By Canadian Press

In the news today, July 30

Jul 30, 2019 | 1:17 AM

Five stories in the news for Tuesday, July 30

———

COMMUNITY ON EDGE AS SEARCH CONTINUES: CHIEF

Doors were locked, roads were empty and people were on edge, said a chief in northeastern Manitoba as armed police officers searched the area for two suspects in killings in British Columbia. RCMP received a tip Sunday just before 5 p.m. that two men matching the descriptions of Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, and Kam McLeod, 19, were spotted near a dump in York Landing, a small community along the Nelson River. The duo are charged with second-degree murder in the death of University of British Columbia professor Leonard Dyck. They are also suspects in the fatal shootings of Australian Lucas Fowler and his American girlfriend Chynna Deese, whose bodies were found on the Alaska Highway in northern B.C.

———

Question of the Week

Have you made changes to your holiday shopping or travel plans because of rising costs?

10h ago

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: The icon who is Taylor Swift

Nov 17, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Business owners shouldn't be held responsible for nuisance calls

Nov 15, 2024

MAN CHARGED AFTER POLICE FIND 4 DEAD IN MARKHAM

A 23-year-old man is facing multiple murder charges in an alleged quadruple homicide north of Toronto, police said Monday. York Regional Police revealed few details about the four people found dead inside a home in Markham, Ont., on Sunday afternoon, nor did they disclose any relationships between the victims or the accused. But Const. Andy Pattenden said police are not seeking any additional suspects after arresting Markham resident Menhaz Zaman — who lived at the home — and charging him with four counts of first-degree murder. Media reports said Monday that Zaman had posted details of his alleged crimes in a private message exchange with a fellow player of an online video game.

———

TRUDEAU SAYS B.C. REALLY GETS IT, BEFORE ELECTION

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says British Columbia will play an important role in the upcoming federal race as a province led by a progressive government when so many others have swung to the right. Trudeau told a crowd of supporters at a Liberal fundraiser in Monday night that conservative politicians have been elected to provincial legislatures from the Rockies to the Bay of Fundy on plans to do less for the environment and roll back progressive initiatives. “In provincial capitals across the country, there are steps backward. This is going to be a really, really important election, my friends,” he said. British Columbians understand the importance of investing in the environment in order to grow the economy and recognize the opportunities involved in partnering with Indigenous communities in the spirit of true reconciliation, he said.

———

GRASSY NARROWS CHIEF TO RUN FOR FEDERAL NDP

With a federal election campaign just weeks away, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh scored a blow against Justin Trudeau’s Indigenous bona fides Monday as he introduced a prominent First Nation chief as one of his party’s candidates in northern Ontario. Grassy Narrows Chief Rudy Turtle joined Singh on the lawn of Parliament Hill under a scorching July sun, promising to hold the prime minister’s feet to the fire on his signature pledge to reset Ottawa’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples. The situation in Grassy Narrows, which has been tormented by mercury poisoning for more than a generation, speaks to the disconnect between Trudeau’s words and the actions of his government, said Singh, who assailed the Liberals for failing to make good on a promise to develop a treatment facility in the community.

———

CHOKING DEATHS PROMPT SCRUTINY OF GRILLED CHEESE

Health officials in Quebec confirmed Monday they are revisiting the place of the grilled cheese sandwich on menus in care facilities following the choking deaths of at least two elderly residents in recent years. A coroner concluded earlier this year that the sandwich appears to pose a particular choking risk to the elderly after two residents of the same St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., care home died in similar circumstances, three years apart. Coroner Andre-H. Dandavino recommended that both the local health authority and the provincial Health Department review the risks associated with grilled cheese sandwiches following the deaths of Clemence Thibodeau in 2015 and Monique Leboeuf in 2012.

———

ALSO IN THE NEWS:

— Green Leader Elizabeth May speaks at the Muskrat Falls inquiry.

— City Council will discuss the proposal for an arena that will be home to the Calgary Flames.

— Trial for RCMP Staff Sgt. Jason Keays on sexual assault charges. Two of his female colleagues allege they were touched inappropriately at a Christmas party.

— Trial for Wayne Jubb on charges of theft, trafficking stolen property and uttering forged documents after a woman’s two horses were stolen and taken to slaughter. He has pleaded not guilty.

— People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier will speak at a rally in Regina.

———

The Canadian Press