Beland, a politics professor at McGill University in Montreal. Also read | Canada's Justin Trudeau sought a poll he risks losing with only a week to go "But now the question is whether they deserve to stay in power." Going into the final stretch, the two main political parties that ruled Canada since its 1867 confederation were neck and neck with about 31 percent of voting intentions each and four smaller factions nipping at their heels. An estimated 27 million Canadians are eligible to cast a ballot to select 338 members of Parliament. To keep his job, Trudeau's Liberals must win a plurality of seats and take at least 170 for a majority. Due to the pandemic, a significant number of mail-in ballots (1.2 million) are expected, which could mean the results may not be known Monday evening. Pollster and former political strategist Tim Powers advised not counting Trudeau out. "I still think Justin Trudeau will win a minority government," he told AFP. "But is that a win for him?" he added, suggesting Trudeau may be turfed as leader if the Liberals fare poorly at the ballot box. 'Anti-vaxxer mobs,' China 'counterstrikes' The 36-day campaign -- the shortest allowed under Canadian law -- saw the contenders spar over climate actions, indigenous reconciliation, affordable housing, the recent Afghanistan crisis, mandatory Covid-19 inoculations and vaccine passports. Rivals criticized Trudeau for calling the election during a pandemic. Meanwhile, the 48-year-old O'Toole was knocked for his backing of Alberta and two other Tory-led provinces' loosening of public health restrictions too soon, with Covid outbreaks now forcing their overwhelmed hospitals to fly patients across Canada for care. At rallies, Trudeau was dogged by what he described as "anti-vaxxer mobs," including one that threw stones at him. He also received endorsements from former US president Barack Obama and his former secretary of state Hillary Clinton. O'Toole, meanwhile, fumbled over gun control and was warned by Beijing, according to Chinese state media, that his proposed hard line on China -- Canada's second-largest trading partner, with whom relations have soured over its detention of two Canadian nationals -- would "invite counterstrikes." Overall, commented Max Cameron, a professor at the University of British Columbia, "this hasn't been a polarizing election. There's actually a lot of clustering around the middle." "This isn't Republicans versus Democrats south of the border," he said, referring to the United States. "This has been very much a Canadian campaign in which there's a strong consensus around what are the issues and how they have to be tackled." O'Toole, a relative unknown who became Tory leader only last year, tracked his party to the political center, forcing the Liberals to compete for votes on the left with the New Democrats and Greens, as well as the separatist Bloc Quebecois. The Conservatives, however, also saw their support clawed in the final week by former foreign minister Maxime Bernier's far right People's Party. When the final count is in, said University of Winnipeg professor Felix Mathieu, "it's unlikely anyone will have obtained a majority."

Justin Trudeau future on the line as Canadians vote in pandemic election

For the second time in two years, Canadians are voting in a federal election. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched the campaign in mid-August, two years ahead of schedule as he seeks a third term in office. The campaign was a five-week sprint as all the party leaders made their pitches to voters. 
Here are a few&nbsp;things you need to know about the campaign.

 
Why an election at this stage?&nbsp; 
During the short campaign, Mr. Trudeau argued that only a majority Liberal government can beat the coronavirus and set a path to recovery. However, the other parties have supported his pandemic response. The Liberals’ standing rose in the polls, and Mr. Trudeau’s personal approval ratings soared. 
As per the political analysts, he called the election to take advantage of that popularity. However, this idea seems to have backfired. Since he called the election, Mr. Trudeau’s poll numbers, and his party’s, have fallen.

Tough competition between two frontrunners 
New Conservative leader Erin O'Toole is running in his first federal campaign at the helm of the center-right party. He begins the race as an unknown to many Canadians. However, his pitch has helped him gain traction. 
From early September the two parties have been locked in a statistical tie for first place, each at about 30 percent in national polls. This indicates that another minority government is likely.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-justin-trudeau-sought-a-poll-he-risks-losing-with-only-a-week-to-go-413093">Also read |&nbsp;Canada's Justin Trudeau sought a poll he risks losing with only a week to go</a>

COVID-19 affecting the elections 
Canada has one of the world’s highest vaccination rates. However, in some areas, cases have surged due to the delta variant, making the hospitals close to their capacity.&nbsp; 
While Mr. Trudeau supports vaccine mandates for travel and for federal workers, as well as vaccine passports, Mr. O'Toole opposes them.

Various other issues that have surfaced 
Issues like climate change, gun control, economic impact due to the pandemic, also play a major part.&nbsp; 
Canada has recovered nearly all the jobs lost by the pandemic. However, &nbsp;Mr. Trudeau’s pandemic spending on vaccines and economic support has led to massive debts. After criticising this, Mr. O’Toole unveiled similar spending plans.&nbsp; 
Also, he promised to balance the budget within 10 years, a time frame that most economists say is too distant to be credible. 
&nbsp;

For the second time in two years, Canadians are voting in a federal election. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched the campaign in mid-August, two years ahead of schedule as he seeks a third term in office.

For the second time in two years, Canadians are voting in a federal election. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched the campaign in mid-August, two years ahead of schedule as he seeks a third term in office. The campaign was a five-week sprint as all the party leaders made their pitches to voters. Here are a few things you need to know about the campaign. Why an election at this stage? During the short campaign, Mr. Trudeau argued that only a majority Liberal government can beat the coronavirus and set a path to recovery. However, the other parties have supported his pandemic response. The Liberals’ standing rose in the polls, and Mr. Trudeau’s personal approval ratings soared. As per the political analysts, he called the election to take advantage of that popularity. However, this idea seems to have backfired. Since he called the election, Mr. Trudeau’s poll numbers, and his party’s, have fallen. Tough competition between two frontrunners New Conservative leader Erin O'Toole is running in his first federal campaign at the helm of the center-right party. He begins the race as an unknown to many Canadians. However, his pitch has helped him gain traction. From early September the two parties have been locked in a statistical tie for first place, each at about 30 percent in national polls. This indicates that another minority government is likely. Also read | Canada's Justin Trudeau sought a poll he risks losing with only a week to go COVID-19 affecting the elections Canada has one of the world’s highest vaccination rates. However, in some areas, cases have surged due to the delta variant, making the hospitals close to their capacity. While Mr. Trudeau supports vaccine mandates for travel and for federal workers, as well as vaccine passports, Mr. O'Toole opposes them. Various other issues that have surfaced Issues like climate change, gun control, economic impact due to the pandemic, also play a major part. Canada has recovered nearly all the jobs lost by the pandemic. However, Mr. Trudeau’s pandemic spending on vaccines and economic support has led to massive debts. After criticising this, Mr. O’Toole unveiled similar spending plans. Also, he promised to balance the budget within 10 years, a time frame that most economists say is too distant to be credible.

Canada elections: Few things that you need to know about the campaign

Outside a TV studio in a Vancouver, British Columbia, suburb where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada was recording an interview days before the country’s election, a man shouted insults, mostly obscene, about Trudeau and his family while blasting Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” from a stereo on a cart.

Heckling is something Trudeau has always faced, but this time the attacks have new bite. After six years in office, a prime minister who promised “sunny ways” and presented himself as a new face is now the political establishment, with a track record and missteps for opponents to criticize. Even if the Liberal Party clings to its hold on Parliament, as observers expect, this bruising election campaign has done him no favours.

Ben Chin, the prime minister’s senior adviser, said that no politician could have sustained Trudeau’s initial popularity.

“If you’re in power for six years or five years, you’re going to have more baggage,” Chin said. “You have to make tough decisions that not everybody’s going to agree with.”

