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  • Water use spikes into unsustainable zone as Calgarians asked to do a little more to cut consumption

    Mayor expresses concern for Glenmore water treatment facility due to continued high demand for water amid repairs for Bearspaw south feeder main

    As water demand spiked on Sunday, surpassing the limit set to accommodate a system hampered by ongoing repairs to a major feeder main, Calgarians were asked Monday to find a way to further trim their use.

    Water usage on Sunday reached 509 million litres, 24 million litres above the threshold of 485 million litre and 13 million litres above Saturday’s demand.

    Mayor Jyoti Gondek asked Calgarians Monday morning to do a little bit more to bring water consumption down to a safer level as she expressed optimism about continuing construction on the Bearspaw south feeder main, which initially burst in June and is undergoing further repairs.

    She said repair work is at the halfway point, with completion expected by Sept. 23. This will be followed by three days of flushing the pipe and testing water, with full return to service expected by Sept. 26.

    “Things are looking really good so far,” she said.

    Over the next two weeks, work will continue on the fourth repair site along 33rd Avenue N.W. in Bowness, as well as three sites along 16th Avenue in Montgomery.

    Gondek reminded Calgarians to visit Montgomery business affected by road closures due to repairs. Affected businesses are losing approximately $10,000 a week in revenue, according to Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong.

    Addressing questions about how we still have water despite continued unsustainable demand and high strain on the system, Gondek said city crews learned from June’s water restrictions and found a bypass solution, allowing more water to be pumped through the system during repairs.

    However, if something were to happen at the Glenmore water treatment facility requiring a facility shut down or a significant production curtailment, “we will be immediately plunged into emergency conditions,” said Gondek.

    The current water usage target of 485 million is to protect the Glenmore water treatment plant, she added.

    Wong said if water use continues at the current unsustainable rate, businesses may be forced to close.

    However, Gondek said the city’s major non-residential water users have responded positively to water restrictions, adding they are also being asked to pare their consumption further.

    Carolyne Bowen, the city’s director of climate and environment said Sunday that when use is in the unsustainable zone or “red zone” is when there’s risk of not being able to keep up with water demand.

    “(In the red zone) it starts becoming increasingly difficult to recover water in our underground storage tanks,” said Bowen. “At this level, we’re not conducting preventative maintenance and all maintenance activities are reactive.”

    City officials have cautioned that surpassing the threshold repeatedly could drain the city’s underground reservoirs, leading to a city-wide boil water advisory.

     

  • Princess Catherine Completes Chemotherapy, Reflects on Recovery Journey and Future Public Appearances

    Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has shared that she has completed her chemotherapy treatment and is focused on maintaining her health as she gradually returns to public life. In a heartfelt video message released on Monday, Princess Catherine expressed optimism as she enters a “new phase of recovery” after revealing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

    The princess, commonly known as Kate, disclosed in March that she had been battling cancer. Since her diagnosis, she has made only two public appearances, having undergone major abdominal surgery shortly after Christmas. Now, at 42, the wife of Prince William, the heir to the British throne, is looking ahead with a renewed sense of hope.

    “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Kate shared. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. The cancer journey is complex, scary, and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.”

    In the video, scenes of the English summer unfold, showing Kate and Prince William with their three children—Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George—enjoying simple pleasures like walking through forests, picnicking, and wading in the sea. The princess reflected on the significance of these moments with her family.

    “This time has reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted—of simply loving and being loved,” Kate said.

    While celebrating the end of her chemotherapy, the princess also acknowledged that her journey is far from over. She emphasized that although her treatment is finished, her path to full recovery is ongoing. “My path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes. However, I am looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can,” she added.

    Kensington Palace initially announced that Kate had undergone surgery for a non-cancerous abdominal condition. However, after months of speculation about her health, Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis in March, explaining that she had been advised to undergo preventive chemotherapy. This type of treatment, known as adjuvant therapy, is often used after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

    Kate’s diagnosis shocked the country, coming just weeks after King Charles III disclosed in February that he, too, had been diagnosed with cancer. Both royals have chosen not to specify the type of cancer they have been treated for.

    Since then, Kate has been making steady progress in her recovery. In June, she made her first public appearance since Christmas, joining her family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour ceremony for King Charles’ official birthday. The following month, she received a standing ovation when she attended the Wimbledon men’s singles final with her daughter, Princess Charlotte.

    As Kate continues her recovery, she remains dedicated to her health and her public duties, sharing that she is eager to return to her royal engagements in the near future.

