In today’s news: MPs debate Tories’ no-confidence motion

Here’s a roundup of stories from the Canadian Press to bring you up to speed…

MPs debate Tories’ motion of no confidence

The House of Commons is scheduled to debate a Conservative no-confidence motion today as the Tories seek to overthrow Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.

It is the first test for the minority government since the NDP ended its supply and confidence deal with the Liberals earlier this month.

The Bloc Québécois and the NDP have already announced that they will not support the motion, which will be voted on Wednesday.

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre criticized NDP leader Jagmeet Singh for his refusal to oust the Liberals.

This means that the possibility of new elections this week is virtually ruled out.

Here’s what else we’ll be looking at…

Investigation into the questioning of parliamentary security officials

Parliamentary security officials, including House Sergeant-at-Arms Patrick McDonell, are due to testify today as part of a US federal investigation into foreign influence.

The statement could shed new light on efforts by hostile countries to attack parliamentarians through cyberspace and what the government is doing to counter these threats.

The investigation’s recent public hearings focus on the ability of federal agencies to detect, deter and combat foreign interference.

The election director Stéphane Perrault, whose agency has put forward several proposals to increase the security of candidate nominations, is also expected to testify as a witness.

Elections Canada has proposed banning non-citizens from participating in candidate selection, requiring parties to publish their competition rules and explicitly prohibiting practices such as multiple voting.

Opening statements expected in Hoggard trial

Opening statements are scheduled to begin today in the trial of Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard, who was the victim of sexual assault.

Hoggard is charged with sexual assault. The incident allegedly occurred on June 25, 2016 in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.

The former Hedley frontman pleaded not guilty to the charge on Monday.

His trial will take place in nearby Haileybury, a community in Temiskaming Shores in the northeast of the province.

Hoggard opted to be tried by a jury in the Superior Court of Justice late last year.

Schools test new world of mobile phone bans

From cell phone “hotels” to patchwork quilts to redesigning lesson plans, teachers and schools across Canada are learning how to navigate a cell phone-free classroom.

However, some say that despite recent bans and restrictions on mobile phones, little has changed.

Several provinces, including Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, have introduced plans to restrict cell phone use starting this school year. There are a mix of restrictions and even outright bans.

These changes come as educators try to get their students to log off and stay focused, noting that online bickering has now made its way into classrooms and social interactions among youngsters have decreased.

It’s early days and policies are still being worked out, which has led some schools to find creative ways to curb students’ restless phone fingers.

Report: Home renovations increase in key markets

Increased spending on home renovations during the pandemic contributed to higher single-family home prices despite downward pressure on the market, according to a new report.

Re/Max Canada’s report examined housing inventory trends and the trends affecting property values ​​in the Toronto and Vancouver regions, Canada’s two largest real estate markets.

According to the report released Tuesday, national spending on renovations increased by an estimated $300 billion between 2019 and 2023, largely due to home renovation and revitalization projects in Toronto and Vancouver.

This represents an increase of eight percent compared to the previous five-year period.

The report says that revitalization “continues to be one of the most underestimated factors driving housing price increases.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published September 24, 2024.

The Canadian Press