For much of his time in office, opposition party leaders have accused Trudeau of putting his personal and political interests before the nation’s good — of which the snap election being held Monday is the most recent example. They also have had rich material to attack him on over controversies involving a contract for a charity close to his family, and a finding that he broke ethics laws by pressing a minister to help a large Quebec company avoid criminal sanctions.

And for every accomplishment Trudeau cites, his opponents can point to unfulfilled pledges.

Anti-vax protesters have thronged his events, some with signs promoting the far-right People’s Party of Canada, prompting his security detail to increase precautions.

One rally in Ontario where protesters significantly outnumbered the police was shut down over safety concerns, and at another in the same province, the prime minister was pelted with gravel as he boarded his campaign bus. A local official of the People’s Party later faced charges in that episode of assault with a weapon.

Trudeau has many achievements since 2015 to point to. His government has introduced carbon pricing and other climate measures, legalized cannabis, increased spending for Indigenous issues and made 1,500 models of military-style rifles illegal. A new plan will provide daycare for 10 Canadian dollars a day per child.

Although his popularity has diminished, Trudeau’s star power remains. When he dropped by the outdoor terrace of a cafe in Port Coquitlam, an eastern suburb of Vancouver, for elbow bumps, quick chats and selfies with voters, a crowd soon swelled.

“We love you, we love you,” Joy Silver, a 76-year-old retired schoolteacher from nearby Coquitlam, told Trudeau.

But as Election Day nears, many Canadians are still asking why Trudeau is holding a vote now, two years ahead of schedule, with COVID-19 infections on the rise from the delta variant, taxing hospitals and prompting renewed pandemic restrictions in some provinces or delaying their lifting in others.

Also criticized was that he called the vote the same weekend Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, when Canadian troops were struggling to evacuate Canadians as well as Afghans who had assisted their forces.

“They’ve been struggling with answering that question the whole campaign,” said Gerald Butts, a longtime friend of Trudeau’s and a former top political adviser. “And that’s part of why they’re having trouble getting the message across.”

Trudeau has said that he needs to replace his plurality in the House of Commons with a majority to deal with the remainder of the pandemic and the recovery that will follow — although he avoids explicitly saying “majority.” The Liberal Party’s political calculation was that it was best to strike while Canadians still held favourable views about how Trudeau handled pandemic issues, particularly income supports and buying vaccines.

“We’re the party with the experience, the team and the plan to continue delivering real results for Canadians, the party with a real commitment to ending this pandemic,” Trudeau said at a rally in Surrey, another Vancouver suburb, standing in front of campaign signs for candidates from the surrounding area. “Above all, my friends, if you want to end this pandemic for good, go out and vote Liberal.”

During much of the 36-day campaign, the Liberals have been stuck in a statistical tie with the Conservative Party of Canada, led by Erin O’Toole, each holding about 30% of the popular vote. The New Democrats, a left-of-center party led by Jagmeet Singh, lies well behind at about 20%.

Kimberly Speers, a political scientist at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, said that Trudeau’s personality and celebrity may be working against him.

“The messaging, from the NDP and the Conservatives especially, is that it’s a power grab and it’s all about him,” she said. “And that message has just really seemed to stick with voters.”

Some scandals during Trudeau’s tenure have helped the opposition, too. In 2019, Trudeau’s veterans affairs minister, an Indigenous woman, quit amid allegations that when she was justice minister, he and his staff had improperly pressured her to strike a deal that would have allowed a large Canadian corporation to avoid a criminal conviction on corruption charges.

Despite his championing of diversity, it emerged during the 2019 election that Trudeau had worn blackface or brownface three times in the past. And last year a charity with deep connections to his family was awarded a no-bid contract to administer a COVID-19 financial assistance plan for students. (The group withdrew, the program was cancelled, and Trudeau was cleared by the federal ethics and conflict of interest commissioner.)

His opponents have also focused on promises they say he has fallen short on, including introducing a national prescription drug program, creating a new electoral structure for Canada, lowering debt relative to the size of the economy, and ending widespread sexual harassment in the military and solitary confinement in federal prisons. The Center for Public Policy Analysis at Laval University in Quebec City found that Trudeau has fully kept about 45% of his promises, while 27% were partly fulfilled.

Singh has been reminding voters that Trudeau vowed to bring clean drinking water to all Indigenous communities. There were 105 boil-water orders in effect at First Nations when Trudeau took power, with others added later. The government has restored clean water to 109 communities, but 52 boil-water orders remain.

“I think Mr. Trudeau may care, I think he cares, but the reality is that he’s often done a lot of things for show and hasn’t backed those up with real action,” Singh said during the official English-language debate.

O’Toole, for his part, has sought to portray the vote as an act of personal aggrandizement.

“Every Canadian has met a Justin Trudeau in their lives: privileged, entitled and always looking out for No. 1,” he said at a recent event in rural Ottawa. “He was looking out for No. 1 when he called this expensive and unnecessary election in the middle of a pandemic.”

Security and secrecy have increased at Trudeau’s campaign stops after several of them were disrupted by protesters angry about mandatory COVID-19 vaccination rules and vaccine passport measures that the prime minister has imposed.

At the rally outside a banquet hall in the Vancouver suburb of Surrey, Trudeau, sleeves rolled up and microphone in hand, gave an energetic speech before diving into a mostly South Asian crowd eager to pose for pictures with him.

In a change from previous practice, the crowd had been gathered by invitation rather than by public announcement, partly to keep its size within pandemic limits, and no signs promoted the event on the formidable gate to the remote location. Up on the hall’s roof, two police snipers in camouflage surveyed the scene.

After an earlier rally in Ontario was cancelled, Trudeau was asked if U.S. politics had inspired the unruly protests. His answer was indirect.

“I think we all need to reflect on whether we do want to go down that path of anger, of division, of intolerance,” he said. “I’ve never seen this intensity of anger on the campaign trail or in Canada.”

Translating wider poll results into precise predictions of how many seats the parties will hold in the next House of Commons is not possible. But all of the current polling suggests that Trudeau may have alienated many Canadians with an early election call and endured abuse while campaigning, for no political gain. The most likely outcome is that the Liberals will continue to hold power but not gain the majority he sought.

If that proves to be the case, Butts said, “it’s going to end up pretty close to where we left off, which is a great irony.”

Outside a TV studio in a Vancouver, British Columbia, suburb where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada was recording an interview days before the country’s election, a man shouted insults, mostly obscene, about Trudeau and his family while blasting Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” from a stereo on a cart.

