A temporary exemption has been granted to Sikh motorcyclists in Saskatchewan, allowing them to wear turbans while riding in two upcoming Nagar Kirtan parades. The exemption is a significant victory for the Sikh community, which has been advocating for the right to wear turbans while riding motorcycles for religious reasons.
Staff at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary have seized a large quantity of contraband, including cannabis concentrate, cell phones, weapons, and tattoo paraphernalia, with an estimated institutional value exceeding $100,000. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) employs various measures, such as ion scanners and drug-detector dogs, to prevent the entry of prohibited items into its facilities. CSC is also collaborating with law enforcement to prosecute those attempting to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.
The Shifting Gears challenge, organized by GreenUP, is underway in Peterborough, Ontario, and surrounding areas, promoting sustainable transportation methods throughout May. Participants are encouraged to reduce car usage and opt for walking, cycling, public transit, or telecommuting. Community partners like B!ke: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop are supporting the initiative with bike workshops and tune-ups. Sign-ups are still open at GreenUP’s website, and weekly prizes and a grand prize are awarded for tracking ‘green’ trips.
Edmonton’s outdoor pool season is set to begin with the reopening of Queen Elizabeth outdoor pool on May 18. Fred Broadstock pool will follow on May 25. The much-anticipated Mill Creek outdoor pool, which has been closed for four years for renovations, will also reopen this summer, with the date to be announced later. Wîhkwêntôwin outdoor pool, formerly known as Oliver pool, and Borden natural swimming pool are scheduled to open in June. The City of Edmonton plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Wîhkwêntôwin pool this year with special festivities to be announced later. The City Hall Fountain will also reopen on May 18 and will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Splash Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 25. All reopening dates are subject to weather and air quality conditions. Timed reservation entries will be available seven days in advance of each pool’s opening date, starting May 11 for Queen Elizabeth outdoor pool.
The Progressive Conservative government in New Brunswick has postponed the introduction of the Compassionate Intervention Act until after the fall election. The act would have mandated treatment for individuals with severe drug addiction. Critics have raised concerns about potential infringements on personal rights and liberties. The government intends to further research best practices in other jurisdictions, including Alberta, before proceeding with the bill.
In a move to address concerns about student distraction and potential misuse, teachers in New Brunswick will be granted increased authority to limit cellphone use in classrooms starting in September. Under the new policy, students will be required to keep their phones on silent mode and store them in designated areas during class time. Teachers will have discretion to allow cellphone use for educational purposes or medical reasons, but students who use their devices to disrupt the learning environment, such as by cheating or bullying, may face disciplinary action. This policy aligns New Brunswick with several other provinces, including Quebec, British Columbia, and Ontario, that have implemented similar restrictions on cellphone use in schools.
In a thrilling back-and-forth battle, the Edmonton Oilers squandered a 4-1 lead and ultimately fell to the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 in the opening game of the second round of their NHL playoff series. Despite an early power-play goal by Zach Hyman, the Oilers allowed the Canucks to chip away at their lead, with goals from Dakota Joshua, Elias Lindholm, J.T. Miller, Nikita Zadorov, and Conor Garland. The Oilers managed just two shots on goal after taking a 4-1 lead, while the Canucks dominated the shot count 24-16. Game two of the series is set for Friday in Vancouver.
Brian Lush, a Newfoundland trucker, was reported missing after his family lost contact with him on April 24. His tractor-trailer was located in Ontario, and his body was later discovered inside the trailer in Newfoundland. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have faced scrutiny for their handling of the search and the delay in locating Lush’s body. The OPP issued a statement confirming that Lush had been found deceased and that foul play was not suspected, but did not initially disclose where his body was found. The force has since acknowledged that it did not search the trailer and has announced a review of the investigation.
The family of a three-month-old baby killed in a wrong-way Highway 401 crash while his grandparents were visiting from India is mourning his death, remembering the “joy and happiness“ he brought them. The baby, his grandparents, and his parents were involved in the multi-vehicle crash on April 29th, after a U-Haul cargo van being pursued by police for an alleged LCBO robbery in Clarington drove erratically onto the highway. The 21-year-old driver of the U-Haul died at the scene, while a 38-year-old passenger was seriously injured. The Special Investigations Unit is investigating the fatal wreck.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have commenced their rookie training camp in Saskatoon, marking the beginning of their journey towards the Grey Cup. Head coach Corey Mace, who is evaluating potential CFL roster additions, expressed his excitement about the camp and the opportunity to witness the new players in action. The team aims to make amends for two consecutive disappointing seasons in which they failed to qualify for the playoffs.
