Here is a roundup of the latest stories reported by The Canadian Press.
Mandatory Evacuation in Manitoba Town Due to Wildfire Threat
The town of Lynn Lake in northern Manitoba has issued a mandatory evacuation order as a wildfire threatens to disrupt power to the community. The evacuation will begin on Friday, although specific times for residents to leave have not been disclosed. Officials warn that if the wildfire jeopardizes Manitoba Hydro transmission lines, residents may experience power outages lasting over a month. Currently, there are 60 wildfires burning in Manitoba, 17 of which are classified as out of control. The town has noted multiple wildfires nearby, including two to the southeast that could impede travel between Lynn Lake and Thompson. A reception center has been established in Brandon, located more than 1,100 kilometers south of Lynn Lake, to assist evacuees.
Academics Urge Canadian Government to Fast-Track Palestinian Student Visas
A coalition of Canadian academics is urging the federal government to expedite the approval of student visas for Palestinians, following the tragic deaths of two students who were accepted into Canadian universities before they could leave the region. Ayman Oweida, chair of the Palestinian Students and Scholars at Risk Network, revealed that the two deceased students were twin sisters killed in a Gaza airstrike in December. The network, which is a volunteer group of Canadian scholars, aims to connect Palestinian graduate-level students with Canadian research opportunities. However, their efforts have been significantly hindered by ongoing military operations in Gaza, where the absence of Canadian diplomatic presence complicates the visa application process for students.
Calgary Stampede Parade Kicks Off with Shania Twain
The Calgary Stampede has officially commenced with a vibrant parade featuring thousands dressed in classic Western attire. Country music icon Shania Twain will lead the parade on horseback before performing at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday. The week-long event is expected to attract over 300,000 spectators lining the streets. As parade preparations take place, Stampede Park is bustling with activity as crews finalize midway rides and food concession stands, enhancing the atmosphere of this annual celebration.
Political Leaders Gather for Traditional Pancake Breakfast at Stampede
As the Calgary Stampede gets underway, political leaders from across Canada have convened for the traditional pancake breakfast. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek welcomed attendees to the flapjack event, marking the unofficial commencement of the rodeo that proudly labels itself as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. This 10-day festival serves as a prime networking opportunity for politicians, who often use the occasion to connect with the public ahead of impending elections. Prominent figures, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, have planned fundraising events and barbecues throughout the Stampede.
B.C. Field Coronors Demand Pay Raise Amid Challenging Work Conditions
Field coroners in British Columbia are voicing their concerns regarding their pay rate of just over $32 an hour, advocating for better compensation given the nature of their work. Leena Chandi, a field coroner, emphasized that the situations they encounter can be extremely distressing and are not something the average person should witness. The field coroners believe they are among the most underpaid personnel within the province’s emergency services sector. In an urgent plea for a pay increase, they have sent a letter to their superiors and members of the legislature, highlighting that their wages have not seen an increase since 2016. They argue that rising inflation and living costs have made their positions increasingly untenable.
