The Canadian Press brings you a roundup of the latest significant events, starting with a tragic incident in Banff National Park.

Search Continues for Hikers after Banff Rockfall

Rescuers in Alberta are scheduled to resume their search today for individuals affected by a massive rockfall at Bow Glacier Falls, approximately 200 kilometers northwest of Calgary. The incident resulted in one death and three injuries, prompting an urgent response from emergency services.

Video footage captured and shared online reportedly depicts a large shelf of stone tumbling down the mountainside, creating a substantial cloud of grey dust which sent other hikers fleeing to safety. Authorities confirmed that one individual was found deceased at the scene, while two others were airlifted to a hospital in Calgary, and a third was transported via ground ambulance. As families await news, Parks Canada encourages those who have not been able to contact loved ones to reach out for assistance.

Evacuations Lifted in Northwestern Manitoba

In northwest Manitoba, thousands of residents who were forced to evacuate due to wildfires will soon be able to return home as officials begin lifting evacuation orders. Residents of Lynn Lake, a community located 775 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg, will be permitted to return starting at 8 a.m. on Friday. Additionally, authorities are preparing to lift the mandatory evacuation order for approx 5,100 residents in Flin Flon by mid-next week, with Deputy Mayor Alison Dallas-Funk announcing a potential return date of June 25. Most critical services, such as power and gas, are expected to be operational by Sunday, facilitating the council’s planned meeting to formally rescind the evacuation order on Monday, assuming no further fire activity occurs.

House of Commons to Vote on Major Projects Bill

Today, Members of Parliament will cast their votes on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s major projects and internal trade bill before the House of Commons breaks until September. A closure motion was passed to limit debate, ensuring that the House will not adjourn until Bill C-5 is concluded. The Liberal government’s contentious legislation, designed to expedite federal approvals for significant industrial projects such as mines, ports, and pipelines, passed through committee with Conservative support early Thursday morning. However, the bill has faced criticism from Indigenous and environmental groups, along with some opposition MPs and senators, regarding the expansive powers it grants to the cabinet. Following scrutiny from First Nations leaders, the legislation was amended to remove provisions that allowed cabinet to bypass the Indian Act.

Mike Pemberton Named New Yukon Premier

Mike Pemberton has been elected as the new leader of the Yukon Liberal Party and will henceforth serve as the territory’s 11th premier. A local businessman and experienced party member, Pemberton narrowly won the leadership contest by a margin of 13 votes against former Chief of Kwanlin Dun First Nations, Doris Bill. His election signals a transition following outgoing Premier Ranj Pillai’s announcement earlier this year regarding his decision not to seek re-election. A total of 873 ballots were cast during the leadership convention held in Whitehorse, with Pemberton receiving 442 votes while Bill garnered 429 votes, and two ballots were considered spoiled. The next territorial election must occur on or before November 3, with the Liberals currently holding a minority government, commanding eight out of 19 legislative seats.

Anand Commits to Reform in Foreign Affairs

In light of rising tensions in the Middle East, disruptions in global trade, and the need for departmental reforms, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed her enthusiasm for guiding Canada through these turbulent global affairs. In a wide-ranging interview, Anand reflected on her political and academic experiences, emphasizing the importance of executing a cohesive and values-driven approach to international issues. She remarked, "How do you ensure, when you have these large departments, that you’re actually able to execute? That is the heart of government. It’s the hardest thing to do." Citing her tenure as defense minister, where she addressed issues of sexual misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces and oversaw military aid to Ukraine, Anand is determined to implement effective strategies for Canada’s foreign policy.