Global Affairs numbers show disproportionate level of cuts to staff based overseas

OTTAWA — Canada’s foreign service cuts are disproportionately affecting positions based abroad, with those rotational positions being eliminated at three times the rate of those for Global Affairs staff based in Canada.

Data obtained by The Canadian Press also shows an even larger drop in foreign workers hired at missions overseas, just as the Carney government seeks deeper diplomatic and trade ties with other countries.

“They’re not understanding the business they’re in. And the business that they’re in is not spreadsheets,” said Jeremy Kinsman


CBC pausing production on satirical Indigenous show

OTTAWA — The CBC is pausing production on a satirical show on Indigenous issues after blowback from some who claimed false pretences were used to lure high-profile guests.

CBC spokesperson Chuck Thompson says the public broadcaster is halting production on “Northland Tales” to ensure it doesn’t negatively affect the news brand and so existing footage can be assessed.

Several current and former Conservative politicians have gone on social media to denounce the production of the show, which was being produced for CBC and APTN.

The show is described by the


Union ‘disappointed’ as feds fund outside staff to guard immigration holding centres

OTTAWA — The union representing Canada Border Services Agency workers says it’s disappointed by the federal government’s decision to provide funding for the agency to hire private sector guards on contract for immigration holding centres, arguing the work should be done by federal staff.

The government’s spring economic update listed $238 million in funding for the CBSA to bring in guards with higher security training at the centres, with $153 million of that money to come from existing departmental resources.

There are four immigration


Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Toronto, GTA as temperatures set to cool down

A severe thunderstorm yellow watch has been issued for Toronto and the GTA as the first heat spell of the season will be wrapping up. The affected areas also include York Region, Peel Region, and Halton Region.

An orange severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for northern Niagara Region while a red warning has just ended for Hamilton.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued the alert after two humid days of temperatures in the 30s.

The severe thunderstorms are expected to hit this evening along with a sharp cold front. Main


Canadians say they saw beatings, felt helpless as Israel intercepted Gaza flotilla

As an unmarked speedboat approached the ship that had been her home for two weeks, Luiza Ravalli heard a voice over a loudspeaker issue an ominous command: “Turn back or you’ll be boarded.”

Ravalli, a primary care nurse from the Greater Toronto Area, and her crewmates were ferrying supplies including diapers, menstrual care products and bottled water as part of a flotilla attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. They made no move to alter course, she said.

The nurse heard three shots ring


What to see and do in the Niagara Falls area and how to get there

Niagara Falls is considered one of the natural wonders of the world and one of Canada's most popular tourist destinations.

Ford government faces criticism for lack of a business plan for Billy Bishop expansion

The legislation that contains plans for the provincial takeover of Billy Bishop Airport is in committee at Queens Park this week as the Ford government continues its push to expand the runway at the island facility and allow jets to operate from it.

The is in its second reading and is currently being considered by the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy.

During the committee meeting on Tuesday, NDP MPP for Spadina-Fort York Chris Glover locked horns with Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria when he asked for proof of the government’s


How to get to and from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Nestled along Lake Ontario and the Toronto Harbour, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is just minutes away from the downtown core.

How to get to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport

Located on the eastern edge of Mississauga, Toronto Pearson International Airport is the busiest airport in Canada.

What to see and do at Toronto Island Park and along the Lake Ontario waterfront

There are several City of Toronto parks along the shores of Lake Ontario open to the public. There are several nearby shopping areas as well.