Outside a TV studio in a Vancouver, British Columbia, suburb where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada was recording an interview days before the country’s election, a man shouted insults, mostly obscene, about Trudeau and his family while blasting Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” from a stereo on a cart. Heckling is something Trudeau has always faced, but this time the attacks have new bite. After six years in office, a prime minister who promised “sunny ways” and presented himself as a new face is now the political establishment, with a track record and missteps for opponents to criticize. Even if the Liberal Party clings to its hold on Parliament, as observers expect, this bruising election campaign has done him no favours. Ben Chin, the prime minister’s senior adviser, said that no politician could have sustained Trudeau’s initial popularity. “If you’re in power for six years or five years, you’re going to have more baggage,” Chin said. “You have to make tough decisions that not everybody’s going to agree with.” For much of his time in office, opposition party leaders have accused Trudeau of putting his personal and political interests before the nation’s good — of which the snap election being held Monday is the most recent example. They also have had rich material to attack him on over controversies involving a contract for a charity close to his family, and a finding that he broke ethics laws by pressing a minister to help a large Quebec company avoid criminal sanctions. And for every accomplishment Trudeau cites, his opponents can point to unfulfilled pledges. Anti-vax protesters have thronged his events, some with signs promoting the far-right People’s Party of Canada, prompting his security detail to increase precautions. One rally in Ontario where protesters significantly outnumbered the police was shut down over safety concerns, and at another in the same province, the prime minister was pelted with gravel as he boarded his campaign bus. A local official of the People’s Party later faced charges in that episode of assault with a weapon. Trudeau has many achievements since 2015 to point to. His government has introduced carbon pricing and other climate measures, legalized cannabis, increased spending for Indigenous issues and made 1,500 models of military-style rifles illegal. A new plan will provide daycare for 10 Canadian dollars a day per child. Although his popularity has diminished, Trudeau’s star power remains. When he dropped by the outdoor terrace of a cafe in Port Coquitlam, an eastern suburb of Vancouver, for elbow bumps, quick chats and selfies with voters, a crowd soon swelled. “We love you, we love you,” Joy Silver, a 76-year-old retired schoolteacher from nearby Coquitlam, told Trudeau. But as Election Day nears, many Canadians are still asking why Trudeau is holding a vote now, two years ahead of schedule, with COVID-19 infections on the rise from the delta variant, taxing hospitals and prompting renewed pandemic restrictions in some provinces or delaying their lifting in others. Also criticized was that he called the vote the same weekend Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, when Canadian troops were struggling to evacuate Canadians as well as Afghans who had assisted their forces. “They’ve been struggling with answering that question the whole campaign,” said Gerald Butts, a longtime friend of Trudeau’s and a former top political adviser. “And that’s part of why they’re having trouble getting the message across.” Trudeau has said that he needs to replace his plurality in the House of Commons with a majority to deal with the remainder of the pandemic and the recovery that will follow — although he avoids explicitly saying “majority.” The Liberal Party’s political calculation was that it was best to strike while Canadians still held favourable views about how Trudeau handled pandemic issues, particularly income supports and buying vaccines. “We’re the party with the experience, the team and the plan to continue delivering real results for Canadians, the party with a real commitment to ending this pandemic,” Trudeau said at a rally in Surrey, another Vancouver suburb, standing in front of campaign signs for candidates from the surrounding area. “Above all, my friends, if you want to end this pandemic for good, go out and vote Liberal.” During much of the 36-day campaign, the Liberals have been stuck in a statistical tie with the Conservative Party of Canada, led by Erin O’Toole, each holding about 30% of the popular vote. The New Democrats, a left-of-center party led by Jagmeet Singh, lies well behind at about 20%. Kimberly Speers, a political scientist at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, said that Trudeau’s personality and celebrity may be working against him. “The messaging, from the NDP and the Conservatives especially, is that it’s a power grab and it’s all about him,” she said. “And that message has just really seemed to stick with voters.” Some scandals during Trudeau’s tenure have helped the opposition, too. In 2019, Trudeau’s veterans affairs minister, an Indigenous woman, quit amid allegations that when she was justice minister, he and his staff had improperly pressured her to strike a deal that would have allowed a large Canadian corporation to avoid a criminal conviction on corruption charges. Despite his championing of diversity, it emerged during the 2019 election that Trudeau had worn blackface or brownface three times in the past. And last year a charity with deep connections to his family was awarded a no-bid contract to administer a COVID-19 financial assistance plan for students. (The group withdrew, the program was cancelled, and Trudeau was cleared by the federal ethics and conflict of interest commissioner.) His opponents have also focused on promises they say he has fallen short on, including introducing a national prescription drug program, creating a new electoral structure for Canada, lowering debt relative to the size of the economy, and ending widespread sexual harassment in the military and solitary confinement in federal prisons. The Center for Public Policy Analysis at Laval University in Quebec City found that Trudeau has fully kept about 45% of his promises, while 27% were partly fulfilled. Singh has been reminding voters that Trudeau vowed to bring clean drinking water to all Indigenous communities. There were 105 boil-water orders in effect at First Nations when Trudeau took power, with others added later. The government has restored clean water to 109 communities, but 52 boil-water orders remain. “I think Mr. Trudeau may care, I think he cares, but the reality is that he’s often done a lot of things for show and hasn’t backed those up with real action,” Singh said during the official English-language debate. O’Toole, for his part, has sought to portray the vote as an act of personal aggrandizement. “Every Canadian has met a Justin Trudeau in their lives: privileged, entitled and always looking out for No. 1,” he said at a recent event in rural Ottawa. “He was looking out for No. 1 when he called this expensive and unnecessary election in the middle of a pandemic.” Security and secrecy have increased at Trudeau’s campaign stops after several of them were disrupted by protesters angry about mandatory COVID-19 vaccination rules and vaccine passport measures that the prime minister has imposed. At the rally outside a banquet hall in the Vancouver suburb of Surrey, Trudeau, sleeves rolled up and microphone in hand, gave an energetic speech before diving into a mostly South Asian crowd eager to pose for pictures with him. In a change from previous practice, the crowd had been gathered by invitation rather than by public announcement, partly to keep its size within pandemic limits, and no signs promoted the event on the formidable gate to the remote location. Up on the hall’s roof, two police snipers in camouflage surveyed the scene. After an earlier rally in Ontario was cancelled, Trudeau was asked if U.S. politics had inspired the unruly protests. His answer was indirect. “I think we all need to reflect on whether we do want to go down that path of anger, of division, of intolerance,” he said. “I’ve never seen this intensity of anger on the campaign trail or in Canada.” Translating wider poll results into precise predictions of how many seats the parties will hold in the next House of Commons is not possible. But all of the current polling suggests that Trudeau may have alienated many Canadians with an early election call and endured abuse while campaigning, for no political gain. The most likely outcome is that the Liberals will continue to hold power but not gain the majority he sought. If that proves to be the case, Butts said, “it’s going to end up pretty close to where we left off, which is a great irony.”

Trudeau seeks a fresh start, but many voters see a power grab

In a record of sorts, over 850 anti-logging protesters have been arrested in Canada since April 2021. This record has been made for the country’s biggest act of civil disobedience. &nbsp;

Although most of the trees have been logged, the protestors look to preserve the remaining ones that are hundreds of years old. These trees are present in the old-growth forest that lies within Vancouver Island. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Can carbon capture help solve global warming?

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Protesters have also clashed with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to preserve these trees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Part of the Rainforest Flying Squad, the protesters have used various methods to resist logging. They have locked their bodies to the road, chained themselves to logs and also stayed in the trees. &nbsp;

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have also reportedly responded aggressively. Protester Jean-François Savard told The Guardian, “The [police] are getting very frustrated by our tenacity because we’re constantly rebuilding and coming up with new ideas. People aren’t giving up.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-it-a-wakeup-call-wildfires-hurricanes-become-a-regular-misery-413131" hreflang="en">Is it a wakeup call?&nbsp;Wildfires, hurricanes become&nbsp;a regular misery</a>

The police have also been criticised for removing name badges, covering their faces and preventing the press from covering the ongoing protest. &nbsp;

The protesters are also protecting the Marbled Murrelet chicks, which are endangered species that live within the old-growth trees.&nbsp;

In a record of sorts, over 850 anti-logging protesters have been arrested in Canada since April 2021. This record has been made for the country’s biggest act of civil disobedience.

