This article provides a summary of recent developments reported by The Canadian Press, focusing on various significant events in Canada.

‘Freedom Convoy’ Organizer Faces Sentencing

Pat King, one of the key organizers of the 2022 convoy protest in Ottawa, is scheduled for sentencing in an Ottawa courtroom today. In November, Superior Court Justice Charles Hackland found King guilty on five counts, including mischief and disobeying a court order, while he was acquitted on three counts of intimidation and one count of obstructing police. The prosecution is advocating for a maximum sentence of 10 years, while King’s defense is seeking a ruling for time served and probation, noting that King was incarcerated for approximately five months after his arrest in February 2022 before being granted bail.

CAF Discrimination Settlement ‘A Slap in the Face’

A former member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), involved in an eight-year-long class action lawsuit regarding discrimination, expressed that the settlement is inadequate compensation for the trauma endured. The class action represents current and former CAF members who have faced racial discrimination or harassment since April 17, 1985. The total settlement amount stands at up to $150 million, with individual payments varying from a base of $5,000 to a maximum of $35,000 for those who provide a comprehensive account of their experiences.

New Apps Aim to Help Shoppers Buy Canadian

In a bid to assist consumers in identifying Canadian products, new apps, such as Maple Scan, have emerged, created by computer science researcher Sasha Ivanov. This innovative app analyzes photographs of products on store shelves to disclose their origins and whether they qualify as "product of Canada" or "made in Canada." If a product is not sourced domestically, it suggests alternative Canadian items. Ivanov, based in Calgary, shared that the inspiration for the app arose from his own challenges in recognizing Canadian products while shopping.

Pensions Need to Step Up on Climate Change: Shift

Shift Action for Pension Wealth and Planet Health, an advocacy group, is urging public pension managers in Canada to leverage their financial influence in addressing climate change, especially as political responses may become unreliable. In a recent report, Shift highlighted that the significant Canadian pension funds need to acknowledge their power and use it proactively as political momentum on climate action stagnates. The report assessed the climate commitments of eleven prominent pension managers, revealing that while progress has been made, the pace remains concerning, particularly in light of regressive policies by some entities.

Clean Energy Key for Next Ont. Government: Report

A report by the Pembina Institute emphasizes that the forthcoming Ontario government should prioritize the swift expansion of interprovincial electricity transmission to facilitate the transition to a clean economy. By diminishing interprovincial barriers, new markets can be created for Ontario’s electricity that remain shielded from ongoing trade uncertainties with the United States. The report indicates that Ontario is facing a “new economic reality,” necessitating a strategic shift to ensure resilience against future economic disturbances.

Investigation into Pearson Plane Crash Continues

Delays at Toronto's Pearson International Airport are expected to persist as investigators analyze the causes behind a Delta Air Lines plane's crash landing on Monday, which involved 80 individuals on board. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is currently examining the recovered black box, though it remains premature to ascertain the specific reasons for the incident. Authorities have indicated that the wreckage will remain on the runway for approximately 48 hours while investigations culminate.

Backcountry Skier Killed in B.C. Avalanche

A tragedy unfolded in British Columbia, where a backcountry skier was fatally injured in an avalanche near Golden. The RCMP reported that two men were initially unaccounted for late Monday evening, having last communicated around 5:30 p.m. While one managed to return home, efforts to revive his friend were unsuccessful. Search and rescue teams, including helicopter support, successfully retrieved the body of a 42-year-old skier from Golden.