Trevor Noah had a good laugh on Thursday at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's expense. The South African comedian took sly digs at the royal couple hours after they announced their decision to step back from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-meghan-markle-quit-royal-front-line-in-shock-move-273083">senior roles in the royal family.&nbsp;</a>

Reacting to the news on 'The Daily Show', Trevor jokingly suggested that it seems like it was Meghan's idea.&nbsp;

“This is what happens when you bring the first black woman into the Royal Family,” Trevor quipped and added, "She looked at Harry and was like, ‘You need a job! You a grown a** man, you can’t still be living in your momma’s house, Harry.'"

Trevor also pointed out that no matter what job Prince Harry took up, his royal title would never leave him.&nbsp;

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are leaving the royal palace to become financially independent. <a href="https://t.co/FlLC4YSTFj">pic.twitter.com/FlLC4YSTFj</a>
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDailyShow/status/1215319991026880512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"What’s funny is that, no matter what job Prince Harry gets, you realise that he’s still gonna be Prince Harry.&nbsp;

“Can you imagine being his boss when he screws up? What do you call him in and say? ‘Prince Harry, get in here, your majesty. You blew the Henderson account, my lord, clean out your desk and may God save the Queen.’”

The official Twitter handle of 'The Daily Show' also tweeted a 'We're hiring' post taking a direct jab at the royal couple.&nbsp;

According to the hilarious post, the prospective candidates need to speak "impeccable English, be good at waving at people, should have 2+ years experience as a member of a Royal Family' and should be willing to host 'work parties' at a castle or manor.&nbsp;

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Prince Harry and Meghan's decision took the royal family by surprise and they are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/as-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-announce-separation-uk-monarchy-scrambles-for-solution-273323">reportedly scrambling for solutions. </a>The couple has not specified where they would be settling outside of Britain, but speculations are rife that the two plan to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/looks-like-theres-truth-to-meghan-markle-prince-harry-moving-to-canada-after-palace-refuses-to-deny-it-273019">make Canada their home</a>, where they spent fi<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meghan-markle-prince-harry-to-miss-christmas-in-uk-this-year-262066">ve weeks during Christmas 2019.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-possible-move-might-affect-canadian-taxpayers-273290">Read:&nbsp;Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's possible move might affect Canadian taxpayers</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meghan-markel-goes-back-to-canada-to-be-with-son-archie-after-royal-rift-273376">Meghan Markle goes back to Canada to be with son Archie after royal rift</a>

&nbsp;

Trevor Noah had a good laugh on Thursday at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's expense. The South African comedian took sly digs at the royal couple hours after they announced their decision to step back from senior roles in the royal family.

Trevor Noah had a good laugh on Thursday at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's expense. The South African comedian took sly digs at the royal couple hours after they announced their decision to step back from senior roles in the royal family. Reacting to the news on 'The Daily Show', Trevor jokingly suggested that it seems like it was Meghan's idea. “This is what happens when you bring the first black woman into the Royal Family,” Trevor quipped and added, "She looked at Harry and was like, ‘You need a job! You a grown a** man, you can’t still be living in your momma’s house, Harry.'" Trevor also pointed out that no matter what job Prince Harry took up, his royal title would never leave him. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are leaving the royal palace to become financially independent. pic.twitter.com/FlLC4YSTFj — The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) January 9, 2020 × "What’s funny is that, no matter what job Prince Harry gets, you realise that he’s still gonna be Prince Harry. “Can you imagine being his boss when he screws up? What do you call him in and say? ‘Prince Harry, get in here, your majesty. You blew the Henderson account, my lord, clean out your desk and may God save the Queen.’” The official Twitter handle of 'The Daily Show' also tweeted a 'We're hiring' post taking a direct jab at the royal couple. According to the hilarious post, the prospective candidates need to speak "impeccable English, be good at waving at people, should have 2+ years experience as a member of a Royal Family' and should be willing to host 'work parties' at a castle or manor. 🚨 WE’RE HIRING 🚨 pic.twitter.com/c7aJ6jjsS1 — The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) January 8, 2020 × Prince Harry and Meghan's decision took the royal family by surprise and they are reportedly scrambling for solutions. The couple has not specified where they would be settling outside of Britain, but speculations are rife that the two plan to make Canada their home, where they spent five weeks during Christmas 2019. Read: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's possible move might affect Canadian taxpayers Meghan Markle goes back to Canada to be with son Archie after royal rift

'Should be good at waving': Trevor Noah has a job offer for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Amid row over the crash of Ukrainian plane in Tehran, Iran's civil aviation chief Ali Abedzadeh said on Friday he was "certain" that the aircraft was not hit by a missile.&nbsp;

"One thing is for certain, this airplane was not hit by a missile," Abedzadeh said in a press conference.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intelligence-evidence-indicates-boeing-airliner-was-shot-down-by-iranian-surface-to-air-missile-trudeau-273282">Intelligence evidence indicates Boeing airliner was shot down by Iranian surface-to-air missile: Trudeau</a>

Iran's civil aviation chief's statements came after Britain and Canada claimed that intelligence sources suggested a catastrophic error by Iranian air defence batteries had crashed the aircraft.

Watch:

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-rumours-missile-caused-plane-crash-make-no-sense-273278">Iran says rumours missile caused plane crash make 'no sense'</a>

Abedzadeh also said that "any remarks made before the data is extracted ... is not an expert opinion."

Earlier, a video was surfaced that showed the moment the airliner was hit.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-us-plane-crash-news-updates-iran-formally-invites-us-transport-board-to-investigate-boeing-airliner-crash-273301">Iran plane crash news: Iran formally invites US transport board to investigate Boeing airliner crash</a>

New York Times claimed that it has verified the footage, which shows a rapidly-moving object rising to an angle into the sky before a flash is noticed, which dims and continues moving forward. After several seconds, an explosion is heard.&nbsp;

"We have seen some videos. We confirm that the airplane was on fire for 60 to 70 seconds," Abedzadeh said.&nbsp;

But to say "that it was hit by something cannot be scientifically correct," the aviation chief added.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that probe from multiple agencies showed that the plane was crashed after it was shot down by an Iranian missile.

63 Canadians were amongst the 176 people that were killed in the crash.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also backed Trudeau's claims and said that the missile targetting the aircraft "may well have been unintentional."

The Ukranian airlines' Boeing 737 crashed after taking off from Tehran on Wednesday, nearly at the same time when Iran claimed it fired two missiles on US airbases in Iraq.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Amid row over the crash of Ukrainian plane in Tehran, Iran's civil aviation chief Ali Abedzadeh said on Friday he was "certain" that the aircraft was not hit by a missile.

Amid row over the crash of Ukrainian plane in Tehran, Iran's civil aviation chief Ali Abedzadeh said on Friday he was "certain" that the aircraft was not hit by a missile. "One thing is for certain, this airplane was not hit by a missile," Abedzadeh said in a press conference. Also read: Intelligence evidence indicates Boeing airliner was shot down by Iranian surface-to-air missile: Trudeau Iran's civil aviation chief's statements came after Britain and Canada claimed that intelligence sources suggested a catastrophic error by Iranian air defence batteries had crashed the aircraft. Watch: Also read: Iran says rumours missile caused plane crash make 'no sense' Abedzadeh also said that "any remarks made before the data is extracted ... is not an expert opinion." Earlier, a video was surfaced that showed the moment the airliner was hit. Also read: Iran plane crash news: Iran formally invites US transport board to investigate Boeing airliner crash New York Times claimed that it has verified the footage, which shows a rapidly-moving object rising to an angle into the sky before a flash is noticed, which dims and continues moving forward. After several seconds, an explosion is heard. "We have seen some videos. We confirm that the airplane was on fire for 60 to 70 seconds," Abedzadeh said. But to say "that it was hit by something cannot be scientifically correct," the aviation chief added. On Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that probe from multiple agencies showed that the plane was crashed after it was shot down by an Iranian missile. 63 Canadians were amongst the 176 people that were killed in the crash. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also backed Trudeau's claims and said that the missile targetting the aircraft "may well have been unintentional." The Ukranian airlines' Boeing 737 crashed after taking off from Tehran on Wednesday, nearly at the same time when Iran claimed it fired two missiles on US airbases in Iraq. (with inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian aircraft was not hit by a missile: Iran's civil aviation chief

Tragedy that shocked the world: Justin Trudeau

The crash, which occurred the same night that Iran launched missile attacks against Iraqi military bases that house U.S. troops, resulted in the death of all 176 people on board, including at least 63 Canadians.