In a record of sorts, over 850 anti-logging protesters have been arrested in Canada since April 2021. This record has been made for the country’s biggest act of civil disobedience. Although most of the trees have been logged, the protestors look to preserve the remaining ones that are hundreds of years old. These trees are present in the old-growth forest that lies within Vancouver Island. Watch: Can carbon capture help solve global warming? × Protesters have also clashed with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to preserve these trees. Part of the Rainforest Flying Squad, the protesters have used various methods to resist logging. They have locked their bodies to the road, chained themselves to logs and also stayed in the trees. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have also reportedly responded aggressively. Protester Jean-François Savard told The Guardian, “The [police] are getting very frustrated by our tenacity because we’re constantly rebuilding and coming up with new ideas. People aren’t giving up.” Also Read: Is it a wakeup call? Wildfires, hurricanes become a regular misery The police have also been criticised for removing name badges, covering their faces and preventing the press from covering the ongoing protest. The protesters are also protecting the Marbled Murrelet chicks, which are endangered species that live within the old-growth trees.

Canada arrests over 850 anti-logging protesters since April 2021

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had hoped to secure a majority in parliament when he called a snap election, but a lackluster campaign and public anger over a vote during a pandemic are putting his chances of victory at risk.

Trudeau, in power since 2015, decided to gamble on an early vote and capitalise on his government`s handling of the pandemic, which included massive spending to support individuals and businesses and high vaccination rates.

But, with less than a week until the Sept. 20 election, Trudeaus Liberals are nowhere near the 38% needed for a majority and may even lose to the Conservatives, led by the relatively unknown Erin O'Toole.

Insiders blame what they call an initially low-energy campaign and the inevitable political baggage that Trudeau, 49, has accumulated since he took office six years ago promising "sunny ways."

"I wish he hadn't called it," a Liberal insider said of Trudeaus decision to run for re-election two years before his term ends.

Trudeau says he needs a new mandate to ensure Canadians approve of his plan for getting the country past the coronavirus pandemic. The Liberals, whose fiscal policy support for the pandemic exceeds 23% of GDP, plan billions in new spending to support economic recovery if re-elected.

'BLOOM DEFINITELY OFF THE ROSE'

In mid-August, when the election was called, the Liberals were well ahead of the Conservatives in opinion polls and seemed headed for an easy victory.

That quickly changed and the Liberals spent weeks trailing the Conservatives in the polls before edging back ahead in recent days.

O' Toole, 48, and other party leaders repeatedly condemned the vote call as a cynical power grab during a fourth wave of the pandemic, and those words appeared to have resonated with Canadians, drained by successive lockdowns.

The Liberal campaign stumbled from the start, failing to provide a convincing reason for calling an early election and dogged by missteps like being flagged for manipulating a video of O`Toole talking about private healthcare on Twitter.

Liberal candidates knocking on doors reported increasing fatigue with Trudeau, who gave daily televised briefings for months about what Ottawa was doing to tackle COVID-19.

His domination of the airwaves, once an advantage, has instead led to a sense that the Trudeau brand has grown tired, according to four people directly familiar with the campaign.

"The bloom is definitely off the rose," said one senior Liberal campaigning in Ontario, the most populous of the 10 provinces. The Liberals hold 75 of the 121 seats there and need another good performance to stay in power.

"There is a fatigue. ... People are saying: `Just go away, don't bother me, I want to live my life, "said the liberal, who, like others being quoted, requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

During the campaign, every new Liberal promise - including billions of dollars for healthcare or a new plan to help people trying to buy their first home – has been met with questions about why the Liberal government did not do it during its six years in power.

Trudeau took office in 2015 thanks in part to support from progressives, who liked his promises of action to combat climate change, boost women`s rights and help the marginalised indigenous population.

But since then, Canada's emissions of greenhouse gases have climbed ever higher and the government bought an oil pipeline to ensure crude could keep flowing.

"Progressives have fallen out of love with us," another senior Liberal said.

The re-emergence of ethics scandals has added to the campaign`s woes.

On Saturday, excerpts of a new book by his former justice minister, Jody Wilson-Raybould, were published, saying Trudeau had wanted her to lie to the public in 2019. Trudeau denied the accusation.

"As you work hard for Canadians, over the years, you end up carrying a number of things," Trudeau told reporters.

In 2019, he was censured for violating ethics rules by pressuring Wilson-Raybould in a corporate legal case before the previous election.

CELEBRITY AND BRAND NAME

The Liberal leader, however, is a veteran on the hustings. As the eldest son of longtime Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, he has spent his life in the public eye.

During the 2019 campaign, which threatened to blow up after old pictures of him in blackface emerged, Trudeau fought back and secured a minority government.

Trudeau aides had long expressed confidence he would pull ahead toward the end of the campaign after two nationally televised debates last week.

"Momentum is building," said a senior campaign official, who is privy to internal polling.

Over the weekend, polls started to show the Liberals moving slightly ahead of the Conservatives for the first time in at least three weeks. A Nanos Research poll for CTV on Monday put the Liberals at 33.2% support, with the Conservatives at 30.2%.

As Trudeau campaigned on Saturday in a Quebec constituency held by the separatist Bloc Quebecois, people thronged to him for selfies and elbow bumps as he worked the crowd.

Trudeau has inherent political instinct and a "combination of celebrity and brand name," said Alex Marland, a professor and expert on political communications and branding at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

"Hardly any leaders have the Trudeau magic. ... It`s almost not fair."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had hoped to secure a majority in parliament when he called a snap election, but a lackluster campaign and public anger over a vote during a pandemic are putting his chances of victory at risk.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had hoped to secure a majority in parliament when he called a snap election, but a lackluster campaign and public anger over a vote during a pandemic are putting his chances of victory at risk. Trudeau, in power since 2015, decided to gamble on an early vote and capitalise on his government`s handling of the pandemic, which included massive spending to support individuals and businesses and high vaccination rates. But, with less than a week until the Sept. 20 election, Trudeaus Liberals are nowhere near the 38% needed for a majority and may even lose to the Conservatives, led by the relatively unknown Erin O'Toole. Insiders blame what they call an initially low-energy campaign and the inevitable political baggage that Trudeau, 49, has accumulated since he took office six years ago promising "sunny ways." "I wish he hadn't called it," a Liberal insider said of Trudeaus decision to run for re-election two years before his term ends. Trudeau says he needs a new mandate to ensure Canadians approve of his plan for getting the country past the coronavirus pandemic. The Liberals, whose fiscal policy support for the pandemic exceeds 23% of GDP, plan billions in new spending to support economic recovery if re-elected. 'BLOOM DEFINITELY OFF THE ROSE' In mid-August, when the election was called, the Liberals were well ahead of the Conservatives in opinion polls and seemed headed for an easy victory. That quickly changed and the Liberals spent weeks trailing the Conservatives in the polls before edging back ahead in recent days. O' Toole, 48, and other party leaders repeatedly condemned the vote call as a cynical power grab during a fourth wave of the pandemic, and those words appeared to have resonated with Canadians, drained by successive lockdowns. The Liberal campaign stumbled from the start, failing to provide a convincing reason for calling an early election and dogged by missteps like being flagged for manipulating a video of O`Toole talking about private healthcare on Twitter. Liberal candidates knocking on doors reported increasing fatigue with Trudeau, who gave daily televised briefings for months about what Ottawa was doing to tackle COVID-19. His domination of the airwaves, once an advantage, has instead led to a sense that the Trudeau brand has grown tired, according to four people directly familiar with the campaign. "The bloom is definitely off the rose," said one senior Liberal campaigning in Ontario, the most populous of the 10 provinces. The Liberals hold 75 of the 121 seats there and need another good performance to stay in power. "There is a fatigue. ... People are saying: `Just go away, don't bother me, I want to live my life, "said the liberal, who, like others being quoted, requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. During the campaign, every new Liberal promise - including billions of dollars for healthcare or a new plan to help people trying to buy their first home – has been met with questions about why the Liberal government did not do it during its six years in power. Trudeau took office in 2015 thanks in part to support from progressives, who liked his promises of action to combat climate change, boost women`s rights and help the marginalised indigenous population. But since then, Canada's emissions of greenhouse gases have climbed ever higher and the government bought an oil pipeline to ensure crude could keep flowing. "Progressives have fallen out of love with us," another senior Liberal said. The re-emergence of ethics scandals has added to the campaign`s woes. On Saturday, excerpts of a new book by his former justice minister, Jody Wilson-Raybould, were published, saying Trudeau had wanted her to lie to the public in 2019. Trudeau denied the accusation. "As you work hard for Canadians, over the years, you end up carrying a number of things," Trudeau told reporters. In 2019, he was censured for violating ethics rules by pressuring Wilson-Raybould in a corporate legal case before the previous election. CELEBRITY AND BRAND NAME The Liberal leader, however, is a veteran on the hustings. As the eldest son of longtime Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, he has spent his life in the public eye. During the 2019 campaign, which threatened to blow up after old pictures of him in blackface emerged, Trudeau fought back and secured a minority government. Trudeau aides had long expressed confidence he would pull ahead toward the end of the campaign after two nationally televised debates last week. "Momentum is building," said a senior campaign official, who is privy to internal polling. Over the weekend, polls started to show the Liberals moving slightly ahead of the Conservatives for the first time in at least three weeks. A Nanos Research poll for CTV on Monday put the Liberals at 33.2% support, with the Conservatives at 30.2%. As Trudeau campaigned on Saturday in a Quebec constituency held by the separatist Bloc Quebecois, people thronged to him for selfies and elbow bumps as he worked the crowd. Trudeau has inherent political instinct and a "combination of celebrity and brand name," said Alex Marland, a professor and expert on political communications and branding at Memorial University of Newfoundland. "Hardly any leaders have the Trudeau magic. ... It`s almost not fair."

