This edition of The Canada Report is based on coverage from CBC, Global, CityNews Vancouver, CTV, Yahoo, CityNews Halifax, Montreal Gazette, RCMP, Yukon News, Cabin Radio, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and NNSL.
At a Glance
Air Canada faces a major strike as over 10,000 flight attendants walk off the job. In British Columbia, the shíshálh Nation reports 41 more potential unmarked graves at a former residential school. Ontario mandates a return to office for public servants, affecting 60,000 workers. Manitoba's small businesses brace for changes in U.S. tariff exemptions. Meanwhile, Concordia University students in Quebec celebrate a successful rocket launch. These developments impact communities and industries nationwide. Here's what's happening.
The State of Things
In the world of Canadian labour disputes, it's been a busy week. Air Canada is facing turbulence as over 10,000 flight attendants have taken to the picket lines. This strike, which began early Saturday, has grounded all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, leaving about 130,000 passengers in the lurch each day. If you're one of those folks, Air Canada is offering a "goodwill policy" to rebook or get travel credits. Meanwhile, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and Air Canada are at a standstill, with the airline's plea for government-directed arbitration getting a firm "no thanks" from the union. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu is urging both sides to buckle down and sort this out, but so far, no dice.
Over at Canada Post, talks with postal workers have hit a delay, thanks to the same federal mediators being tied up with the Air Canada negotiations. Canada Post is itching to address what it calls "significant challenges," but the union's not impressed with the current offers, especially the idea of bringing in more part-timers. With mail volumes dropping and parcel competition heating up, Canada Post is feeling the squeeze. The clock's ticking on these negotiations, which have been dragging on for over a year and a half. It's a classic case of "hurry up and wait," and Canadians are left wondering when their flights—and their mail—will get back on track.
Across the Map
British Columbia
The shíshálh Nation has revealed the discovery of 41 more potential unmarked graves at the former St. Augustine's Residential School on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast. This brings the total to 81, following an initial announcement in 2023. Using ground-penetrating radar, the search was guided by the insights of residential school survivors. Chief Lenora Joe expressed that while the findings are deeply saddening, they are not unexpected. The community has long believed the accounts of their Elders, emphasizing that the school was not a place of choice but one of forced assimilation. This discovery is part of a broader effort across Canada to uncover the painful truths of residential schools, where many Indigenous children were taken from their families and faced harsh conditions. The shíshálh Nation continues to work with 53 other communities, highlighting the widespread impact of these institutions.
Alberta
In Alberta, the RCMP are on the hunt for a missing horse named Hank, who seems to have vanished into thin air. A 28-year-old woman from Ponoka County, south of Edmonton, turned herself in after being charged with theft of cattle over $5,000. Despite this, Hank's whereabouts remain a mystery. The woman reportedly planned to sell Hank but hasn't spilled the beans on where he is now. The RCMP have taken to social media, posting photos of Hank and urging the public to help track him down. If you have any tips, the Mounties would love to hear from you—it's not every day you get to help solve a horse heist!
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's political scene is buzzing with a bit of a mystery. The NDP is pressing the provincial government to spill the beans on a stack of redacted documents related to the Saskatchewan Marshals Service. We're talking nearly 300 pages of emails and documents, all heavily blacked out, leaving the Opposition party—and the rest of us—wondering what's really going on behind the scenes.
This all started with a complaint about a marshal who resigned before the service even officially hit the ground. NDP MLA Nicole Sarauer isn't buying the government's tight-lipped approach and is calling for transparency. She’s asking for Minister Tim McLeod and Legislative Secretary Michael Weger to clear the air and explain what measures are in place to prevent such issues in the future.
The government, for its part, insists that the Public Complaint Commission handles these matters independently and that the NDP's push for more information could jeopardize the neutrality of the process. But with so many questions and so few answers, it seems like this story is far from over. Stay tuned, folks.
Manitoba
Manitoba's small businesses are facing a bit of a storm, thanks to a recent move by the U.S. government. The "de minimis" exemption, which allowed parcels under $800 to cross the border tariff-free, is now history. President Trump’s executive order has left folks like Leiah Bauer, owner of the Apothecandy Shop, in a bind. She's decided to hit pause on U.S. orders for her handmade soaps, fearing the costs will skyrocket.
The Manitoba Craft Council is hearing the same concerns from its members, many of whom rely heavily on American sales. Tammy Sutherland, the council's executive director, notes that for some, the U.S. market makes up a hefty chunk of their business. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business echoes this, warning that many entrepreneurs might have to scale back or explore new markets.
