Canada column for
Sunday, May 5/19
THE CANADIAN REPORT
(c) By Jim Fox
Flood waters are
starting to recede in Ottawa, Montreal and Ontario’s “cottage country,” north
of Toronto, as the federal government considers relocation aid.
Thousands of people
have been forced from their homes as the army is helping to sandbag and rescue
homeowners.
The government is
giving the Canadian Red Cross $2.5 million to support flood recovery efforts
across the country, said Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister
Ralph Goodale.
The money will
support people who’ve been displaced by floods, including providing temporary
lodging, clothing, food and other essential supplies.
It will also be
used in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Manitoba to support displaced
residents as they return home or recover as the flooding recedes.
The Red Cross said
it has received $3.4 million in donations from Canadians to help with flood
relief and has registered 10,000 people as displayed residents needing
assistance.
Canada’s disaster
financial aid will help with long-term recovery costs along with a 10-year,
$2-billion commitment to build infrastructure to make areas more flood-resistant.
---
The Ontario
government says it is “trusting people to make responsible choices” by further
liberalizing drinking laws.
Conservative Premier
Doug Ford said bars and restaurants will be able to serve alcohol daily from 9
a.m. (instead of 11 a.m.).
Municipalities can
decide where beer, liquor and wine can be consumed in public, such as in parks.
The province will
also allow tailgating parties with liquor at sports events and the promotion of
“happy hours” by bars.
Casinos can also
serve free drinks to gamblers in order to “level the playing field” with the
U.S.
---
News in brief:
- Air Canada has extended its ban on flying Boeing 737 Max jets until at
least Aug. 1. Canada’s largest airline is using its other airliners to adjust
to summer schedules. Transport Canada banned the 737 Max from the skies over
safety concerns arising from two deadly crashes. WestJet Airlines has removed
its 13 Max 8s from service until at least July 1, with no plans to cancel
orders for 37 more of the airplanes.
- Newly elected Alberta Premier Jason Kenney joined with Ontario Premier
Doug Ford to celebrate a “strong alliance” and to show that the two provinces
are again “open for business.”
At the meeting in Toronto between the
two Conservatives, Ford congratulated Kenney for beating incumbent New
Democratic Premier Rachel Notley in last month’s provincial election. “I can’t even
wipe the smile off my face,” Ford said.
---
Facts and figures:
The Canadian dollar
is higher at 74.48 cents U.S. while the U.S. dollar returns $1.342 Canadian before
exchange fees.
The Bank of Canada’s
key interest rate is steady at 1.75 percent while the prime-lending rate is 3.95
percent.
Stock markets are lower, with the Toronto
exchange index at 16,488 points while the TSX Venture index is 605 points.
The average price for gas in Canada is up to $1.34
a liter or $5.09 (Canadian) for a U.S. gallon; $1.30 a liter in Ontario.
Lotto 6/49: (May 1) 23, 27, 28, 34, 38 and 43; bonus 48.
(April 27) 5, 6, 11, 16, 19 and 27; bonus 24. Lotto Max: (April 26) 9, 17,
21, 23, 36, 41 and 48; bonus 12.
---
Regional briefs:
- Weather Network
forecasters predict wintry conditions, even though we’re into May, across the
Western Prairies. There could also be a “significant potential for a widespread
snow event” in Calgary. The snowfall threat remains for areas along and east of
the Rockies, all making for a big two-day weekend storm. Temperatures are to remain
below seasonal with a thunderstorm risk for southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
- A Saskatchewan
dance fitness studio owner was fined $200 for a noise complaint from neighbor
and Canadian rocker Burton Cummings. Kyra Klassen, who initially faced eight charges,
said she is relocating her business in Moose Jaw as a result. Cummings, former
lead singer for the Guess Who, called the police on several times to complain
about noise coming from the studio.
-30-
Jim Fox can be reached at canadareport@hotmail.com
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