    Source: CNN

  • What to Do If Your Air Canada Flight Is Canceled Amid Potential Pilot Strike

    Passengers traveling with Air Canada could face significant disruptions as the airline and its pilots’ union remain locked in negotiations. If a deal isn’t reached by September 15, Air Canada could issue a 72-hour lockout notice, while the pilots’ union could initiate a strike, leading to a shutdown of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operations for up to three days. This could affect up to 110,000 passengers daily, according to a press release from the airline on Monday.

    Air Canada is currently finalizing contingency plans in preparation for this possible scenario. While flights are still operating as scheduled, the airline warned that any potential disruptions resulting from labor strikes would likely occur after mid-September.

    In the event that your flight is canceled due to a labor stoppage, Air Canada assures passengers that they will be eligible for a full refund regardless of fare type, with no cancellation fees. The airline is also coordinating with other carriers to accommodate passengers if needed. Flights operated by third-party carriers, such as Jazz and PAL Airlines under the Air Canada Express banner, would remain unaffected by the strike.

    The labor dispute centers around the Air Line Pilots Association’s demand for significant wage increases to close the pay gap between Canadian pilots and their higher-earning U.S. counterparts.

    What You Should Do If Your Flight Is Affected

    New Rebooking Policy:
    Air Canada has introduced a new rebooking policy for eligible travelers. If you purchased an Air Canada ticket or redeemed Aeroplan points for travel between September 15 and 23, you can change your flight to another date free of charge. This policy also applies to flights booked for travel between September 8 and 14 or September 24 and November 30.

    Passengers who booked through Air Canada Vacations, travel agents, or online travel agencies are advised to contact those providers directly to make changes. Similarly, if you booked through another airline’s website, reach out to the respective airline for assistance.

    If your booking was made through Air Canada for Business, you can adjust your itinerary online or seek help by calling 1-888-335-4189. Air Canada Vacations customers can either visit the goodwill policy page or contact Air Canada Vacations at 1-866-529-2079 to explore their options under the goodwill policy, which allows free changes for travel packages booked before September 9, 2024.

    Options for Air Canada Vacations Customers:

    • Shift your travel dates and receive a one-time $50 credit per passenger.
    • Opt for a future travel credit of the full value of your booking, which will expire within a year.
    • For customers already at their destination between September 15 and 23, you can request a return travel date change without paying change fees. However, additional charges for extended stays at hotels may apply.

    For Aeroplan Rewards Flights:
    If you booked an Aeroplan flight reward before August 27 for travel between September 15 and 23, you are also eligible to change your flight at no additional cost.

    Canceling Flights

    If your Air Canada flight is canceled due to a labor disruption, and you have a refundable ticket, you can cancel your flight and receive a full refund. For non-refundable tickets, cancellation fees may apply, depending on the fare type. If you booked using Aeroplan points, canceling your trip will result in your points being redeposited into your account.

    If you opt to keep your current flight, Air Canada will notify you via email or text if it is affected by the labor stoppage. While the airline will try to rebook you on the next available flight, seat availability may be limited.

    Customers can contact Air Canada at 1-888-247-2262 or 1-800-361-5373 (for Aeroplan reward flights) for assistance, though longer-than-usual wait times may be expected due to the volume of inquiries.

    Source: Reuters

  • Apple Unveils AI-Enhanced iPhone 16, Ushering in a New Era of Technology

    The highly anticipated iPhone 16 is set to debut on Monday in Cupertino, California, marking a significant shift for Apple as the tech giant moves deeper into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). The new iPhone is expected to introduce groundbreaking features, from a smarter Siri to dynamic, on-the-fly customized emojis, positioning Apple to lead the AI revolution in the consumer tech space.

    The unveiling will take place in the Steve Jobs Theater, named after the Apple co-founder who first presented the iPhone in 2007. At the time, Jobs predicted that the device would reshape society, a prophecy that has since come true with Apple selling billions of iPhones and generating over $3 trillion in shareholder value. However, in recent years, the iPhone has seen only incremental improvements, leading to a slump in sales as customers delay upgrading to new models.

    The iPhone 16 is generating unprecedented excitement because it represents Apple’s first major push into AI. Industry analysts expect the phone’s AI capabilities to trigger the most significant technological shift since the original iPhone was launched 17 years ago. According to Dan Ives, a Wedbush Securities analyst, the iPhone 16 could position Apple as “the gatekeeper of the consumer AI revolution.”

    Apple’s pivot toward AI was first previewed during its developers conference in June, sparking anticipation for Monday’s event. Competitors like Samsung and Google have since made strides with their own AI-powered devices. In a bold move, Google unveiled its latest Pixel phones packed with AI features last month, ahead of its usual October launch schedule, in an effort to steal some of Apple’s thunder.