For now, Manitoba’s crafty entrepreneurs are left juggling their many hats, trying to make sense of this new reality. It’s a tough gig, but if there’s one thing small business owners know how to do, it’s adapt.
Ontario
Ontario's public servants are packing up their home offices as Premier Doug Ford's government rolls out a new mandate: back to the office full-time by January. The shift affects about 60,000 Ontario Public Service employees, many of whom have enjoyed the flexibility of remote work since the pandemic. Critics, like AMAPCEO president Dave Bulmer, argue this move could make it harder to attract and keep top talent, especially since many professionals now expect hybrid work options.
While Ford believes face-to-face interaction boosts productivity, others, like political science professor Maria Gintova, see remote work as a key to diversity and work-life balance. The debate is heating up, with some suggesting the policy might be more about downsizing than productivity. Meanwhile, Brampton is following suit, echoing the province's timeline for its city staff. As the return-to-office trend gains momentum, it seems Ontario's public sector is at a crossroads, balancing tradition with modern work expectations.
Quebec
Concordia University students have just made a giant leap for Canadian rocketry, launching the Starsailor rocket from northern Quebec. This ambitious project, seven years in the making, marks the first attempted space launch from Canadian soil in over 25 years. While the rocket didn’t quite reach space, splitting into pieces shortly after takeoff, the team is celebrating the achievement. They successfully cleared the launch tower and gathered valuable data, proving that students can tackle big challenges, not just major companies or governments.
The launch site, about 250 kilometres north of Mistissini, was buzzing with excitement as students and local Cree community members gathered to witness the event. Despite the rocket’s early disassembly, the Concordia team is optimistic, viewing the mission as a stepping stone towards Canada’s independent space capabilities. With over 700 students contributing to the project, this endeavor is a testament to perseverance and the spirit of innovation. Now, the team is focused on retrieving the rocket’s debris and planning their next steps in the quest for space.
New Brunswick
If you've ever teed off at the Aroostook Valley Country Club, you know it's not just the golf that's challenging—it's getting there. For years, Canadian golfers had to navigate a border maze to reach this gem near Perth-Andover, thanks to post-9/11 security measures. But now, thanks to a generous land donation from Mary Pedersen, there's a new, all-Canadian trail that makes the journey a breeze. Pedersen, whose family endured years of border hassles, donated land to create a path that keeps golfers on Canadian soil. The club's manager, Stephen Leitch, is optimistic about the future, even as American members face their own border hurdles. As the club gears up for its centennial in 2029, this quirky access route might just become part of its charm.
Nova Scotia
In a dramatic twist to the ongoing battle against the Long Lake wildfire in Annapolis County, a helicopter fighting the blaze took an unexpected dip into Fivefinger Lake. The good news? The pilot emerged conscious and chatty, much to everyone's relief. The crash occurred late Friday afternoon, and by 6 p.m., the pilot was on his way to the hospital for a check-up. While the Department of Natural Resources is keeping the pilot's name under wraps, they’ve assured us that Transport Canada is on the case to figure out what went wrong.
This fiery saga began with a lightning strike on Wednesday, sparking a wildfire that has now ballooned to about 406 hectares. Over 100 homes have been evacuated, and the situation remains tense, with fire behaviour described as "extreme." Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston expressed his relief over the pilot's rescue and thanked the quick responders. Here's hoping for calmer skies and a speedy recovery for all involved.
Prince Edward Island
In the heart of Prince Edward Island, the RCMP is diving deep—literally—into the investigation of a tragic shooting in Urbainville. Last week, shots were fired into a vehicle on Hackmatack Road, leaving a 35-year-old man dead and a 50-year-old woman, who later succumbed to her injuries, seriously hurt. The incident, which police say was targeted, has prompted a thorough investigation.
Enter the Underwater Recovery Team, a group of specialized divers now searching the island's waters for any submerged evidence. With police dogs, drones, and officers already scouring the land, this underwater team adds a new dimension to the search. Meanwhile, the RCMP is on the lookout for a white 2007 Honda Accord that might be linked to the case. If you have any tips or footage, the RCMP would love to hear from you.
Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the skies have been anything but friendly lately. Residents of a St. John’s suburb are breathing a sigh of relief as they return home after a wildfire evacuation order was lifted. Susan Barrett, for one, is thrilled to have her chicken, Hazel, back in her natural habitat, scratching around the yard. But the joy is tempered by caution, as evacuation alerts remain in place, keeping folks on their toes.