Canada's Justin Trudeau sought a poll he risks losing with only a week to go

Canada will go to the polls on September 20. PM Justin Trudeau has called for snap elections. He is hoping to win a majority in the Parliament. Experts say Trudeau's party could lose, and Trudeau could find himself out of office in 2 weeks. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Canada heads to polls on September 20

After the death of a 23-year-old Indian student in Canada, India’s high commission in Ottawa has urged the Canadian government to make sure all Indian citizens are safe in the country.<o:p></o:p>

The request comes after a 23-year-old student, Prabhjot Singh Katri, was murdered in the early hours of Sunday in the town of Truro in Nova Scotia.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghan-territory-should-not-become-terror-sanctuary-warns-brics-delhi-declaration-411943">Afghan territory should not become terror sanctuary, warns BRICS Delhi Declaration</a></o:p>

While a person of interest has been arrested by Truro Police, the motive behind the murder is still unclear, as per the officials. However, the Indian High Commission has urged the Canadian government to make sure Indian citizens are not subjected to "racially motivated crimes".<o:p></o:p>

The local police had received an emergency call on Sunday, after which Prabhjot Singh Katri was found lying in his apartment with life-threatening injuries, and was rushed to the hospital. However, the victim succumbed to the injuries soon after reaching the hospital.<o:p></o:p>

Indian authorities have assured the victim’s family that they will provide all the support in making sure his mortal remains are repatriated to India. "We have taken up the matter with federal and local Canadian authorities, who have assured us of quick and transparent investigations into the matter," a statement from the Indian high commission said.<o:p></o:p>

The Indian consulate in Canada has also urged Indian nationals to "exercise caution, avoid moving alone in desolate and lonely areas, especially at night, and report to local police any suspicious or hateful activities they may encounter".<o:p></o:p>

After the death of a 23-year-old Indian student in Canada, India’s high commission in Ottawa has urged the Canadian government to make sure all Indian citizens are safe in the country.

After the death of a 23-year-old Indian student in Canada, India’s high commission in Ottawa has urged the Canadian government to make sure all Indian citizens are safe in the country. The request comes after a 23-year-old student, Prabhjot Singh Katri, was murdered in the early hours of Sunday in the town of Truro in Nova Scotia. Also read | Afghan territory should not become terror sanctuary, warns BRICS Delhi Declaration While a person of interest has been arrested by Truro Police, the motive behind the murder is still unclear, as per the officials. However, the Indian High Commission has urged the Canadian government to make sure Indian citizens are not subjected to "racially motivated crimes". The local police had received an emergency call on Sunday, after which Prabhjot Singh Katri was found lying in his apartment with life-threatening injuries, and was rushed to the hospital. However, the victim succumbed to the injuries soon after reaching the hospital. Indian authorities have assured the victim’s family that they will provide all the support in making sure his mortal remains are repatriated to India. "We have taken up the matter with federal and local Canadian authorities, who have assured us of quick and transparent investigations into the matter," a statement from the Indian high commission said. The Indian consulate in Canada has also urged Indian nationals to "exercise caution, avoid moving alone in desolate and lonely areas, especially at night, and report to local police any suspicious or hateful activities they may encounter".

India asks Canada to protect nationals from 'hate related' crime after murder of a student

A recent estimate of Awacak, a group that brings together bereaved families, has revealed that at least 200 indigenous children have disappeared or died after being admitted to a hospital in Quebec.

This has also been confirmed by the office of Ian Lafrenière, Quebec’s Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs.

The Star met Johanne Dubé, and her sisters Marguerite and Marceline, at a traditional site in the community of Manawan, in Lanaudière.

"She’s still here until we can see where she is buried," Johanne was quoted by The Star. She is their sister, Line.

Line was two months old when her parents, worried about eczema which caused her suffering, put her on a plane for treatment at Amos hospital.&nbsp;

They were not allowed to accompany her. Two months later, they learnt that their baby is dead. Line never came home. Neither did her small remains.

“That’s all the information they got,” says Johanne. “They never had a body or paper to suggest she was dead.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-trudeau-accuses-main-rival-of-favouring-abortion-curbs-gun-owners-411758">Also read |&nbsp;Canada PM Trudeau accuses main rival of favouring abortion curbs, gun owners</a>

They finally went to Amos, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.&nbsp;

At the hospital, they obtained their sister’s death certificate. This was more than 50 years after her death.&nbsp;

As per the documents, the infant, originally sent to treat eczema, also suffered from otitis, gastroenteritis and bronchopneumonia.

In the margin, it has been written that Line was declared “cured after 48 hours”, but the word “death” has been circled, without any explanation. Her small body was buried in Amos cemetery, the family was told.&nbsp;

They consulted the cemetery register. However, Line Dubé’s name does not appear anywhere.

“We want to find the truth,” said Johanne.

After their mother died, their ageing father asked his daughters to take up the torch and find Line.&nbsp;

The quest may come to an end with the coming into force on September 1 of Bill 79.&nbsp;

This is an act to authorise the communication of personal information to the families of Indigenous children who went missing or died after being admitted to an institution.

It allows personal information to be communicated to the families, and not only to the parents of Indigenous children who have disappeared or died following admission to a Quebec health establishment.&nbsp;

Alain Arsenault, Awacak’s legal advisor, was quoted by The Star as saying, "As we speak, we know this is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re talking about 200 children".

This number was established based on various investigative reports, including that of the National Inquiry into MMIWG, and with “direct contact with (Indigenous) families.” 
&nbsp;

A recent estimate of Awacak, a group that brings together bereaved families, has revealed that at least 200 indigenous children have disappeared or died after being admitted to a hospital in Quebec.

