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

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

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence and said that Canada is 'heartbroken' at the situation the Afghan people find themselves in today. He also added that Canada remains committed to the Afghan people and to the country.

Canada ‘heartbroken’ over situation in Afghanistan says Justin Trudeau

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce Snap Polls barely 2 years after the country held its last general election. Why does Trudeau want mid-term polls? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Why is Trudeau pushing for mid-term polls?

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a snap election for Sept. 20 to seek voter approval for the government's costly plans to combat COVID-19, four sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Trudeau is set to make the announcement on Sunday, said the sources, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. Trudeau aides have said for months that the ruling Liberals would push for a vote before the end of 2021, two years ahead of schedule.

Trudeau only has a minority government and relies on other parties to push through legislation. In recent months he has complained about what he calls opposition obstruction.

The Liberals racked up record levels of debt as they spent heavily to shield individuals and businesses from COVID-19. They plan to inject an extra C$100 billion ($80 billion) - between 3 per cent and 4 per cent of GDP - into the economy over the next three years.

Trudeau came to power in 2015 with a majority of the 338 seats in the House of Commons, but in 2019 he was reduced to a minority after old photos emerged of him wearing blackface.

"Circumstances have changed massively since 2019. We need to know whether Canadians support our plans for economic recovery," said one of the sources.

Growth is set to rebound in the third quarter and Canada currently has one of the world's best inoculation records.

Liberals acknowledge a call for an election now would be a gamble, given that recent opinion polls suggest the party is not yet guaranteed a majority and the risk posed by a fourth wave of COVID-19, which has already started.

Chief Public Health Officer Teresa Tam on Thursday reported a strong resurgence in cases of COVID-19. The number of people being treated in hospital has risen by 12 per cent compared to last week, she told a briefing.

"After several months of declining severity trends, we are now seeing early signs of increase in severe illness," she said. "Fortunately, the number of deaths remains low."

The official opposition Conservatives, Trudeau's main rivals, say his spending is excessive and will leave future generations hobbled by debt.

That said, a survey by Abacus on Thursday put the Liberals at 37 per cent and the Conservatives at 28 per cent.

The online poll of 3,000 people, conducted between Aug. 6 and 11, suggests Trudeau could well regain control of the House of Commons. The Liberals currently hold 155 of the 338 seats.

To formally launch the campaign Trudeau will need to visit Governor General Mary Simon, the personal representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth, to ask that Parliament be dissolved.

That visit is currently planned for Sunday morning, the sources said. Constitutional experts say Simon will agree to the request.

The Liberal party did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a snap election for Sept. 20 to seek voter approval for the government's costly plans to combat COVID-19, four sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a snap election for Sept. 20 to seek voter approval for the government's costly plans to combat COVID-19, four sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Trudeau is set to make the announcement on Sunday, said the sources, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. Trudeau aides have said for months that the ruling Liberals would push for a vote before the end of 2021, two years ahead of schedule. Trudeau only has a minority government and relies on other parties to push through legislation. In recent months he has complained about what he calls opposition obstruction. The Liberals racked up record levels of debt as they spent heavily to shield individuals and businesses from COVID-19. They plan to inject an extra C$100 billion ($80 billion) - between 3 per cent and 4 per cent of GDP - into the economy over the next three years. Trudeau came to power in 2015 with a majority of the 338 seats in the House of Commons, but in 2019 he was reduced to a minority after old photos emerged of him wearing blackface. "Circumstances have changed massively since 2019. We need to know whether Canadians support our plans for economic recovery," said one of the sources. Growth is set to rebound in the third quarter and Canada currently has one of the world's best inoculation records. Liberals acknowledge a call for an election now would be a gamble, given that recent opinion polls suggest the party is not yet guaranteed a majority and the risk posed by a fourth wave of COVID-19, which has already started. Chief Public Health Officer Teresa Tam on Thursday reported a strong resurgence in cases of COVID-19. The number of people being treated in hospital has risen by 12 per cent compared to last week, she told a briefing. "After several months of declining severity trends, we are now seeing early signs of increase in severe illness," she said. "Fortunately, the number of deaths remains low." The official opposition Conservatives, Trudeau's main rivals, say his spending is excessive and will leave future generations hobbled by debt. That said, a survey by Abacus on Thursday put the Liberals at 37 per cent and the Conservatives at 28 per cent. The online poll of 3,000 people, conducted between Aug. 6 and 11, suggests Trudeau could well regain control of the House of Commons. The Liberals currently hold 155 of the 338 seats. To formally launch the campaign Trudeau will need to visit Governor General Mary Simon, the personal representative of head of state Queen Elizabeth, to ask that Parliament be dissolved. That visit is currently planned for Sunday morning, the sources said. Constitutional experts say Simon will agree to the request. The Liberal party did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Canada PM Trudeau planning snap election, seeks approval for COVID response: Sources

Prime Minister Justin&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;condemned the jailing of Canadian businessman Michael Spavor in China on Wednesday as "unacceptable and unjust."

"The verdict for Mr Spavor comes after more than two-and-a-half years of arbitrary detention, a lack of transparency in the legal process, and a trial that did not satisfy even the minimum standards required by international law,"&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;said in a statement after a Chinese court sentenced Spavor to 11 years in prison.

Trudeau called for the release of Spavor, and former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, who is awaiting a verdict in his espionage case.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-court-sentences-canadian-michael-spavor-to-eleven-years-in-espionage-case-404568">Chinese court sentences Canadian Spavor to eleven years in espionage case</a>

The United States embassy in Beijing also condemned the sentencing in a statement, saying that proceedings against Spavor and another Canadian charged with espionage were an attempt to "use human beings as bargaining leverage".

China detained both Spavor and Kovrig in late 2018, just days after Canada arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou at Vancouver International Airport on a warrant from the United States.

Canada's ambassador to China, Dominic Barton, who visited Spavor at a detention centre in northeastern China following the verdict, said Spavor had three messages that he asked to be shared with the outside world: "Thank you for all your support", "I am in good spirits," and "I want to get home."

"While we disagree with the charges, we realise that this is the next step in the process to bring Michael home and we will continue to support him through this challenging time," the Spavor family said in a statement.

Noting the presence of diplomats from 25 countries gathered at the Canadian embassy, Barton said that "our collective presence and voice sends a strong signal to China and the Chinese government in particular, that all the eyes of the world are watching."

The Dandong Intermediate Court also said 50,000 yuan of Spavor's personal assets will be confiscated. He will be deported on completion of his sentence, Barton said.

The potential sentence ranged from 5 to 20 years.

China detained Spavor in December 2018 and he was charged with espionage in June 2019. The Dandong court concluded a one-day trial in March 2021 and waited till Wednesday to announce the verdict.

Spavor's family said in March the charges against him are vague and have not been made public, and that he has had “very limited access and interaction with his retained Chinese defense counsel”.

Kovrig's espionage trial concluded in March with the verdict to be announced at an unspecified date.

Some observers have said convictions of the two Canadians could ultimately facilitate an agreement in which they are released and sent back to Canada.

China has a conviction rate of well over 99%, and public and media access to trials in sensitive cases is typically limited.

Since Meng's arrest, China has sentenced four Canadians to death over drug charges. They are Robert Schellenberg, Fan Wei, Ye Jianhui and Xu Weihong.

China has rejected the suggestion that the cases of the Canadians in China are linked to Meng's case in Canada though Beijing has warned of unspecified consequences unless Meng was released.

Meng was charged with misleading HSBC Holdings PLC about Huawei's business dealings in Iran, potentially causing the bank to violate American economic sanctions against Tehran.

Meng, who has said she is innocent, has been fighting her extradition from under house arrest in Vancouver.

Her extradition hearings in Canada are currently in their last few weeks ahead of a ruling from the judge, expected sometime in the next few months, before Canada’s justice minister makes a final decision on whether to extradite her.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the jailing of Canadian businessman Michael Spavor in China on Wednesday as "unacceptable and unjust." "The verdict for Mr Spavor comes after more than two-and-a-half years of arbitrary detention, a lack of transparency in the legal process, and a trial that did not satisfy even the minimum standards required by international law," Trudeau said in a statement after a Chinese court sentenced Spavor to 11 years in prison.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the jailing of Canadian businessman Michael Spavor in China on Wednesday as "unacceptable and unjust." "The verdict for Mr Spavor comes after more than two-and-a-half years of arbitrary detention, a lack of transparency in the legal process, and a trial that did not satisfy even the minimum standards required by international law," Trudeau said in a statement after a Chinese court sentenced Spavor to 11 years in prison. Trudeau called for the release of Spavor, and former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, who is awaiting a verdict in his espionage case. Also read | Chinese court sentences Canadian Spavor to eleven years in espionage case The United States embassy in Beijing also condemned the sentencing in a statement, saying that proceedings against Spavor and another Canadian charged with espionage were an attempt to "use human beings as bargaining leverage". China detained both Spavor and Kovrig in late 2018, just days after Canada arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou at Vancouver International Airport on a warrant from the United States. Canada's ambassador to China, Dominic Barton, who visited Spavor at a detention centre in northeastern China following the verdict, said Spavor had three messages that he asked to be shared with the outside world: "Thank you for all your support", "I am in good spirits," and "I want to get home." "While we disagree with the charges, we realise that this is the next step in the process to bring Michael home and we will continue to support him through this challenging time," the Spavor family said in a statement. Noting the presence of diplomats from 25 countries gathered at the Canadian embassy, Barton said that "our collective presence and voice sends a strong signal to China and the Chinese government in particular, that all the eyes of the world are watching." The Dandong Intermediate Court also said 50,000 yuan of Spavor's personal assets will be confiscated. He will be deported on completion of his sentence, Barton said. The potential sentence ranged from 5 to 20 years. China detained Spavor in December 2018 and he was charged with espionage in June 2019. The Dandong court concluded a one-day trial in March 2021 and waited till Wednesday to announce the verdict. Spavor's family said in March the charges against him are vague and have not been made public, and that he has had “very limited access and interaction with his retained Chinese defense counsel”. Kovrig's espionage trial concluded in March with the verdict to be announced at an unspecified date. Some observers have said convictions of the two Canadians could ultimately facilitate an agreement in which they are released and sent back to Canada. China has a conviction rate of well over 99%, and public and media access to trials in sensitive cases is typically limited. Since Meng's arrest, China has sentenced four Canadians to death over drug charges. They are Robert Schellenberg, Fan Wei, Ye Jianhui and Xu Weihong. China has rejected the suggestion that the cases of the Canadians in China are linked to Meng's case in Canada though Beijing has warned of unspecified consequences unless Meng was released. Meng was charged with misleading HSBC Holdings PLC about Huawei's business dealings in Iran, potentially causing the bank to violate American economic sanctions against Tehran. Meng, who has said she is innocent, has been fighting her extradition from under house arrest in Vancouver. Her extradition hearings in Canada are currently in their last few weeks ahead of a ruling from the judge, expected sometime in the next few months, before Canada’s justice minister makes a final decision on whether to extradite her.

'Unacceptable and unjust': Justin Trudeau slams China's jail sentence for Canadian Michael Spavor

After New York, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also suggested making <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> compulsory for government employees.

His worries have come at a time when the Canada is bracing itself for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=1">Covid surge</a> due to the Delta variant. "We need to get vaccinated to get through this pandemic, particularly with all the real concerns around the Delta variant we are facing that is striking hardest, obviously, in under-vaccinated and non-vaccinated people," Trudeau said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-germany-and-israel-france-announces-plans-for-booster-shots-despite-whos-warning-403134" hreflang="en">After Germany and Israel, France announces plans for booster shots despite WHO's warning</a>

He also added that the government is focusing on government-regulated workplaces to encourage employees to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. If the vaccines are made compulsory, it would lead to nearly 1.3 million government employees getting vaccinated.

Voicing his concern about the danger posed by the Delta variant, Trudeau warned locals that getting vaccinated is “no longer a matter of individual choice”. He stressed that is for the betterment and protection of the "community and our children who haven’t had the opportunity to be vaccinated".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-confusion-cnn-fires-three-employees-for-coming-to-work-unvaccinated-403355" hreflang="en">'No confusion': CNN fires three employees for coming to work unvaccinated</a>

As of now, nearly 65 per cent of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated and almost 80 per cent of the eligible population has received the first dose of the vaccine.

Meanwhile, the province of Quebec has decided to rollout 'vaccine passports' which will bring in the vaccine mandate that suggests that all non-essential public spaces such as gyms, restaurants, clubs etc will be available only to those who have been fully vaccinated.

Trudeau has lent support to this move by the government of Quebec.

After New York, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also suggested making coronavirus vaccines compulsory for government employees. His worries have come at a time when the Canada is bracing itself for a Covid surge due to the Delta variant.

After New York, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also suggested making coronavirus vaccines compulsory for government employees. His worries have come at a time when the Canada is bracing itself for a Covid surge due to the Delta variant. "We need to get vaccinated to get through this pandemic, particularly with all the real concerns around the Delta variant we are facing that is striking hardest, obviously, in under-vaccinated and non-vaccinated people," Trudeau said. Also read | After Germany and Israel, France announces plans for booster shots despite WHO's warning He also added that the government is focusing on government-regulated workplaces to encourage employees to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. If the vaccines are made compulsory, it would lead to nearly 1.3 million government employees getting vaccinated. Voicing his concern about the danger posed by the Delta variant, Trudeau warned locals that getting vaccinated is “no longer a matter of individual choice”. He stressed that is for the betterment and protection of the "community and our children who haven’t had the opportunity to be vaccinated". Also read | 'No confusion': CNN fires three employees for coming to work unvaccinated As of now, nearly 65 per cent of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated and almost 80 per cent of the eligible population has received the first dose of the vaccine. Meanwhile, the province of Quebec has decided to rollout 'vaccine passports' which will bring in the vaccine mandate that suggests that all non-essential public spaces such as gyms, restaurants, clubs etc will be available only to those who have been fully vaccinated. Trudeau has lent support to this move by the government of Quebec.