Canada’s Justin Trudeau says evidence indicates Iranians shot down plane

Institute for Economics and Peace ranks the most peaceful countries

Fractured manadate in Canada to test ties with India. #WIONEdit #Khalistanis #Canada #JagmeetSingh

Wion Edit: Is Canada silently surrendering itself to Khalistanis?

A profile of Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's new Democratic Party. #Gravitas #JagmeetSingh #Canada

Gravitas: Jagmeet Singh: Trudeau's headache?

Khalistan sympathiser & leader of Canada's NDP Jagmeet Singh's comments on CAA sparks a furore. #CAA #Gravitas #JagmeetSinghOnCAA

Gravitas: Jagmeet Singh: CAA is wrong

US President Donald Trump's scene from 1990s cult classic 'Home Alone 2: Lost In New York' has been deleted from the film in the version that is being aired on Canada's national broadcaster CBC.&nbsp;

CBC spokesman Chuck Thompson has stated that eight minutes from the 120-minute film had been trimmed to make way for commercials. 
 
The channel has stated that deleting Trump's scene was not in any way politically motivated and that the edit was made long before Trump was elected at the President of the United States.&nbsp;

The edited film was shown by CBC earlier this month and drew a lot of flak from Trump's supporters for the channel. 
&nbsp; 
His son Donald Trump Jr tweeted a link to a story on Thursday that called the edit 'pathetic'.

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Later, President Trump reacted to the edit and tweeted that "the movie will never be the same! (just kidding)".

Referring to several disagreements on policies with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Trump further added, "I guess Justin T doesn't much like my making him pay up on Nato or trade!"

On Christmas Eve, Mr Trump addressed US troops overseas via a video conference and referred 'Home Alone 2' as "a big Christmas hit".&nbsp;

"Well I'm in 'Home Alone 2'," Mr Trump said. "A lot of people mention it every year, especially around Christmas. They say - especially young kids- they say, 'I just saw you on the movie.' They don't see me on television as they do in the movie.

"But it's been a good movie and I was a little younger, to put it mildly. And it was an honour to do it."

Released in 1992, the film starred Macaulay Culkin in the lead. Trump shared a frame with Culkin, where the latter's character Kevin arrives at New York's Plaza Hotel and asks Trump for direction. Trump was the owner of the hotel at that point in time.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's scene from 1990s cult classic 'Home Alone 2: Lost In New York' has been deleted from the film in the version that is being aired on Canada's national broadcaster CBC.

US President Donald Trump's scene from 1990s cult classic 'Home Alone 2: Lost In New York' has been deleted from the film in the version that is being aired on Canada's national broadcaster CBC. CBC spokesman Chuck Thompson has stated that eight minutes from the 120-minute film had been trimmed to make way for commercials. The channel has stated that deleting Trump's scene was not in any way politically motivated and that the edit was made long before Trump was elected at the President of the United States. The edited film was shown by CBC earlier this month and drew a lot of flak from Trump's supporters for the channel. His son Donald Trump Jr tweeted a link to a story on Thursday that called the edit 'pathetic'. ‘Pathetic’: Canada’s CBC under fire when Trump’s cameo in ‘Home Alone 2’ disappears from Christmas broadcast https://t.co/zJUij9qrLe — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) December 26, 2019 × Later, President Trump reacted to the edit and tweeted that "the movie will never be the same! (just kidding)". Referring to several disagreements on policies with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Trump further added, "I guess Justin T doesn't much like my making him pay up on Nato or trade!" On Christmas Eve, Mr Trump addressed US troops overseas via a video conference and referred 'Home Alone 2' as "a big Christmas hit". "Well I'm in 'Home Alone 2'," Mr Trump said. "A lot of people mention it every year, especially around Christmas. They say - especially young kids- they say, 'I just saw you on the movie.' They don't see me on television as they do in the movie. "But it's been a good movie and I was a little younger, to put it mildly. And it was an honour to do it." Released in 1992, the film starred Macaulay Culkin in the lead. Trump shared a frame with Culkin, where the latter's character Kevin arrives at New York's Plaza Hotel and asks Trump for direction. Trump was the owner of the hotel at that point in time.

Canadian channel deletes Donald Trump's scene from 'Home Alone 2'; claim it's not politically motivated

Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh has strongly condemned the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which has triggered widespread protests in India. His comments have sparked a furore, online and offline.

This could have a bearing on the India-Canada relationship. Since Justin Trudeau came to power in 2013, things haven't been smooth sailing. Jagmeet Singh's NDP is the only party Trudeau can count on. Trudeau will court Jagmeet Singh to get his bills passed. This complicates Canada's relationship with India.

Discussions on Jagmeet Singh often fall under the 'grey' category. Soon after Jagmeet Singh became the leader of NDP in October 2017, he gave an interview to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).&nbsp;

In the interview, Singh was quizzed repeatedly on his view on Talwinder Singh Parmar - the Khalistani terrorist who orchestrated the Air India bombing in 1985. Not once did he take a stand.

On the issue of terrorism, Jagmeet Singh's record is far from being acceptable. And now he's a political heavyweight whom the Canadian PM cannot ignore.

New Delhi has been observing what's happening in Canada. India can only offer to revive ties, Canada has to meet India at the half-way mark.&nbsp;

Local political compulsions could derail Trudeau's India strategy. Especially with a pro-Khalistani voice having a major say in the country's politics. There is a stark difference between how Canadian Sikhs view the issue and how Indian Sikhs see it.

Jagmeet Singh supports the Khalistani cause. Even if it is only to earn brownie points among his voters. As long as the Canadian government relies on Jagmeet Singh, there is a real risk of Canada surrendering itself to Khalistani separatists.

As long as Khalistani sympathisers threatening India exist in the power centres of Canada, the bilateral ties will suffer.

Now, the ball is in Trudeau's court. Does Trudeau value the 'historically strong' ties with India? Or would he court parties that interfere in India's sovereignty?

The answer to this question alone will define the future of this relationship. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh has strongly condemned the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which has triggered widespread protests in India.

Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh has strongly condemned the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which has triggered widespread protests in India. His comments have sparked a furore, online and offline. This could have a bearing on the India-Canada relationship. Since Justin Trudeau came to power in 2013, things haven't been smooth sailing. Jagmeet Singh's NDP is the only party Trudeau can count on. Trudeau will court Jagmeet Singh to get his bills passed. This complicates Canada's relationship with India. Discussions on Jagmeet Singh often fall under the 'grey' category. Soon after Jagmeet Singh became the leader of NDP in October 2017, he gave an interview to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). In the interview, Singh was quizzed repeatedly on his view on Talwinder Singh Parmar - the Khalistani terrorist who orchestrated the Air India bombing in 1985. Not once did he take a stand. On the issue of terrorism, Jagmeet Singh's record is far from being acceptable. And now he's a political heavyweight whom the Canadian PM cannot ignore. New Delhi has been observing what's happening in Canada. India can only offer to revive ties, Canada has to meet India at the half-way mark. Local political compulsions could derail Trudeau's India strategy. Especially with a pro-Khalistani voice having a major say in the country's politics. There is a stark difference between how Canadian Sikhs view the issue and how Indian Sikhs see it. Jagmeet Singh supports the Khalistani cause. Even if it is only to earn brownie points among his voters. As long as the Canadian government relies on Jagmeet Singh, there is a real risk of Canada surrendering itself to Khalistani separatists. As long as Khalistani sympathisers threatening India exist in the power centres of Canada, the bilateral ties will suffer. Now, the ball is in Trudeau's court. Does Trudeau value the 'historically strong' ties with India? Or would he court parties that interfere in India's sovereignty? The answer to this question alone will define the future of this relationship. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Is Canada silently surrendering itself to Khalistanis?