A recent estimate of Awacak, a group that brings together bereaved families, has revealed that at least 200 indigenous children have disappeared or died after being admitted to a hospital in Quebec. This has also been confirmed by the office of Ian Lafrenière, Quebec’s Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs. The Star met Johanne Dubé, and her sisters Marguerite and Marceline, at a traditional site in the community of Manawan, in Lanaudière. "She’s still here until we can see where she is buried," Johanne was quoted by The Star. She is their sister, Line. Line was two months old when her parents, worried about eczema which caused her suffering, put her on a plane for treatment at Amos hospital. They were not allowed to accompany her. Two months later, they learnt that their baby is dead. Line never came home. Neither did her small remains. “That’s all the information they got,” says Johanne. “They never had a body or paper to suggest she was dead.” Also read | Canada PM Trudeau accuses main rival of favouring abortion curbs, gun owners They finally went to Amos, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. At the hospital, they obtained their sister’s death certificate. This was more than 50 years after her death. As per the documents, the infant, originally sent to treat eczema, also suffered from otitis, gastroenteritis and bronchopneumonia. In the margin, it has been written that Line was declared “cured after 48 hours”, but the word “death” has been circled, without any explanation. Her small body was buried in Amos cemetery, the family was told. They consulted the cemetery register. However, Line Dubé’s name does not appear anywhere. “We want to find the truth,” said Johanne. After their mother died, their ageing father asked his daughters to take up the torch and find Line. The quest may come to an end with the coming into force on September 1 of Bill 79. This is an act to authorise the communication of personal information to the families of Indigenous children who went missing or died after being admitted to an institution. It allows personal information to be communicated to the families, and not only to the parents of Indigenous children who have disappeared or died following admission to a Quebec health establishment. Alain Arsenault, Awacak’s legal advisor, was quoted by The Star as saying, "As we speak, we know this is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re talking about 200 children". This number was established based on various investigative reports, including that of the National Inquiry into MMIWG, and with “direct contact with (Indigenous) families.”

At least 200 indigenous children went missing or died after entering a hospital in Quebec

A number of protests in western Canada against logging of old-growth forests have become largest acts of civil disobedience in country's history. The protesters are fighting to stop companies from cutting down trees that are often hundreds of years old.

As per media reports, more than 800 people have been arrested since April. The number has exceeded previous record set in the 90s.

Protests at Vancouver Island have seen protesters blocking roads used by logging companies by tactics such as locking their bodies to the road. Some of them have chained themselves to wooden tripods, others have suspended themselves from trees. Some of the protesters have locked their arms inside devices called "sleeping dragons" that are cemented into the ground.

Tactics such as these have brought the protesters at odds with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The police have had to use force at some places in order to tackle the protests. They have also come under a lot of criticism for their methods.

They are mainly drawing criticism for actions like removing protesters' masks to pepper spray them, obstructing their own faces and not wearing nametags while tackling the protesters.

A number of protests in western Canada against logging of old-growth forests have become largest acts of civil disobedience in country's history. The protesters are fighting to stop companies from cutting down trees that are often hundreds of years old.

A number of protests in western Canada against logging of old-growth forests have become largest acts of civil disobedience in country's history. The protesters are fighting to stop companies from cutting down trees that are often hundreds of years old. As per media reports, more than 800 people have been arrested since April. The number has exceeded previous record set in the 90s. Protests at Vancouver Island have seen protesters blocking roads used by logging companies by tactics such as locking their bodies to the road. Some of them have chained themselves to wooden tripods, others have suspended themselves from trees. Some of the protesters have locked their arms inside devices called "sleeping dragons" that are cemented into the ground. Tactics such as these have brought the protesters at odds with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The police have had to use force at some places in order to tackle the protests. They have also come under a lot of criticism for their methods. They are mainly drawing criticism for actions like removing protesters' masks to pepper spray them, obstructing their own faces and not wearing nametags while tackling the protesters.

Anti-logging protests become biggest civil disobedience in Canada

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, trailing in opinion polls, attacked his rival on Monday for waffling on gun control and vaccine mandates. The election campaign has entered the final stretch. The elections are on September 20.

Conservative leader Erin O'Toole on Sunday scrapped a campaign promise to eliminate a ban on some assault weapons, a sensitive issue in Canada after mass shootings in recent years. Trudeau sought to capitalise on his opponent's shift with just two weeks left to reverse his fortunes.

O'Toole "will say anything to try and get elected," Trudeau told supporters at a campaign event in southern Ontario, Canada's most-populous province. "That's not leadership. That's not integrity."

After being criticised by O'Toole for calling the election two years early during a rising fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trudeau assailed his rival's opposition to vaccine mandates, including for his own candidates.

Trudeau said O'Toole was pandering to anti-vaxxers just as he had to the gun lobby. Trudeau has received even death threats from anti-vaccine hecklers.

"Erin O'Toole is at least taking some of his cues from (the anti-vax crowd)," Trudeau said.

"Canadians are beginning to see that that's the future being offered by Erin O'Toole, a future of wishy-washy, weak leadership where he doesn't stand up for what he believes in, doesn't tell Canadians what he actually believes," he said.

Speaking in Ottawa, O'Toole refused to say how many of his candidates had not been inoculated. He has said those who are not vaccinated must be tested daily.

"Our approach, with respect to vaccinations, is we try and encourage and inform and work with people, but we will respect their personal health decisions," O'Toole said.

Liberal strategists have said the crucial period of the campaign starts after Labor Day, because Canadians have been more focused until now on their summer vacations than the election.

(With input from agencies)

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, trailing in opinion polls, attacked his rival on Monday for waffling on gun control and vaccine mandates. The election campaign has entered the final stretch.

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, trailing in opinion polls, attacked his rival on Monday for waffling on gun control and vaccine mandates. The election campaign has entered the final stretch. The elections are on September 20. Conservative leader Erin O'Toole on Sunday scrapped a campaign promise to eliminate a ban on some assault weapons, a sensitive issue in Canada after mass shootings in recent years. Trudeau sought to capitalise on his opponent's shift with just two weeks left to reverse his fortunes. O'Toole "will say anything to try and get elected," Trudeau told supporters at a campaign event in southern Ontario, Canada's most-populous province. "That's not leadership. That's not integrity." After being criticised by O'Toole for calling the election two years early during a rising fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trudeau assailed his rival's opposition to vaccine mandates, including for his own candidates. Trudeau said O'Toole was pandering to anti-vaxxers just as he had to the gun lobby. Trudeau has received even death threats from anti-vaccine hecklers. "Erin O'Toole is at least taking some of his cues from (the anti-vax crowd)," Trudeau said. "Canadians are beginning to see that that's the future being offered by Erin O'Toole, a future of wishy-washy, weak leadership where he doesn't stand up for what he believes in, doesn't tell Canadians what he actually believes," he said. Speaking in Ottawa, O'Toole refused to say how many of his candidates had not been inoculated. He has said those who are not vaccinated must be tested daily. "Our approach, with respect to vaccinations, is we try and encourage and inform and work with people, but we will respect their personal health decisions," O'Toole said. Liberal strategists have said the crucial period of the campaign starts after Labor Day, because Canadians have been more focused until now on their summer vacations than the election. (With input from agencies)

Canada polls: Trudeau goes on the offensive weeks before election

Recently, a US lawmaker has said that the Pakistan intel agency had aided the Taliban and played a key role in Afghanistan takeover. To understand Canada's stance on the Taliban, WION speaks with Chris Alexander, former envoy to Pakistan.

