Canada News Live: Ottawa police constable demoted for 14 months over impaired driving conviction

Okanagan officials in Canada have issued a warning following two drowning incidents in three days, Global News said in a report. The most recent incident occurred on Monday near Kelowna’s City Park, where the RCMP confirmed that the body of an adult was recovered from the water.

Ottawa police Constable Serge Fortin has received a 14-month demotion after pleading guilty to an impaired driving charge in February, the Ottawa Citizen said in a report. This disciplinary action by the Ottawa Police Service follows his criminal conviction for impaired driving.

Metro Vancouver's attempt to postpone a court case involving Acciona Wastewater Solutions regarding a sewage plant project has been denied, Vancouver Sun said in a report. The regional district's legal team had sought the delay due to the significant strain imposed by the volume of evidence, which reportedly includes over four million documents pertinent to the dispute.

Search and rescue agencies in British Columbia have issued a warning to drone operators after a drone nearly collided with a helicopter, highlighting ongoing safety concerns, Vancouver Sun said in a report. The incident has prompted officials to remind the public that drone use is broadly prohibited in provincial and national parks, as well as some municipal parks, to prevent interference with emergency operations and ensure public safety.

Manitoba officials are warning that the spread of 'fake news' and online misinformation is negatively impacting emergency crews' efforts to combat ongoing wildfires in the province, Global News says in a report. Authorities are urging the public to diligently verify the sources of any fire-related updates before sharing them. This warning comes as Canada experiences increased wildfire activity and has previously faced challenges with misinformation during national crises, aligning with broader federal government discussions on online safety.

Emergency room wait times in Alberta, Canada, are continuing to grow for individuals not critically ill or injured, a new report confirms, Global News says in a report. This reported increase in wait times occurs as Alberta is planning a restructuring of its health services and amid ongoing federal-provincial healthcare funding negotiations, both of which are significant factors for the province's healthcare system.

Retired Edmonton police Staff Sgt. Bill Clark faces a charge of breach of trust in connection with allegations of releasing unauthorized and confidential investigative information to the news media, Global News said in a report. The charge against the former high-profile homicide detective relates to his time with the Edmonton Police Service. This development occurs amidst ongoing discussions in Canada concerning police accountability and the control of information by public institutions.

Victoria city councillors are expressing a desire to preserve downtown movie theatres, a goal that aligns with the city's 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan, Global News said in a report. That strategic plan outlines the council's commitment to supporting small businesses and the visitor economy, as well as investing in artistic and musical spaces within the downtown area.

Evacuations in Saskatchewan are increasing due to a fast-moving, out-of-control wildfire that breached an airport and had grown to over 836 square kilometres by Monday evening, National Post said in a report. The fire's rapid development and significant size are prompting further emergency response measures in the Canadian province.

Rhonda Blackmore, the top RCMP officer in Saskatchewan, stated she was compelled to leave her position on Tuesday morning because of anonymous complaints, CBC says in a report. This information was reportedly conveyed in an email from Blackmore addressed to F Division employees, which was subsequently posted online.

Pete Hoekstra, who formerly served as the U.S. Ambassador to Canada during Donald Trump's first presidential term, stated that the Canadian auto sector has a promising future in its collaboration with the United States, asserting that the primary U.S. trade conflict in automobile manufacturing is directed at China, not Canada, The Globe and Mail said in a report. This assessment from the former envoy, whose tenure included the negotiation of the USMCA, suggests that U.S. trade policy in the auto sector is unlikely to target Canada, reflecting the integrated nature of the North American automotive industry.

An air passenger advocacy group, Air Passenger Rights, has taken the Canadian federal government to court, arguing that regulations prohibiting passengers from publicly discussing complaints lodged with the national airline watchdog, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), are unconstitutional, CBC News says in a report. The group contends these rules infringe upon the right to freedom of expression, challenging a specific aspect of the regulatory framework governing air passenger rights in Canada.

The Oilers open this year's best-of-seven showcase against the Panthers on Wednesday at Rogers Place as a calmer, more confident, grounded bunch.

Smoke originating from widespread Canadian wildfires continued to affect areas south of the border, leading to "very unhealthy" air quality conditions in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan on Tuesday, AP said in a report. These fires have compelled over 27,000 people in three Canadian provinces to evacuate their homes, and the extensive smoke plume has now been detected as far as Europe. In the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the smell of smoke was noticeable on Tuesday morning, even with rainfall that partially obscured the severity of the air pollution.

The body of a man missing from the Merritt area since 2023 has been found, according to his family. Miguel Mack was last seen on Feb. 27, 2023, by his family.

Delta Air Lines has stated in a U.S. court filing that it is not entirely at fault for injuries passengers sustained during an upside-down crash involving one of its aircraft at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, CBC says in a report. This legal response addresses lawsuits from at least 16 Canadian passengers who allege they were injured in the past incident. Delta's filing suggests other parties may share responsibility for the event.

