In the news today, August 6

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CONSULAR OFFICIALS VISIT CANADIAN IN CHINA

Global Affairs Canada says consular officials in China have met for the 10th time with a Canadian detained in China. The department says it cannot provide details on the visit due to privacy provisions but officials continue to seek further access to Michael Kovrig. The detentions of Kovrig, as well as fellow Canadian Michael Spavor, are largely viewed as retaliation for the December arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver. Meng is awaiting extradition to the U.S. to face allegations of fraud in violating Iran sanctions.

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KENNEY TAKES AIM AT PM AHEAD OF OCTOBER VOTE

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is taking aim at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ahead of this fall’s federal election. Kenney, a former federal Conservative cabinet minister, took to Twitter over the weekend to say the people of his province have been “rightfully frustrated” by an “unfair deal” they are getting in the federation. He says Albertans are proud Canadians and he doesn’t want to let Trudeau “push us out of our country.” Kenney also says he would rather focus on separating Trudeau from the Prime Minister’s Office.

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SPEED RESTRICTIONS LIFTED IN GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE

The federal government has lifted speed restrictions meant to protect North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence after finding that the policy may have been pushing ships closer to the endangered mammals. There weren’t any whales in the shipping lanes where speed had been reduced, Transport Canada announced Friday, adding that the lower speed limit had driven cargo ships out of the lanes so they could take more direct routes through areas where the animals are known to gather. The agency said it hopes that raising the speed limit will push ships back into the lanes.

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BIOFILTER RIDS SCENIC NOVA SCOTIA TOWN OF STINK

One of Nova Scotia’s most scenic tourist towns appears to have rid itself of a nasty smell that would often drive residents indoors during the summer. The Town of Lunenburg installed a biofilter composed of crushed tree roots at its sewage treatment plant last winter at a cost of more than $1.1 million, and it’s now taking care of the foul odour that had become more noticeable during recent dry summers. Ronald Thurlow, who lives on a street just a few hundred metres from the treatment plant, described the past smell as “unbearable” at times, especially on hot summer days. The smell could waft over the hillside town, which is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its seafaring heritage and brightly coloured buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS:

— Rural Economic Development Minister Bernadette Jordan, MLA Keith Irving and Wolfville Mayor Jeff Cantwell take part in an infrastructure announcement.

— Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay and P.E.I. Justice Minister Bloyce Thompson take party in a funding announcement to the Province of Prince Edward Island to counter drug-impaired driving.

— The Canadian Health Food Association holds an event to call on all parties to commit to regulating cannabidiol (CBD) as a Natural Health Product rather than only being sold at cannabis retailers.

— Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale makes an announcement regarding the protection of children from online sexual exploitation.

— Trial resumes for David and Collet Stephan who were convicted of failing to provide the necessaries of life in the death of their son Ezekiel from meningitis. Court will hear arguments about admitting evidence of medical examiner Dr. Adegabo.

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The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

In the news today, August 6

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