Today marks election day in the Yukon, where residents are not only voting for their territorial representatives but also weighing in on a non-binding electoral reform question. The Yukon Liberals, currently a minority government, hold eight out of the 19 seats in the legislature and govern in partnership with three New Democratic Party (NDP) members. This election poses a significant test for Liberal Premier Mike Pemberton, who became the party leader in June but does not yet hold a seat in the legislature. Moreover, the territory is experiencing its first election with 21 ridings after a recent redistricting, though the Liberals were only able to recruit 18 candidates, compared to complete slates from the NDP and the Opposition Yukon Party.
In Montreal, Soraya Martinez Ferrada has been elected as the new mayor after voters opted for change, resulting in the ousting of the city's left-leaning government that had been in power for the past eight years. Martinez Ferrada, a Chilean refugee and former federal minister, leads the centrist party Ensemble Montréal. She capitalized on the public's dissatisfaction with the outgoing mayor, Valérie Plante, who had previously announced she would not run for a third term. Martinez Ferrada defeated Plante’s successor, Luc Rabouin, who announced his resignation as leader of Projet Montréal following the election results.
Elsewhere, a forestry summit is underway today in Vancouver, bringing together politicians from British Columbia and Ottawa to discuss support for the struggling forestry industry, which has been adversely affected by increased American tariffs. Federal officials, including Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, are joining B.C. Premier David Eby and related ministers to address how best to support workers and businesses facing tariffs exceeding 50 percent. The U.S. recently imposed anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Canadian products, heightening concerns over the industry's viability.
In Saskatchewan, a man has been charged with manslaughter in relation to a shooting incident that took place on September 12 along Highway 39 near Weyburn. The shooting resulted in the death of 44-year-old Tanya Myers, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles that came under fire. Chris Fahlman, a 42-year-old resident of Regina, faces multiple charges, including manslaughter, careless use of a firearm, and carrying a weapon with the intent to commit an offense. He is scheduled to appear in Regina Provincial Court today.
A disturbing Halloween display in Manitoba has drawn attention and an RCMP investigation due to its nature, which is perceived as an intimidation tactic against local politicians. The display features five nearly life-sized figures hanging from a noose in a yard located in Taché, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg. Ivan Normandeau, president of the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities, expressed concerns about the message behind the display, and Taché Mayor Armand Poirier mentioned that his council would provide more details on the situation in a meeting held over the weekend.
Finally, Toronto Blue Jays fans are mourning the team's loss in the World Series as they return to their daily routines today. The emotional investment many fans made during the series has left a lingering sense of sadness. University of Toronto psychiatry professor Rajeevan Rasasingham notes that while it's common for fans to feel this way after a significant loss, the moments from the American League Championship Series, such as George Springer’s pivotal home run in Game 7, will remain etched in the team's history for years to come.