Canada's Justin Trudeau suggests compulsory Covid vaccine for government employees

Cops in Toronto thrashed homeless people camping in a public park and arrested protesters who supported them. Despite his record of commenting on protests all over the world, PM Justin Trudeau is yet to condemn what happened in Toronto.

Gravitas: Canadian cops thrash the homeless, Trudeau silent

Canada&nbsp;may permit fully vaccinated travellers into the country by early September, the country's prime minister said on Thursday, if the current trend in vaccination rate and public health conditions continue.

Justin Trudeau made the remarks in a call with Canadian provincial leaders, according to a readout of the call released by his office.

Trudeau also said there were ongoing discussions with the United States to begin allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;for non-essential travel by mid-August.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extreme-wildfires-and-heavy-smoke-grip-western-us-and-canada-398384">Also read |&nbsp;'Extreme' wildfires and heavy smoke grip western US and Canada</a>

"The Prime Minister noted that, if our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue,&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travellers from all countries by early September," according to a statement.

Some 78% of people aged 12 years or older in&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, health officials said recently. About 44% of people 12 years or older are fully vaccinated.

Earlier on Thursday,&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;said it will allow large cruiseships to visit once again starting in November as the COVID-19pandemic fades, but they must fully comply with public healthrequirements.

Canada may permit fully vaccinated travellers into the country by early September, the country's prime minister said on Thursday, if the current trend in vaccination rate and public health conditions continue.

Canada may permit fully vaccinated travellers into the country by early September, the country's prime minister said on Thursday, if the current trend in vaccination rate and public health conditions continue. Justin Trudeau made the remarks in a call with Canadian provincial leaders, according to a readout of the call released by his office. Trudeau also said there were ongoing discussions with the United States to begin allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada for non-essential travel by mid-August. Also read | 'Extreme' wildfires and heavy smoke grip western US and Canada "The Prime Minister noted that, if our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travellers from all countries by early September," according to a statement. Some 78% of people aged 12 years or older in Canada have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, health officials said recently. About 44% of people 12 years or older are fully vaccinated. Earlier on Thursday, Canada said it will allow large cruiseships to visit once again starting in November as the COVID-19pandemic fades, but they must fully comply with public healthrequirements.

Canada may allow fully vaccinated travellers by early September, says Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Canada’s first Indigenous governor-general on Tuesday, a move with wide symbolic resonance as the country seeks to reconcile with its Indigenous population after decades of systemic mistreatment.

The appointee, Mary Simon, a diplomat and leading Indigenous rights advocate, will represent Queen Elizabeth II as Canada’s official head of state. While the role is largely ceremonial, it is high profile; the governor-general is the crown’s representative in Canada’s system of constitutional monarchy.

“Today after 154 years, our country takes a historic step,” Trudeau said while announcing the appointment at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. “I cannot think of a better person to meet the moment.”

Simon, an Inuk from Kuujjuaq, a village in northeastern Quebec, said Tuesday that her appointment would help engender reconciliation.

“I can confidently say that my appointment is a historic and inspirational moment for Canada and an important step forward,” she said, adding that it “comes at an especially reflective and dynamic time in our shared history.”

Simon, who was Canada’s ambassador to Denmark, will take on her new role as Canada is having a national reckoning after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked Indigenous graves, many of them children, who attended church-run schools in British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unstoppable-182-unmarked-graves-found-at-third-canadian-school-395019">'Unstoppable': 182 unmarked graves found at third Canadian school</a>

The finding of the graves has spurred national soul searching about the country’s discrimination against Indigenous people, who for decades have been forced to grapple with racism, and inadequate access to health and economic opportunities.

Simon’s appointment reflects two critical policy priorities of Trudeau — reconciling with Indigenous people and promoting women’s rights. But Indigenous groups have criticized him for failing to live up to his lofty promises.

In February 2019, Jody Wilson-Raybould, Canada’s first Indigenous justice minister, resigned from Trudeau’s Cabinet in the midst of a controversy over how to handle a corruption case, after being moved from that post to Minister of Veterans Affairs, widely considered less influential. At the time, Indigenous groups said Trudeau’s treatment of her raised questions about his commitment to righting past injustices.

Indigenous leaders praised Simon as a skilled diplomat who was well placed to champion Indigenous concerns and mediate between the country’s disparate groups.

“Mary is a diplomat, an advocate and a strong Inuk Woman,” Perry Bellegarde, the president of the Assembly of First Nations, a national organization representing Indigenous people, wrote on Twitter.

The Native Women’s Association of Canada said it was proud to have an Inuit in such a prominent representative role, but cautioned that Simon was “being asked to serve the senior role in what is still a colonial system of governance.”

It called for the Canadian government to reexamine who was leading Canadian ministries dealing with Indigenous issues and services.

While leaders across the political spectrum applauded her appointment as an important moment for Indigenous rights, Simon’s lack of fluent French, one of Canada’s official languages, was noted by some media in her native Quebec. She spoke on Tuesday in English and Inuktitut, reading a couple of sentences in French.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-shaken-by-discovery-of-751-unmarked-graves-393853/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the speech, she herself acknowledged her lack of fluency in French, which she said was due to the lack of French education at her school. She said she would continue studying French and planned to conduct the business of the governor-general in both English and French, as well as Inuktitut, one of many Indigenous languages spoken across the country.

Simon said she had been deeply formed by her Indigenous upbringing.

“I spent my adolescence in Nunavik, living a very traditional lifestyle,” she said, referring to an area in northern Quebec. “Many months out of the year, we camped and lived on the land,” she said, adding that she maintained “an active connection with our Inuit heritage and language.”

She credited her grandmother and mother for being role models, instilling in her an abiding desire to learn and a commitment to give back to the community. “They also taught me to always be proud of who I am, and to keep my mind open to other points of view,” she said.

Simon began her career in the 1970s as a broadcaster for the CBC, Canada’s national broadcaster, before attaining several leadership positions in Indigenous organizations.

She helped broker a landmark land claim settlement in 1975 between the Cree and Inuit community in Quebec’s north and the Quebec government. She has also been president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, an organization championing Inuit rights.

In 1994, she was Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs, defending Canadian interests in its sprawling Arctic territory, home to more than 200,000 inhabitants, more than half of whom are Indigenous. She became the first Inuk to hold an ambassadorial position.

Her appointment as governor-general comes after the resignation of Julie Payette, who stepped down in January after months of media reports that she and a top adviser had belittled and publicly humiliated employees, often reducing them to tears. In response, the government commissioned an independent review that several Canadian news outlets said had blamed her for fomenting a toxic work environment.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Canada’s first Indigenous governor-general on Tuesday, a move with wide symbolic resonance as the country seeks to reconcile with its Indigenous population after decades of systemic mistreatment.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Canada’s first Indigenous governor-general on Tuesday, a move with wide symbolic resonance as the country seeks to reconcile with its Indigenous population after decades of systemic mistreatment. The appointee, Mary Simon, a diplomat and leading Indigenous rights advocate, will represent Queen Elizabeth II as Canada’s official head of state. While the role is largely ceremonial, it is high profile; the governor-general is the crown’s representative in Canada’s system of constitutional monarchy. “Today after 154 years, our country takes a historic step,” Trudeau said while announcing the appointment at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. “I cannot think of a better person to meet the moment.” Simon, an Inuk from Kuujjuaq, a village in northeastern Quebec, said Tuesday that her appointment would help engender reconciliation. “I can confidently say that my appointment is a historic and inspirational moment for Canada and an important step forward,” she said, adding that it “comes at an especially reflective and dynamic time in our shared history.” Simon, who was Canada’s ambassador to Denmark, will take on her new role as Canada is having a national reckoning after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked Indigenous graves, many of them children, who attended church-run schools in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Also read | 'Unstoppable': 182 unmarked graves found at third Canadian school The finding of the graves has spurred national soul searching about the country’s discrimination against Indigenous people, who for decades have been forced to grapple with racism, and inadequate access to health and economic opportunities. Simon’s appointment reflects two critical policy priorities of Trudeau — reconciling with Indigenous people and promoting women’s rights. But Indigenous groups have criticized him for failing to live up to his lofty promises. In February 2019, Jody Wilson-Raybould, Canada’s first Indigenous justice minister, resigned from Trudeau’s Cabinet in the midst of a controversy over how to handle a corruption case, after being moved from that post to Minister of Veterans Affairs, widely considered less influential. At the time, Indigenous groups said Trudeau’s treatment of her raised questions about his commitment to righting past injustices. Indigenous leaders praised Simon as a skilled diplomat who was well placed to champion Indigenous concerns and mediate between the country’s disparate groups. “Mary is a diplomat, an advocate and a strong Inuk Woman,” Perry Bellegarde, the president of the Assembly of First Nations, a national organization representing Indigenous people, wrote on Twitter. The Native Women’s Association of Canada said it was proud to have an Inuit in such a prominent representative role, but cautioned that Simon was “being asked to serve the senior role in what is still a colonial system of governance.” It called for the Canadian government to reexamine who was leading Canadian ministries dealing with Indigenous issues and services. While leaders across the political spectrum applauded her appointment as an important moment for Indigenous rights, Simon’s lack of fluent French, one of Canada’s official languages, was noted by some media in her native Quebec. She spoke on Tuesday in English and Inuktitut, reading a couple of sentences in French. In the speech, she herself acknowledged her lack of fluency in French, which she said was due to the lack of French education at her school. She said she would continue studying French and planned to conduct the business of the governor-general in both English and French, as well as Inuktitut, one of many Indigenous languages spoken across the country. Simon said she had been deeply formed by her Indigenous upbringing. “I spent my adolescence in Nunavik, living a very traditional lifestyle,” she said, referring to an area in northern Quebec. “Many months out of the year, we camped and lived on the land,” she said, adding that she maintained “an active connection with our Inuit heritage and language.” She credited her grandmother and mother for being role models, instilling in her an abiding desire to learn and a commitment to give back to the community. “They also taught me to always be proud of who I am, and to keep my mind open to other points of view,” she said. Simon began her career in the 1970s as a broadcaster for the CBC, Canada’s national broadcaster, before attaining several leadership positions in Indigenous organizations. She helped broker a landmark land claim settlement in 1975 between the Cree and Inuit community in Quebec’s north and the Quebec government. She has also been president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, an organization championing Inuit rights. In 1994, she was Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs, defending Canadian interests in its sprawling Arctic territory, home to more than 200,000 inhabitants, more than half of whom are Indigenous. She became the first Inuk to hold an ambassadorial position. Her appointment as governor-general comes after the resignation of Julie Payette, who stepped down in January after months of media reports that she and a top adviser had belittled and publicly humiliated employees, often reducing them to tears. In response, the government commissioned an independent review that several Canadian news outlets said had blamed her for fomenting a toxic work environment.

Trudeau appoints Canada’s first indigenous governor general

The Canadian military was on standby Saturday to help evacuate towns and fight more than 170 wildfires fueled by a record-smashing heat wave and tinder-dry conditions as the government in Ottawa warned of a "long and challenging summer" ahead.

At least 174 fires were active in the western province of British Columbia, 78 of them sparked in the last two days, officials said. Most were caused by intense lightning storms.

The fires were north of the city of Kamloops, 350 kilometers (220 miles) northeast of Vancouver.

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"We saw 12,000 lightning strikes, roughly, yesterday," said Cliff Chapman, the director of provincial operations for British Columbia Wildfire Service, according to public broadcaster the CBC.

"Many of those lightning strikes were hitting near communities, (as) was seen in the Kamloops area."

While the immediate blame for the scorching heat has been placed on a high-pressure "heat dome" trapping warm air in the region, climate change is making record-setting temperatures more frequent.

Globally, the decade to 2019 was the hottest recorded, and the five hottest years on record have all occurred since 2012, according to climate.gov.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/fires-grip-california-tourist-spots-ahead-of-holiday-weekend-395517" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/fires-grip-california-tourist-spots-ahead-of-holiday-weekend-395517&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjitfLPw8jxAhU3zDgGHcr4CFQQFjADegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0U6K53BJxDxuhK2fhu9ojv" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fires-grip-california-tourist-spots-ahead-of-holiday-weekend-395517" target="_blank">Fires grip California tourist spots ahead of holiday weekend</a>

"The dry conditions and the extreme heat in British Columbia are unprecedented," Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said Friday. "These wildfires show that we are in the earliest stages of what promises to be a long and challenging summer."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met Friday with an incident response group that included several ministers, after earlier speaking with local, provincial and indigenous leaders.&nbsp;

"We will be there to help," he told reporters.

The response group said it would establish an operations center in Edmonton, with up to 350 military personnel providing logistical support to the region, according to Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan. Military aircraft are also being deployed.

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Roughly 1,000 people have fled the wildfires in British Columbia, with many others still missing.

The British Columbia medical examiner's office said there had been 719 deaths in the past week, "three times more" than the average number recorded over the period.

Lisa Lapointe, the province's chief coroner, said the extreme weather was likely "a significant contributing factor."

The village of Lytton, 250 kilometers (155 miles) northeast of Vancouver, was evacuated Wednesday after a fire flared up and spread quickly. Nearly 90 percent of the village was torched, according to Brad Vis, an MP for the area.

"We really just had to get out there and we had no choice," resident Gordon Murray told CBC.

"We grabbed the pets that we could find. We had to leave one behind. We grabbed our wallets and got in the car. We didn't have time for anything else."

On Tuesday, the village set a Canadian record of 49.6 degrees Celsius (121 degrees Fahrenheit).

Wide area affected

The heat wave continued to spread across central Canada on Saturday, also affecting the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as parts of the Northwest Territories and northern Ontario.

"A dangerous long-duration heat wave will continue," bringing "very warm temperatures over the next couple of days," Environment Canada warned in bulletins for British Columbia.