Meanwhile, the Kingston wildfire continues to wreak havoc, having already claimed Cabot Academy in Western Bay and numerous homes along the Bay de Verde Peninsula. With over 91 square kilometres scorched, the fire has displaced about 3,000 people. Premier John Hogan is hopeful that cooler temperatures and rain might aid in fire suppression, but the air quality remains a concern for the region. As the community rallies together, the resilience of Newfoundlanders shines through, even in the face of such adversity.
Yukon
If you're in Pelly Crossing, Yukon, you might want to keep an eye on your calendar. The local health centre is running on a skeleton crew until September 3, with just one nurse on duty. This means they'll be focusing on emergencies, so if it's not urgent, you might need to reschedule. It's not the first time this has happened; the centre has faced similar staffing issues before, and it's part of a broader trend across the territory. The Yukon government is trying to tackle this with signing bonuses and flexible work arrangements, but for now, patience is key. If you need immediate help, 911 is your go-to, and for non-urgent questions, dial 811. Stay safe, and hopefully, the staffing situation improves soon!
Northwest Territories
Yellowknife's business scene has been rocked by a fraud case involving Liang Chen, a local businessman and immigration consultant. Chen has been sentenced to 18 months of house arrest after pleading guilty to defrauding the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) of a $250,000 loan. The loan, originally intended for Northern Sky Films, was instead funneled into another business Chen co-owned.
The plot thickens as Chen's actions left Shengteng Wang, the new director of Northern Sky Films, in the dark about the debt until the BDC came knocking. The closure of Northern Sky Films earlier this year has been linked to this financial misstep. Judge Gary Magee emphasized the breach of trust, noting that Chen's actions were not a momentary lapse but a prolonged scheme. While Chen's reputation in Yellowknife might have taken a hit, he's been given a chance to make amends by paying back the loan in monthly installments. If he falters, a stint in jail awaits.
Nunavut
Nunavut and Greenland are teaming up to tackle the tricky waters of sustainable fishing. On August 2, they kicked off their first joint committee meeting, aiming to balance the needs of local fishing communities with marine conservation. But don't worry, they're not about to slap catch limits on anyone just yet. Instead, they're bringing together scientists and Inuit researchers to figure out the best way forward.
The committee is all about collaboration, with members from both governments, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. They're focusing on the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay, key areas for fisheries. One exciting development is an exchange program for officers between Greenland and Nunavut, which should help share knowledge and strengthen ties.
The goal? To protect the waters and ensure that Inuit families can rely on these resources for generations. It's a big step towards sustainable fisheries, blending economic needs with environmental care. Stay tuned for more details as this partnership unfolds.
Warm and Fuzzy
In a world where we often hear about the latest tech gadget or fitness craze, Sunao Ayukawa is proving that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Diagnosed with stage four liver cirrhosis at the age of 88, Ayukawa decided to lace up his walking shoes and hit the pavement. Fast forward to today, at the age of 95, he’s walked over 10,000 kilometers—enough to cross Canada twice.
Ayukawa’s daily routine is refreshingly straightforward: less TV, more steps. While he’s slowed down a bit, averaging six miles a day now, his commitment is unwavering. His daughter, Karen Hanna, notes that his health has improved dramatically, and he’s happier too.
The secret to his success? Just keep moving. Whether he's strolling through Lethbridge or biking with his daughter in the coulees, Ayukawa is living proof that staying active can transform your life. It’s not about counting steps but cherishing the journey. So, if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration to get moving, Ayukawa’s story might just be the nudge you need.
Straight Facts
The Big Maple Leaf isn't your average coin. Weighing in at a hefty 100 kilograms, this $1 million (CAD) gold giant was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2007. With a purity of 99.999%, it was the world's largest gold coin until 2011. But the real twist? In 2017, one of these coins was stolen from a Berlin museum. Despite police efforts, the coin's whereabouts remain a mystery, with suspicions that it was melted down. It's a tale of high-stakes heist meets Canadian craftsmanship, and it's still unsolved.
Canadian Recs
If you're on the hunt for a sandwich that hits all the right notes, Meat & Bread is your go-to. Their porchetta sandwich is a standout, with tender meat and crispy cracklings that add a satisfying crunch. It's a simple concept done exceptionally well, making it a must-try for any sandwich aficionado. Plus, the cozy, industrial-chic vibe of their locations makes for a perfect lunch spot. Check it out
Let's Recap
Canada's got a lot going on. Air Canada's facing a big labour dispute with over 10,000 flight attendants, and in B.C., the shíshálh Nation has found more potential unmarked graves. Meanwhile, Alberta's on the lookout for a missing horse named Hank. Keep an eye on Ontario as public servants head back to the office. For a break, maybe try a porchetta sandwich from Meat & Bread. We'll be back next time with more.