An official from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-aung-san-suu-kyi-is-in-the-hague-defending-myanmar-against-allegations-of-genocide-267828">Aung San Suu Kyi</a>'s political party was killed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-deportation-of-rakhine-insurgent-leaders-family-delayed-266973">Rakhine </a>state after planning a show of support for the leader's defence of Myanmar against genocide allegations at The Hague, a spokesman said Thursday.

The National League for Democracy's Ye Thein, party chairman in Buthidaung township, had been held for weeks by the Arakan Army, insurgents fighting for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists.

The rebels said he was killed in military attacks on Christmas day but the claim could not be verified and NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt said the group bore responsibility.

Ye Thein was detained on December 11 ahead of demonstrations backing Suu Kyi's high-profile opening statements at the UN's top court the same day.

"We, all members of NLD, are very sorry for the loss," Myo Nyunt told AFP. "His gathering to support her was righteous and it was not a crime."

The Arakan Army has carried out a series of daring kidnappings, bombings and raids against the army and local officials in Rakhine state.

Myanmar's military has hit back hard, deploying thousands of additional soldiers to the western state and carrying out what Amnesty International called enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial executions.

The clashes are taking place in the same area where the military drove around 740,000 Rohingya Muslims over the border to Bangladesh in a bloody 2017 campaign.

The small African, mainly Muslim state of Gambia opened arguments against Buddhist-majority Myanmar at the International Court of Justice on December 10 accusing it of breaching the 1948 UN genocide convention in its operations against the Rohingya.

Backed by the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-raonic-withdraws-from-canadas-davis-cup-team-261552">Canada</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hockey-world-cup-india-vs-netherlands-its-an-equal-contest-says-india-coach-harendra-singh-183679">Netherlands</a>, Gambia sought emergency measures to prevent further violence against the Rohingya, pending a fuller case that could take years.

The Arakan Army said ahead of the hearings that it endorsed the case in a rare display of solidarity with Rohingya who is seen in Myanmar as non-citizens.

Suu Kyi stunned observers when she agreed to lead a team to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-objects-to-ukraine-sea-dispute-case-in-the-hague-226002">The Hague</a> in mid-December to represent Myanmar.

The former democracy icon's reputation lies in tatters over the crisis but at home, she enjoys broad support and several events across the country were organised to cheer her on.

Suu Kyi said in her opening statement there was no proof of "genocidal intent" and said army operations were in response to Rohingya militant attacks.

An official from Aung San Suu Kyi's political party was killed in Rakhine state after planning a show of support for the leader's defence of Myanmar against genocide allegations at The Hague, a spokesman said Thursday.

An official from Aung San Suu Kyi's political party was killed in Rakhine state after planning a show of support for the leader's defence of Myanmar against genocide allegations at The Hague, a spokesman said Thursday. The National League for Democracy's Ye Thein, party chairman in Buthidaung township, had been held for weeks by the Arakan Army, insurgents fighting for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. The rebels said he was killed in military attacks on Christmas day but the claim could not be verified and NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt said the group bore responsibility. Ye Thein was detained on December 11 ahead of demonstrations backing Suu Kyi's high-profile opening statements at the UN's top court the same day. "We, all members of NLD, are very sorry for the loss," Myo Nyunt told AFP. "His gathering to support her was righteous and it was not a crime." The Arakan Army has carried out a series of daring kidnappings, bombings and raids against the army and local officials in Rakhine state. Myanmar's military has hit back hard, deploying thousands of additional soldiers to the western state and carrying out what Amnesty International called enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial executions. The clashes are taking place in the same area where the military drove around 740,000 Rohingya Muslims over the border to Bangladesh in a bloody 2017 campaign. The small African, mainly Muslim state of Gambia opened arguments against Buddhist-majority Myanmar at the International Court of Justice on December 10 accusing it of breaching the 1948 UN genocide convention in its operations against the Rohingya. Backed by the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands, Gambia sought emergency measures to prevent further violence against the Rohingya, pending a fuller case that could take years. The Arakan Army said ahead of the hearings that it endorsed the case in a rare display of solidarity with Rohingya who is seen in Myanmar as non-citizens. Suu Kyi stunned observers when she agreed to lead a team to The Hague in mid-December to represent Myanmar. The former democracy icon's reputation lies in tatters over the crisis but at home, she enjoys broad support and several events across the country were organised to cheer her on. Suu Kyi said in her opening statement there was no proof of "genocidal intent" and said army operations were in response to Rohingya militant attacks.

Aung San Suu Kyi party official killed in Myanmar's Rakhine

An&nbsp;earthquake&nbsp;of&nbsp;magnitude&nbsp;6.3&nbsp;struck 177 km (109.98 miles)&nbsp;west&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-67-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-british-columbia-no-casualties-reported-172768">Port&nbsp;Hardy</a>, British Columbia,&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;on Tuesday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-killed-as-earthquake-strikes-southern-philippines-268381">US&nbsp;Geological Survey</a> said.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the quake, which was 10 km deep.

According to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tremors-felt-in-delhi-national-capital-region-269364">European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre</a> (EMSC), the quake struck 518 kms&nbsp;west&nbsp;of Vancouver.

There is no current tsunami warning in effect, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

An earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck 177 km (109.98 miles) west of Port Hardy, British Columbia, Canada on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the quake, which was 10 km deep.

An earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck 177 km (109.98 miles) west of Port Hardy, British Columbia, Canada on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the quake, which was 10 km deep. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake struck 518 kms west of Vancouver. There is no current tsunami warning in effect, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Earthquake of magnitude 6.3 strikes west of Port Hardy, Canada

A panel of judges reserved its&nbsp;decision&nbsp;on Wednesday after hearing arguments from indigenous groups that the Canadian government had failed to properly consult them on expanding its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thunberg-brings-her-climate-protest-to-canadas-oil-patch-256810">oil&nbsp;pipeline</a>.

The&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;to the Federal&nbsp;Court&nbsp;of Appeal is the latest obstacle to tripling capacity on the Alberta-to-British Columbia Trans Mountain&nbsp;pipeline, which the Canadian&nbsp;oil&nbsp;industry says is badly needed.

"It feels like an acrimonious divorce. Obviously there’s a lot of tension here,” Chief Justice Marc Noël said, before saying the judges needed time to make a&nbsp;decision&nbsp;after a three-day hearing.

The operator of&nbsp;Canada's state-owned&nbsp;oil&nbsp;pipeline&nbsp;had asked the&nbsp;court&nbsp;to dismiss the legal&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;by four indigenous groups.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Canada approves oil pipeline expansion, says construction should start soon

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The indigenous groups "did not negotiate in good faith, or at all," Trans Mountain Corp&nbsp;lawyer Maureen Killoran said. Effectively, the groups are attempting to hold a veto over the C$10 billion project despite the government's best attempts to address their concerns, she said.

"This was not a drive-by consultation," Killoran said.

Coldwater Indian Band, one of the four groups, refused to allow drilling for a hydro-geological study to determine risks to its aquifer, she said. The band said earlier this week that protecting its drinking water was its main concern.

