In the news today, Sept. 28

___

MEETING PLANNED TO ‘UNBLOCK’ POSTAL TALKS

Staring at a potential strike or lockout as early as next week, top officials at Canada Post and the union representing 50,000 of the Crown agency’s employees are to meet over the weekend. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers says its national president and Canada Post’s interim president, along with members of their negotiating teams, hope to “unblock negotiations.” The two sides have been bargaining separate contracts for the carrier’s urban and rural employees for nine months with no success.

___

U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE TO VOTE ON KAVANAUGH

A riveting, high-stakes exchange of she-said, he-said played out in full view of the world Thursday as Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford traded vastly different versions of their high school days in the summer of 1982, with control of the highest court in the land hanging in the balance. Under a searing public spotlight, a “terrified” Blasey Ford put a face and a voice to her name as she told her harrowing story of an alleged high-school sexual assault she said she is “100 per cent” certain was committed by Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. Senators said the committee will hold a morning vote today on whether to recommend Kavanaugh for confirmation.

___

CORRECTIONS HEAD ‘COMFORTABLE’ WITH McCLINTIC TRANSFER

The official charged with reviewing the controversial transfer of Tori Stafford’s killer from a medium security prison to an Indigenous healing lodge says she is comfortable with the decision to move Terri-Lynne McClintic. Anne Kelly, commissioner of Correctional Service, said the agency will perform an in-depth review of the file — as requested by Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale — but noted the service has a “rigorous case management process.” Kelly said she is looking for a member of the public to join two senior staff reviewing whether all processes were properly followed in McClintic’s transfer and whether changes are needed.

___

PASTOR ENCOURAGES SCREEN TIME AT B.C. CHURCH

It’s no sin to use a mobile device during Sunday service at the Campbell River Baptist Church in B.C. Pastor Jeff Germo is among the first pastors in the world to use a Swedish developed communications technology, Mentimeter, to make online, real-time spiritual connections with his flock while preaching. Mentimeter, used widely in corporate board rooms and academic lecture settings, is an interactive survey tool that posts instant answers and results to the mobile devices of those connected to the event.

___

ALSO IN THE NEWS TODAY:

— Statistics Canada releases gross domestic product by industry figures for July

— The federal Finance Department will release its monthly fiscal monitor report

— City of Edmonton in court to face seven environmental charges related to pesticides

— The Green Party of Canada hosts its annual policy convention

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

In the news today, Sept. 28

Our Community