    Apple has branded its AI capabilities as “Apple Intelligence,” designed to differentiate itself from the generically named AI features already available on Google’s Pixel 9 and Samsung’s Galaxy S24. A key distinction is that Apple’s AI tasks will be processed directly on the iPhone rather than relying on remote data centers, a capability enabled by the phone’s advanced new processor.

    This shift towards AI has investors buzzing, with Apple’s stock price surging 13% since the company unveiled its AI strategy in June. That increase has added nearly $400 billion to the company’s market value, signaling strong demand for the iPhone 16 and its innovative features.

    Source: Wedbush Securities, Reuters

  • Matthew Lau: Don’t Believe Freeland—Her Economic Plan Isn’t Working

    Despite Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s recent claim that the Bank of Canada’s interest rate cut “shows that our economic plan is working,” a closer look at the numbers reveals a different story. In fact, real GDP per capita has declined in seven of the last eight quarters, highlighting the weak economic performance under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership. Since Trudeau took office, cumulative GDP growth has barely reached 0.6%, compared to the United States’ robust 16.4% over the same period.

    To put this into perspective, had Canada’s economy matched the U.S. growth trajectory since Trudeau became Prime Minister, Canadians would be 16% wealthier today. The interest rate cut, contrary to Freeland’s assertion, does little to suggest that the Trudeau government’s economic strategy is working. It’s more of a coincidence than an indication of success—like crediting a large breakfast for economic growth.

    Most entrepreneurs and investors would agree that the Liberal economic plan is failing. Real business investment per capita fell 5% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2024 and has plummeted more than 15% since the third quarter of 2015. And the worst might still be ahead—this sharp decline came before the impact of the Trudeau government’s capital gains tax hike, which went into effect at the end of June. The Liberals argue that this tax hike won’t hurt the economy except for the wealthiest, but this claim, like many others about the economy, is flawed.

    Public confidence in the government’s economic plan is also dwindling. While inflation has now moderated to under 3%, this does not undo the spike in consumer prices over the last few years. Today, the Consumer Price Index is 11% higher than it would have been had inflation followed its pre-2021 trend. The result is reduced affordability and growing financial insecurity for Canadians. According to a March poll by Abacus Data, 71% of Canadians said their household debt is rising, 65% expect a slow economic recovery, 52% feel financially unstable, and 74% believe housing affordability will only worsen.

    Freeland’s claim that “our economic plan is working” rings hollow for most Canadians. However, one group that seems to be benefitting from the Liberals’ economic management is the federal public service. Between 2015 and 2024, employment in federal departments and agencies ballooned by 43%, compared to a meager 12% rise in private-sector and self-employment. This includes a 48% increase in staffing at the Canada Revenue Agency, and a staggering 80% rise at Employment and Social Development Canada.

    It’s no wonder Canada is facing a productivity crisis. Despite Freeland’s optimism, Treasury Board President Anita Anand recently admitted that Canada is grappling with low productivity levels. The government has formed a working group to address this issue, but ironically, the federal government itself is an example of inefficiency. Canada Post posted its sixth consecutive annual loss in 2023, and mechanical failures recently left over 200 Via Rail passengers stranded for 10 hours without basic necessities.

    While Freeland continues to insist that the government’s economic plan is on the right track, the evidence paints a different picture. In fact, a poll from earlier this year found that 70% of Canadians believe “everything is broken in the country right now”—a sentiment that seems to echo the dysfunction of a stranded federal train .

     

    Sources:

    • Lau, M. (2024). “Matthew Lau: Don’t Believe Freeland—Her Economic Plan Isn’t Working.” National Post.

  • Liberal Stronghold Faces Unprecedented Challenge in Montreal Byelection

    Montreal’s traditionally Liberal stronghold of Lasalle—Émard—Verdun is experiencing a seismic shift as the upcoming byelection on September 16 approaches. The riding, once a bastion of Liberal support, is now a battleground with multiple parties vying for dominance.

    Poll aggregator 338Canada suggests a tight race, with the Bloc Québécois and the Liberals nearly neck-and-neck. The Bloc stands at 29%, slightly ahead of the Liberals at 28%, with the NDP trailing at 24%. This is a dramatic departure from past elections, where Liberals have historically held the seat with comfortable margins.

    As the election looms, voters like Daniel Wiseman, a lifelong separatist and Verdun resident for over 30 years, are expressing uncertainty. “I’m very interested in the election. Something must change. We need someone who cares about people,” Wiseman told us, reflecting a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction. Wiseman remains undecided, caught between the Bloc and other candidates.

