Pride Week opens in controversy over organizer’s pro-Palestine statement
Ottawa’s annual weeklong Pride festival begins this weekend in the middle of a controversy following a statement by organizing group, Capital Pride, expressing solidarity with Palestine. The move prompted the Jewish Federation of Ottawa to withdraw its support for the event and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to refuse to participate in events during Pride Week run by Capital Pride itself....
Poll shows Canadians fancy Kamala Harris
A new poll from non-profit Angus Reid Institute shows that a sizeable majority of Canadians approve of U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The current vice president will be confirmed in her candidacy for president of the United States next week at the Democratic National Convention. Two thirds of the 1,605 Canadians polled responded they hold favourable views of Harris compared...
‘Amazing sight to see’: Amid climate upheaval, Ottawa storm chaser shares passion for observing tornadoes up close
Extreme storms have fascinated Ottawa’s Andrew Macklin his entire life. Whether it’s a brewing thunderstorm or a full-fledged tornado, Macklin always wants to get a front row seat to the action. “My grandparents lived on a big hill overlooking Lake Ontario,” Macklin said. “I would sit in my grandfather’s lap and watch lightning every summer night. That really sparked my...
Lebanese Canadians say Canada needs to do more the help end Gaza war before conflict escalates in Middle East
Lebanese Canadians are raising concerns over the Liberal government’s stance on the Gaza war after Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly urged Canadians in Lebanon to fly home. Several airlines have already suspended service to Beirut as fears over a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified. “If tensions escalate, the situation on the ground may not allow us to...
Words matter: Seeking asylum in Canada is not illegal
Earlier in June, U.S. President Joe Biden announced measures on migrants who cross the U.S.-Mexico border that allow authorities to deport or turn them back to Mexico without having the chance to claim asylum. One of Donald Trump’s main campaign agendas is to deport millions of undocumented migrants and prevent others from crossing borders. In recent years, tensions over Quebec’s Roxham Road...
Two-time Palestinian Olympian and Carleton alumnus says Paris games will be his last
The two-time Palestinian Olympian and Carleton University alum Yazan Al Bawwab says the Paris 2024 Olympics will be his last. Born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Dubai, the son of a Palestinian refugee, Rashad Al Bawwab, achieved his father’s dream of becoming an Olympic swimmer to represent his country. “I am delighted to be here to represent Palestine and...
Review: Pouliot and friends deliver rare performance of Mendelssohn’s Octet in elegant concert of romantic music
Canadian violin virtuoso Blake Pouliot took over the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre stage on July 31, much to the delight of the audience. For Pouliot, this was a return visit to Chamberfest for the talented violinist from Toronto who has forged a stellar international career as a soloist. He was the grand prize winner at the 2016 Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal...
Transit advocates in Ottawa alarmed by OC Transpo’s pattern of “cutting services”
Community organizations, workers and residents are raising concerns over a pattern of service cuts after OC Transpo announced its plan to reduce LRT frequency during off-peak hours and accusing the city of ruining Ottawa’s public transit system. OC Transpo says, starting Aug. 26, Line 1 will run every 10 minutes at stations between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays...
The “Bratification” of Kamala Harris: Gen Z at the intersection of internet culture and politics
Bright lime green, simple font, Charli XCX’s hit album “Brat” is everywhere these days. It’s even put its stamp on Democratic presidential candidate and current U.S. vice president Kamala Harris’ social media accounts. “Brat” is a dance-pop album defined by a gritty authenticity, capturing the vulnerability of the cool-girl aesthetic. But it’s more than the music. Charli herself says Brat...
Review: The Art of Time Ensemble kicks off Chamberfest with heartwarming Beatles tribute
The energy was high in the Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre Thursday night as the Art of Time Ensemble warmed up ahead of their performance of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, kicking off Chamberfest’s 30th anniversary. The group, led by concert pianist Andrew Burashko, offered a classical and jazz inspired arrangement of the iconic Beatles album, hailed as one of...
Faculty for Palestine urges uOttawa to respect ruling by International Court of Justice
The uOttawa chapter of Faculty for Palestine (F4P) is urging the school to honour the recently released advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that found Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian Territories violates international law. In a statement, F4P uOttawa called on the university to divest from all corporations directly involved in the occupation and cut ties with...
