National

National


PC plan for central online high school shelved

Manitoba Education has abandoned plans to create an entirely new online high school to increase access to remote learning and expand e-course offerings coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The department’s planned takeover of InformNet — a Grade 9-12 remote learning program operated by Winnipeg’s St. James-Assinbioia School Division — appears to be collateral damage […]

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Aurora Council explores “feasibility” of Digital Data Charter

Aurora will soon explore the feasibility of developing a Digital Data charter that would protect residents’ privacy in an increasingly digital world. Sitting at Council’s inaugural Committee of the Whole meeting, Council approved a motion from Ward 2 Councillor Rachel Gilliland tasking staff to come back with a report on just such a framework “centred […]

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Halt defence counter-intelligence searches of workplace computers, spy watchdog urges

The national spy watchdog is calling on the military’s counter-intelligence unit to suspend investigative searches of a workplace computer system over concerns about employee privacy. A National Security and Intelligence Review Agency report released Thursday says Defence employees and Armed Forces members have a reasonable expectation of privacy when making personal use of work computers. […]

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Liberals introduce legislation updating Elections Act, in keeping with NDP pact

The Liberal government has tabled legislation that updates the federal Elections Act as part of its political pact with the NDP. The minister responsible for democratic institutions, Dominic LeBlanc, said the changes “will enhance Canadians’ ability to exercise their vote while strengthening protections against foreign interference in our elections.” The bill, if passed, would add […]

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Scientists fired from Winnipeg lab over security fears rightly under probe: minister

It’s “extremely appropriate” that two scientists who lost their jobs due to dealings with China remain under investigation, Health Minister Mark Holland said Wednesday. The National Microbiology Laboratory researchers were fired in early 2021 after their security clearances were revoked over questions about their loyalty and the potential for coercion by China. Records tabled in […]

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MV Confederation to sail solo till mid-May

Refit work on the 17-year-old MV Fanafjord, slated to replace the decommissioned Holiday Island ferry running between Wood Islands, PEI and Caribou, NS is well underway, according to Transport Canada.  However, the department is no longer confident the vessel will be ready by May 1st as promised by Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay and other federal […]

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Feds eye ‘more responsive’ models for RCMP’s contract policing across Canada

The Liberal government is looking for ways to improve policing services provided under contract by the RCMP across Canada — eyeing everything from overall cost and sustainability to stronger oversight and accountability. Among the possibilities are “more responsive” police service models that could involve closer integration of the RCMP and community social services, say internal […]

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Teachers union executive weighs options after information leak

Manitoba Teachers’ Society executives have not ruled out an investigation to hold whistleblowers accountable for exposing employee concerns about the head office’s “toxic” environment, related departures and capacity to support members. “I honestly can’t say at this point in time which direction things will take; we’ll have to see how things play out,” said president […]

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Rising insurance premiums create challenges for local townships

The cost of insurance for local municipalities continues to rise. Springwater Township received its annual insurance renewal notice last Friday at a cost of $625,709.52. That’s almost $42,000 more than last year, or slightly more than seven per cent.  According to a report prepared by Renée Ainsworth, Springwater’s clerk and director of corporate services, which […]

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Toxic MTS workplace revelations trigger call for inquiry into leak

One group of local union presidents wants the Manitoba Teachers’ Society to launch an inquiry into recent leaks that reveal MTS headquarters is troubled by a large number of administrative employee leaves and allegations it is a “toxic work environment.” Anonymous posts criticizing leaders from both the union’s operational and political wings began appearing on […]

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Yukon issues public notice after break-in at Whitehorse victim services office

The Yukon government has issued a public notice about a break-in where “confidential files” were exposed and cellphones were stolen from the victim services office in Whitehorse. The statement issued Monday says the Justice Department is “following the appropriate procedures to respond to the privacy breach affecting confidential files that contain sensitive personal information.” RCMP […]

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Protest at Brampton Civic will push for better healthcare following release of Ontario Health Coalition report highlighting PC move to privatization

After a damning report from the Ontario Health Coalition accusing the PC government of purposely underfunding public health systems to finance the private sector, the organization’s local chapter has announced April 22 will be a day of protest at Brampton Civic Hospital to demand “Truly Universal Healthcare”.  The demonstration is currently scheduled to take place […]

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