The indigenous groups alleged that the Canadian government shared key reports on the project's impact late, or even after the consultation period and that it revised documents. Their concerns include possible&nbsp;oil&nbsp;spills and threats to endangered southern resident killer whales.

Ottawa bought the&nbsp;pipeline&nbsp;last year to ensure expansion proceeded, offering a lifeline to Alberta's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-canadian-national-railway-workers-go-on-strike-263133">struggling&nbsp;oil&nbsp;patch</a>. Congested&nbsp;pipelines have forced the Alberta provincial government to curtail production.

A&nbsp;court&nbsp;ruled in August 2018 that Ottawa had failed to properly consult indigenous people, prompting the government to redo the consultation process before reapproving the expansion in June. But in September, the&nbsp;Court&nbsp;of Appeal agreed to hear fresh concerns that the government fell short again.

In a written submission, Alberta's government said consultation for Trans Mountain was more extensive than that of any other Canadian infrastructure project, and federal approval should remain in place.

"Regulatory instability and legal uncertainty negatively affect reliable planning and put a chill on investor confidence," lawyers for Alberta's attorney general wrote.

"Consultation is unworkable when, as in this case, it appears the only compromise acceptable to an indigenous group is the abandonment of the project," they added.

A panel of judges reserved its decision on Wednesday after hearing arguments from indigenous groups that the Canadian government had failed to properly consult them on expanding its oil pipeline.

A panel of judges reserved its decision on Wednesday after hearing arguments from indigenous groups that the Canadian government had failed to properly consult them on expanding its oil pipeline. The challenge to the Federal Court of Appeal is the latest obstacle to tripling capacity on the Alberta-to-British Columbia Trans Mountain pipeline, which the Canadian oil industry says is badly needed. "It feels like an acrimonious divorce. Obviously there’s a lot of tension here,” Chief Justice Marc Noël said, before saying the judges needed time to make a decision after a three-day hearing. The operator of Canada's state-owned oil pipeline had asked the court to dismiss the legal challenge by four indigenous groups. Also Watch: Canada approves oil pipeline expansion, says construction should start soon × The indigenous groups "did not negotiate in good faith, or at all," Trans Mountain Corp lawyer Maureen Killoran said. Effectively, the groups are attempting to hold a veto over the C$10 billion project despite the government's best attempts to address their concerns, she said. "This was not a drive-by consultation," Killoran said. Coldwater Indian Band, one of the four groups, refused to allow drilling for a hydro-geological study to determine risks to its aquifer, she said. The band said earlier this week that protecting its drinking water was its main concern. The indigenous groups alleged that the Canadian government shared key reports on the project's impact late, or even after the consultation period and that it revised documents. Their concerns include possible oil spills and threats to endangered southern resident killer whales. Ottawa bought the pipeline last year to ensure expansion proceeded, offering a lifeline to Alberta's struggling oil patch. Congested pipelines have forced the Alberta provincial government to curtail production. A court ruled in August 2018 that Ottawa had failed to properly consult indigenous people, prompting the government to redo the consultation process before reapproving the expansion in June. But in September, the Court of Appeal agreed to hear fresh concerns that the government fell short again. In a written submission, Alberta's government said consultation for Trans Mountain was more extensive than that of any other Canadian infrastructure project, and federal approval should remain in place. "Regulatory instability and legal uncertainty negatively affect reliable planning and put a chill on investor confidence," lawyers for Alberta's attorney general wrote. "Consultation is unworkable when, as in this case, it appears the only compromise acceptable to an indigenous group is the abandonment of the project," they added.

Court reserves decision on challenge to Canada oil pipeline

Sinclair, who helped Canada to bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, has scored 183 times in 289 appearances for her country and sits one goal away from equalling American Abby Wambach's record of 184.

The 36-year-old striker will have an opportunity to surpass Wambach's mark in February when Canada attempts to secure a spot at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-unveils-50-official-sport-pictograms-202813">2020 Tokyo</a> Summer Games through the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament.

"Christine Sinclair is a once-in-a-generation athlete that has been at the heart of Canadian sport for over 20 years but what she accomplished in the past 10 years has changed the sport forever in our country,” said Canada Soccer president Steven Reed in a statement.

“Christine is the Canada Soccer Player of the Decade and unquestionably one of the greatest and most-loved athletes Canada has ever watched."

The honour is the latest of many for Sinclair, who won the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's top athlete in 2012 and was Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremony at the 2012 London Olympics.

A four-time finalist for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fifa-251742">FIFA</a> World Player of the Year, Sinclair has been crowned Canada soccer's female player of the year 14 times.

The first soccer player appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada and the first to have her name engraved on Canada’s Walk of Fame, Sinclair has played in five World Cups scoring 10 goals in 21 matches.

Sinclair, who helped Canada to bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, has scored 183 times in 289 appearances for her country and sits one goal away from equalling American Abby Wambach's record of 184.

Sinclair, who helped Canada to bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, has scored 183 times in 289 appearances for her country and sits one goal away from equalling American Abby Wambach's record of 184. The 36-year-old striker will have an opportunity to surpass Wambach's mark in February when Canada attempts to secure a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games through the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament. "Christine Sinclair is a once-in-a-generation athlete that has been at the heart of Canadian sport for over 20 years but what she accomplished in the past 10 years has changed the sport forever in our country,” said Canada Soccer president Steven Reed in a statement. “Christine is the Canada Soccer Player of the Decade and unquestionably one of the greatest and most-loved athletes Canada has ever watched." The honour is the latest of many for Sinclair, who won the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's top athlete in 2012 and was Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremony at the 2012 London Olympics. A four-time finalist for FIFA World Player of the Year, Sinclair has been crowned Canada soccer's female player of the year 14 times. The first soccer player appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada and the first to have her name engraved on Canada’s Walk of Fame, Sinclair has played in five World Cups scoring 10 goals in 21 matches.

Sinclair named Canada's soccer player of the decade

Nicole Walker was part of the four-member&nbsp;jumping&nbsp;team&nbsp;that finished fourth in the&nbsp;team&nbsp;event at the Pan Am Games in Lima to secure an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-imposes-four-year-ban-on-russia-over-doping-data-manipulation-267195">Olympic</a>&nbsp;berth for Canada in that event.

"My priority right now is to continue to fight for the&nbsp;Canadian&nbsp;Equestrian&nbsp;Team. The&nbsp;team&nbsp;deserves to go to the&nbsp;Olympics," said Walker, who is appealing the decision.

The FEI had provisionally suspended Walker from the sport after a sample taken from her on the day of the&nbsp;team&nbsp;final at the Pan Am Games in August tested positive for Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

After a confirmatory analysis of the 'B' sample, Walker had a hearing two weeks ago with the Panam Sports Disciplinary Commission which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/laura-zeng-top-us-rhythmic-gymnast-handed-6-month-doping-ban-185462">disqualified</a> her results in both the individual and&nbsp;team&nbsp;competitions, according to the FEI.

The resulting calculation, which replaced Walker's score with that of&nbsp;team&nbsp;member Lisa Carlsen, dropped Canada three&nbsp;spots to seventh place and therefore cost the squad its&nbsp;team&nbsp;quota place for Tokyo, the FEI said.

Canada's&nbsp;spot&nbsp;in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-women-hockey-team-qualifies-for-tokyo-olympics-259565">2020&nbsp;Olympics</a> has now been reallocated to Argentina, which originally finished fifth in Lima.

"I am confident that&nbsp;Team&nbsp;Canada and Nicole will receive a fair hearing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport," Walker's lawyer, Tim Danson, said in a statement.

Equestrian Canada (EC) said it will support Walker through the appeals process.

"EC remains firmly committed to clean sport and to standing behind our athletes," the national governing body said in a statement. "We fully support Nicole's decision to bring an appeal forward to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)."

