It is Friday, May 8. Here are the top stories we are following today.
Suspect, 18, Identified After Three Shot At Outside Toronto Synagogue
Toronto police say Ruslan Novruzov, arrested in connection with the targeting of three identifiably Jewish people outside Chasidei Bobov synagogue with a replica firearm, is also being charged for a similar gel-blaster shooting incident last week. “While the weapons used were imitation firearms,” Acting Deputy Chief Joe Matthews said Friday, “the impacts are very real.” The suspect faces multiple charges. The incident has heightened concerns about antisemitic attacks in the city.
Smith Says Albertans and Industry Are Getting ‘Impatient’ Over Pipeline Pact with Carney
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed frustration Friday over delays in finalizing an energy memorandum of understanding with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government. The pact, which is past deadline and hung up on the industrial carbon tax component, needs to be resolved soon, Smith said. “In Alberta there does need to be a demonstration that Canada can work,” she stated after meeting with Carney in Ottawa. The premier warned that patience is running thin among Albertans and industry stakeholders.
Scott Stinson: The Troublesome Liberal MP Who Wants to Shake Up Ontario Politics
Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith, who lost the Ontario Liberal leadership race to Bonnie Crombie but returned to Ottawa, is drawing criticism for not staying to fight Premier Doug Ford. However, columnist Scott Stinson argues that choosing from outside the tent can be a useful tonic. Erskine-Smith’s approach may offer a fresh perspective for Ontario politics.
New House of Commons Design Proposes Benches, Cinema-Style Seats and Desks for the Front Bench
A new layout for the House of Commons floor is being floated for feedback. The design includes flip seats and desks for the front bench. Many MPs told the National Post they like the idea of flip seats but lament likely trading a designated desk for a tray table similar to an airplane economy seat. The design is not yet finalized.
Government to Pay $8.7M to Canadians Affected by CRA Data Breach
Between June and August 2020, hackers targeted federal government accounts, compromising the personal and financial information of more than 48,000 Canadians. A class-action lawsuit has been settled, with the government paying $8.7 million. Compensation amounts depend on whether the information was used. Eligible Canadians can check if they qualify for payment.
Jamie Sarkonak: How Regina Students Ended Up Watching a Raunchy Breasts Out Drag Show
Columnist Jamie Sarkonak reports on a controversial drag performance at a Regina school. One clip shows a male character in lawyers’ robes bending over near a drag queen’s protruding rear. Another shows the drag queen doing a handstand against a pole and spreading their legs while shouting a reference to Danielle Smith. Guests, described as Grade 9 students, were seen leaving the theatre. The incident has sparked debate about age-appropriate content in schools.
