Canada’s Parliament marks 150th anniversary
Federal politicians and former prime ministers of all partisan stripes gathered in the House of Commons on Nov. 6 to mark the 150th anniversary of Canada’s first Parliament.Former prime ministers John Turner, Joe Clark, Brian Mulroney, and Paul Martin were among those who watched and listened from the Commons visitor’s gallery as tributes were read into the official record, with speeches from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, and Green party Leader Elizabeth May.
New Quebec laughs fest organized in response to Rozon scandal
The recent sex-assault controversy involving the founder of the Just For Laughs festival has prompted the creation of a new comedy bash.Several dozen mainly francophone Quebec comedians have joined forces to put together an alternative festival, expected to be launched in 2018.
Organizers admit it’s being created as “a direct response to the scandal that recently shook Quebec.”
Canada’s immigration attitudes hardening, poll suggests
A newly available internal government survey suggests Canadian attitudes toward immigration could be hardening.The federal Immigration Department conducts a public poll every year prior to putting together its annual immigration plan.
Edmonton couple says adoption nixed over their views on sexuality
A Christian couple from Edmonton is accusing Alberta of discrimination, claiming their application to adopt a child was rejected over their religious views on gay marriage and homosexuality.The married couple say they submitted their application last year and passed a required course for potential adoptive parents. But during a follow-up by officials this year, they ran into trouble when they answered questions about sexuality, according to an affidavit filed in support of an application for a judicial review of the government’s decision.
Angelina Jolie to give keynote address at Vancouver peacekeeping summit
Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie is expected to lend her star power to next week’s peacekeeping summit in Vancouver.A draft program for the two-day meeting leaked to The Canadian Press says Jolie will deliver a keynote address at the event, appearing as a special envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and co-founder of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative.
The other keynote address will be delivered by Patrick Shanahan, the U.S. deputy secretary of defence.
Representatives from 80 countries are expected to attend the summit, which kicks off Nov. 14.