Canada

By Scott McLean, Local Journalism Initiative ReporterFort McMurray TodayThu., Aug. 5, 2021timer2 min. readThe Fort McMurray SPCA’s shelter is almost full, straining the organization’s finances after COVID-19 restrictions caused most fundraising efforts to be cancelled. To care for the growing number of animals at the shelter, the SPCA is launching an online emergency fundraiser with…

By Paula Brown, Local Journalism Initiative ReporterShelburne Free PressThu., Aug. 5, 2021timer2 min. readShepherd’s Cupboard Food Bank has brought back the kid’s summer breakfast program for a second year. “Food insecurity is prevalent for everyone right now, and we hear it every week when we’re servicing the clients that we serve,” said Ardith Dunlop, volunteer…

By Jessica R. Durling, Local Journalism Initiative ReporterHumboldt JournalThu., Aug. 5, 2021timer2 min. readAn impromptu meeting at Nipawin’s town square revealed interest in setting up a Citizens on Patrol Program to help prevent and reduce crime. Barry Elliott, Nipawin’s administrator, said there were around 100 residents at the July 20 meeting. “We had a signup…

By Anna McKenzie, Local Journalism Initiative ReporterThe DiscourseThu., Aug. 5, 2021timer3 min. read*UPDATED – please see editor’s note at bottom of story. The Snuneymuxw First Nation signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) on July 28 with both the provincial and federal governments, to advance reconciliation based on the affirmation and implementation of Snuneymuxw Title…

Ontario Provincial Police investigators have interviewed a residential school survivor over an alleged rape he says he suffered as a child while attending one of the country’s most notorious institutions: St. Anne’s residential school. Simeon Solomon, a survivor from St. Anne’s residential school in northern Ontario, has been pushing for justice for years. (Jean-François Benoît/CBC)WARNING: This…

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia’s top doctor says the province could remove more restrictions and move to Phase 5 of its reopening as early as September, but only if the province hits a crucial vaccination target. “We need at least 75 per cent of the population to be fully vaccinated,” Dr. Robert Strang said during a…

Masai Ujiri has reportedly signed a deal to become the vice-chairman and president of the Toronto Raptors. A video released by the team on social media Thursday has Ujiri saying he is “here to stay” with the team.Majai Ujiri has signed a deal to become president and vice-chairman of the Toronto Raptors, according to reports.…

TORONTO — A musical campaign for former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig’s release from a Chinese prison is gaining support. Long before Kovrig went into the diplomatic service, he was the frontman for the Budapest-based band named Bankrupt, who recently released a song called “The Plane to Toronto” to raise awareness about his plight. “We wanted…

Barcelona said Thursday that Lionel Messi will not stay with the club. A new contract had been reached, but financial “obstacles” made it impossible for the player to remain with the club.FC Barcelona announced Thursday that the club’s top all-time scorer Lionel Messi will not return to the club next season, citing financial obstacles. (David…

The leader of Ontario’s New Democrats changed her mind Thursday after facing criticism for her opposition to mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for education workers, a view similar to the one held by Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford.Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says her party supports regular rapid virus tests for unvaccinated education workers before they come…