Nicole Walker was part of the four-member jumping team that finished fourth in the team event at the Pan Am Games in Lima to secure an Olympic berth for Canada in that event.

Nicole Walker was part of the four-member jumping team that finished fourth in the team event at the Pan Am Games in Lima to secure an Olympic berth for Canada in that event. "My priority right now is to continue to fight for the Canadian Equestrian Team. The team deserves to go to the Olympics," said Walker, who is appealing the decision. The FEI had provisionally suspended Walker from the sport after a sample taken from her on the day of the team final at the Pan Am Games in August tested positive for Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. After a confirmatory analysis of the 'B' sample, Walker had a hearing two weeks ago with the Panam Sports Disciplinary Commission which disqualified her results in both the individual and team competitions, according to the FEI. The resulting calculation, which replaced Walker's score with that of team member Lisa Carlsen, dropped Canada three spots to seventh place and therefore cost the squad its team quota place for Tokyo, the FEI said. Canada's spot in the 2020 Olympics has now been reallocated to Argentina, which originally finished fifth in Lima. "I am confident that Team Canada and Nicole will receive a fair hearing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport," Walker's lawyer, Tim Danson, said in a statement. Equestrian Canada (EC) said it will support Walker through the appeals process. "EC remains firmly committed to clean sport and to standing behind our athletes," the national governing body said in a statement. "We fully support Nicole's decision to bring an appeal forward to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)."

Canadian equestrian jumping team denied Olympic spot over doping violation

Three people dead in a plane crash in Gabriola island in Canada. Transport Canada suggests that their is a equipment issue in plane

Plane crashed in Gabriola island in Canada

The head of Canada's main opposition Conservatives quit on Thursday after losing an October election to Liberal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-unveils-new-cabinet-with-focus-on-domestic-issues-263495">Prime Minister Justin Trudeau</a>, leaving the party in search of a more effective leader.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chastened-trudeau-to-reach-out-to-opponents-after-canada-election-blow-rules-out-coalition-257800">Andrew Scheer</a> said his resignation was "the best thing for our Conservative Party," adding that he would stay on in his role until a replacement was chosen. Scheer, 40, is a fiscal and social conservative who was first elected at age 25.

Scheer was under pressure over his failure to beat Trudeau, who opinion polls showed was vulnerable after a series of scandals. When pictures of Trudeau in blackface emerged during the campaign, Scheer got a bump in the polls that faded before election day.

It is unclear when the party will elect another leader. The country's most prominent Conservative, Alberta government head Jason Kenney, has no intention of running, said a well-placed Conservative source.

Dustin van Vugt, the Conservatives' executive director, denied a report by Global News saying Scheer quit after it was discovered he had secretly used party money to pay for private schooling for his children.

Van Vugt said the party did indeed pay school costs, but he said all the proper procedures had been followed.

Former Conservative Cabinet minister Peter MacKay, lawmaker Erin O'Toole, now the party's critic for foreign affairs, and former interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose are other potential leadership candidates.

Garry Keller, Ambrose's former chief of staff, said Scheer would have faced a battle to hold onto his job.

"He either had to decide to fight to the end through a leadership race, or he could leave on his own volition. If he had stayed on, it would have been a bloody fight," said Keller.&nbsp;

October's election was the second in a row that the Conservatives lost to Trudeau.

Although <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-election-justin-trudeau-clings-to-power-but-loses-some-of-his-lustre-257402">Scheer won more votes</a>, his support was concentrated in Western provinces that have fewer parliamentary seats than Quebec and Ontario, where Trudeau prevailed.

Conservative critics complained Scheer's personal opposition to abortion and his reluctance to champion gay rights had hurt him among those who live in the eastern provinces of Canada.

"I felt it was time to put my family first," Scheer, a father of five, said when he announced his decision.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-leaders-including-trudeau-macron-caught-mocking-trump-on-camera-266158">Trudeau</a>, who has three children, thanked Scheer for his service and said he understood the difficulties of balancing the job with a family.

Trudeau lost his majority in the election and now must govern with the support of at least one opposition party. One senior Liberal source, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation, said chaos in the opposition was always good for the government.

But another well-placed Liberal said a leadership change could be problematic.

The resignation "relieves some of the short-term pressures, but the key question is, who replaces Scheer? If it's a superstar, then we have a problem", said the source.

The head of Canada's main opposition Conservatives quit on Thursday after losing an October election to Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, leaving the party in search of a more effective leader.

The head of Canada's main opposition Conservatives quit on Thursday after losing an October election to Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, leaving the party in search of a more effective leader. Andrew Scheer said his resignation was "the best thing for our Conservative Party," adding that he would stay on in his role until a replacement was chosen. Scheer, 40, is a fiscal and social conservative who was first elected at age 25. Scheer was under pressure over his failure to beat Trudeau, who opinion polls showed was vulnerable after a series of scandals. When pictures of Trudeau in blackface emerged during the campaign, Scheer got a bump in the polls that faded before election day. It is unclear when the party will elect another leader. The country's most prominent Conservative, Alberta government head Jason Kenney, has no intention of running, said a well-placed Conservative source. Dustin van Vugt, the Conservatives' executive director, denied a report by Global News saying Scheer quit after it was discovered he had secretly used party money to pay for private schooling for his children. Van Vugt said the party did indeed pay school costs, but he said all the proper procedures had been followed. Former Conservative Cabinet minister Peter MacKay, lawmaker Erin O'Toole, now the party's critic for foreign affairs, and former interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose are other potential leadership candidates. Garry Keller, Ambrose's former chief of staff, said Scheer would have faced a battle to hold onto his job. "He either had to decide to fight to the end through a leadership race, or he could leave on his own volition. If he had stayed on, it would have been a bloody fight," said Keller. October's election was the second in a row that the Conservatives lost to Trudeau. Although Scheer won more votes, his support was concentrated in Western provinces that have fewer parliamentary seats than Quebec and Ontario, where Trudeau prevailed. Conservative critics complained Scheer's personal opposition to abortion and his reluctance to champion gay rights had hurt him among those who live in the eastern provinces of Canada. "I felt it was time to put my family first," Scheer, a father of five, said when he announced his decision. Trudeau, who has three children, thanked Scheer for his service and said he understood the difficulties of balancing the job with a family. Trudeau lost his majority in the election and now must govern with the support of at least one opposition party. One senior Liberal source, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation, said chaos in the opposition was always good for the government. But another well-placed Liberal said a leadership change could be problematic. The resignation "relieves some of the short-term pressures, but the key question is, who replaces Scheer? If it's a superstar, then we have a problem", said the source.

Leader of Canada's main opposition party quits after loss to Justin Trudeau

The world's first fully-electric commercial aircraft took its inaugural test flight on Tuesday, taking off from the Canadian city of Vancouver and offering hope that airlines may one day end their polluting emissions.

"This proves that commercial aviation in all-electric form can work," said Roei Ganzarski, chief executive of Seattle-based engineering firm magniX.

The company designed the plane's motor and worked in partnership with Harbour Air, which ferries half a million passengers a year between Vancouver, Whistler ski resort and nearby islands and coastal communities.

Ganzarski said the technology would mean significant cost savings for airlines -- not to mention zero emissions.

"This signifies the start of the electric aviation age," he told reporters.

Civil aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of carbon emissions as people increasingly take to the skies and new technologies have been slow to get off the ground.

At 285 grammes of CO2 emitted per kilometre (mile) travelled by each passenger, airline industry emissions far exceed those from all other modes of transport, according to the European Environment Agency. The emissions contribute to global warming and climate change, which scientists say will unleash ever harsher droughts, superstorms, and sea-level rise.