'No permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan without sanctions against Pak', says Chris Alexander

Following an exceptionally warm summer, the iconic ice of the Canadian Rockies is melting at a rate that has never been seen before.

As observed by scientists, during the hot spell in early July and late June the glacier was experiencing 2/3 of ice melt per week.

Hydrologist and director of Global Water Futures Dr John Pomeroy say that it is harrowing to observe that the iconic sight was virtually unrecognizable from what was one&nbsp;or two years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-northernmost-island-discovered-off-coast-of-greenland-by-scientists-409007" hreflang="en">‘World’s northernmost island’ discovered off coast of Greenland by scientists</a>

According to him, the glacier could lose up to seven metres of ice if this rate of melt continues, which would be the most drastic downward melt ever recorded for the glacier.

During the early 1900s, Banff National Park's famous Peyto Glacier stretched three and a half kilometres farther than it does today;&nbsp;stretching down the valley resting near the turquoise water of Peyto Lake.&nbsp;

Pomeroy said he was astonished and horrified by the glacial tongue's retreat of 200 metres over the past year, 10 times faster than the 50-year retreat. According to him&nbsp;widespread wildfires and record heat domes this season contributed to faster glacial melting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-says-ocean-surface-climates-may-disappear-by-2100-408799" hreflang="en">Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100</a>

Peyto Glacier forms the headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River and with its snowpack and ice melt, it maintains stream flows in the Prairie provinces.

Scientists are concerned about the downstream effects of the decline of this crucial source of water.

This year, the rivers and streams that aren't fed by glacial melt are experiencing some of the lowest flows ever recorded. By contrast, the flow of streams that are fed by the glacier has been above average this summer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-multiple-injured-in-sweltering-aftermath-of-hurricane-ida-409820" hreflang="en">Four dead, multiple injured in sweltering aftermath of Hurricane Ida</a>

In the Rocky Mountain national parks alone, 300 glaciers disappeared between 1920 and 2005, according to Sanford.

Pomeroy, who has been documenting Peyto&nbsp;for years, says that he never imagined that he would document the glacier's death; he believes it will not survive the next decade.

However, he adds, glaciers might re-grow in the future, provided that humans are able to get a hold on climate change.

Following an exceptionally warm summer, the iconic ice of the Canadian Rockies is melting at a rate that has never been seen before. As observed by scientists, during the hot spell in early July and late June the glacier was experiencing 2/3 of ice melt per week.

Following an exceptionally warm summer, the iconic ice of the Canadian Rockies is melting at a rate that has never been seen before. As observed by scientists, during the hot spell in early July and late June the glacier was experiencing 2/3 of ice melt per week. Hydrologist and director of Global Water Futures Dr John Pomeroy say that it is harrowing to observe that the iconic sight was virtually unrecognizable from what was one or two years ago. Also read | ‘World’s northernmost island’ discovered off coast of Greenland by scientists According to him, the glacier could lose up to seven metres of ice if this rate of melt continues, which would be the most drastic downward melt ever recorded for the glacier. During the early 1900s, Banff National Park's famous Peyto Glacier stretched three and a half kilometres farther than it does today; stretching down the valley resting near the turquoise water of Peyto Lake. Pomeroy said he was astonished and horrified by the glacial tongue's retreat of 200 metres over the past year, 10 times faster than the 50-year retreat. According to him widespread wildfires and record heat domes this season contributed to faster glacial melting. Also read | Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100 Peyto Glacier forms the headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River and with its snowpack and ice melt, it maintains stream flows in the Prairie provinces. Scientists are concerned about the downstream effects of the decline of this crucial source of water. This year, the rivers and streams that aren't fed by glacial melt are experiencing some of the lowest flows ever recorded. By contrast, the flow of streams that are fed by the glacier has been above average this summer. Also read | Four dead, multiple injured in sweltering aftermath of Hurricane Ida In the Rocky Mountain national parks alone, 300 glaciers disappeared between 1920 and 2005, according to Sanford. Pomeroy, who has been documenting Peyto for years, says that he never imagined that he would document the glacier's death; he believes it will not survive the next decade. However, he adds, glaciers might re-grow in the future, provided that humans are able to get a hold on climate change.

Heatwave causes unprecedented glacial ice melt in Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau restarted his election campaigning after canceling weekend rallies due to vocal and disrupting protesters.

Canada: Trudeau resumes election campaign after angry crowds disrupt rallies

In a bid to revive his prospects after announcing a snap election, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday promised to introduce a two-year ban on foreign buyers if re-elected to the office.

The PM made the announcement to placate the locals who have been grappling with soaring home prices. The federal elections &nbsp;are scheduled to take place on September 20.

“If you work hard, if you save, that dream of having your own place should be in reach,” Reuters quoted Trudeau as saying at a campaign stop in Hamilton, a fast-growing city outside Toronto.

Housing affordability has become the central theme in this election campaign, as the prices have sky-rocketed during the pandemic.

The surge in the price of homes is largely being attributed to foreign buyers, especially non-residents from China and Hong Kong who have been spending a good amount of fortune in Vancouver real estate.

According to Reuters, the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) home price index is up 69.7% since November 2015, when Trudeau first took office.

The average cost of a home was C$669,200 ($529,840) in July—a 16% rise from a year ago, according to the CREA.

“We’ll crack down on predatory speculators,” Trudeau was quoted as saying. “

Trudeau’s&nbsp;Liberal's Party of Canada&nbsp;has also proposed to introduce tax-free savings accounts for first-time buyers and more oversight of the real estate industry to fight money laundering. They’re also vowing to add or repair 1.4 million homes over the next four years.&nbsp;

Banking on a strong response against the COVID pandemic, Trudeau on August 15 called for snap elections. However, recent polls show that the difference between the governing Liberals and the opposition Conservative is narrowing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-nationalism-push-in-quebec-is-posing-as-election-challenge-for-canada-pm-trudeau-388085">Why nationalism push in Quebec is posing as election challenge for Canada PM Trudeau?</a>

According to Nanos Research&nbsp;poll, ballot support for the Liberals stands at 32.5%, while the Conservatives are at 31.4%.

Another polling agency Ipsos showed that the Liberals have lost 3 points over a week and now have 33% support nearly the same as the Conservatives, who are at 32%.

Another national poll conducted by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute underscored the&nbsp;statistical tie, with the Liberals again at 33%, a lead of just 2 points over the Conservatives.

Trudeau’s attempt to garner a parliamentary majority in the September 20 elections is also likely to face further headwinds as the government attempts to tackle criticism over it’s “withdrawal fiasco” in Afghanistan.

According to local outlet Global News, “the first week of the campaign was dominated by criticisms over the Trudeau government’s slow evacuation.”

However, poll experts are of the view that international geopolitics “hardly” play a decisive role in Canadian elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to revive his prospects after announcing a snap election, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday promised to introduce a two-year ban on foreign buyers if re-elected to the office.

