News
Copy by Lawrence Zwer
Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to announce what his government is billing as the largest increase in defence spending since the World War 2, measures that would enable Canada to meet NATO’s 2-per-cent military expenditure target this fiscal year, well ahead of any previously announced schedule. Two senior government sources told The Globe and Mail that Mr. Carney will unveil a new security and defence investment plan during a speech today at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs. Mr. Carney’s coming plan will allow Canada to meet the 2-per-cent target in the 2025-2026 fiscal year ending next March and exceed it in future years, the sources said. This represents a rapid shift in Canada’s commitment to defence – already a significant portion of the federal budget – as it moves up the timeline to reach the 2-per-cent target by several years. The spending increase, worth billions of dollars, is set to be announced ahead of the NATO leaders’ summit later this month. At that gathering, member countries are expected to raise the Western alliance’s military spending target to 3.5 per cent of GDP, plus another amount equivalent to 1.5 per cent for security-related investments. The sources said the new spending will include higher pay for members of the Canadian Armed Forces; new aircraft, armed vehicles and ammunition; new drones and more sensors to monitor the seafloor and the Arctic; repair and maintenance commitments for existing ships, aircraft and other assets; more health care funding for Forces personnel; and funding to boost the Canadian Coast Guard’s reach and capabilities.
DHL Express Canada locked out workers just after midnight Sunday as the company failed to reach a contract deal with Unifor employees, injecting more labour turmoil into the country’s parcel delivery market. The union, which represents 2,100 truck drivers, couriers and warehouse workers across seven provinces, says they went on strike in response at 11 a.m. yesterday morning. Unifor says the German-owned carrier is proposing to change the driver pay system and is planning to use replacement workers before legislation banning them comes into effect on June 20. The work stoppage, which affects package delivery across the country, comes as Canada Post remains at loggerheads with 55,000 workers, whose union last month imposed an overtime ban that scales back parcel services. Unifor says a work stoppage could disrupt this weekend’s Formula One Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, where DHL is responsible for transporting the cars and team freight. Unifor says its bargaining priorities remain wages, working conditions and surveillance and automation in the workplace.
The federal government has deployed members of the Canadian Armed Forces to help evacuate a northwestern Ontario First Nation as wildfires rapidly spread in the region. Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a social media post Sunday that Ottawa has accepted Ontario’s urgent request for assistance in and around Sandy Lake First Nation, and the military will help with emergency airlift evacuations. “We’re prepared to mobilize every resource needed to keep Canadians safe,” Carney wrote. The military deployment was also discussed at a meeting of the Incident Response Group Carney convened on Sunday to address the already highly active wildfire season – this according to a readout of the meeting provided by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Finally, now that we’re on the cusp of Summer, the County is full of new and interesting things to see and do. Our own Brenda Little was out and about this weekend and has more:
It was a crazy busy weekend in the county with so many events happening at the same time and luckily perfect weather. However there were two events that took place for the very first time. On Saturday, South shore Fest was a free fun for all ages eco-fest at Mariners Park Museum where people enjoyed guided nature walks, lots of kids activities, environmental information booths, music and so much more. Organized by the south shore joint initiative, the day finished up with a guided night sky tour.
Also on Saturday, the first fashion week in the County came to a close with 2 fashion shows featuring clothing from many of the Main Street retailers. Models strutted their stuff down the main sidewalk at the Armouries at 1:30 then again inside later in the day. Organizers were pleased with the week’s events and are already planning for next year – Copy by Brenda Little
Sports
Ryan Fox survived a golf marathon on Sunday at the RBC Canadian Open. The New Zealander beat American Sam Burns with a birdie on the fourth playoff hole to win a dramatic Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon. Fox put his second shot on the par-5 18th to within seven feet on the fourth playoff hole and then two-putted for birdie to win. It was Fox’s second career PGA Tour win, both this year. The 38-year-old also captured the Myrtle Beach Classic in a playoff, beating Canada’s Mackenzie Hughes and American Harry Higgs last month.
Another tough outing for Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis yesterday as the Birds were hoping to wrap up a 3 game road sweep at the Minnesota Twins. In 3.1 innings pitched, Francis gave up 5 hits and 4 earned runs before giving way to Mason Fluharty. In the end, the Jays took a 6-3 loss and are back at it again tonight, visiting St. Louis to face the Cardinals in a three-game series.
And, it was game two of the NBA Finals last night, as the Indiana Pacers were in Oklahoma City to face the Thunder. Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took matters into his own hands for the Thunder, scoring 34 points, dishing 8 assists and making 4 steals on the way to a 123-107 win. The series is tied at one as it moves to Indiana.