Lytton resident Jeff Chapman told the CBC he saw his parents die in the fire that engulfed the town.

With only minutes to react, the elderly couple sought shelter in a trench in their backyard, as Chapman ran for safety at nearby rail tracks. From that vantage, he said, he saw the fires sweep across and destroy most of the town.

British Columbia also warned of flooding from melting mountain snowcaps and glaciers.

Further south, the US states of Washington and Oregon have also suffered record temperatures.

The death toll in Oregon from heat-related causes has hit 94, the state's medical examiner said late Friday.

Three wildfires in drought-hit northern California have scorched nearly 40,000 acres (16,200 hectares), including a popular tourist lake preparing to welcome visitors for the July 4 holiday weekend. Evacuation orders were in place along stretches of Shasta Lake.

Around 40 structures were destroyed.

The Canadian military was on standby Saturday to help evacuate towns and fight more than 170 wildfires fueled by a record-smashing heat wave and tinder-dry conditions as the government in Ottawa warned of a "long and challenging summer" ahead.

The Canadian military was on standby Saturday to help evacuate towns and fight more than 170 wildfires fueled by a record-smashing heat wave and tinder-dry conditions as the government in Ottawa warned of a "long and challenging summer" ahead. At least 174 fires were active in the western province of British Columbia, 78 of them sparked in the last two days, officials said. Most were caused by intense lightning storms. The fires were north of the city of Kamloops, 350 kilometers (220 miles) northeast of Vancouver. Also read | Western Canada lightning strikes up tenfold, stoking fire "We saw 12,000 lightning strikes, roughly, yesterday," said Cliff Chapman, the director of provincial operations for British Columbia Wildfire Service, according to public broadcaster the CBC. "Many of those lightning strikes were hitting near communities, (as) was seen in the Kamloops area." While the immediate blame for the scorching heat has been placed on a high-pressure "heat dome" trapping warm air in the region, climate change is making record-setting temperatures more frequent. Globally, the decade to 2019 was the hottest recorded, and the five hottest years on record have all occurred since 2012, according to climate.gov. Also read | Fires grip California tourist spots ahead of holiday weekend "The dry conditions and the extreme heat in British Columbia are unprecedented," Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said Friday. "These wildfires show that we are in the earliest stages of what promises to be a long and challenging summer." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met Friday with an incident response group that included several ministers, after earlier speaking with local, provincial and indigenous leaders. "We will be there to help," he told reporters. The response group said it would establish an operations center in Edmonton, with up to 350 military personnel providing logistical support to the region, according to Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan. Military aircraft are also being deployed. Also read | Military put on standby to evacuate Canada's fire-threatened towns Roughly 1,000 people have fled the wildfires in British Columbia, with many others still missing. The British Columbia medical examiner's office said there had been 719 deaths in the past week, "three times more" than the average number recorded over the period. Lisa Lapointe, the province's chief coroner, said the extreme weather was likely "a significant contributing factor." The village of Lytton, 250 kilometers (155 miles) northeast of Vancouver, was evacuated Wednesday after a fire flared up and spread quickly. Nearly 90 percent of the village was torched, according to Brad Vis, an MP for the area. "We really just had to get out there and we had no choice," resident Gordon Murray told CBC. "We grabbed the pets that we could find. We had to leave one behind. We grabbed our wallets and got in the car. We didn't have time for anything else." On Tuesday, the village set a Canadian record of 49.6 degrees Celsius (121 degrees Fahrenheit). Wide area affected The heat wave continued to spread across central Canada on Saturday, also affecting the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as parts of the Northwest Territories and northern Ontario. "A dangerous long-duration heat wave will continue," bringing "very warm temperatures over the next couple of days," Environment Canada warned in bulletins for British Columbia. Lytton resident Jeff Chapman told the CBC he saw his parents die in the fire that engulfed the town. With only minutes to react, the elderly couple sought shelter in a trench in their backyard, as Chapman ran for safety at nearby rail tracks. From that vantage, he said, he saw the fires sweep across and destroy most of the town. British Columbia also warned of flooding from melting mountain snowcaps and glaciers. Further south, the US states of Washington and Oregon have also suffered record temperatures. The death toll in Oregon from heat-related causes has hit 94, the state's medical examiner said late Friday. Three wildfires in drought-hit northern California have scorched nearly 40,000 acres (16,200 hectares), including a popular tourist lake preparing to welcome visitors for the July 4 holiday weekend. Evacuation orders were in place along stretches of Shasta Lake. Around 40 structures were destroyed.

Canadian military on alert as wildfires rage

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is opting for Moderna vaccine as his second dose. For first dose, he had taken AstraZeneca vaccine. The decision has been taken just weeks after Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunisation (NACI) said that mRNA vaccines could be preferred for second dose even when AstraZeneca vaccine was used to give first dose.

Justin Trudeau was scheduled to receive the second dose on Friday in Ottawa. His wife will be vaccinated as well.

NACI has endorsed vaccine interchangeability. Under this, those who have taken first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine may opt for mRNA vaccines like those developed by Pfizer or Moderna.

Even Germany has recommended vaccine interchangeability. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has already received Moderna dose after taking AstraZeneca for the first dose.

On Friday, German Health Minister Jens Spahn held discussions with his colleagues from 16 German states. The discussions came a day after the country's standing committee on vaccination issued a draft recommendation

In a statement, the committee said that "according to current study results," the immune response from a mixture of AstraZeneca with an mRNA vaccine was "significantly superior" to that from two doses of AstraZeneca.

It recommended that the second dose with an mRNA vaccine &nbsp;"Germany uses those made by BioNTech-Pfizer and Moderna" be administered four weeks or more after the first AstraZeneca shot. That is much shorter than the nine to 12 weeks the committee recommends between two doses of AstraZeneca.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is opting for Moderna vaccine as his second dose. For first dose, he had taken AstraZeneca vaccine. The decision has been taken just weeks after Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunisation (NACI) said that mRNA vaccines could be preferred for second dose even when AstraZeneca vaccine was used to give first dose.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is opting for Moderna vaccine as his second dose. For first dose, he had taken AstraZeneca vaccine. The decision has been taken just weeks after Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunisation (NACI) said that mRNA vaccines could be preferred for second dose even when AstraZeneca vaccine was used to give first dose. Justin Trudeau was scheduled to receive the second dose on Friday in Ottawa. His wife will be vaccinated as well. NACI has endorsed vaccine interchangeability. Under this, those who have taken first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine may opt for mRNA vaccines like those developed by Pfizer or Moderna. Even Germany has recommended vaccine interchangeability. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has already received Moderna dose after taking AstraZeneca for the first dose. On Friday, German Health Minister Jens Spahn held discussions with his colleagues from 16 German states. The discussions came a day after the country's standing committee on vaccination issued a draft recommendation In a statement, the committee said that "according to current study results," the immune response from a mixture of AstraZeneca with an mRNA vaccine was "significantly superior" to that from two doses of AstraZeneca. It recommended that the second dose with an mRNA vaccine "Germany uses those made by BioNTech-Pfizer and Moderna" be administered four weeks or more after the first AstraZeneca shot. That is much shorter than the nine to 12 weeks the committee recommends between two doses of AstraZeneca. (With inputs from agencies)

Trudeau to take Moderna vaccine after first jab of AstraZeneca

On the heels of two similar finds amounting to hundreds of burials, another 182 unmarked graves have been discovered at a third indigenous residential school in Canada.

Experts used ground-penetrating radar mapping to locate what are believed to be the remains of pupils aged seven to 15 at the former St Eugene's Mission School near Cranbrook, British Columbia, the Lower Kootenay Band said in a statement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-canadas-cultural-genocide-unearthed-388867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The grim development follows the discovery of remains of 215 children in unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia in May and 751 more unmarked graves at another school in Marieval in Saskatchewan last week.

The Lower Kootenay Band said in a news release it began using the technology last year to search a site near the city of Cranbrook that is close to the former St Eugene's Mission School, which was operated by the Roman Catholic Church from 1912 until the early 1970s. It said the search found the remains in unmarked graves, some about 3 feet (a metre) deep.

They are believed to be the remains of members of bands of the Ktunaxa nation, which includes the Lower Kootenay, and other neighboring indigenous communities.

The Lower Kootenay band says it is in the early stages of receiving information from the reports on what has been found, and it is asking for the public to respect its privacy. Some of the graves were as shallow as three to four feet deep, it said.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/spooky-discoveries-of-mass-graves-worldwide-stir-ghosts-of-hidden-histories-393715">'Spooky': Discoveries of mass graves worldwide stir ghosts of hidden histories</a>

Until the 1990s, some 150,000 Indian, Inuit and Metis youngsters were forcibly enrolled in 139 of these residential schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language.

Nearly three-quarters of the 130 residential schools were run by Roman Catholic missionary congregations, with others operated by the Presbyterian, Anglican and the United Church of Canada, which today is the largest Protestant denomination in the country.

The government formally apologised for the policy and abuses in 2008. In addition, the Presbyterian, Anglican and United churches have apologised for their roles in the abuse.

A papal apology was one of 94 recommendations from Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but the Canadian bishops conference said in 2018 that the pope could not personally apologise for the residential schools.

More than 4,000 died of disease and neglect in the schools, according to a commission of inquiry that concluded Canada had committed "cultural genocide."

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops said Pope Francis has agreed to meet in December with Indigenous survivors of Canada's notorious residential schools to apologise for the Catholic Church's role in the abuse and deaths.

Francis had invited the delegations to the Vatican and would meet separately with three groups: First Nations, Metis, and Inuit,&nbsp;during their December 17-20 visit. The pope will then preside over a final audience with all three groups on December 20, the conference said in a statement Tuesday.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologised for the "harmful government policy" of indigenous assimilation.

(With inputs from agencies)

On the heels of two similar finds amounting to hundreds of burials, another 182 unmarked graves have been discovered at a third indigenous residential school in Canada.

On the heels of two similar finds amounting to hundreds of burials, another 182 unmarked graves have been discovered at a third indigenous residential school in Canada. Experts used ground-penetrating radar mapping to locate what are believed to be the remains of pupils aged seven to 15 at the former St Eugene's Mission School near Cranbrook, British Columbia, the Lower Kootenay Band said in a statement. The grim development follows the discovery of remains of 215 children in unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia in May and 751 more unmarked graves at another school in Marieval in Saskatchewan last week. The Lower Kootenay Band said in a news release it began using the technology last year to search a site near the city of Cranbrook that is close to the former St Eugene's Mission School, which was operated by the Roman Catholic Church from 1912 until the early 1970s. It said the search found the remains in unmarked graves, some about 3 feet (a metre) deep. They are believed to be the remains of members of bands of the Ktunaxa nation, which includes the Lower Kootenay, and other neighboring indigenous communities. The Lower Kootenay band says it is in the early stages of receiving information from the reports on what has been found, and it is asking for the public to respect its privacy. Some of the graves were as shallow as three to four feet deep, it said. Also see| 'Spooky': Discoveries of mass graves worldwide stir ghosts of hidden histories Until the 1990s, some 150,000 Indian, Inuit and Metis youngsters were forcibly enrolled in 139 of these residential schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language. Nearly three-quarters of the 130 residential schools were run by Roman Catholic missionary congregations, with others operated by the Presbyterian, Anglican and the United Church of Canada, which today is the largest Protestant denomination in the country. The government formally apologised for the policy and abuses in 2008. In addition, the Presbyterian, Anglican and United churches have apologised for their roles in the abuse. A papal apology was one of 94 recommendations from Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but the Canadian bishops conference said in 2018 that the pope could not personally apologise for the residential schools. More than 4,000 died of disease and neglect in the schools, according to a commission of inquiry that concluded Canada had committed "cultural genocide." The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops said Pope Francis has agreed to meet in December with Indigenous survivors of Canada's notorious residential schools to apologise for the Catholic Church's role in the abuse and deaths. Francis had invited the delegations to the Vatican and would meet separately with three groups: First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, during their December 17-20 visit. The pope will then preside over a final audience with all three groups on December 20, the conference said in a statement Tuesday. Last Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologised for the "harmful government policy" of indigenous assimilation. (With inputs from agencies)

'Unstoppable': 182 unmarked graves found at third Canadian school

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologised Friday for "harmful government policies" and did not rule out a criminal probe after hundreds of unmarked graves were discovered at a former indigenous residential school in western Canada.

The public mea culpa for the policy of indigenous assimilation and other historical wrongs comes one day after the Cowessess First Nation said it had found at least 751 unmarked graves at the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan province. It was the second such discovery in less than a month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-unmarked-graves-found-at-another-indigenous-school-in-canada-393533">Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada</a>&nbsp;

"This was an incredibly harmful government policy that was Canada's reality for many, many decades and Canadians today are horrified and ashamed of how our country behaved, about a policy that ripped kids from their homes, from their communities, from their culture and their language and forced assimilation upon them," Trudeau told a news conference in Ottawa.

"To the members of the Cowessess community and Treaty Four communities, we are sorry," he said. "It was something that we cannot undo in the past, but we can pledge ourselves every day to fix it in the present and into the future."

The graves&nbsp;some of which may at one time have been marked were found through ground-penetrating radar mapping.

Excavations at the Marieval school, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) east of the provincial capital Regina, began at the end of May, after the discovery of the remains of 215 schoolchildren at another former indigenous residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-215-children-of-kamloops-indian-residential-school-discovered-387995">Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered</a>

Since the grim find in Kamloops, searches have also started at other such former boarding schools across Canada, with government help.

Nearly Can$5 million (US$4 million) would be made available to the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), which represents 74 tribes in Saskatchewan, to search for more burial sites in the province, Trudeau said Friday.

'What happened'&nbsp;

Pressed about whether a criminal probe demanded by indigenous leaders was warranted, Trudeau said: "I think people want to properly understand what happened."