In a bid to revive his prospects after announcing a snap election, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday promised to introduce a two-year ban on foreign buyers if re-elected to the office. The PM made the announcement to placate the locals who have been grappling with soaring home prices. The federal elections are scheduled to take place on September 20. “If you work hard, if you save, that dream of having your own place should be in reach,” Reuters quoted Trudeau as saying at a campaign stop in Hamilton, a fast-growing city outside Toronto. Housing affordability has become the central theme in this election campaign, as the prices have sky-rocketed during the pandemic. The surge in the price of homes is largely being attributed to foreign buyers, especially non-residents from China and Hong Kong who have been spending a good amount of fortune in Vancouver real estate. According to Reuters, the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) home price index is up 69.7% since November 2015, when Trudeau first took office. The average cost of a home was C$669,200 ($529,840) in July—a 16% rise from a year ago, according to the CREA. “We’ll crack down on predatory speculators,” Trudeau was quoted as saying. “ Trudeau’s Liberal's Party of Canada has also proposed to introduce tax-free savings accounts for first-time buyers and more oversight of the real estate industry to fight money laundering. They’re also vowing to add or repair 1.4 million homes over the next four years. Banking on a strong response against the COVID pandemic, Trudeau on August 15 called for snap elections. However, recent polls show that the difference between the governing Liberals and the opposition Conservative is narrowing. Also read | Why nationalism push in Quebec is posing as election challenge for Canada PM Trudeau? According to Nanos Research poll, ballot support for the Liberals stands at 32.5%, while the Conservatives are at 31.4%. Another polling agency Ipsos showed that the Liberals have lost 3 points over a week and now have 33% support nearly the same as the Conservatives, who are at 32%. Another national poll conducted by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute underscored the statistical tie, with the Liberals again at 33%, a lead of just 2 points over the Conservatives. Trudeau’s attempt to garner a parliamentary majority in the September 20 elections is also likely to face further headwinds as the government attempts to tackle criticism over it’s “withdrawal fiasco” in Afghanistan. According to local outlet Global News, “the first week of the campaign was dominated by criticisms over the Trudeau government’s slow evacuation.” However, poll experts are of the view that international geopolitics “hardly” play a decisive role in Canadian elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid tight election race, Canadian PM Trudeau promises 2-year ban on foreign home buyers

Canada would consider taking in additional Afghan refugees on behalf of the United States or other allies if asked to do so, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday.

"We should keep the door open to all possibilities," Mendicino said in an interview.

"If there were Afghans who had assisted coalition partners during the mission that also met the criteria for our humanitarian resettlement program, I think we should be prepared to consider such an arrangement," the minister said.

Canada is part of a coalition of countries frantically trying to evacuate Afghan citizens who supported Western missions in Afghanistan over the years, amidst a Taliban takeover of the country that occurred in days, rather than months as expected.

Canada withdrew the bulk of its troops from Afghanistan in 2011, but participated in a NATO mission to train the Afghan military until 2014.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-look-at-toxic-algae-after-california-family-is-found-dead-on-hiking-trail-407267">Also read |&nbsp;Experts look at toxic algae after California family is found dead on hiking trail</a>

Helping out Afghans who supported Canada's past missions has become a hot political topic ahead of the Sept. 20 election, called by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday.

The Canadian Armed Forces flew 175 vulnerable Afghans and 13 foreign nationals out of Kabul late on Thursday, and evacuations "are scheduled to continue on a regular basis so long as the security situation permits," according to a statement.

Canada has evacuated nearly 1,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to date, the statement said.

Evacuation flights could include families of refugees already living in Canada 18 whose resettlement has so far been held up by bureaucracy, Mendicino said.

The independent tribunal that assesses asylum claims in Canada has agreed to expedite Afghan refugee applications, a crucial step for asylum claimants to reunite with their families, the minister said.

Separately, last week Canada committed to resettling 20,000 Afghan refugees who have already fled the country, and on Friday Mendicino said the government was keeping "an open mind" about potentially increasing that number.

Canada would consider taking in additional Afghan refugees on behalf of the United States or other allies if asked to do so, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday.

Canada would consider taking in additional Afghan refugees on behalf of the United States or other allies if asked to do so, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday. "We should keep the door open to all possibilities," Mendicino said in an interview. "If there were Afghans who had assisted coalition partners during the mission that also met the criteria for our humanitarian resettlement program, I think we should be prepared to consider such an arrangement," the minister said. Canada is part of a coalition of countries frantically trying to evacuate Afghan citizens who supported Western missions in Afghanistan over the years, amidst a Taliban takeover of the country that occurred in days, rather than months as expected. Canada withdrew the bulk of its troops from Afghanistan in 2011, but participated in a NATO mission to train the Afghan military until 2014. Also read | Experts look at toxic algae after California family is found dead on hiking trail Helping out Afghans who supported Canada's past missions has become a hot political topic ahead of the Sept. 20 election, called by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday. The Canadian Armed Forces flew 175 vulnerable Afghans and 13 foreign nationals out of Kabul late on Thursday, and evacuations "are scheduled to continue on a regular basis so long as the security situation permits," according to a statement. Canada has evacuated nearly 1,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to date, the statement said. Evacuation flights could include families of refugees already living in Canada 18 whose resettlement has so far been held up by bureaucracy, Mendicino said. The independent tribunal that assesses asylum claims in Canada has agreed to expedite Afghan refugee applications, a crucial step for asylum claimants to reunite with their families, the minister said. Separately, last week Canada committed to resettling 20,000 Afghan refugees who have already fled the country, and on Friday Mendicino said the government was keeping "an open mind" about potentially increasing that number.

Canada would consider accepting Afghan refugees on behalf of US allies - Minister

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced snap elections on Sunday as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

"Canadians need to choose how we finish the fight against COVID-19 and build back better - from getting the job done on vaccines, to having people's backs all the way through to the end of this crisis," the Canadian prime minister said.

The elections are due to take place on September 20.

Prime Minister Trudeau has been in office since 2015. The Canadian prime minister asked Governor-General Mary Simon to dissolve parliament.

Canada has been battling the virus as Trudeau seeks another term in office for his Liberal party. Trudeau was re-elected to office in 2019 but now heads a minority government in the country.

Trudeau's main challenger, Conservative leader Erin O'Toole denounced Trudeau's decision to call an election amid the pandemic.

Jagmeet Singh, who heads the New Democratic Party (NDP) said the Canadian prime minister's move was a "selfish summer election".

The campaigning for the elections is set to last for 36 days with a fierce battle expected at the ballot next month.

Trudeau said the elections come at a&nbsp;&nbsp;"pivotal, consequential moment".

"We will be taking decisions that will last not just for the coming months but for the coming decades. Canadians deserve their say. That's exactly what we're going to give them," the Canadian PM asserted.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced snap elections on Sunday as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic. "Canadians need to choose how we finish the fight against COVID-19 and build back better - from getting the job done on vaccines, to having people's backs all the way through to the end of this crisis," the Canadian prime minister said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced snap elections on Sunday as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic. "Canadians need to choose how we finish the fight against COVID-19 and build back better - from getting the job done on vaccines, to having people's backs all the way through to the end of this crisis," the Canadian prime minister said. The elections are due to take place on September 20. Prime Minister Trudeau has been in office since 2015. The Canadian prime minister asked Governor-General Mary Simon to dissolve parliament. Canada has been battling the virus as Trudeau seeks another term in office for his Liberal party. Trudeau was re-elected to office in 2019 but now heads a minority government in the country. Trudeau's main challenger, Conservative leader Erin O'Toole denounced Trudeau's decision to call an election amid the pandemic. Jagmeet Singh, who heads the New Democratic Party (NDP) said the Canadian prime minister's move was a "selfish summer election". The campaigning for the elections is set to last for 36 days with a fierce battle expected at the ballot next month. Trudeau said the elections come at a "pivotal, consequential moment". "We will be taking decisions that will last not just for the coming months but for the coming decades. Canadians deserve their say. That's exactly what we're going to give them," the Canadian PM asserted. (With inputs from Agencies)

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announces snap polls next month

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced snap elections for September 20, two years ahead of schedule, in a bid to capitalize on the country's pandemic response which has received cross-party support.

Canada: PM Justin Trudeau calls snap elections on September 20

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