Most Canadians fear Trump re-election: poll
A new survey by the Angus Reid Institute (ARI) shows two-thirds of Canadians dread another term in the White House for Donald Trump. Some 28 per cent polled say another four years of Trump would be “terrible news” for Canada, while 38 per cent say a Trump win would be “bad.” Fifteen per cent say it would be good or...
Convenience store owner praises liberalizing alcohol market in Ontario
When Premier Doug Ford announced plans to allow Ontario convenience stores to sell beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails, Biruk G. Medhin received the news with enthusiasm and optimism. For 30 years, Medhin has run the A&M Confectionary in Ottawa’s Heron Park neighbourhood. He told Capital Current he had worked closely with community members in the past to sign a petition...
WHO says low vaccination rate driving measles outbreaks
Global childhood immunization against deadly diseases such as measles declined in 2023, leaving millions of children at risk, according to data published this week by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The data shows low vaccination rate against measles last year left nearly 35 million children with no or partial protection. About 83 per cent of children worldwide received their...
Ottawa police using force against black and Middle Eastern individuals in disproportionately high rate: report
Black and Middle Eastern people were more likely to be subjected to use of force by Ottawa police officers in 2023, with no improvement over numbers from 2022, according to a report by the police made public by the Ottawa Police Services Board. The report revealed that police used force against 310 individuals last year, including 81 perceived as Black and...
Neo-Nazi organization run by Canadian teens promotes racial violence, watchdog group says
In a recent report, the Canadian Anti-Hate Network is drawing attention to a small, but growing neo-Nazi group in Canada that has emerged onto social media platforms and is apparently run by teenagers. The group is an offshoot of an organization founded in the U.S. in 2013 as the Atomwaffen Division. There are now active cells in Canada, the United...
Update: UOttawa students end encampment after more than two months
Students announce the end of their encampment at uOttawa
Alexandra Bridge replacement begins with deconstruction starting in 2028
The Alexandra Bridge will begin to come down in 2028 with a new bridge in place in 2032, says a plan prepared by the NCC and PSPC.
The Mushroom Chronicles: The magic in the mushroom has spawned a spiritual debate
A debate is raging about the spiritual value of magic mushrooms. Some advocate for only a medical application while others believe it should be more widely available.
As many as one in four males in Canada experience a sexual assault: experts say
The number of males who are sexually assaulted is much more than is currently thought, experts believe.
The Mushroom Chronicles: Side effects of psilocybin use offer a cautionary tale
Despite the positive results from some clinical trials, there should be controls over how psilocybin is used in treatment and more widely in society, some experts say.
Carleton students form large, wide-ranging pro-Palestinian coalition to push university to meet demands
Carleton students, faculty and unions form large Carleton4Palestine coalition to push university administration to reveal involvement with Israel.
REVIEW: Opening night of Bluesfest offers some intimate and captivating performances
Capital Current took in several shows on opening night at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest Thursday night. Here's our take on three very unique performances.
The Mushroom Chronicles: Psilocybin on the prescription pad
Demand for medical psyilocibin in treatment for mental health disorders is increasing.
UOttawa encampment students say they will reject an injunction to leave
Pro-Palestinian uOttawa students are bracing for action by the university. In this recent public media conference supporters were out in force at the uOttawa encampment.[Photo @ Ali Al Ashoor]
New-look Redblacks proving they can compete for a CFL playoff spot
The Ottawa Redblacks are 2-1 in CFL play so far this season and with each win the team is becoming more confident.
The Mushroom Chronicles: Psilocybin sales outlets popping up everywhere
The push to purchase psylocibin is creating a new wave of desire for legalization.
More Canadians say they may leave their home province, especially new residents, survey shows
New data from the Angus Reid Institute shows that three in 10 (28 per cent) Canadians are considering leaving their province of residence due to housing affordability.