"We are open to taking whatever steps are necessary to learn the truth," he added in French, and to "ensure that there are consequences for organizations, institutions, and perhaps in some cases individuals."

The FSIN, the former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Murray Sinclair, and others have called for an independent investigation to determine if any crimes occurred at the schools.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-canadas-cultural-genocide-unearthed-388867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Until the 1990s, some 150,000 Indian, Metis and Inuit children were forcibly enrolled in 139 of these residential schools across Canada, where they were isolated from their families, language and culture.

Many were subjected to ill-treatment and sexual abuse, and more than 4,000 died of disease and neglect in the schools, according to a commission of inquiry that concluded Canada had committed "cultural genocide."

Today those experiences are blamed for a high incidence of poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, as well as high suicide rates, in indigenous communities.

Trudeau said he has asked Pope Francis to come to Canada and apologize for abuses at the government-funded, Catholic church-run schools.

"I have spoken personally directly with His Holiness Pope Francis to impress upon him how important it is not just that he makes an apology, but that he makes an apology to indigenous Canadians on Canadian soil," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-says-pope-should-apologise-on-canadian-soil-for-churchs-role-in-residential-schools-394067">Trudeau says Pope should apologise on Canadian soil for church's role in residential schools</a>

The Catholic church's leadership, he said, "is looking and very actively engaged in what next steps can be taken."

In the meantime, the Missionary of Oblates of Mary&nbsp;Immaculate, the religious order that operated 48 indigenous residential schools in Canada, including those in Kamloops and Marieval, is committed to disclosing all historical documents in its possession to help shed light on the student deaths.

"We remain deeply sorry for our involvement in residential schools and the harms they brought to indigenous peoples and communities," the group said in a statement.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologised Friday for "harmful government policies" and did not rule out a criminal probe after hundreds of unmarked graves were discovered at a former indigenous residential school in western Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologised Friday for "harmful government policies" and did not rule out a criminal probe after hundreds of unmarked graves were discovered at a former indigenous residential school in western Canada. The public mea culpa for the policy of indigenous assimilation and other historical wrongs comes one day after the Cowessess First Nation said it had found at least 751 unmarked graves at the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan province. It was the second such discovery in less than a month. Also read | Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada "This was an incredibly harmful government policy that was Canada's reality for many, many decades and Canadians today are horrified and ashamed of how our country behaved, about a policy that ripped kids from their homes, from their communities, from their culture and their language and forced assimilation upon them," Trudeau told a news conference in Ottawa. "To the members of the Cowessess community and Treaty Four communities, we are sorry," he said. "It was something that we cannot undo in the past, but we can pledge ourselves every day to fix it in the present and into the future." The graves some of which may at one time have been marked were found through ground-penetrating radar mapping. Excavations at the Marieval school, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) east of the provincial capital Regina, began at the end of May, after the discovery of the remains of 215 schoolchildren at another former indigenous residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia. Also read | Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered Since the grim find in Kamloops, searches have also started at other such former boarding schools across Canada, with government help. Nearly Can$5 million (US$4 million) would be made available to the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), which represents 74 tribes in Saskatchewan, to search for more burial sites in the province, Trudeau said Friday. 'What happened' Pressed about whether a criminal probe demanded by indigenous leaders was warranted, Trudeau said: "I think people want to properly understand what happened." "We are open to taking whatever steps are necessary to learn the truth," he added in French, and to "ensure that there are consequences for organizations, institutions, and perhaps in some cases individuals." The FSIN, the former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Murray Sinclair, and others have called for an independent investigation to determine if any crimes occurred at the schools. Until the 1990s, some 150,000 Indian, Metis and Inuit children were forcibly enrolled in 139 of these residential schools across Canada, where they were isolated from their families, language and culture. Many were subjected to ill-treatment and sexual abuse, and more than 4,000 died of disease and neglect in the schools, according to a commission of inquiry that concluded Canada had committed "cultural genocide." Today those experiences are blamed for a high incidence of poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, as well as high suicide rates, in indigenous communities. Trudeau said he has asked Pope Francis to come to Canada and apologize for abuses at the government-funded, Catholic church-run schools. "I have spoken personally directly with His Holiness Pope Francis to impress upon him how important it is not just that he makes an apology, but that he makes an apology to indigenous Canadians on Canadian soil," he said. Also read | Trudeau says Pope should apologise on Canadian soil for church's role in residential schools The Catholic church's leadership, he said, "is looking and very actively engaged in what next steps can be taken." In the meantime, the Missionary of Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the religious order that operated 48 indigenous residential schools in Canada, including those in Kamloops and Marieval, is committed to disclosing all historical documents in its possession to help shed light on the student deaths. "We remain deeply sorry for our involvement in residential schools and the harms they brought to indigenous peoples and communities," the group said in a statement.

Trudeau doesn't rule out criminal probe of indigenous school graves

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, he has asked the pope to come to Canada to apologise for the Catholic Church's role in running residential schools for indigenous children.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants pope to apologise

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that Canada needed to acknowledge its history of racism against indigenous peoples in order to "build a better future" after a new discovery of unmarked graves at a former boarding school for indigenous youth.

He called the discoveries in British Columbia and Saskatchewan provinces "a shameful reminder of the systemic racism, discrimination, and injustice that indigenous peoples have faced, and continue to face, in this country."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-canadas-cultural-genocide-unearthed-388867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Together, we must acknowledge this truth, learn from our past, and walk the shared path of reconciliation, so we can build a better future," he said, after the revelation of more than 750 unmarked graves at the Marieval school in Saskatchewan.

The residential school system, which operated between 1831 and 1996, removed about 150,000 indigenous children from their families and brought them to Christian residential schools run on behalf of the federal government.

Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which published a report that found the country's residential school system amounted to cultural genocide, has said a cemetery was left on the Marieval site after the school building was demolished.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/spooky-discoveries-of-mass-graves-worldwide-stir-ghosts-of-hidden-histories-393715#canadas-indigenous-children-393702">'Spooky': Discoveries of mass graves worldwide stir ghosts of hidden histories</a>

Cowessess First Nation has been in touch with the local Catholic archdiocese and Delorme said he is optimistic they will provide records allowing them to identify the remains.

"We have full faith that the Roman Catholic Church will release our records. They haven't told us 'No.' We just don't have them yet."

The Cowessess First Nation began a ground-penetrating radar search on June 2, after the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia outraged the country.

The Kamloops discovery reopened old wounds in&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;about the lack of information and accountability around the residential school system, which forcibly separated indigenous children from their families and subjected them to malnutrition and physical and sexual abuse.

Pope Francis said in early June that he was pained by the Kamloops revelation and called for respect for the rights and cultures of native peoples. But he stopped short of the direct apology some Canadians had demanded.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that Canada needed to acknowledge its history of racism against indigenous peoples in order to "build a better future" after a new discovery of unmarked graves at a former boarding school for indigenous youth.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that Canada needed to acknowledge its history of racism against indigenous peoples in order to "build a better future" after a new discovery of unmarked graves at a former boarding school for indigenous youth. He called the discoveries in British Columbia and Saskatchewan provinces "a shameful reminder of the systemic racism, discrimination, and injustice that indigenous peoples have faced, and continue to face, in this country." "Together, we must acknowledge this truth, learn from our past, and walk the shared path of reconciliation, so we can build a better future," he said, after the revelation of more than 750 unmarked graves at the Marieval school in Saskatchewan. The residential school system, which operated between 1831 and 1996, removed about 150,000 indigenous children from their families and brought them to Christian residential schools run on behalf of the federal government. Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which published a report that found the country's residential school system amounted to cultural genocide, has said a cemetery was left on the Marieval site after the school building was demolished. Also see| 'Spooky': Discoveries of mass graves worldwide stir ghosts of hidden histories Cowessess First Nation has been in touch with the local Catholic archdiocese and Delorme said he is optimistic they will provide records allowing them to identify the remains. "We have full faith that the Roman Catholic Church will release our records. They haven't told us 'No.' We just don't have them yet." The Cowessess First Nation began a ground-penetrating radar search on June 2, after the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia outraged the country. The Kamloops discovery reopened old wounds in Canada about the lack of information and accountability around the residential school system, which forcibly separated indigenous children from their families and subjected them to malnutrition and physical and sexual abuse. Pope Francis said in early June that he was pained by the Kamloops revelation and called for respect for the rights and cultures of native peoples. But he stopped short of the direct apology some Canadians had demanded. (With inputs from agencies)

Trudeau says Canada must 'learn from our past' after school graves found

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday nominated first judge of colour to country's Supreme Court. Canada's Supreme Court has only ever had white justices in it 146 years of existence.

Prime Minister Trudeau has nominated Mahmud Jamal to the Supreme Court. Jamal has been a judge on Ontario's court of appeal since 2019. He trained as a lawyer and appeared before Supreme Court in 35 appeals addressing a range of civil, constitutional, criminal and regulatory issues.

"He'll be a valuable asset to the Supreme Court - and that's why, today, I'm announcing his historic nomination to our country's highest court," Trudeau said on Twitter.

Trudeau has frequently said there is a need to address systemic racism in Canada.

Jamal was born in 1967 in Nairobi, he emigrated with his family to Britain &nbsp;in 1969 where he said he was "taunted and harassed because of my name, religion, or the color of my skin."

<img alt="Jamal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e25e2ff8-99a9-41b5-a46e-b5066a419100" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-06-18T142549Z_1_LYNXNPEH5H0UY_RTROPTP_3_CANADA-POLITICS-JUDGE.JPG" />

In 1981 the family moved to Canada, where his "experiences exposed me to some of the challenges and aspirations of immigrants, religious minorities, and racialized persons," he said in a document submitted to support his candidacy.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-discovery-of-childrens-remains-canada-announces-search-for-unmarked-indigenous-graves-391735">After discovery of children's remains, Canada announces search for unmarked indigenous graves</a>

Canada is a multicultural country, with more than 22% of the population comprised of minorities and another 5% aboriginal, according to the latest census.

"We know people are facing systemic discrimination, unconscious bias and anti-black racism every single day," Trudeau said last year.

Jamal will replace Justice Rosalie Abella, who is due to retire from the nine-person court on July 1.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday nominated first judge of colour to country's Supreme Court. Canada's Supreme Court has only ever had white justices in it 146 years of existence.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday nominated first judge of colour to country's Supreme Court. Canada's Supreme Court has only ever had white justices in it 146 years of existence. Prime Minister Trudeau has nominated Mahmud Jamal to the Supreme Court. Jamal has been a judge on Ontario's court of appeal since 2019. He trained as a lawyer and appeared before Supreme Court in 35 appeals addressing a range of civil, constitutional, criminal and regulatory issues. "He'll be a valuable asset to the Supreme Court - and that's why, today, I'm announcing his historic nomination to our country's highest court," Trudeau said on Twitter. Trudeau has frequently said there is a need to address systemic racism in Canada. Jamal was born in 1967 in Nairobi, he emigrated with his family to Britain in 1969 where he said he was "taunted and harassed because of my name, religion, or the color of my skin." In 1981 the family moved to Canada, where his "experiences exposed me to some of the challenges and aspirations of immigrants, religious minorities, and racialized persons," he said in a document submitted to support his candidacy. Also Read | After discovery of children's remains, Canada announces search for unmarked indigenous graves Canada is a multicultural country, with more than 22% of the population comprised of minorities and another 5% aboriginal, according to the latest census. "We know people are facing systemic discrimination, unconscious bias and anti-black racism every single day," Trudeau said last year. Jamal will replace Justice Rosalie Abella, who is due to retire from the nine-person court on July 1. (With inputs from agencies)

Canadian PM Trudeau nominates first judge of colour to Supreme Court

Group of Seven&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;agreed&nbsp;to&nbsp;coordinate&nbsp;their response to the challenges posed by&nbsp;China&nbsp;"much&nbsp;much&nbsp;more&nbsp;closely", Canadian Prime Minister Justin&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;said after a summit in Britain.

Trudeau&nbsp;led a&nbsp;G7&nbsp;discussion of&nbsp;China&nbsp;on Saturday and called for a unified&nbsp;approach, a source said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-adopts-global-infrastructure-plan-an-answer-to-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-391026">G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative</a>

The grouping needed to "stand strong and united" on&nbsp;China&nbsp;and&nbsp;agreed&nbsp;to measures to do that,&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;said.

"What we really came together clearly to say and put forward today was a need to speak with one voice, a need to&nbsp;coordinate&nbsp;much&nbsp;more&nbsp;closely&nbsp;our working together and our focus," he told a televised news conference.

One concrete example of&nbsp;G7&nbsp;action was its offer to help developing nations with an infrastructure plan that could rival Beijing's Belt and Road initiative, he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-cautions-g7-small-groups-dont-rule-the-world-391151">China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world</a>&nbsp;

On some issues, such as climate change, the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;needed to work with&nbsp;China, he said.

"There are areas where we need to challenge&nbsp;China&nbsp;directly, for example on human rights. So a firm united position such as the one we established here at the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;will continue to show our&nbsp;approach&nbsp;based on shared values and respect for international rights is good not just for us but the planet," he added.

Group of Seven leaders on Sunday agreed to coordinate their response to the challenges posed by China "much much more closely", Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said after a summit in Britain.

Group of Seven leaders on Sunday agreed to coordinate their response to the challenges posed by China "much much more closely", Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said after a summit in Britain. Trudeau led a G7 discussion of China on Saturday and called for a unified approach, a source said. Also read | G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative The grouping needed to "stand strong and united" on China and agreed to measures to do that, Trudeau said. "What we really came together clearly to say and put forward today was a need to speak with one voice, a need to coordinate much more closely our working together and our focus," he told a televised news conference. One concrete example of G7 action was its offer to help developing nations with an infrastructure plan that could rival Beijing's Belt and Road initiative, he said. Also read | China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world On some issues, such as climate change, the G7 needed to work with China, he said. "There are areas where we need to challenge China directly, for example on human rights. So a firm united position such as the one we established here at the G7 will continue to show our approach based on shared values and respect for international rights is good not just for us but the planet," he added.