    The Bloc Québécois, led by candidate Louis-Philippe Sauvé, is aggressively courting undecided voters. Sauvé, a former political staffer, is positioning himself as a fresh alternative to the entrenched Liberal establishment. “The Conservatives have no chance here. The NDP is essentially an extension of the Liberals who have taken this riding for granted,” Sauvé argues, urging voters to give him a one-year trial period.

    In contrast, NDP candidate Craig Sauvé, who has been campaigning since spring, is leveraging his experience as a Montreal city councillor. Despite controversy surrounding his support for a drug-consumption site, he is confident about the NDP’s chances. “The desire for change is stark,” Sauvé asserts, as his campaign gears up with over $100,000 in spending and a robust volunteer base.

    The Liberals, led by candidate Laura Palestini, are pulling out all stops to retain the seat. With high-profile visits from Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, the party is mobilizing its resources. “I think we’re in a very tight race,” Champagne acknowledged during his visit, emphasizing the party’s commitment to hard work.

    The Bloc Québécois is equally determined, with over 300 volunteers and significant support from Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. The Bloc’s recent rally, drawing over 350 attendees, underscores their serious push to unseat the Liberals.

    As the final days of the campaign unfold, the outcome remains uncertain. With each party mobilizing its base and presenting contrasting visions for the riding, the byelection promises to be a closely watched and pivotal moment in Canadian politics.

    Source: 338Canada, Mainstreet Research, and local interviews.

  • Air Canada and Pilots Union Head to Crucial Talks Amid Looming Strike Threat

    Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing the airline’s 5,400 pilots, are engaged in critical negotiations this week to avert a potential strike. Talks have stalled, according to the union, heightening the stakes as both sides aim to avoid labor disruption that could start as early as September 17.

    The negotiations come at a particularly delicate time politically, with the NDP withdrawing its support from the Liberal government. This raises concerns about potential calls for back-to-work legislation and whether opposition parties might introduce non-confidence motions should the government intervene.

    While details remain confidential, First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA master executive council, confirmed the deadlock. “As of last week, talks had completely stalled,” Hudy told Global News. “We are meeting with the company this week and hope to see more movement on the items that remain.”

    Although specific offers from Air Canada were not disclosed, Hudy indicated that any wage increases would vary based on pilot seniority, with junior pilots expected to see the most significant raises. Hudy emphasized the financial strain on many pilots, stating that “one-quarter of our pilots have a second job, with almost 80 percent of those needing the job out of necessity.”

    Air Canada has not directly responded to media inquiries but confirmed on its website that negotiations with ALPA are ongoing. The airline reassured passengers that flights are currently operating as scheduled. However, it offered passengers who purchased tickets before August 27, 2024, for travel between September 15 and September 23, 2024, the option to rebook or make alternate travel arrangements at no additional cost.

    While Air Canada expressed its commitment to reaching a deal with the pilots’ union, the looming possibility of a strike remains, which could impact travel plans across the country. The airline’s policy allows customers to rebook or cancel flights during the affected period, with refunds available for those holding refundable tickets. However, non-refundable ticket holders may face limitations as flights are scheduled to operate as planned.

    With files from Canadian Press.

  • Canada Condemns Alleged Russian Interference in 2024 U.S. Election

    The Canadian government has denounced Russia’s alleged attempts to interfere in the upcoming U.S. presidential election through disinformation campaigns. This condemnation follows the Biden administration’s latest measures targeting the Kremlin for its alleged efforts to influence the November 2024 election.

    On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a series of actions aimed at exposing Russian interference. Among these actions were criminal charges unsealed against two employees of the state-run media company RT and the seizure of internet domains allegedly used by the Kremlin to propagate disinformation.

    In a statement issued Thursday, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to collaborating with the United States and other allies to confront this growing threat. “I condemn in the strongest terms the attempts by Russian state-owned media entity RT to spread disinformation, influence election outcomes, undermine democracy, and engage in cyber incidents against Western targets,” LeBlanc said, though he declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

    The U.S. measures, which also include sanctions and visa restrictions, reflect the continued efforts to counter Russia’s persistent threat to elections. American officials have reiterated that Moscow remains the primary source of electoral threats aimed at creating discord and confusion among voters.

    One of the criminal cases accuses RT employees of covertly funding a Tennessee-based media company with approximately USD 10 million to produce pro-Russian content on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. This content, according to the U.S., was disseminated without disclosure of the company’s ties to RT, as required by law.

    Additionally, the U.S. seized 32 internet domains allegedly used by the Kremlin to spread propaganda and undermine international support for Ukraine.

