The latest reports from The Canadian Press highlight several significant incidents and developments from Canada over recent days. Among the top stories are a severe bear attack in British Columbia, investments announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney during his visit to Abu Dhabi, and discussions on national pharmacare and international security in Halifax.
Pupils flee as grizzly attacks elementary class in B.C., injuring 11, some critically
A grizzly bear attacked a group of elementary school students and teachers in Bella Coola, a community located on British Columbia's central coast, injuring 11 individuals. Among the injured, two sustained critical injuries while two others were seriously hurt. The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. on Thursday, as the students were on a nature walk approximately 700 kilometres northwest of Vancouver. Veronica Schooner, a parent of one of the students, reported that her 10-year-old son, Alvarez, was so close to the bear that he could feel its fur. The Nuxalk Nation indicated that the "aggressive bear" remains at large, with police and conservation officers actively monitoring the situation.
Carney wraps Abu Dhabi visit with $70B for Canada
During his recent trip to Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a significant investment initiative, including a project aimed at enhancing critical minerals processing capacity in Canada, valued at $1 billion. This announcement is part of a broader strategy to generate economic growth and human development while securing an investment of approximately $70 million from the United Arab Emirates. Carney's visit underscored the importance of trade, particularly amid ongoing concerns related to the war in Sudan. He personally invited Emirati investors to explore opportunities in Canada following the signing of an investment-protection agreement and the initiation of trade discussions.
Pharmacare advisory report to be made public
The federal government is expected to release a crucial report from the advisory committee focused on establishing a national pharmacare program. Convened last fall after the Pharmacare Act was enacted, the committee was tasked with providing recommendations within a year. The push for a national pharmacare scheme, advocated by the New Democratic Party (NDP) in their agreement supporting the minority Liberal government, aims to create a universal, single-payer program. A 2023 report from the parliamentary budget officer projected that such a program would incur an additional cost of $11.2 billion compared to the current government spending on medications and associated expenses.
Halifax Security Forum to focus on democracy
Halifax is set to host the 17th annual Halifax International Security Forum, where democratic leaders will convene to address global security and prosperity issues. The conference, led by Canada’s Defence Minister David McGuinty, is primarily focused on the topic of democracy, with nearly all sessions dedicated to discussions surrounding it. Among the prominent attendees will be a bipartisan delegation of nine U.S. senators, including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who is the top-ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
How crypto raiders tortured a family in $2M heist
In a disturbing incident, a family in Port Moody, British Columbia, was subjected to a 13-hour home invasion by a gang posing as delivery personnel. The attackers, who wore Canada Post uniforms, held the family hostage while conducting a cryptocurrency heist. The ordeal involved extreme violence, including waterboarding, sexual assault, and death threats. The gang, which included a suspect from Hong Kong, forced the family's 18-year-old daughter into distressing acts to obtain access to their cryptocurrency and bank accounts, ultimately escaping with over $2 million worth of bitcoin.
Quebec man granted third murder trial postponement
Kamaljit Arora, a Quebec father accused of murdering his two children in 2022, has been granted a third postponement of his trial. He faces first-degree murder charges for the deaths of his 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son, as well as attempted murder charges related to another daughter and allegations of trying to strangle his ex-wife. Initially scheduled to commence today in Laval, Quebec, Arora requested a delay due to a loss of trust in his legal representation. Despite a previous warning from another judge about the unlikelihood of further extensions, the Superior Court Justice Alexandre Bien-Aimé Bastien allowed the request.
This roundup from The Canadian Press encapsulates key developments in Canadian news, reflecting a diverse range of issues from public safety to international relations and justice.