G7 leaders agreed to coordinate China approach much more closely - Canada PM Trudeau

Canadian authorities have charged the suspect behind an attack in which a Muslim family was mowed down by a pick-up truck with terrorism, prosecutors said Monday in court.

Four members of the Afzaal family, a man and his wife, their teenage daughter and his mother,&nbsp;were out for a walk in their London, Ontario neighborhood when a truck driver drove into them on purpose, according to authorities.

Nathaniel Veltman, 20, had already been charged last week with four counts of premeditated murder and one of attempted murder. The attack was denounced as a "terrorist" act by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland reacted to the new charges afterward, saying: "It is really important for us to name it as an act of terror ... and it is important for us identify the terrible threat that white supremacism poses to Canada and to Canadians."

The attack sparked outrage across Canada, with politicians from all sides condemning the crime, spurring growing calls to take action to curb hate crime and Islamophobia.&nbsp;

People in London, Ontario marched about 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) from the spot where the family was struck down to a nearby mosque, the site close to where Veltman was arrested by police. 
 
Some carried placards with messages reading 'Hate has no home here', 'Love over hate'.&nbsp;Similar events were held in other cities in Ontario, Canada's most populous province.

It was the worst attack against Canadian Muslims since a man gunned down six members of a Quebec City mosque in 2017.

So far, few details have emerged that would shed light on why police say it was a pre-meditated, hate-motivated crime. Veltman is due in court again on June 21.

Canadian authorities have charged the suspect behind an attack in which a Muslim family was mowed down by a pick-up truck with terrorism, prosecutors said Monday in court.

Canadian authorities have charged the suspect behind an attack in which a Muslim family was mowed down by a pick-up truck with terrorism, prosecutors said Monday in court. Four members of the Afzaal family, a man and his wife, their teenage daughter and his mother, were out for a walk in their London, Ontario neighborhood when a truck driver drove into them on purpose, according to authorities. Nathaniel Veltman, 20, had already been charged last week with four counts of premeditated murder and one of attempted murder. The attack was denounced as a "terrorist" act by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland reacted to the new charges afterward, saying: "It is really important for us to name it as an act of terror ... and it is important for us identify the terrible threat that white supremacism poses to Canada and to Canadians." The attack sparked outrage across Canada, with politicians from all sides condemning the crime, spurring growing calls to take action to curb hate crime and Islamophobia. People in London, Ontario marched about 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) from the spot where the family was struck down to a nearby mosque, the site close to where Veltman was arrested by police. Some carried placards with messages reading 'Hate has no home here', 'Love over hate'. Similar events were held in other cities in Ontario, Canada's most populous province. It was the worst attack against Canadian Muslims since a man gunned down six members of a Quebec City mosque in 2017. So far, few details have emerged that would shed light on why police say it was a pre-meditated, hate-motivated crime. Veltman is due in court again on June 21.

Canadian man accused of targeting Muslim family to face terror charges

In a bid to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, two men from Alberta, Adam McDonald and Stanley Gilbert Jean, have begun a walk to Ottawa.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
McDonald and Jean arrived in Edmonton on Monday, June 7, as a reception was organised for them near the Alberta legislature.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As per Jean, the walk marks his first journey to raise awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. He said that the expedition and his sobriety are both very important for him.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
McDonald said that he began to advocate for more awareness about the issue by walking five years ago.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
He further said that he has already walked every major highway in Canada. He claimed that once he starts something, he will never give up.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Monday night’s reception was organized by Judith Gale, who is the leader of the Bear Clan Patrol Edmonton Beaver Hills House.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
She said that the cause is important to her because her sister was murdered more than 40 years ago. She also said that she does not believe that the police took her case seriously.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
She claimed that it is a cause that is dear to her heart and she is doing it for her sister. 
&nbsp; 
After the inquiry’s final report was increased, the commissioner, Marion Buller, told a crowd in Ottawa that “this is genocide”.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The report included 200 recommendations to multiple levels of government. The federal government has now issued its action plan for implementing those recommendations.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, two men from Alberta, Adam McDonald and Stanley Gilbert Jean, have begun a walk to Ottawa.

In a bid to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, two men from Alberta, Adam McDonald and Stanley Gilbert Jean, have begun a walk to Ottawa. McDonald and Jean arrived in Edmonton on Monday, June 7, as a reception was organised for them near the Alberta legislature. As per Jean, the walk marks his first journey to raise awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. He said that the expedition and his sobriety are both very important for him. McDonald said that he began to advocate for more awareness about the issue by walking five years ago. He further said that he has already walked every major highway in Canada. He claimed that once he starts something, he will never give up. Monday night’s reception was organized by Judith Gale, who is the leader of the Bear Clan Patrol Edmonton Beaver Hills House. She said that the cause is important to her because her sister was murdered more than 40 years ago. She also said that she does not believe that the police took her case seriously. She claimed that it is a cause that is dear to her heart and she is doing it for her sister. After the inquiry’s final report was increased, the commissioner, Marion Buller, told a crowd in Ottawa that “this is genocide”. The report included 200 recommendations to multiple levels of government. The federal government has now issued its action plan for implementing those recommendations. (With inputs from agencies)

Alberta men begin walk to Ottawa to honour missing, murdered indigenous women and girls

Canada's Indigenous services minister said Wednesday it is "shameful" that the Pope has never formally apologized for abuses at the country's Catholic-run indigenous residential schools, which he termed "labour camps."

Marc Miller's comments followed the recent discovery of unmarked graves of 215 children in Kamloops at one of 139 boarding schools set up a century ago to forcibly assimilate Canada's indigenous peoples. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-215-children-of-kamloops-indian-residential-school-discovered-387995">Also read | Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered</a> 
 
"I do, I do," the minister told a news conference when asked if he supports growing indigenous calls for a papal apology that dates back to a 2015 truth and reconciliation commission report, and before.

"I think it is shameful that they haven't done it, that it hasn't been done to date," he said. "It should be done. There is a responsibility that lies squarely on the shoulders of the Council of Bishops in Canada."

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett also said a papal apology is needed to "unlock the healing" in indigenous communities.

"They want to hear the Pope apologize," she said, urging Catholics across Canada to "ask their church to do better."

A few hours after Miller's comments, Vancouver Archbishop J Michael Miller offered an apology on social media.

"In light of the heartbreaking disclosure of the remains of 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, I am writing to express my deep apology and profound condolences to the families and communities that have been devastated by this horrific news," he said in a statement.

"If words of apology for such unspeakable deeds are to bring life and healing, they must be accompanied by tangible actions that foster the full disclosure of the truth," he said, pledging to make church records about the schools available.

"The church was unquestionably wrong in implementing a government colonialist policy which resulted in devastation for children, families and communities," he said.

'Labour camps'

The Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, where the unmarked graves were discovered last week using ground-penetrating radar, was operated by the Catholic church on behalf of Ottawa from 1890 to 1969.

Some 150,000 Indian, Inuit and Metis youngsters in total were forcibly enrolled in these schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language.

Today those experiences are blamed for a high incidence of poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, as well as high suicide rates, in indigenous communities.

Miller recalled an anecdote shared by an indigenous faith keeper about one such school where students -- who were often malnourished -- were "punished" for eating apples from its orchard or eggs that were destined for market.

"These were labour camps," he said. "So calling (them) a school is probably a euphemism."

A delegation of indigenous leaders had in 2009 met privately with Pope Benedict who "expressed his sorrow" over the school harms to indigenous peoples.

Although the statement of regret was welcomed by the group as "significant," they said it fell short of an official apology.

The truth and reconciliation commission later noted that it was "disappointing to survivors and others that the Pope (had) not yet made a clear and emphatic public apology in Canada for the abuses."

Pope Francis's subsequent refusal in 2018 -- after Canada's parliament passed a motion again asking the pontiff to apologize -- drew a polite rebuke from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, saying he was "disappointed" with the church's decision.

Canada's Indigenous services minister said Wednesday it is "shameful" that the Pope has never formally apologized for abuses at the country's Catholic-run indigenous residential schools, which he termed "labour camps.

Canada's Indigenous services minister said Wednesday it is "shameful" that the Pope has never formally apologized for abuses at the country's Catholic-run indigenous residential schools, which he termed "labour camps." Marc Miller's comments followed the recent discovery of unmarked graves of 215 children in Kamloops at one of 139 boarding schools set up a century ago to forcibly assimilate Canada's indigenous peoples. Also read | Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered "I do, I do," the minister told a news conference when asked if he supports growing indigenous calls for a papal apology that dates back to a 2015 truth and reconciliation commission report, and before. "I think it is shameful that they haven't done it, that it hasn't been done to date," he said. "It should be done. There is a responsibility that lies squarely on the shoulders of the Council of Bishops in Canada." Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett also said a papal apology is needed to "unlock the healing" in indigenous communities. "They want to hear the Pope apologize," she said, urging Catholics across Canada to "ask their church to do better." A few hours after Miller's comments, Vancouver Archbishop J Michael Miller offered an apology on social media. "In light of the heartbreaking disclosure of the remains of 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, I am writing to express my deep apology and profound condolences to the families and communities that have been devastated by this horrific news," he said in a statement. "If words of apology for such unspeakable deeds are to bring life and healing, they must be accompanied by tangible actions that foster the full disclosure of the truth," he said, pledging to make church records about the schools available. "The church was unquestionably wrong in implementing a government colonialist policy which resulted in devastation for children, families and communities," he said. 'Labour camps' The Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, where the unmarked graves were discovered last week using ground-penetrating radar, was operated by the Catholic church on behalf of Ottawa from 1890 to 1969. Some 150,000 Indian, Inuit and Metis youngsters in total were forcibly enrolled in these schools, where students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language. Today those experiences are blamed for a high incidence of poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, as well as high suicide rates, in indigenous communities. Miller recalled an anecdote shared by an indigenous faith keeper about one such school where students -- who were often malnourished -- were "punished" for eating apples from its orchard or eggs that were destined for market. "These were labour camps," he said. "So calling (them) a school is probably a euphemism." A delegation of indigenous leaders had in 2009 met privately with Pope Benedict who "expressed his sorrow" over the school harms to indigenous peoples. Although the statement of regret was welcomed by the group as "significant," they said it fell short of an official apology. The truth and reconciliation commission later noted that it was "disappointing to survivors and others that the Pope (had) not yet made a clear and emphatic public apology in Canada for the abuses." Pope Francis's subsequent refusal in 2018 -- after Canada's parliament passed a motion again asking the pontiff to apologize -- drew a polite rebuke from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, saying he was "disappointed" with the church's decision.

Lack of papal apology in indigenous school abuse 'shameful': Canada minister

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the remains of 215 children, including some as young as three found in a mass grave on the grounds of a former residential school, was not an isolated incident.

The prime minister's comments were made on Monday as Indigenous leaders called for an inquiry into every former residential school site across the nation.

"As a dad, I can't imagine what it would feel like to have my kids taken away from me," Trudeau told a news conference. "And as prime minister, I am appalled by the shameful policy that stole indigenous children from their communities." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-215-children-of-kamloops-indian-residential-school-discovered-387995">Also read: Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered</a> 
 
"Think of their communities that never saw them again. Think of their hopes, their dreams, their potential, of all they would have accomplished, all they would have become," he said. "All of that was taken away."

He said excavating school burial sites across Canada, as many have urged, "is an important part of discovering the truth."

"Canada will be there to support indigenous communities as we discover the extent of this trauma and trying to give opportunities for families and communities to heal." 
 
Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/horrific-chapter-in-canadian-history-388467/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Thousands of indigenous children were taken from their parents and placed in residential schools across Canada for almost a century in an attempt to integrate them. 
 
There were over 130 residential schools that were operating across Canada.

These schools, many of which were managed by religious organisations, were open until 1996 and were riddled with abuse.&nbsp;

On May 27, in a media release, Chief Rosanne Casimir calls the discovery an “unthinkable loss that was spoken about but never documented by the Kamloops Indian Residential School,” which was the largest school in the country’s Indian Affairs residential school system.

According to the Canadian Press, some of the children were as young as three. The school was once the largest in Canada’s residential school system.

“Given the size of the school, with up to 500 students registered and attending at any one time, we understand that this confirmed loss affects First Nations communities across British Columbia and beyond,” the statement read.

Tk’emlups’ Heritage Park is closed to the public and no one will be permitted on-site for the duration of the work.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the remains of 215 children, including some as young as three found in a mass grave on the grounds of a former residential school, was not an isolated incident.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the remains of 215 children, including some as young as three found in a mass grave on the grounds of a former residential school, was not an isolated incident. The prime minister's comments were made on Monday as Indigenous leaders called for an inquiry into every former residential school site across the nation. "As a dad, I can't imagine what it would feel like to have my kids taken away from me," Trudeau told a news conference. "And as prime minister, I am appalled by the shameful policy that stole indigenous children from their communities." Also read: Remains of 215 children of Kamloops Indian Residential School discovered "Think of their communities that never saw them again. Think of their hopes, their dreams, their potential, of all they would have accomplished, all they would have become," he said. "All of that was taken away." He said excavating school burial sites across Canada, as many have urged, "is an important part of discovering the truth." "Canada will be there to support indigenous communities as we discover the extent of this trauma and trying to give opportunities for families and communities to heal." Watch: Thousands of indigenous children were taken from their parents and placed in residential schools across Canada for almost a century in an attempt to integrate them. There were over 130 residential schools that were operating across Canada. These schools, many of which were managed by religious organisations, were open until 1996 and were riddled with abuse. On May 27, in a media release, Chief Rosanne Casimir calls the discovery an “unthinkable loss that was spoken about but never documented by the Kamloops Indian Residential School,” which was the largest school in the country’s Indian Affairs residential school system. According to the Canadian Press, some of the children were as young as three. The school was once the largest in Canada’s residential school system. “Given the size of the school, with up to 500 students registered and attending at any one time, we understand that this confirmed loss affects First Nations communities across British Columbia and beyond,” the statement read. Tk’emlups’ Heritage Park is closed to the public and no one will be permitted on-site for the duration of the work. (With inputs from agencies)

Mass grave containing 215 kids ‘not an isolated issue’; Justin Trudeau vows 'concrete action'

The&nbsp;nationalist&nbsp;movement&nbsp;in Quebec&nbsp;is one of the most powerful national movements in the developed West.&nbsp;Some 25 years after an independence bid by&nbsp;Quebec&nbsp;almost broke Canada apart, a new push by the province to strengthen its French-speaking identity poses an awkward challenge for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau months before an expected election.