    LeBlanc emphasized that Canada and its allies are united in countering Russian aggression, asserting that any Canadians involved in assisting Russia’s disinformation efforts or illegal activities will face severe legal consequences. He also highlighted Canada’s previous actions in 2022, when the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission removed RT and RT France from the list of non-Canadian channels distributed in Canada.

    — With files from The Associated Press

  • Quebec Man Jailed for Importing Over 26,000 Fake $2 Coins from China

    A Quebec man has been sentenced to nine months in jail after admitting to orchestrating one of the largest known shipments of counterfeit $2 coins in Canadian history. Jean-François Généreux, from Sorel, Quebec, approximately 70 kilometers from Montreal, was convicted after pleading guilty to importing thousands of Chinese-made fake toonies into the country. This case marks the second time a Canadian has been convicted in connection with counterfeit $2 coins.

    The sentencing, which took place just before the Labour Day weekend, was delivered by Quebec Court Judge Marc-Nicolas Foucault. Généreux faced charges of importing and introducing counterfeit currency into Canada, and his nine-month sentence was part of a joint submission from both the Crown prosecutor and his defense lawyer. Additionally, Généreux received a concurrent 30-day sentence for illegal cannabis possession.

    Authorities seized a total of 26,630 counterfeit toonies, which Généreux had imported from a manufacturer in Quanzhou, China. The bogus coins were intercepted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) after Généreux disguised them as “metal badges” in shipping manifests. The CBSA was alerted when some of the coins were detected at Mirabel International Airport, while others were found hidden throughout his property.

    Public safety concerns about the integrity of Canada’s monetary system have been raised following the discovery. Counterfeit coin expert Mike Marshall criticized the lenient sentencing, calling it a “slap on the wrist.” Under Canadian law, counterfeiters can face up to 14 years in prison. “It’s our monetary system that is being undermined, and Canada is doing nothing,” Marshall said.

    Généreux has a long history of criminal activity, with over a dozen arrests since 2001, including prior convictions for counterfeiting, fraud, and identity theft. This latest arrest follows years of illegal activity, with multiple convictions for circulating fake documents and counterfeit money between 2002 and 2009.

    The case also follows the May 2022 arrest of Daixiong He, 68, of Richmond Hill, Ontario. He was charged by the RCMP after being found with 10,000 counterfeit $2 coins, part of a larger investigation that became known as the “Camel Toe toonies” case. In He’s case, the courts discovered he had deposited approximately $80,000 worth of suspected fake toonies, making his involvement potentially the largest counterfeit coin case in Canadian history.

    According to CBSA affidavits, Chinese manufacturers are producing the fake toonies and selling them online for as little as five cents per coin. While Généreux’s counterfeit operation could have yielded significant profits, his actions have ultimately led to his incarceration and the confiscation of the fake currency.

    — With files from Global News and The Associated Press

  • Paula Abdul Cancels Canadian Tour Dates Due to Injury: ‘This Truly Breaks My Heart’

    Paula Abdul has announced the cancellation of her Straight Up! To Canada tour due to a recent injury that requires medical treatment. The 62-year-old pop star shared the news on Wednesday, expressing deep regret over the decision, which also affects two U.S. tour dates.

    In a heartfelt statement posted to social media, Abdul explained that despite receiving targeted injections for temporary relief, her doctors have advised her to cancel the tour to undergo a minor medical procedure. She will need six to eight weeks of recovery. Abdul did not disclose specific details about her injury or the procedure.

    “It’s with an incredibly heavy heart that I need to share with you an update regarding some injuries I’ve recently sustained,” Abdul wrote. “While I’ve been pushing through with temporary treatments, the demands of a full tour are just too much, and my doctors have strongly recommended that I take this time to heal properly.”

    Abdul’s Straight Up! To Canada tour was scheduled to kick off in Victoria on September 25 and span 21 Canadian cities, including Edmonton, Regina, Ottawa, and Saint John, before concluding in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on October 26. In addition to the Canadian dates, Abdul also canceled shows in North Dakota and Alaska.

    In her message to fans, Abdul apologized for the disappointment and expressed her eagerness to return to the stage once she is fully recovered. “I want to extend my deepest apologies to all my amazing fans in Canada and the U.S. You mean the world to me, and this truly breaks my heart,” she wrote. “I’ve been looking forward to the energy, love, and connection we always share when we’re together.”

    Abdul promised to return “stronger and better, dancing my heart out and performing for all of you very soon.” Ticket holders can obtain refunds from the original point of purchase.

    © 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.