In the news today: MPs set to debate Tory non-confidence motion

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed…

MPs set to debate Tory non-confidence motion

The House of Commons is set to debate a Conservative non-confidence motion today, as the Tories try to take down Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.

It’s 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 NDP have already said they will not support the motion, which will be voted on Wednesday.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been criticizing NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh for his refusal to bring down the Liberals.

That all but eliminates the possibility of a snap election this week.

Here’s what else we’re watching…

Inquiry to hear parliamentary security officials

A federal inquiry into foreign interference is slated to hear today from parliamentary security officials including House of Commons sergeant-at-arms Patrick McDonell.

The testimony could shed new light on efforts by hostile countries to target parliamentarians via cyberspace and what officials are doing to counter the threats.

The inquiry’s latest public hearings are focusing on the capacity of federal agencies to detect, deter and counter foreign meddling.

Chief electoral officer Stéphane Perrault, whose agency has floated several proposals to tighten the security of candidate nominations, is also slated to testify.

Elections Canada has suggested barring non-citizens from helping choose candidates, requiring parties to publish contest rules and explicitly outlawing behaviour such as voting more than once.

Opening arguments expected in Hoggard trial

Opening arguments are expected to get underway today in the sexual assault trial of Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard.

Hoggard is facing a sexual assault charge for an incident alleged to have happened on June 25, 2016, in Kirkland Lake, Ont.

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

His trial is taking place in nearby Haileybury, a community within Temiskaming Shores in the northeastern part of the province.

Hoggard had elected at the end of last year to be tried by a jury in the Superior Court of Justice.

Schools figuring out new world of cellphone bans

From cellphone “hotels” to patchwork policies to recalibrating lesson plans, teachers and schools across Canada are learning to navigate a classroom without cellphones.

But some say that despite recent bans and restrictions on the phones, little has changed.

A number of provinces, including Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, introduced plans to limit cellphone usage beginning this school year. There is a mix of restrictions along with outright bans.

The changes come as educators try to get students to log off and stay focused, noting online squabbles have forced their way into classrooms and social interactions among youth have dwindled.

It’s early days, with policies still being crafted, leading to some schools finding creative ways to curb students’ itchy cellphone fingers.

Home renovations rising in major markets: report

A new report says a boost in spending on home renovations during the pandemic has helped contribute to higher prices for single-family homes despite downward market pressure.

The report by Re/Max Canada looked at the evolution of housing stock and trends affecting home values in the Toronto and Vancouver areas, Canada’s two largest real estate markets.

The report, released Tuesday, said national renovation spending increased by an estimated $300 billion between 2019 and 2023, led by home renewal and revitalization projects in the Toronto and Vancouver markets.

That marked an eight per cent jump from the previous five-year period.

The report said revitalization “remains one of the most underestimated factors behind escalating housing values.”

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

The Canadian Press