Quebec, a political battleground that accounts for almost a quarter of the 338 seats in the federal House of Commons, has a history of separatist governments, one of which held a 1995 referendum on independence that only just failed.

There are many causes for the nationalistic distinction between Quebecers and English-speaking Canadians. One is the historical memories and symbols of these Francophones, including the minimal but gradually building divisions between the two communities since settlement.

Although Quebec has seen much recent economic advancement, the economic gap has been a source of resentment throughout history for French-Canadians.

Premier Francois Legault is a nationalist who rejects separatism but wants more rights for&nbsp;Quebec, which has just 8.5 million people and constantly frets about its linguistic and cultural heritage on a continent with hundreds of millions of English speakers.

This month, Legault vowed to amend Canada's Constitution to recognize French as&nbsp;Quebec's only official language and to call&nbsp;Quebec&nbsp;a "nation" to underscore its distinct status, not to assert that it is a separate state.

Legault said he would do so through a rarely invoked authority to unilaterally change parts of the Constitution that affect just one province. The move is largely symbolic, since French is already the province's only official language and the federal Parliament in 2006 recognized&nbsp;Quebec&nbsp;as a nation inside Canada.

But some legal experts say the move is unconstitutional, and it has raised fears inside and outside&nbsp;Quebec&nbsp;that it could put new strains on national unity at a time when some western provinces have expressed unhappiness with federal policies.

Legault, whose CAQ party faces a provincial election in October 2022, says he is addressing concerns that the use of French is slipping.

It is a dilemma for Trudeau, a fluent French speaker whose father, Pierre, fiercely opposed&nbsp;Quebec&nbsp;separatism when he was prime minister but enacted legislation recognizing French, for the first time, as one of Canada's two official languages.

A Leger poll this week showed the vast majority of&nbsp;Quebec's French-speaking residents backing the proposals. If Trudeau opposes Legault, he could threaten some of the seats the Liberals hold in the province.

"We've all been through the constitutional battles of the past number of decades that have left many scars on many people," Trudeau told reporters on Tuesday, referring to the two referendums on&nbsp;Quebec&nbsp;independence, in 1980 and 1995.

He said he could live with Legault's proposed change, adding, however, that the rights of both French and English speakers must be protected.

Trudeau must increase his support in&nbsp;Quebec&nbsp;from the last election in 2019 if he wants to regain a parliamentary majority. Like Trudeau, the leaders of other federal parties - including the official opposition Conservatives - did not condemn Legault's move.

"I think electoral pragmatism is playing a role here, absolutely," said Daniel Beland, who heads the Institute for the Study of Canada at Montreal's McGill University.

The Liberals hold 35 of&nbsp;Quebec's 78 seats, just ahead of the separatist Bloc&nbsp;Quebecois at 32. Trudeau's party is leading in&nbsp;Quebec, but is only 3 percentage points ahead of the Bloc, according to a Leger poll from this month.

The&nbsp;Quebec&nbsp;Community Groups Network, which seeks to defend anglophones, said Legault's proposed measures "override fundamental human rights and will erode the vitality of our English-speaking minority community."

Quebec's anglophone population, roughly 10% of the province's total, is concentrated in key parliamentary constituencies and Liberals must keep them happy too.

"The English-speaking community is very angry. The risk is not so much that they will support another party - the risk is that they stay home," said a senior Liberal with direct knowledge of the issue.

The English speakers' votes are "key for getting us over the finish line, and them staying home could make the difference between winning and losing," said the Liberal, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation.

Another concern is that&nbsp;Quebec's move will set a precedent that could prompt other provinces to seek constitutional changes for political reasons.

One Conservative lawmaker suggested that Alberta, where a nascent separatist party is seeking to take advantage of unhappiness with Ottawa, could unilaterally change the equalization system - under which richer provinces subsidize poorer ones - in order to hang onto more of its tax revenue.

The nationalist movement in Quebec is one of the most powerful national movements in the developed West. Some 25 years after an independence bid by Quebec almost broke Canada apart, a new push by the province to strengthen its French-speaking identity poses an awkward challenge for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau months before an expected election.

The nationalist movement in Quebec is one of the most powerful national movements in the developed West. Some 25 years after an independence bid by Quebec almost broke Canada apart, a new push by the province to strengthen its French-speaking identity poses an awkward challenge for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau months before an expected election. Quebec, a political battleground that accounts for almost a quarter of the 338 seats in the federal House of Commons, has a history of separatist governments, one of which held a 1995 referendum on independence that only just failed. There are many causes for the nationalistic distinction between Quebecers and English-speaking Canadians. One is the historical memories and symbols of these Francophones, including the minimal but gradually building divisions between the two communities since settlement. Although Quebec has seen much recent economic advancement, the economic gap has been a source of resentment throughout history for French-Canadians. Premier Francois Legault is a nationalist who rejects separatism but wants more rights for Quebec, which has just 8.5 million people and constantly frets about its linguistic and cultural heritage on a continent with hundreds of millions of English speakers. This month, Legault vowed to amend Canada's Constitution to recognize French as Quebec's only official language and to call Quebec a "nation" to underscore its distinct status, not to assert that it is a separate state. Legault said he would do so through a rarely invoked authority to unilaterally change parts of the Constitution that affect just one province. The move is largely symbolic, since French is already the province's only official language and the federal Parliament in 2006 recognized Quebec as a nation inside Canada. But some legal experts say the move is unconstitutional, and it has raised fears inside and outside Quebec that it could put new strains on national unity at a time when some western provinces have expressed unhappiness with federal policies. Legault, whose CAQ party faces a provincial election in October 2022, says he is addressing concerns that the use of French is slipping. It is a dilemma for Trudeau, a fluent French speaker whose father, Pierre, fiercely opposed Quebec separatism when he was prime minister but enacted legislation recognizing French, for the first time, as one of Canada's two official languages. A Leger poll this week showed the vast majority of Quebec's French-speaking residents backing the proposals. If Trudeau opposes Legault, he could threaten some of the seats the Liberals hold in the province. "We've all been through the constitutional battles of the past number of decades that have left many scars on many people," Trudeau told reporters on Tuesday, referring to the two referendums on Quebec independence, in 1980 and 1995. He said he could live with Legault's proposed change, adding, however, that the rights of both French and English speakers must be protected. Trudeau must increase his support in Quebec from the last election in 2019 if he wants to regain a parliamentary majority. Like Trudeau, the leaders of other federal parties - including the official opposition Conservatives - did not condemn Legault's move. "I think electoral pragmatism is playing a role here, absolutely," said Daniel Beland, who heads the Institute for the Study of Canada at Montreal's McGill University. The Liberals hold 35 of Quebec's 78 seats, just ahead of the separatist Bloc Quebecois at 32. Trudeau's party is leading in Quebec, but is only 3 percentage points ahead of the Bloc, according to a Leger poll from this month. The Quebec Community Groups Network, which seeks to defend anglophones, said Legault's proposed measures "override fundamental human rights and will erode the vitality of our English-speaking minority community." Quebec's anglophone population, roughly 10% of the province's total, is concentrated in key parliamentary constituencies and Liberals must keep them happy too. "The English-speaking community is very angry. The risk is not so much that they will support another party - the risk is that they stay home," said a senior Liberal with direct knowledge of the issue. The English speakers' votes are "key for getting us over the finish line, and them staying home could make the difference between winning and losing," said the Liberal, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. Another concern is that Quebec's move will set a precedent that could prompt other provinces to seek constitutional changes for political reasons. One Conservative lawmaker suggested that Alberta, where a nascent separatist party is seeking to take advantage of unhappiness with Ottawa, could unilaterally change the equalization system - under which richer provinces subsidize poorer ones - in order to hang onto more of its tax revenue.

Why nationalism push in Quebec is posing as election challenge for Canada PM Trudeau?

Canada has said it would ban all flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days due to the growing wave of COVID-19 cases in that region.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said the ban would start late Thursday, speaking hours after India reported a global record of more than 314,000 new infections in the previous 24-hours.

The center-left Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acted after prominent right-leaning politicians complained Ottawa had not done enough to combat a third wave of infections ripping through Canada.

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The ban, which takes effect at 11.30 p.m. (0330 GMT Friday), does not affect cargo flights.

India on Thursday recorded the world's highest daily tally of 314,835 COVID-19 infections amid fears about the ability of crumbling health services to cope.

Canadian Health Minister Patty Hajdu said that while Indian citizens accounted for 20 per cent&nbsp;of all international arrivals, they represented over 50 per cent&nbsp;of the positive tests conducted by Canadian airport officials.

"By eliminating direct travel from these countries, public health experts will have the time to evaluate the ongoing epidemiology of that region and to reassess the situation," she told a news conference.

The conservative premiers of Ontario and Quebec - the most populous of Canada's 10 provinces - wrote to Trudeau earlier on Thursday urging him to crack down on international travel.

Britain said earlier that India would be added to its "red-list" of locations from which most travel is banned due to a high number of COVID-19 cases.

In addition, France is imposing a 10-day quarantine for travelers from Brazil, Chile, Argentina, South Africa and India, while the United Arab Emirates has suspended all flights from India.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada has said it would ban all flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days due to the growing wave of COVID-19 cases in that region. Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said the ban would start late Thursday, speaking hours after India reported a global record of more than 314,000 new infections in the previous 24-hours.

Canada has said it would ban all flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days due to the growing wave of COVID-19 cases in that region. Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said the ban would start late Thursday, speaking hours after India reported a global record of more than 314,000 new infections in the previous 24-hours. The center-left Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acted after prominent right-leaning politicians complained Ottawa had not done enough to combat a third wave of infections ripping through Canada. The ban, which takes effect at 11.30 p.m. (0330 GMT Friday), does not affect cargo flights. India on Thursday recorded the world's highest daily tally of 314,835 COVID-19 infections amid fears about the ability of crumbling health services to cope. Canadian Health Minister Patty Hajdu said that while Indian citizens accounted for 20 per cent of all international arrivals, they represented over 50 per cent of the positive tests conducted by Canadian airport officials. "By eliminating direct travel from these countries, public health experts will have the time to evaluate the ongoing epidemiology of that region and to reassess the situation," she told a news conference. The conservative premiers of Ontario and Quebec - the most populous of Canada's 10 provinces - wrote to Trudeau earlier on Thursday urging him to crack down on international travel. Britain said earlier that India would be added to its "red-list" of locations from which most travel is banned due to a high number of COVID-19 cases. In addition, France is imposing a 10-day quarantine for travelers from Brazil, Chile, Argentina, South Africa and India, while the United Arab Emirates has suspended all flights from India. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada to suspend passenger flights from India, Pakistan over COVID-19 fears

Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, is asking his opposition to finally admit that climate change is real, and has urged locals to prepare for what’s after the pandemic.

"While we are fighting to end the pandemic... we must prepare for what comes after,"&nbsp;he said during his speech.

During a virtual convention for the Liberal party, Trudeau delivered a speech where he asserted that the Liberals are the "only ones with a real plan to tackle climate change and pass on a cleaner and more prosperous future."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-justin-trudeau-warns-of-very-serious-third-wave-of-coronavirus-375837">Canada's Justin Trudeau warns of 'very serious' third wave of coronavirus</a>

His speech has come at a time when the country is abuzz with rumours of an electoral campaign in the next few months.

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Together, we can choose a brighter future. Together, we can keep supporting each other and build the kind of tomorrow we all want to see. Tune in to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIB2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIB2021</a> as I speak about building that future with each and every one of you: <a href="https://t.co/pBwiGq4DqS">https://t.co/pBwiGq4DqS</a>
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1380985235991633925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Trudeau urged people to keep working to restore the environment. "Together, we have accomplished a lot of things... but the work is far from being finished," he said.

He also attacked his main opposition party, the Conservatives, by claiming they "refuse to admit climate change is real".

His accusation comes after a majority of Conservative delegates rejected a resolution recognising the danger posed by climate change.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIB2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIB2021</a> may be over, but our work isn’t. To all of you who logged on, tuned in, and took part in the <a href="https://twitter.com/liberal_party?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Liberal_Party</a>’s largest-ever national convention: thank you. Let’s keep this going, and let’s keep Canada moving forward. <a href="https://t.co/3fnhtwtZ2X">pic.twitter.com/3fnhtwtZ2X</a>
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Trudeau accused the opposition party leader, Erin O'Toole of being disconnected and said the Conservatives are simply "flirt(ing) with disinformation"&nbsp;related to public health in case of the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, his administration is on the right track “to meet our commitment&nbsp;that every Canadian who wants to will be fully vaccinated by the end of the summer,” he said.

Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, is asking his opposition to finally admit that climate change is real, and has urged locals to prepare for what’s after the pandemic.

Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, is asking his opposition to finally admit that climate change is real, and has urged locals to prepare for what’s after the pandemic. "While we are fighting to end the pandemic... we must prepare for what comes after," he said during his speech. During a virtual convention for the Liberal party, Trudeau delivered a speech where he asserted that the Liberals are the "only ones with a real plan to tackle climate change and pass on a cleaner and more prosperous future." Also read | Canada's Justin Trudeau warns of 'very serious' third wave of coronavirus His speech has come at a time when the country is abuzz with rumours of an electoral campaign in the next few months. Together, we can choose a brighter future. Together, we can keep supporting each other and build the kind of tomorrow we all want to see. Tune in to #LIB2021 as I speak about building that future with each and every one of you: https://t.co/pBwiGq4DqS — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 10, 2021 × Trudeau urged people to keep working to restore the environment. "Together, we have accomplished a lot of things... but the work is far from being finished," he said. He also attacked his main opposition party, the Conservatives, by claiming they "refuse to admit climate change is real". His accusation comes after a majority of Conservative delegates rejected a resolution recognising the danger posed by climate change. #LIB2021 may be over, but our work isn’t. To all of you who logged on, tuned in, and took part in the @Liberal_Party’s largest-ever national convention: thank you. Let’s keep this going, and let’s keep Canada moving forward. pic.twitter.com/3fnhtwtZ2X — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 10, 2021 × Trudeau accused the opposition party leader, Erin O'Toole of being disconnected and said the Conservatives are simply "flirt(ing) with disinformation" related to public health in case of the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, his administration is on the right track “to meet our commitment that every Canadian who wants to will be fully vaccinated by the end of the summer,” he said.

'Prepare for what's after': Justin Trudeau warns Canada against climate change

As the country registered more than one million&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;cases since the pandemic began last year, with a death tally of nearly 23,000, Canada’s prime minister has warned against a "very serious" third wave of Covid-19.

"Around the world, countries are facing a very serious third wave of this pandemic," he said. "And right now, so is Canada."

Following the warning of a surge in coronavirus cases, Canada has decided to cancel all in-person classes at elementary and secondary schools from Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-crosses-1-million-cases-amid-third-wave-of-coronavirus-375216">Canada crosses 1 million cases amid third wave of coronavirus</a>

The decision to close schools and shift to virtual classes has been taken after it was reported that the younger population was the most affected in the country during the third wave.

"Schools should be the first places in our community to open, and the last to close," Toronto Public Health said in a statement. "Unfortunately, current circumstances require that difficult decisions must be taken locally to protect all those in our school communities."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-covid-19-variant-cases-overwhelms-canadian-hospitals-375392">Watch |</a>

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Canada has nearly 247,000 students in the school district who will be shifting to virtual classes till April 18, with the possibility of extending the study from home orders.

Canada has averaged nearly 5,200 new coronavirus cases per day over the past week and has recorded a total of more than a million positive tests and 23,000 deaths.

Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has warned people against going out for entertainment purposes. He expressed frustration upon seeing people in Toronto "going into the mall, doing their little wander ‘round, and coming out with no bags. That tells me they were just out for a daily jaunt. You can’t do that."

As the country registered more than one million coronavirus cases since the pandemic began last year, with a death tally of nearly 23,000, Canada’s prime minister has warned against a "very serious" third wave of Covid-19.

As the country registered more than one million coronavirus cases since the pandemic began last year, with a death tally of nearly 23,000, Canada’s prime minister has warned against a "very serious" third wave of Covid-19. "Around the world, countries are facing a very serious third wave of this pandemic," he said. "And right now, so is Canada." Following the warning of a surge in coronavirus cases, Canada has decided to cancel all in-person classes at elementary and secondary schools from Wednesday. Also read | Canada crosses 1 million cases amid third wave of coronavirus The decision to close schools and shift to virtual classes has been taken after it was reported that the younger population was the most affected in the country during the third wave. "Schools should be the first places in our community to open, and the last to close," Toronto Public Health said in a statement. "Unfortunately, current circumstances require that difficult decisions must be taken locally to protect all those in our school communities." Watch | Canada has nearly 247,000 students in the school district who will be shifting to virtual classes till April 18, with the possibility of extending the study from home orders. Canada has averaged nearly 5,200 new coronavirus cases per day over the past week and has recorded a total of more than a million positive tests and 23,000 deaths. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has warned people against going out for entertainment purposes. He expressed frustration upon seeing people in Toronto "going into the mall, doing their little wander ‘round, and coming out with no bags. That tells me they were just out for a daily jaunt. You can’t do that."

Canada's Justin Trudeau warns of 'very serious' third wave of coronavirus

India celebrates the Hindu festival of Holi on Monday -- with fears of a second wave of Covid-19 putting a damper on the usually boisterous celebration marked by the throwing of coloured powder and dousing with dyed water.

The two-day spring festival is a rowdy explosion of colour. Sunday was marked by 'Holika Dehan', and prayers to the almighty. And on Monday, people will smear each other’s faces with green, yellow and red powder.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to this end, took to Twitter to greet people on the auspicious occasion and extended them his best wishes.

Modi wished that this festival of joy and celebration infuses new energy and enthusiasm in everyone's life.

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आप सभी को होली की ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएं। आनंद, उमंग, हर्ष और उल्लास का यह त्योहार हर किसी के जीवन में नए जोश और नई ऊर्जा का संचार करे।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1376344887033962499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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US Vice-President Kamala Harris also greeted people on the occasion of Holi, saying the festival is all about "positivity, setting aside our differences, and coming together".&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, Harris said: "Happy Holi! Holi is best known for vibrant colors that are tossed at friends and loved ones. Full of joy, Holi is all about positivity, setting aside our differences, and coming together. A message that`s been embodied by communities across the world during these tough times."&nbsp;

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Happy Holi! Holi is best known for vibrant colors that are tossed at friends and loved ones. Full of joy, Holi is all about positivity, setting aside our differences, and coming together. A message that’s been embodied by communities across the world during these tough times.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1376187325231816708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also took to Twitter to wish people.

Notably, Canada is known to house many people of Hindu ethnicity.

He posted on Twitter: "Holi Hai! To all Hindus across the country and around the world who are celebrating today, Sophie and I are wishing you a joyous and colourful festival."

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Holi Hai! To all Hindus across the country and around the world who are celebrating today, Sophie and I are wishing you a joyous and colourful festival. <a href="https://t.co/prFprnMqMt">https://t.co/prFprnMqMt</a>
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1376165186994905092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The US embassy in India also extended their wishes.

"This year, to celebrate #Holi in a safe and delicious style, we're focusing on the food! Watch the reactions as we filmed our diplomats trying various Holi treats from a safe distance. #HappyHoli everyone!"

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This year, to celebrate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Holi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Holi</a> in a safe and delicious style, we're focusing on the food! Watch the reactions as we filmed our diplomats trying various Holi treats from a safe distance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyHoli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyHoli</a> everyone! <a href="https://t.co/g23Et4Wcoi">pic.twitter.com/g23Et4Wcoi</a>
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAndIndia/status/1376383617035689988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Even though Holi is predominantly a Hindu festival, it is celebrated by people of many cultures across the world.

India celebrates the Hindu festival of Holi on Monday -- with fears of a second wave of Covid-19 putting a damper on the usually boisterous celebration marked by the throwing of coloured powder and dousing with dyed water.

India celebrates the Hindu festival of Holi on Monday -- with fears of a second wave of Covid-19 putting a damper on the usually boisterous celebration marked by the throwing of coloured powder and dousing with dyed water. The two-day spring festival is a rowdy explosion of colour. Sunday was marked by 'Holika Dehan', and prayers to the almighty. And on Monday, people will smear each other’s faces with green, yellow and red powder. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to this end, took to Twitter to greet people on the auspicious occasion and extended them his best wishes. Modi wished that this festival of joy and celebration infuses new energy and enthusiasm in everyone's life. आप सभी को होली की ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएं। आनंद, उमंग, हर्ष और उल्लास का यह त्योहार हर किसी के जीवन में नए जोश और नई ऊर्जा का संचार करे। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 29, 2021 × US Vice-President Kamala Harris also greeted people on the occasion of Holi, saying the festival is all about "positivity, setting aside our differences, and coming together". Taking to Twitter, Harris said: "Happy Holi! Holi is best known for vibrant colors that are tossed at friends and loved ones. Full of joy, Holi is all about positivity, setting aside our differences, and coming together. A message that`s been embodied by communities across the world during these tough times." Happy Holi! Holi is best known for vibrant colors that are tossed at friends and loved ones. Full of joy, Holi is all about positivity, setting aside our differences, and coming together. A message that’s been embodied by communities across the world during these tough times. — Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 28, 2021 × Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also took to Twitter to wish people. Notably, Canada is known to house many people of Hindu ethnicity. He posted on Twitter: "Holi Hai! To all Hindus across the country and around the world who are celebrating today, Sophie and I are wishing you a joyous and colourful festival." Holi Hai! To all Hindus across the country and around the world who are celebrating today, Sophie and I are wishing you a joyous and colourful festival. https://t.co/prFprnMqMt — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 28, 2021 × The US embassy in India also extended their wishes. "This year, to celebrate #Holi in a safe and delicious style, we're focusing on the food! Watch the reactions as we filmed our diplomats trying various Holi treats from a safe distance. #HappyHoli everyone!" This year, to celebrate #Holi in a safe and delicious style, we're focusing on the food! Watch the reactions as we filmed our diplomats trying various Holi treats from a safe distance. #HappyHoli everyone! pic.twitter.com/g23Et4Wcoi — U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) March 29, 2021 × Even though Holi is predominantly a Hindu festival, it is celebrated by people of many cultures across the world.

India celebrates Holi; wishes pour in from across the world

In a decision that marked an important victory for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s climate change agenda, Canada’s Supreme Court ruled that the federal government’s imposition of carbon taxes in provinces that oppose them was constitutional.

Citing Parliament’s power to legislate on matters related to “peace, order and good government,” the court said that fighting climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions was a matter of “national concern” protected under the constitution.

“This matter is critical to our response to an existential threat to human life in Canada and around the world,” the court wrote in its 6-3 decision. “Climate change is real. It is caused by greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities and it poses a grave threat to humanity’s future.”

The concept of carbon pricing has been widely endorsed by economists and, according to the World Bank, some form of it has been carried out or is in development in 64 countries, either through direct taxes on fossil fuels or through cap-and-trade programs.

Setting minimum carbon prices as a way to reduce emissions and encourage efficiency is a cornerstone of Trudeau’s climate change program. During the 2015 election campaign that first brought him to power, Trudeau emphasized the need for provinces to implement carbon pricing, an approach opposed by his Conservative predecessor, Stephen Harper.

Several U.S. states have carbon pricing programs, notably California. Money and tax credits to address climate change are expected to underpin much of President Joe Biden’s coming spending proposals, which aides and documents suggest could cost as much as $4 trillion over the next decade.

But several people familiar with the forthcoming infrastructure package in the United States said that there are no plans to price carbon emissions. Instead, the president plans to greatly raise fuel efficiency standards for cars, forcing automakers toward electric vehicles through regulation, not legislation. Similarly, Biden plans to reimpose strict emissions regulations on electric power plants to move the sector away from coal.

Republicans in Congress remain firmly opposed to a carbon tax and have voted repeatedly and nearly unanimously over the years to bar the government from imposing one.

Like Republicans in the United States, conservative premiers in the oil-producing provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan have long strenuously campaigned against carbon pricing. They were joined by Doug Ford, another Conservative, who canceled the carbon pricing program in Ontario shortly after he became premier of Canada’s most populous province in 2018.

Court challenges by those three provinces of Trudeau’s carbon pricing law ultimately led to the Supreme Court’s decision.

“We certainly would hope that this brings an end to the jurisdictional and partisan battle around climate action here in Canada,” said Keith Brooks, programs director at Environmental Defence, an advocacy group. “People, including premiers who don’t like carbon pricing, use it as a political wedge and to sow division but also misinformation.”

While the Supreme Court decision’s detailed the dangers of climate changes to Canada and its coastlines, Arctic region and Indigenous people in particular, none of the three provinces that started the legal challenges dispute its effects. Their objections instead focused on the argument that Trudeau’s program had overstepped the federal government’s constitutional powers.

In 2019, Trudeau set a minimum price for carbon. It will become 40 Canadian dollars ($31.71) a metric ton April 1 and will reach 170 dollars a ton in 2030. Most provinces have their own programs to meet those targets, either through a direct charge on fuels and industry emissions or by setting a cap on emissions and then creating a marketplace for industries that exceed the limit to buy emission permits from other businesses who fall below the cap.

The federal government has only stepped in when a province, like Ontario under Ford, refused to price carbon. In those cases, it placed a tax on fuel and set other fees for industrial emissions.

Individual Canadians receive carbon tax rebates from the government to compensate for the surcharge on fuel. A review by Parliament’s budget watchdog found that most households are paid more in rebates than they spend on carbon taxes. Households can boost that bonus by further cutting emissions by using more efficient or electric vehicles or improving their heating systems.

Jason Kenney, the premier of Alberta, who cancelled his province’s program, told reporters that he was disappointed with the decision but declined to say if his province will come up with a carbon pricing system to replace the federally imposed one.

“We’re going to consult with Albertans and talk to our allied provinces to determine the best way forward,” he said.

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the law in part because the federal plan only kicks in if provinces do not set up their programs, thus maintaining the shared jurisdiction the two levels of government hold on environmental issues.

It also concluded that setting a single national minimum price for carbon is necessary for effectively reducing greenhouse gases, or GHGs, which makes federal involvement essential.

“Addressing climate change requires collective national and international action,” the court wrote. “This is because the harmful effects of GHGs are, by their very nature, not confined by borders.”

In a decision that marked an important victory for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s climate change agenda, Canada’s Supreme Court ruled that the federal government’s imposition of carbon taxes in provinces that oppose them was constitutional.