The e-plane -- a 62-year-old, six-passenger DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver seaplane retrofitted with an electric motor –- was piloted by Greg McDougall, founder and chief executive of Harbour Air.

"For me, that flight was just like flying a Beaver, but it was a Beaver on electric steroids. I actually had to back off on the power," he said.&nbsp;

McDougall took the plane on a short loop along the Fraser River near Vancouver International Airport in front of around 100 onlookers soon after sunrise.&nbsp;

Environmentally-friendly flying&nbsp;

The flight lasted less than 15 minutes, according to an AFP journalist on the scene.

"Our goal is to actually electrify the entire fleet. There's no reason not to," said McDougall.

On top of fuel efficiency, the company would save millions in maintenance costs, as electric motors require "drastically" less upkeep, McDougall said.

However, Harbour Air will have to wait at least two years before it can begin electrifying its fleet of more than 40 seaplanes.

The e-plane has to be tested further to confirm it is reliable and safe. In addition, the electric motor must be approved and certified by regulators.

In Ottawa, Transport Minister Marc Garneau told reporters ahead of the maiden flight that he had his "fingers crossed that the electric plane will work well."

If it does, he said, "it could set a trend for more environmentally friendly flying."

Battery power is also a challenge. An aircraft like the one flown on Tuesday could only fly about 100 miles (160 kilometers) on lithium battery power, said Ganzarski.

While that's not far, it's sufficient for the majority of short-haul flights run by Harbour Air.

"The range now is not where we'd love it to be, but it's enough to start the revolution," said Ganzarski, who predicts batteries and electric motors will eventually be developed to power longer flights.&nbsp;

While the world waits, he said cheaper short-haul flights powered by electricity could transform the way people connect and where they work.

"If people are willing to drive an hour to work, why not fly 15 minutes to work?" he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The world's first fully-electric commercial aircraft took its inaugural test flight on Tuesday, taking off from the Canadian city of Vancouver and offering hope that airlines may one day end their polluting emissions.

The world's first fully-electric commercial aircraft took its inaugural test flight on Tuesday, taking off from the Canadian city of Vancouver and offering hope that airlines may one day end their polluting emissions. "This proves that commercial aviation in all-electric form can work," said Roei Ganzarski, chief executive of Seattle-based engineering firm magniX. The company designed the plane's motor and worked in partnership with Harbour Air, which ferries half a million passengers a year between Vancouver, Whistler ski resort and nearby islands and coastal communities. Ganzarski said the technology would mean significant cost savings for airlines -- not to mention zero emissions. "This signifies the start of the electric aviation age," he told reporters. Civil aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of carbon emissions as people increasingly take to the skies and new technologies have been slow to get off the ground. At 285 grammes of CO2 emitted per kilometre (mile) travelled by each passenger, airline industry emissions far exceed those from all other modes of transport, according to the European Environment Agency. The emissions contribute to global warming and climate change, which scientists say will unleash ever harsher droughts, superstorms, and sea-level rise. The e-plane -- a 62-year-old, six-passenger DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver seaplane retrofitted with an electric motor –- was piloted by Greg McDougall, founder and chief executive of Harbour Air. "For me, that flight was just like flying a Beaver, but it was a Beaver on electric steroids. I actually had to back off on the power," he said. McDougall took the plane on a short loop along the Fraser River near Vancouver International Airport in front of around 100 onlookers soon after sunrise. Environmentally-friendly flying The flight lasted less than 15 minutes, according to an AFP journalist on the scene. "Our goal is to actually electrify the entire fleet. There's no reason not to," said McDougall. On top of fuel efficiency, the company would save millions in maintenance costs, as electric motors require "drastically" less upkeep, McDougall said. However, Harbour Air will have to wait at least two years before it can begin electrifying its fleet of more than 40 seaplanes. The e-plane has to be tested further to confirm it is reliable and safe. In addition, the electric motor must be approved and certified by regulators. In Ottawa, Transport Minister Marc Garneau told reporters ahead of the maiden flight that he had his "fingers crossed that the electric plane will work well." If it does, he said, "it could set a trend for more environmentally friendly flying." Battery power is also a challenge. An aircraft like the one flown on Tuesday could only fly about 100 miles (160 kilometers) on lithium battery power, said Ganzarski. While that's not far, it's sufficient for the majority of short-haul flights run by Harbour Air. "The range now is not where we'd love it to be, but it's enough to start the revolution," said Ganzarski, who predicts batteries and electric motors will eventually be developed to power longer flights. While the world waits, he said cheaper short-haul flights powered by electricity could transform the way people connect and where they work. "If people are willing to drive an hour to work, why not fly 15 minutes to work?" he said.

First commercial electric plane takes flight in Canada

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-trudeau-and-enrique-pena-sign-mexico-canada-agreement-replace-nafta-180510">United States, Mexico and Canada</a> signed a deal Tuesday to finalize their new trade agreement, paving the way to ratification after more than two years of arduous negotiations.

However, the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in the US Senate would likely delay Congressional ratification of the agreement until next year, said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

In reality, it is the second time the three countries have triumphantly announced the conclusion of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the deal meant to replace the 25-year-old NAFTA, which President Donald Trump complains has been "a disaster" for the US.

First signed in November 2018, USMCA got bogged down in political complications, particularly in the United States, where opposition Democrats questioned whether it would really force Mexico to deliver on labour reforms meant to level the playing field between Mexican and American workers.

But another year of talks produced a series of additions — notably including tougher enforcement of labour provisions — that won the blessing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the key Democrat needed to move the agreement forward, as well as the largest US labour federation, the AFL-CIO.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who presided over the signing ceremony, said the deal "will benefit both Mexican and American workers." He hailed it as a "driver of growth" for all three countries' economies.

"Some people thought it was impossible to reach this deal. Some people thought we wouldn't be able to agree on anything (with Trump). But look what we've done," said the leftist leader.

From 'worst' to 'best'

The final deal, which must now be ratified in all three countries' legislatures, will replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, the historic pact that erased nearly all tariffs across the region, deeply integrated its economies and helped turn Mexico into an export powerhouse.

Under NAFTA, the region -- which represents close to 30 per cent of the global economy and is home to nearly 500 million people -- did $1.2 trillion in trade last year.

But Trump bashed NAFTA as "the worst trade deal in the history of the country," blaming it for shipping American jobs south of the border.

He insisted on overhauling it -- a long, fraught process that kicked off in August 2017, and which produced what Trump swaggeringly tweeted "will be the best and most important trade deal ever made by the USA."

Analysts say USMCA is similar to NAFTA in many respects, but there is improved access for US agricultural goods, including dairy products, which Canada, in particular, had tried to limit.

It includes rules designed to improve US auto workers' competitiveness, requiring 40 per cent of each duty-free car to be made by people earning at least $16 an hour.

Besides labour enforcement rules, the additions signed Tuesday include tougher measures to monitor environmental provisions and remove the requirement for the countries to provide at least 10 years of exclusivity for biologic drugs, which blocks cheaper generic versions.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer signed the annexe to the deal in Mexico City along with Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Mexico's top negotiator on the accord, Jesus Seade.

Senior Trump advisor Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law, also attended.

"It's nothing short of a miracle that we have all come together," Lighthizer said.

"We have accomplished this together at a moment when around the world it is increasingly difficult to get trade deals done," said Freeland.

Down to the wire

The path to ratification now looks clear in all three countries.

Pelosi — acutely aware of the need to win back blue-collar voters the Democrats lost to Trump in 2016 — sought to claim victory over the president by calling the final deal "infinitely better than what was initially proposed by the administration."

USMCA's fate had looked precarious in recent weeks.

Lopez Obrador firmly rejected the initial US proposal for labour inspections, and the deal seemed likely to get mixed up in Trump's impeachment drama and 2020 re-election bid.