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper made his return to the starting lineup on Tuesday in Toronto, playing first base and batting third against the Toronto Blue Jays, AP says in a report. Harper had missed the previous five games due to a bruised right elbow sustained when he was hit by a pitch from Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider during a game last week. The Phillies had a 1-4 record in Harper's absence, ceding first place in the NL East. His elbow had undergone Tommy John surgery following the 2022 World Series.

Esteemed Canadian athletes including soccer icon Christine Sinclair, Olympic gold medallist curler Kevin Martin, and world champion alpine skier Erik Guay will be inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, CBC News says in a report. This recognition celebrates their significant contributions and achievements in their respective sports, marking their place among Canada's sporting legends.

Hundreds of Manitoba First Nations residents have been evacuated to hotels in Niagara Falls, Ontario, approximately 1,800 kilometres from their homes, as wildfires burn out of control near their communities, CBC says in a report. Such long-distance evacuations are often necessary when there are no safe, adequate, and available accommodations closer to the affected communities, highlighting the scale of the current disaster. This event occurs within a broader context of increasingly severe and frequent wildfire seasons impacting Canada.

A new involuntary treatment facility in Maple Ridge, B.C., named Alouette Homes, is equipped with 18 beds and could take its first patients this month, Global News said in a report. The facility is intended for individuals with 'severe and persistent mental-health disorders, often combined with other challenges.'

Some individuals in Nova Scotia are finding relief from severe depression through ketamine therapy, an anesthetic more commonly used in medical and veterinary surgeries, CBC News said in a report. This treatment is reportedly being utilized for patients whose depression has not responded to other medications and therapies, with some experiencing a significant improvement in their condition.

Quebecers are encountering extensive waiting periods, often lasting years, to secure co-operative housing, an affordable option with most existing units in Canada developed primarily between the 1970s and early 1990s, CBC News says in a report. Although various levels of government have increased funding for this housing type in recent years, including through the federal National Housing Strategy and Quebec's provincial programs, experts indicate that substantial obstacles—such as high land costs, zoning issues, and complexities in coordinating funding—continue to hinder the construction of new co-op units, exacerbating the housing affordability challenge.

Police have identified 83-year-old retired kindergarten teacher Eleanor Doney as the victim of a fatal stabbing that occurred in Pickering, Ontario, last week, CBC News said in a report. The identification of the senior citizen has now been made public by authorities.

A suspect has turned himself in to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) following a shooting incident in Manitoba, Global News said in a report. Police indicated that the suspect drove to a residence, discharged a firearm multiple times at the home, and then fled the scene before later surrendering to authorities. No one was injured during the incident.

Ford Canada has announced a recall for specific models of its F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks due to an identified safety concern, CTV News reports. Transport Canada, the federal agency responsible for enforcing vehicle safety regulations in the country, is overseeing the recall process. This development affects a prominent electric vehicle model at a time when Canadian federal and provincial governments are actively working to increase electric vehicle adoption through various targets and incentives.

Canadian consumers can now access information on how to claim a portion of the settlement from a past bread price-fixing scheme, CTV News says in a report. This payout stems from a class-action lawsuit related to allegations that major bread suppliers and retailers colluded to inflate prices over several years. The availability of this claims process occurs amid ongoing concerns in Canada about high food inflation and broader scrutiny of competition within the grocery industry.

The Canadian federal government has announced it will match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross as severe wildfires continue to affect the Prairies, compelling thousands of residents to evacuate their homes, CBC News says in a report. This federal initiative aims to provide financial support for relief efforts aiding those impacted by the widespread fires.

Canada's CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter fleet was grounded for 27 days throughout May after questions arose in late April regarding the potential use of various spare parts beyond their specified service life, National Post said in a report. This grounding of a key military asset, which has a history of procurement difficulties, occurred amid ongoing debates about Canadian Armed Forces readiness, defence spending, and existing parliamentary scrutiny over military equipment maintenance and procurement.

Michael Deluce, the CEO of Porter Airlines, is suing the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) over the tax treatment of millions in losses from "high-risk" day trading activities, National Post says in a report. Deluce incurred these losses when he shorted the S&P 500 index, based on a pessimistic outlook of the market's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit challenges the CRA's assessment regarding these trading losses, which likely pertains to whether they are considered capital losses or business losses for tax purposes.

Hundreds of First Nations members traveled to Queen’s Park, the site of Ontario's Legislative Building, to protest the provincial government's mining legislation, Bill 5, also known as the 'Building More Mines Act, 2023', The Globe and Mail said in a report. The demonstration occurred as Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government took steps to curtail legislative debate on the bill, a move that has reportedly caused an angry backlash from First Nations communities concerned about the law's impact.

Canada's Health Minister has decided against federal intervention to compel individuals into addictions treatment, affirming that such healthcare measures are primarily a provincial responsibility, Global News said in a report. This stance comes as the Canadian Mental Health Association in British Columbia highlighted evidence indicating that forced treatment can increase risks, a pertinent factor amid Canada's ongoing opioid crisis and debates over treatment strategies.