In a decision that marked an important victory for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s climate change agenda, Canada’s Supreme Court ruled that the federal government’s imposition of carbon taxes in provinces that oppose them was constitutional. Citing Parliament’s power to legislate on matters related to “peace, order and good government,” the court said that fighting climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions was a matter of “national concern” protected under the constitution. “This matter is critical to our response to an existential threat to human life in Canada and around the world,” the court wrote in its 6-3 decision. “Climate change is real. It is caused by greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities and it poses a grave threat to humanity’s future.” The concept of carbon pricing has been widely endorsed by economists and, according to the World Bank, some form of it has been carried out or is in development in 64 countries, either through direct taxes on fossil fuels or through cap-and-trade programs. Setting minimum carbon prices as a way to reduce emissions and encourage efficiency is a cornerstone of Trudeau’s climate change program. During the 2015 election campaign that first brought him to power, Trudeau emphasized the need for provinces to implement carbon pricing, an approach opposed by his Conservative predecessor, Stephen Harper. Several U.S. states have carbon pricing programs, notably California. Money and tax credits to address climate change are expected to underpin much of President Joe Biden’s coming spending proposals, which aides and documents suggest could cost as much as $4 trillion over the next decade. But several people familiar with the forthcoming infrastructure package in the United States said that there are no plans to price carbon emissions. Instead, the president plans to greatly raise fuel efficiency standards for cars, forcing automakers toward electric vehicles through regulation, not legislation. Similarly, Biden plans to reimpose strict emissions regulations on electric power plants to move the sector away from coal. Republicans in Congress remain firmly opposed to a carbon tax and have voted repeatedly and nearly unanimously over the years to bar the government from imposing one. Like Republicans in the United States, conservative premiers in the oil-producing provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan have long strenuously campaigned against carbon pricing. They were joined by Doug Ford, another Conservative, who canceled the carbon pricing program in Ontario shortly after he became premier of Canada’s most populous province in 2018. Court challenges by those three provinces of Trudeau’s carbon pricing law ultimately led to the Supreme Court’s decision. “We certainly would hope that this brings an end to the jurisdictional and partisan battle around climate action here in Canada,” said Keith Brooks, programs director at Environmental Defence, an advocacy group. “People, including premiers who don’t like carbon pricing, use it as a political wedge and to sow division but also misinformation.” While the Supreme Court decision’s detailed the dangers of climate changes to Canada and its coastlines, Arctic region and Indigenous people in particular, none of the three provinces that started the legal challenges dispute its effects. Their objections instead focused on the argument that Trudeau’s program had overstepped the federal government’s constitutional powers. In 2019, Trudeau set a minimum price for carbon. It will become 40 Canadian dollars ($31.71) a metric ton April 1 and will reach 170 dollars a ton in 2030. Most provinces have their own programs to meet those targets, either through a direct charge on fuels and industry emissions or by setting a cap on emissions and then creating a marketplace for industries that exceed the limit to buy emission permits from other businesses who fall below the cap. The federal government has only stepped in when a province, like Ontario under Ford, refused to price carbon. In those cases, it placed a tax on fuel and set other fees for industrial emissions. Individual Canadians receive carbon tax rebates from the government to compensate for the surcharge on fuel. A review by Parliament’s budget watchdog found that most households are paid more in rebates than they spend on carbon taxes. Households can boost that bonus by further cutting emissions by using more efficient or electric vehicles or improving their heating systems. Jason Kenney, the premier of Alberta, who cancelled his province’s program, told reporters that he was disappointed with the decision but declined to say if his province will come up with a carbon pricing system to replace the federally imposed one. “We’re going to consult with Albertans and talk to our allied provinces to determine the best way forward,” he said. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the law in part because the federal plan only kicks in if provinces do not set up their programs, thus maintaining the shared jurisdiction the two levels of government hold on environmental issues. It also concluded that setting a single national minimum price for carbon is necessary for effectively reducing greenhouse gases, or GHGs, which makes federal involvement essential. “Addressing climate change requires collective national and international action,” the court wrote. “This is because the harmful effects of GHGs are, by their very nature, not confined by borders.”

Canada Supreme Court rules federal carbon tax is constitutional

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Wednesday, said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible for "terrible things", but stayed clear of labelling him as a "killer", unlike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Biden.</a>

A few days after US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/subtle-art-of-diplomacy-biden-and-putin-engage-in-verbal-spat-371511">Joe Biden labelled Putin as a 'killer'</a>, Trudeau, in a rare moment, criticised the Russian leader.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-regrets-us-refusal-to-attend-putin-biden-live-debate-372284">Russia says regrets US refusal to attend Putin-Biden live debate</a>

The Canadian prime minister is not known for openly criticising world leaders. However, during an interview on SiriusXM radio's The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge, when he was questioned about Biden's remarks against Putin, Trudeau raised questions about Putin's behaviour.

"I'm sure (Putin) is responsible for all sorts of terrible things because his behaviour continues to demonstrate that," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prepared-for-worst-kremlin-on-possible-new-cold-war-with-us-371691">'Prepared for worst': Kremlin on possible new Cold War with US</a>

Trudeau used Russia's annexation of Crimea as an example saying that "significant cyberattacks he's responsible for and the attempts to destabilize our democracies."

He also recalled his interactions with Putin and described him to a man who will "look at you and say whatever is convenient to him at any given moment."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moscow-recalls-its-envoy-to-us-for-emergency-consultation-after-killer-row-372356">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moscow-recalls-its-envoy-to-us-for-emergency-consultation-after-killer-row-372356/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"He is not particularly interested in what the Western world or what Canada thinks of him," he added.

Talking about the relations between Canada and Russia, Trudeau agreed that the two nations do not work closely. "I certainly know he's not someone who is supportive or a friend of Canada or Canadians in any way shape or form," he said. "And we have to very much be wide-eyed and clear-eyed about how we approach (relations with Russia)."

However, unlike Biden, Trudeau steered clear of labelling the Russian President as a 'killer'. When the PM was asked in an interview if he agreed with Biden's view on Putin, Trudeau refused to use the label explaining that he doesn't "have the information to make that assertion."

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Wednesday, said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible for "terrible things", but stayed clear of labelling him as a "killer", unlike Biden.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Wednesday, said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible for "terrible things", but stayed clear of labelling him as a "killer", unlike Biden. A few days after US President Joe Biden labelled Putin as a 'killer', Trudeau, in a rare moment, criticised the Russian leader. Also read | Russia says regrets US refusal to attend Putin-Biden live debate The Canadian prime minister is not known for openly criticising world leaders. However, during an interview on SiriusXM radio's The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge, when he was questioned about Biden's remarks against Putin, Trudeau raised questions about Putin's behaviour. "I'm sure (Putin) is responsible for all sorts of terrible things because his behaviour continues to demonstrate that," he said. Also read| 'Prepared for worst': Kremlin on possible new Cold War with US Trudeau used Russia's annexation of Crimea as an example saying that "significant cyberattacks he's responsible for and the attempts to destabilize our democracies." He also recalled his interactions with Putin and described him to a man who will "look at you and say whatever is convenient to him at any given moment." Watch | "He is not particularly interested in what the Western world or what Canada thinks of him," he added. Talking about the relations between Canada and Russia, Trudeau agreed that the two nations do not work closely. "I certainly know he's not someone who is supportive or a friend of Canada or Canadians in any way shape or form," he said. "And we have to very much be wide-eyed and clear-eyed about how we approach (relations with Russia)." However, unlike Biden, Trudeau steered clear of labelling the Russian President as a 'killer'. When the PM was asked in an interview if he agreed with Biden's view on Putin, Trudeau refused to use the label explaining that he doesn't "have the information to make that assertion."

Canada's Trudeau says Putin capable of 'terrible things' but won't call him 'killer'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted angrily Friday to the closed-door trial of a Canadian man detained in China for more than two years on espionage charges, dismissing it as "completely unacceptable."

Businessman Michael Spavor, whose hearing finished after less than three hours on Friday, is one of two Canadians detained, in apparent retaliation for Canada's arrest on a US extradition warrant of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, and formally charged last June with spying.

"Let me be very clear: Their arbitrary detention is completely unacceptable, as is the lack of transparency around these court proceedings," the Canadian leader told a news conference.

Spavor's compatriot, former diplomat Michael Kovrig, is scheduled to go to trial on Monday.&nbsp;

Canada has attacked the charges against its citizens as "trumped-up," and the three cases have sent relations between Ottawa and Beijing to their lowest point in decades, although China has denied any link between Meng's arrest and the action taken against the Canadians.

Diplomats and media were barred from attending Spavor's trial earlier in Dandong, where Canadian officials were joined by envoys from eight other nations including the United States, France and Australia outside the courthouse.

Canadian diplomats waved as a police van with tinted windows believed to be carrying Spavor drove out of the court.

The verdict remains unknown.

A court statement said that the "private hearing" had finished and that the court would "select a date to announce the verdict."

Spavor's family have called for his unconditional release, saying that he was innocent of the accusations and had done much as a businessman to "build constructive ties" between Canada, China and North Korea.

- 'Coercive diplomacy' -

Trudeau said his government, along with allies he thanked publicly for showing "global solidarity in this case," would continue to press China to immediately release the "Two Michaels," as they have become known.

"China needs to understand that it is not just about two Canadians," he said.&nbsp;

"It is about respect for the rule of law and relationships with a broad range of Western countries that is at play with the arbitrary detention and the coercive diplomacy they have engaged in."

These nations, he said, are "concerned about this not just because of these two Canadians, but because of the potential implications for their own citizens."

The timing of the Spavor and Kovrig trials comes as high-level talks got underway between the US and China in Anchorage, Alaska, which observers said was no coincidence.

Jim Nickel,&nbsp;the charge d'affaires of the Canadian embassy in Beijing, told reporters outside the Dandong courtroom in northeastern China that Canada -- with US support -- hopes to obtain Spavor and Kovrig's "immediate release."

In Ottawa, Trudeau commented that "the Americans take this case seriously," adding that the plight of the two Canadians was sure to be raised by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his first face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.

US State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter called the prosecution of the Canadians "deeply alarming," and condemned their "lack of minimum procedural protections during their two years of arbitrary detention."

The United States, she added, stands "shoulder to shoulder with Canada in calling for their release."

The trials of the two Canadians, who were detained in December 2018, also came alongside Huawei chief financial officer Meng's extradition case heading into its final weeks.

Meng, whose father is Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, has been fighting extradition to the US on charges that she and the company violated US sanctions on Iran and other laws.

Trudeau has accused Beijing of detaining Spavor and Kovrig to put pressure on Canada to release Meng, while affirming the independence of Canada's judicial system in dealing with the US extradition request.

The two Canadian men have had almost no contact with the outside world since their detention.

Virtual consular visits only resumed in October after a nine-month hiatus that authorities said was due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meng, meanwhile, remains under house arrest at her Vancouver mansion. Her hearing is expected to wrap up mid-May, barring appeals.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted angrily Friday to the closed-door trial of a Canadian man detained in China for more than two years on espionage charges, dismissing it as "completely unacceptable.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted angrily Friday to the closed-door trial of a Canadian man detained in China for more than two years on espionage charges, dismissing it as "completely unacceptable." Businessman Michael Spavor, whose hearing finished after less than three hours on Friday, is one of two Canadians detained, in apparent retaliation for Canada's arrest on a US extradition warrant of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, and formally charged last June with spying. "Let me be very clear: Their arbitrary detention is completely unacceptable, as is the lack of transparency around these court proceedings," the Canadian leader told a news conference. Spavor's compatriot, former diplomat Michael Kovrig, is scheduled to go to trial on Monday. Canada has attacked the charges against its citizens as "trumped-up," and the three cases have sent relations between Ottawa and Beijing to their lowest point in decades, although China has denied any link between Meng's arrest and the action taken against the Canadians. Diplomats and media were barred from attending Spavor's trial earlier in Dandong, where Canadian officials were joined by envoys from eight other nations including the United States, France and Australia outside the courthouse. Canadian diplomats waved as a police van with tinted windows believed to be carrying Spavor drove out of the court. The verdict remains unknown. A court statement said that the "private hearing" had finished and that the court would "select a date to announce the verdict." Spavor's family have called for his unconditional release, saying that he was innocent of the accusations and had done much as a businessman to "build constructive ties" between Canada, China and North Korea. - 'Coercive diplomacy' - Trudeau said his government, along with allies he thanked publicly for showing "global solidarity in this case," would continue to press China to immediately release the "Two Michaels," as they have become known. "China needs to understand that it is not just about two Canadians," he said. "It is about respect for the rule of law and relationships with a broad range of Western countries that is at play with the arbitrary detention and the coercive diplomacy they have engaged in." These nations, he said, are "concerned about this not just because of these two Canadians, but because of the potential implications for their own citizens." The timing of the Spavor and Kovrig trials comes as high-level talks got underway between the US and China in Anchorage, Alaska, which observers said was no coincidence. Jim Nickel, the charge d'affaires of the Canadian embassy in Beijing, told reporters outside the Dandong courtroom in northeastern China that Canada -- with US support -- hopes to obtain Spavor and Kovrig's "immediate release." In Ottawa, Trudeau commented that "the Americans take this case seriously," adding that the plight of the two Canadians was sure to be raised by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his first face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. US State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter called the prosecution of the Canadians "deeply alarming," and condemned their "lack of minimum procedural protections during their two years of arbitrary detention." The United States, she added, stands "shoulder to shoulder with Canada in calling for their release." The trials of the two Canadians, who were detained in December 2018, also came alongside Huawei chief financial officer Meng's extradition case heading into its final weeks. Meng, whose father is Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, has been fighting extradition to the US on charges that she and the company violated US sanctions on Iran and other laws. Trudeau has accused Beijing of detaining Spavor and Kovrig to put pressure on Canada to release Meng, while affirming the independence of Canada's judicial system in dealing with the US extradition request. The two Canadian men have had almost no contact with the outside world since their detention. Virtual consular visits only resumed in October after a nine-month hiatus that authorities said was due to the coronavirus pandemic. Meng, meanwhile, remains under house arrest at her Vancouver mansion. Her hearing is expected to wrap up mid-May, barring appeals.

Trudeau rebukes China over closed-door prosecution of Canadians

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