Mexico emphasized that there would be no American "inspectors" visiting Mexican factories or businesses, but rather panels of "independent labour experts" which Mexico would help to choose.

The United States, Mexico and Canada signed a deal Tuesday to finalize their new trade agreement, paving the way to ratification after more than two years of arduous negotiations.

The United States, Mexico and Canada signed a deal Tuesday to finalize their new trade agreement, paving the way to ratification after more than two years of arduous negotiations. However, the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in the US Senate would likely delay Congressional ratification of the agreement until next year, said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. In reality, it is the second time the three countries have triumphantly announced the conclusion of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the deal meant to replace the 25-year-old NAFTA, which President Donald Trump complains has been "a disaster" for the US. First signed in November 2018, USMCA got bogged down in political complications, particularly in the United States, where opposition Democrats questioned whether it would really force Mexico to deliver on labour reforms meant to level the playing field between Mexican and American workers. But another year of talks produced a series of additions — notably including tougher enforcement of labour provisions — that won the blessing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the key Democrat needed to move the agreement forward, as well as the largest US labour federation, the AFL-CIO. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who presided over the signing ceremony, said the deal "will benefit both Mexican and American workers." He hailed it as a "driver of growth" for all three countries' economies. "Some people thought it was impossible to reach this deal. Some people thought we wouldn't be able to agree on anything (with Trump). But look what we've done," said the leftist leader. From 'worst' to 'best' The final deal, which must now be ratified in all three countries' legislatures, will replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, the historic pact that erased nearly all tariffs across the region, deeply integrated its economies and helped turn Mexico into an export powerhouse. Under NAFTA, the region -- which represents close to 30 per cent of the global economy and is home to nearly 500 million people -- did $1.2 trillion in trade last year. But Trump bashed NAFTA as "the worst trade deal in the history of the country," blaming it for shipping American jobs south of the border. He insisted on overhauling it -- a long, fraught process that kicked off in August 2017, and which produced what Trump swaggeringly tweeted "will be the best and most important trade deal ever made by the USA." Analysts say USMCA is similar to NAFTA in many respects, but there is improved access for US agricultural goods, including dairy products, which Canada, in particular, had tried to limit. It includes rules designed to improve US auto workers' competitiveness, requiring 40 per cent of each duty-free car to be made by people earning at least $16 an hour. Besides labour enforcement rules, the additions signed Tuesday include tougher measures to monitor environmental provisions and remove the requirement for the countries to provide at least 10 years of exclusivity for biologic drugs, which blocks cheaper generic versions. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer signed the annexe to the deal in Mexico City along with Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Mexico's top negotiator on the accord, Jesus Seade. Senior Trump advisor Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law, also attended. "It's nothing short of a miracle that we have all come together," Lighthizer said. "We have accomplished this together at a moment when around the world it is increasingly difficult to get trade deals done," said Freeland. Down to the wire The path to ratification now looks clear in all three countries. Pelosi — acutely aware of the need to win back blue-collar voters the Democrats lost to Trump in 2016 — sought to claim victory over the president by calling the final deal "infinitely better than what was initially proposed by the administration." USMCA's fate had looked precarious in recent weeks. Lopez Obrador firmly rejected the initial US proposal for labour inspections, and the deal seemed likely to get mixed up in Trump's impeachment drama and 2020 re-election bid. Mexico emphasized that there would be no American "inspectors" visiting Mexican factories or businesses, but rather panels of "independent labour experts" which Mexico would help to choose.

United States, Mexico, Canada sign deal finalizing USMCA trade pact

After the initial euphoria had subsided,&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;business leaders emerged bruised and resigned to a new stricter&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with the United States and Canada that could usher in more intrusive enforcement of labor rules in Mexico.

Moises Kalach, a leader of the CCE business lobby, which represented Mexico's private sector in the negotiation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usmca-united-states-mexico-and-canada-finalize-new-trade-agreement-267552">US-Mexico-Canada Agreement </a>(USMCA) that will replace the 1994 North American Free&nbsp;Trade&nbsp;Agreement (NAFTA), said that&nbsp;businesses&nbsp;felt sidelined.

"We would have liked to have been (in the negotiations) more to give our opinion more. This is the reality, we participated but not as much as we would have liked," said Kalach.

USMCA&nbsp;was signed more than a year ago to replace NAFTA, but Democrats controlling the US&nbsp;House of Representatives insisted on major changes to labor and environmental enforcement before bringing it to a vote.

In an unusual display of bipartisan and cross-border cooperation in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-in-the-trump-era-the-eu-needs-to-rethink-its-approach-to-liberal-order-160809">Trump era</a> of global&nbsp;trade&nbsp;conflicts, top officials from Canada, Mexico, and the United States on Tuesday signed a fresh overhaul of the quarter-century-old&nbsp;trade&nbsp;pact.

Some&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;business groups bemoaned a lack of&nbsp;clarity&nbsp;and conflicting information on how the rules would actually be enforced under the&nbsp;deal, the text of which has not been made public.

Gustavo Hoyos, president of employers federation Coparmex and a vocal critic of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-victim-of-coup-mexican-president-amlo-265630">Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador,</a> said: "up to now virtually no one but government officials have seen the&nbsp;deal's fine print". He called the government "a bad negotiator."

Others were more positive.

"There were many things we would have liked to have seen but in general we can say this&nbsp;deal&nbsp;is very beneficial for Mexico, it will bring investment to the country and I have no doubt will make the North American region more competitive," said Antonio del Valle, head of the&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;Business Council.

The&nbsp;deal&nbsp;included a new mechanism under which the United States and Canada can create panels of labor experts to investigate union complaints at&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;factories.

The experts&nbsp;will be able to penalize goods and services exported from that plant if violations of the freedom to organize or collectively bargain are detected, Canada and the US&nbsp;House Ways and Means Committee said.

Mexico's chief negotiator Jesus Seade sought to play down&nbsp;the impact of such "rapid panels," saying he had fended off US&nbsp;union demands to place foreign labor inspectors in&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;factories.

The rapid panels would be formed after three months and only in response to repeated complaints and they would be selected from a roster of experts, including one from each country involved in the dispute and one chosen by a third party, Seade said.

The&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;official denied there would be anything like foreign labor inspectors in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-business-as-usual-at-mexicos-southern-border-despite-trump-deal-225581">Mexico</a>.

Canada said that, under the new&nbsp;deal, the burden of proof has been reversed, in that failure to comply with an obligation in the chapter is now presumed to be "in a manner affecting&nbsp;trade&nbsp;or investment between the parties," unless the defending party can demonstrate otherwise.

"If I'm reading this correctly now the country defending itself is guilty until proven otherwise," said a former senior&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;USMCA&nbsp;negotiator.

"This can become an incentive to block&nbsp;trade&nbsp;you just gave the US&nbsp;an instrument to impose tariffs and close markets because it is going to be accusing you of not complying with your labor standards."

Duncan Wood, director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute in Washington, said: "that while the word 'inspections' has been avoided, 'facility-based enforcement' and in-country 'labor attaches' will raise the specter of foreign interference for some in Mexico."

&nbsp;

After the initial euphoria had subsided, Mexican business leaders emerged bruised and resigned to a new stricter trade deal with the United States and Canada that could usher in more intrusive enforcement of labor rules in Mexico.