UPDATE: Ottawa police say they are ready for extremist Diagolon group’s so-called Road Rage Terror Tour event in Ottawa
Community Solidarity Ottawa (CSO) is warning locals about a far-right extremist Diagolon event planned for Saturday July 6 in Ottawa. The event is led by Jeremy “Raging Dissident” Mackenzie and is Diagolon’s first stop on their national tour, titled “The Rage Tour.”
Blue skies and warm temperatures make a beautiful backdrop for Canada Day 2024 in Ottawa
Thousands gathered in downtown Ottawa under blue skies and warm temperatures to celebrate Canada Day 2024
Advocates say disproportionately high number of traffic stops involving Middle Eastern and Black drivers requires accountability
Community advocates say the the report of disproportionate traffic stops by police involving Middle Eastern and Black drivers demands some sort of accountability for the police making the stops.
Crumbl Nepean attracts a cookie-loving crowd on opening day
Crumbl Cookies, a dessert franchise that’s gone viral on social media for their unique weekly rotation of cookies, opened a brand-new store in Ottawa on Friday, and locals flocked to its doors for opening day.
Museum of History looks at career of architect Douglas Cardinal as his building turns 35
Museum of History honours the career of architect Douglas Cardinal.
A capital take: A Vancouverite offers a verdict on life in Ottawa
As my time in this city draws to a close, Capital Current's Alex Dines wanted to give her verdict on some of the hot takes on life in Ottawa and how they compare with Vancouver, her home city.
Professors and workers say if police move to break up uOttawa encampment, ‘they will have to go through us’
Supporters of uOttawa encampment ready to defend students from police action.
UOttawa encampment warned they are now considered to be trespassing by university administration
UOttawa has warned students to leave the encampment in from of Tabaret Hall be today, students say.
New survey shows Doug Ford’s approval down as rumours of early election swirl
New data from the Angus Reid Institute shows a three-point decrease in Ontario premier Doug Ford’s approval rating, now sitting at 31 per cent, the lowest among the premiers along with New Brunswick's Blaine Higgs.
$1.6M cost of policing pro-Palestinian protests in Ottawa shocking, uOttawa student says
A police report that talked about the cost of policing pro-Palestinian demonstrations condemned by protesters and students at an Ottawa Police Board meeting.
Carleton graduates show support for Palestine despite warnings from school officials
Graduation ceremonies have been ongoing this week at Carleton University and some students decided to take the opportunity to show their support for Palestine.
Best before and maybe after: New initiative to show date on food isn’t necessarily best measure of food quality
Too Good To Go is launching the "Look-Smell-Taste" initiative in Canada to help reduce food waste.
Canadians concern about acts of hate against Jews and Muslims waning, poll concludes
Canadians remain concerned about antisemitic and anti-Muslim acts but their concern is eroding.
New wildlife management plan for Ottawa will offer more protection for local beavers
Council to vote n new wildlife management plan for City of Ottawa.
Live Nation to open major new music venue in downtown Ottawa
The former Chapters building at the corner of Rideau Street and Sussex Drive in Downtown Ottawa will soon by a 2,000 seat music venue operated by Live Nation, the largest music promotion company in North America.
Council to settle the heritage designation of The Bay’s building on Rideau Street
Ottawa’s Built Heritage Committee has unanimously endorsed a report urging a heritage designation for the exterior of the Hudson’s Bay store on Rideau Street. City council will make a final determination of the building’s status. The building at 73 Rideau is east of the Chateau Laurier hotel on the north side of the street. In a committee meeting in April,...
Bank Street Wishlist: Wider sidewalks and bike lanes wanted
Wider sidewalks and bike lanes part of the wish list for users for Bank Street.
The situational ethics of AI confronts post-secondary institutions
Universities are wrestling with the ethics of the use if Artificial Intelligence in the learning process.
New National Gallery exhibition celebrates Indigenous beadwork
The National Gallery of Canada unveiled its newest exhibition on May 17 celebrating contemporary Indigenous beadwork.
Diminishing support: Public support for pro-Palestinian encampments wanes the longer they last, survey shows
A new survey of Canadians and Americans shows that support for student encampments diminishes over time.
Bytown Museum unveils new exhibition on Ottawa’s healthcare history
The Bytown Museum unveiled a new temporary exhibition celebrating Ottawa's healthcare history on May 17.