The Ottawa Police Service is actively searching for 14-year-old Samia Ghezel, who has been reported missing from the Barrhaven area of Ottawa, the Ottawa Citizen said in a report. She was last seen between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in the vicinity of Stradwick Avenue and Weybridge Drive. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information regarding her whereabouts.

A candlelight vigil was held in Nova Scotia on Monday evening to mark one month since two young siblings disappeared, Global News says in a report. A small crowd gathered for the event, where attendees expressed sentiments such as ‘Let truth be revealed’ regarding the children's ongoing absence. The search for the missing siblings continues.

Two men were arrested in British Columbia and charged with first-degree murder following a fatal shooting that occurred in a Mississauga, Ontario, parking lot on May 14, Global News says in a report. Police announced the arrests and the charges, which are related to the May homicide.

Several high-profile Canadian hockey players, notably Ottawa captain Brianne Jenner, veteran Ottawa defenseman Jocelyne Larocque, and Toronto forward Sarah Nurse, have been made available to the Professional Women's Hockey League's (PWHL) expansion teams, AP says in a report. Their names were included on a list of unprotected players released by the league on Tuesday, as part of the process for new PWHL franchises to build their rosters. The PWHL includes teams in both Canada and the United States.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced that the city intends to fund more summer programs aimed at youth, with a primary focus on violence prevention measures, Global News says in a report. These programs, part of the city's summer safety plan, will be designed to help young people develop valuable skills and find employment opportunities.

More than 25,000 residents in three Canadian provinces – Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan – have been evacuated as dozens of wildfires remain active, impacting air quality in parts of Canada and the US, The Guardian said in a report. Most of the evacuations, approximately 17,000 people by Saturday, occurred in Manitoba, which declared a state of emergency last week. Alberta saw 1,300 residents evacuated, while about 8,000 people were relocated in Saskatchewan, where officials indicated the number could increase.

Opposition MPs in Canada have successfully passed a sub-amendment to the throne speech motion, compelling the government to table an economic update before Parliament breaks for the summer, CBC News says in a report. Despite the government losing the vote on this matter, Government Whip Mark Gerretsen insisted that "nothing went wrong" with the procedure. This development represents a tactical victory for opposition parties who are pressing for greater transparency on the government's economic plans amid ongoing concerns about inflation and the cost of living, and it is considered a procedural setback for the governing party.

New data from Statistics Canada indicates a decline in the number of Canadians travelling to the U.S. in April, contrasting with a rise in domestic travel during the same period when compared to last year, Global News said in a report. This shift suggests changing travel patterns among Canadians, with more opting for trips within Canada.

The Canadian Liberal government is minimizing the importance of losing a parliamentary vote on a Conservative Party amendment, passed Monday evening during the Throne Speech debate, which called for a new budget to be tabled by the end of summer, La Presse said in a report. Despite the opposition's success in passing the motion, the government has signaled it does not consider this a matter of confidence and does not intend to adhere to the request for a budget within the specified timeframe.

Canadian border mayors and an industry group representing duty-free stores are urging the federal government to provide assistance to the struggling sector, citing that 3,000 jobs across Canada are at stake, Toronto Sun said in a report. The call for help stems from the severe impact of prolonged COVID-19 border restrictions, which have drastically reduced the cross-border traveller volume essential for duty-free businesses. These stores, uniquely dependent on international travellers, are seeking federal support to survive the economic downturn caused by the pandemic's effect on travel.

Ontario's police watchdog was called in and has commenced an investigation after two people were discovered deceased inside a residence in Burlington, Ontario, overnight Tuesday, Global News said in a report. The provincial oversight body is examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

An Alberta cancer survivor has won the lottery for the fourth time, National Post said in a report. According to the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, the odds of winning such a jackpot are estimated to be 1 in 33 million. The win occurred in the Canadian province of Alberta.

With warmer weather approaching in Ontario, an Ontario boating company is warning the public to be cautious when booking boat charters for the summer season because of concerns about 'deceptive' operators, Global News says in a report. The company advises vigilance to avoid potential issues with such service providers as the public begins to plan summer activities.

Pride Toronto has declared it is moving 'full steam ahead' with its event plans, even after corporate sponsors reportedly 'jumped ship,' Toronto Sun said in a report. This stance from the organization highlights its resolve to continue its operations and hold the event despite the withdrawal of corporate financial backing.

Police in Peel Region have charged two men and are seeking additional suspects following an investigation into incidents of kidnapping and robbery that occurred in April and May, Toronto Sun said in a report. The victims in these cases were allegedly lured through social media platforms, prompting the ongoing police probe.

A bear was euthanized near Waterton Lakes National Park after it acted 'aggressively' toward a hiker, Calgary Herald said in a report. Parks Canada described the event as an "isolated incident" and emphasized that "wildlife and public safety is a shared responsibility" for visitors in the park.

Ottawa police are investigating the city's 13th homicide of the year as a femicide after a 54-year-old woman was found dead in Gloucester, according to a report in Ottawa Citizen. A 57-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the woman's death.