Here's a summary of the latest news updates from The Canadian Press, providing key stories from Canada.
Charter Challenge Against Religious Exemption for Assisted Dying Law in B.C.
The British Columbia (B.C.) Supreme Court is set to hear a pivotal case questioning the rights of religious hospitals to refuse specific medical procedures under the province's assisted dying law. Dying With Dignity Canada, along with a group of plaintiffs, is challenging the B.C. government, Vancouver Coastal Health, and Providence Health Care. The current B.C. law allows organizations like Providence, a Catholic entity, to opt out of offering medical assistance in dying (MAID) within their facilities, provided that patients are transferred elsewhere for the procedure. The case centers around the experience of Gaye and Jim O’Neill, who claim that their daughter, Sam O’Neill, suffered excruciating pain during her transfer from St. Paul’s hospital in April 2023 to receive MAID.
Ryan Wedding Extradition Case: Bail Hearing for Accused
An Ontario man, Rolan Sokolovski, is poised to make a bid for bail ahead of his extradition hearing related to allegations of laundering funds for an international drug smuggling operation. Sokolovski was arrested last fall along with others connected to Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder accused of being a significant drug kingpin who is wanted by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). U.S. authorities allege that Sokolovski managed the organization’s financial activities, secured luxury items for Wedding, and created a "bejewelled necklace" as payment linked to a murder. The bail hearing will take place over several days in a downtown Toronto courthouse.
Minister Champagne Discusses Trade and Critical Minerals in Washington
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is currently in Washington, D.C., for discussions focused on trade and critical minerals with G7 nations and other aligned countries. Since Sunday, Champagne has been involved in meetings leading up to a finance ministers' session aimed at addressing supply chains for critical minerals, hosted by the U.S. Treasury Secretary. Champagne expressed the urgent need for Canada to advance the extraction and refining of critical minerals, emphasizing Canada’s potential role in aiding Europe’s reduction of reliance on China for these essential resources.
Family of Man Who Died Post-Altercation with Saskatchewan Hospital Security Identified
The Saskatoon Tribal Council, along with Chief Mark Arcand and relatives of Trevor Dubois, will hold a news conference today following Dubois' death after an altercation with security personnel at the Royal University Hospital, Saskatchewan's largest healthcare facility. Dubois, who was undergoing chemotherapy for brain cancer, was involved in an incident last Friday during which security officers were called to his room. The Saskatchewan Health Authority reported that the patient became unresponsive following a physical altercation with security staff. Dubois’ family has expressed their shock and is seeking answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
Montreal Bookshop Hosts 'Heated Rivalry' Fan Screening Event
Fans of the hockey romance series “Heated Rivalry” gathered at the independent bookstore Joie de livre in Montreal for a rewatch event. Approximately 60 attendees joined the screening of the series' first episode. Many participants admitted to having watched the show multiple times but were excited about experiencing it collectively with fellow enthusiasts. Since its debut in November, “Heated Rivalry” has become one of Crave's most-watched original series while also featuring prominently on HBO Max’s top 10 shows in the U.S.
This news roundup highlights critical legal, social, and cultural developments across Canada, reflecting ongoing issues in healthcare, international relations, and community engagement.