After the initial euphoria had subsided, Mexican business leaders emerged bruised and resigned to a new stricter trade deal with the United States and Canada that could usher in more intrusive enforcement of labor rules in Mexico. Moises Kalach, a leader of the CCE business lobby, which represented Mexico's private sector in the negotiation of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that will replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), said that businesses felt sidelined. "We would have liked to have been (in the negotiations) more to give our opinion more. This is the reality, we participated but not as much as we would have liked," said Kalach. USMCA was signed more than a year ago to replace NAFTA, but Democrats controlling the US House of Representatives insisted on major changes to labor and environmental enforcement before bringing it to a vote. In an unusual display of bipartisan and cross-border cooperation in the Trump era of global trade conflicts, top officials from Canada, Mexico, and the United States on Tuesday signed a fresh overhaul of the quarter-century-old trade pact. Some Mexican business groups bemoaned a lack of clarity and conflicting information on how the rules would actually be enforced under the deal, the text of which has not been made public. Gustavo Hoyos, president of employers federation Coparmex and a vocal critic of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, said: "up to now virtually no one but government officials have seen the deal's fine print". He called the government "a bad negotiator." Others were more positive. "There were many things we would have liked to have seen but in general we can say this deal is very beneficial for Mexico, it will bring investment to the country and I have no doubt will make the North American region more competitive," said Antonio del Valle, head of the Mexican Business Council. The deal included a new mechanism under which the United States and Canada can create panels of labor experts to investigate union complaints at Mexican factories. The experts will be able to penalize goods and services exported from that plant if violations of the freedom to organize or collectively bargain are detected, Canada and the US House Ways and Means Committee said. Mexico's chief negotiator Jesus Seade sought to play down the impact of such "rapid panels," saying he had fended off US union demands to place foreign labor inspectors in Mexican factories. The rapid panels would be formed after three months and only in response to repeated complaints and they would be selected from a roster of experts, including one from each country involved in the dispute and one chosen by a third party, Seade said. The Mexican official denied there would be anything like foreign labor inspectors in Mexico. Canada said that, under the new deal, the burden of proof has been reversed, in that failure to comply with an obligation in the chapter is now presumed to be "in a manner affecting trade or investment between the parties," unless the defending party can demonstrate otherwise. "If I'm reading this correctly now the country defending itself is guilty until proven otherwise," said a former senior Mexican USMCA negotiator. "This can become an incentive to block trade you just gave the US an instrument to impose tariffs and close markets because it is going to be accusing you of not complying with your labor standards." Duncan Wood, director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute in Washington, said: "that while the word 'inspections' has been avoided, 'facility-based enforcement' and in-country 'labor attaches' will raise the specter of foreign interference for some in Mexico."

Mexican businesses want clarity on details of USMCA trade deal

The United States, Mexico and Canada are set to sign an "initial deal" today finalising the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).

"There is an initial deal between the governments," the Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told his daily news conference. Negotiators from the three countries are going to meet in Mexico City.

Obrador was due to chair a meeting of top officials from the three countries at the presidential palace at 1800 GMT.

"Today it will be signed by... the three countries' negotiators", he added

The agreement, which was initially&nbsp;signed in November 2018, is meant to replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which President Donald Trump complains has been "a disaster" for the US.

Mexico is the only country to ratify it so far.

Opposition Democrats in Washington are urging for greater oversight of Mexican labour reforms under the new deal. These include wage hikes and increased unionisation.

(With inputs from AFP)

The United States, Mexico and Canada are set to sign an "initial deal" today finalising the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). "There is an initial deal between the governments," the Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told his daily news conference.

The United States, Mexico and Canada are set to sign an "initial deal" today finalising the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). "There is an initial deal between the governments," the Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told his daily news conference. Negotiators from the three countries are going to meet in Mexico City. Obrador was due to chair a meeting of top officials from the three countries at the presidential palace at 1800 GMT. "Today it will be signed by... the three countries' negotiators", he added The agreement, which was initially signed in November 2018, is meant to replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which President Donald Trump complains has been "a disaster" for the US. Mexico is the only country to ratify it so far. Opposition Democrats in Washington are urging for greater oversight of Mexican labour reforms under the new deal. These include wage hikes and increased unionisation. (With inputs from AFP)

United States, Mexico, Canada to sign deal finalising new trade agreement

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Canada lost 71,000 jobs in November, pushing its unemployment rate up to 5.9 percent -- its highest level in more than a year, according to government data released Friday.

The losses were reported across Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia, mostly in manufacturing, natural resources and public administration, and affecting men in the core working ages of 25 to 54 and women over 55 years, Statistics Canada said.

Compared with a year earlier employment was still up, with 293,000 mostly full-time jobs added over the period, the agency said.

CIBC analyst Royce Mendes, however, said the November labor market pullback was "more than a breather," describing the losses relatively as "an apparent massive decline in employment."

Most recent indicators have heralded a slowing of the economy in the approach to the end of 2019.

The Bank of Canada on Wednesday signaled cautious optimism that global growth -- crucial for Canada's large export sectors -- is set to rebound and recession fears are "waning."

But Mendes said the weak job numbers "could have the Bank of Canada rethinking its on-hold (interest rate) stance if it were to continue."

Canada lost 71,000 jobs in November, pushing its unemployment rate up to 5.9 percent -- its highest level in more than a year, according to government data released Friday.

Canada lost 71,000 jobs in November, pushing its unemployment rate up to 5.9 percent -- its highest level in more than a year, according to government data released Friday. The losses were reported across Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia, mostly in manufacturing, natural resources and public administration, and affecting men in the core working ages of 25 to 54 and women over 55 years, Statistics Canada said. Compared with a year earlier employment was still up, with 293,000 mostly full-time jobs added over the period, the agency said. CIBC analyst Royce Mendes, however, said the November labor market pullback was "more than a breather," describing the losses relatively as "an apparent massive decline in employment." Most recent indicators have heralded a slowing of the economy in the approach to the end of 2019. The Bank of Canada on Wednesday signaled cautious optimism that global growth -- crucial for Canada's large export sectors -- is set to rebound and recession fears are "waning." But Mendes said the weak job numbers "could have the Bank of Canada rethinking its on-hold (interest rate) stance if it were to continue."

Canada sheds 71,000 jobs in November

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was filmed at a Buckingham Palace reception on Tuesday evening describing how surprised US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-china-says-no-time-limit-on-trade-deal-with-us-266194">Donald Trump</a>'s team appeared to be by his performance at a press conference.

Earlier on Tuesday Trump had addressed issues ranging from NATO to North Korea and trade to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-according-to-call-records-nunes-had-frequent-contact-with-giuliani-266054">impeachment</a> proceedings at two long question-and-answer sessions with reporters, first alongside <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cool-it-france-and-germany-to-tell-trump-at-nato-talks-266086">NATO</a> Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and then with French President Emmanuel Macron.

At one, he described earlier comments by Macron as "very nasty".

The later conversation at the reception between Trudeau, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was recorded on video and snippets were audible. Queen Elizabeth's daughter Princess Anne was also there.

"Is that why you were late?" Johnson asked Macron.

"...It was like a 40-minute press conference," Trudeau said. "Yeah, yeah, yeah! Forty minutes."

Other words were exchanged but could not be heard, before Trudeau added: "I just watched his team's jaws drop to the floor."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was filmed at a Buckingham Palace reception on Tuesday evening describing how surprised US President Donald Trump's team appeared to be by his performance at a press conference.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was filmed at a Buckingham Palace reception on Tuesday evening describing how surprised US President Donald Trump's team appeared to be by his performance at a press conference. Earlier on Tuesday Trump had addressed issues ranging from NATO to North Korea and trade to impeachment proceedings at two long question-and-answer sessions with reporters, first alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and then with French President Emmanuel Macron. At one, he described earlier comments by Macron as "very nasty". The later conversation at the reception between Trudeau, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was recorded on video and snippets were audible. Queen Elizabeth's daughter Princess Anne was also there. "Is that why you were late?" Johnson asked Macron. "...It was like a 40-minute press conference," Trudeau said. "Yeah, yeah, yeah! Forty minutes." Other words were exchanged but could not be heard, before Trudeau added: "I just watched his team's jaws drop to the floor."

Trudeau says 'jaws drop to the floor' during Trump remarks

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