Six stories in the news today, Aug. 11

———

FEDS TO GIVE UPDATE ON PHOENIX PAY SYSTEM

Public Services and Procurement Canada will provide an update today on what’s beeing done to fix the government’s problematic Phoenix pay system. The automated system that was rolled out in February has created major headaches for the department, which has had to deal with complaints from thousands of public servants across the country who were either not paid, paid too much or paid too little.

———

GOVERNMENT WARNED LEGAL POT COULD SPIKE DRUG-IMPAIRED DRIVING

A document obtained by The Canadian Press says the federal justice minister is being warned that legalizing marijuana could lead to a significant increase in drug-impaired driving. Federal officials say in briefing material prepared for Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould that the number jumped dramatically in Colorado and Washington, which went ahead with legalization in recent years.

———

FINAL ARGUMENTS TO BE PRESENTED TODAY AT BAIN TRIAL

The prosecution and defence will make their final arguments today at the trial of the man charged in Quebec’s election-night shooting four years ago. Richard Henry Bain has pleaded not guilty to six charges, including first-degree murder, and is arguing he’s not criminally responsible by way of mental disorder.

———

CANADIAN-BORN SPORTSCASTER JOHN SAUNDERS DIED AT 61

Tributes have been pouring in for Canadian-born sportscaster John Saunders, the original voice of the Toronto Raptors and a fixture for nearly 30 years on ESPN in the U.S., after the network announced that he had died. He was 61. Saunders, who was born in Toronto and grew up near Montreal, joined ESPN in 1986 after working for a variety of stations in Canada. He was the play-by-play voice of the Raptors from 1995 to 2001.

———

CANADIAN WOMAN RETURN TO SWIM PODIUM IN RIO

Canada’s female swimmers raced away with another medal last night, winning bronze in the 4 x 200 freestlye relay — Canada’s sixth medal in Rio. Toronto’s Penny Oleksiak was part of the relay team and could set a record today for the most medals won by a Canadian swimmer at a single Olympic Games. The 16-year-old will compete in the 100-metre freestyle final.

———

ALSO IN THE NEWS TODAY:

— Statistics Canada will release the new housing price index for June.

— Companies reporting their latest earnings today include Cineplex Inc., Sun Life Financial Inc. and Onex Corp.

— A court hearing will be held in Toronto for Alexander Lisi, former driver for the late Rob Ford, who is charged with extortion.

— Patricia Couture will appear in a Calgary court on a charge of criminal negligence in the death of her daughter Melissa.

— Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister will hold a media availability to discuss his first 100 days in office.

— In Calgary, the Canadian beef industry conference brings together industry representatives from across the country.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Six stories in the news today, Aug. 11

Our Community