Here is a summary of the latest news highlights from Canada, focusing on significant events and developments.

Evacuations Underway in Nova Scotia due to Intensifying Wildfire

In Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, residents are on high alert as an out-of-control wildfire continues to spread. The Long Lake wildfire has prompted the provincial Department of Emergency Management to issue evacuation orders for those living along Highway 10 in the West Dalhousie area. Earlier in the day, evacuations were also requested for individuals residing on parts of Morse Road and Thorne Road. Initially estimated to cover approximately 32 square kilometers, the wildfire's size has since increased. Currently, there are three wildfires burning in the province, with the Long Lake wildfire being the only one classified as out-of-control.

Canada Post Negotiations with Union Set to Resume

Negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are set to continue as both parties work towards reaching a collective bargaining agreement. A spokeswoman for Canada Post stated that the Crown corporation is committed to the process and is currently reviewing CUPW's proposals. Following a delay on negotiations scheduled for Friday, CUPW asserted that Canada Post required additional time to consider the union's offers.

Growing Backlog of Air Travel Complaints

For Air Canada customers wishing to file complaints regarding their experiences during the recent flight attendants’ strike, there is a significant backlog to contend with. The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) reported that as of August 14, prior to the commencement of the strike, approximately 85,000 air travel complaints were pending. This backlog has been exacerbated since the introduction of federal regulations in 2019 that established compensation for flight delays and cancellations. In 2023, the CTA implemented a new system to enhance its capacity to manage complaints, but the volume of grievances has sharply increased, with reported complaints jumping from around 12,000 in the fiscal year 2021-22 to more than 42,000 annually over the past three years.

Canadian Flags Honor Soldiers in Kyiv Memorial

In Kyiv's Independence Square, a makeshift memorial adorned with blue-and-yellow flags pays tribute to Ukraine's fallen soldiers, alongside a notable presence of Canadian flags. These flags symbolize the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers in defense of Ukraine. The site, which was once a lawn, transformed into a memorial after Russia's invasion in 2022. Each flag honors a soldier, hand-marked with their names and dates of death, often accompanied by smiling photographs. Thousands of flags and photos populate the area, creating well-worn paths for visitors who frequently come to offer fresh flowers. Lt.-Col. Yan Fidrya, commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion of the Ukrainian International Legion, noted the presence of Canadian soldiers who served in their ranks, emphasizing the shared loss and remembrance.

New Municipal Donor Rules Impact Alberta Political Landscape

This year, candidates in Calgary and Edmonton face a pivotal decision regarding their political affiliations, as they are presented with the option to align with municipal parties for the first time. The newly implemented campaign finance rules in Alberta favor those who choose to run as part of a political party, which impacts the funding of their campaigns. Despite the financial advantages associated with party affiliation, many mayoral candidates are opting to run as independents, citing personal principles. Jeromy Farkas, a former Calgary city councillor now running for mayor as an independent, remarked, “For me, it’s a matter of right or wrong. Just because something is legal doesn’t mean you should do it.”