This roundup from The Canadian Press highlights significant stories shaping current events in Canada.

NDP Faces ‘Parliament from Hell,’ Says Ex-MP

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is gearing up to return to the House of Commons without official party status at the end of May, an occurrence reminiscent of the aftermath of the 1993 election. Svend Robinson, who represented Burnaby, B.C., in the House from 1979 to 2004, recalls that period as “the Parliament from hell.” He noted that the NDP's severe losses in 1993 made parliamentary life significantly challenging. Robinson described how, from the back corner of the House, he struggled to get recognized by the Speaker while only receiving a few questions weekly. Without proper status on committees, he remarked on the limited ability to engage, stating: “You could show up at a committee hearing, and if the chair decided to recognize you, you might get a question or two.” In contrast, the last Parliament allowed the NDP to ask questions daily and participate in every House of Commons committee.

Alberta Separation Would Be Unpredictable: Experts

As separatist sentiments rise in Alberta, experts warn that a potential vote to sever ties with Canada could lead the nation into uncharted territory regarding finances, Indigenous rights, and national parks. Law professor Eric Adams emphasized this uncertainty, stating, “You’re in terra incognita. You’re off the map when we get to that stage of the proceedings.” The issue gained traction after the recent election, where Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals secured another mandate, followed by Premier Danielle Smith’s government introducing legislation that would lower the threshold for citizens to trigger provincewide referendums. The proposed bill would reduce the required petition signatures from 20 percent of total registered voters to only 10 percent of those who voted in the last general election, offering 120 days to collect the necessary 177,000 signatures, instead of the previous 90 days.

Canada Looks to Europe as World Marks End of WW2

As the world commemorates 80 years since the conclusion of World War II in Europe, Canada is reassessing its position within a changing global landscape. The post-war era saw Canada distancing itself from Great Britain and aligning closely with North America, fostering decades of prosperity. However, in light of a rising geopolitical instability and an American administration engaged in trade conflicts, Canada is reconsidering its priorities. David O’Keefe, a history professor at Marianopolis College, stressed the heightened awareness regarding potential larger-scale conflicts, stating, “Without a doubt, we certainly have to be much more aware of the possibility of a larger-scale conflict than we’ve seen in many, many years.”

Hockey Players’ Lawyers Cross-Examine Complainant

The sexual assault trial involving five hockey players continues, with defense lawyers expected to persist in their cross-examination of the complainant today. The woman, protected by a publication ban, admitted under questioning that she adopted a “porn star persona” as a coping mechanism during an encounter with the men in June 2018 in a hotel room. She felt that adopting this persona was necessary to comply with what the men expected, believing she could not leave the situation otherwise. The defendants—Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote—have all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Family Seeks Recognition of Pilot Honored in U.K.

William Stuart McMullen, a Canadian pilot officer from Ontario, is a figure of admiration in the UK, with a street named after him and a plaque in a local hospital commemorating his heroic actions during World War II. At only 29 years old, McMullen made the ultimate sacrifice while steering his failing aircraft away from a populated area during a training exercise. Despite the honor he receives abroad, he remains relatively unknown in Canada, highlighting a disparity in recognition for his bravery.

East Coast Music Awards Gala to Feature Big Acts

The East Coast Music Awards have returned to Newfoundland, where the gala will showcase several noteworthy performances tonight in St. John’s. Leading the nominations is Enfield, Nova Scotia, rapper Classified, who has earned eight nods. The event is set to feature live performances from talented East Coast artists, including Classified, Jah'Mila, Kellie Loder, and The Ennis Sisters. Despite facing criticism regarding transparency and representation since last fall, the awards and concurrent five-day conference commenced on Wednesday.