The heat warning is expected to persist to the weekend though most likely longer, according to Environment Canada. There is a chance of rain and a risk of thunderstorms this afternoon and continuing into this evening. The high is 34ºC. It is supposed to clear later this evening with a low of 21ºC overnight.
Ottawa Police officer convicted of assault
An Ottawa police officer has been convicted of assaulting an ex-girlfriend in December 2017, the Ottawa Citizen reports. Const. Carl Keenan was found guilty of “one count of assault causing bodily harm.” The assault occurred while the couple was staying at a yurt in Gatineau Park for the weekend. A video was taken of one of the couple’s confrontations. The video was then used in the court proceedings. Keenan is to be sentenced at the end of August.
Educators worry ESL students losing more than language skills
The COVID-19 pandemic has kept students away from the classroom and educators are worried that without ESL classes as well as the social setting of school, the children will lose their developing language skills and their ability to adapt to life in Canada. The children will also lose ground in other classes because they don’t understand and cannot follow. CBC has more.
Federal deficit to reach $343 billion this year
Finance Minister Bill Morneau released an economic snapshot on Wednesday that predicted the federal deficit will be at least $343.2 billion this fiscal year largely because of the response to COVID-19. So far during the pandemic, the federal government has spent more than $231 billion for both health and safety measures, and direct aid. The government called the pandemic as the “challenge of a generation” saying that based on the opinions of experts, they expect to see the greatest drop in the overall economy since the Great Depression. CTV News has more.
B.C. committee to find extent of systemic racism in policing
A special all-party committee of the B.C. legislature was appointed on Wednesday with the goal of determining the extent of systemic racism in policing. Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said the committee has until May 14, 2021, to submit its discoveries and recommendations to the legislature. The committee is also responsible for analyzing the role of police in situations that include “mental health, wellness, addictions and harm reduction.” The Toronto Star has more.
VIA Rail to temporarily layoff of 1,000
VIA Rail plans to temporarily let 1,OOO employees go, the railway company’s CEO Cynthia Garneau said in an internal email on Wednesday. VIA Rail continues to be affected by disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic such as the cancellation of trains between Montreal and Halifax as well as those between Toronto and Vancouver until at least early November. Garneau said the company doesn’t see a resurgence of ridership anytime soon after already experiencing a ridership decrease of more than 95 per cent earlier this year. According to Garneau’s email as well as internal messages obtained by Global News, the layoffs are expected to go into effect starting July 24.
