On Thursday, another 32 people associated with Canada were able to leave the Gaza Strip after 75 citizens, permanent residents, and family members made the trip on Tuesday.
By late Thursday, Global Affairs Canada had not yet issued a statement on the latest update. However, they mentioned that 550 more people were still hoping to leave the territory.
The White House announced on Thursday that Israel has agreed to implement a daily four-hour “humanitarian pause” on its airstrikes in Gaza. Canadian officials are hopeful that these breaks in fighting will allow more departures of foreign nationals, deliver much-needed humanitarian aid, and facilitate the negotiation of an eventual end to the month-long war.
Israel demolishes home of family after boy accused of stabbing Jerusalem
Israeli security forces demolished the east Jerusalem home of a Palestinian family whose 13-year-old son was accused of stabbing an Israeli police officer earlier this year, drawing attention to Israel’s tactic of punitive demolitions.
The United States Office of Palestinian Affairs condemned the demolition on Friday, stating that “an entire family should not lose their home because of the actions of one individual.”
The Zalabani family reported that the demolition happened on Wednesday. It comes amid escalating tensions in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank over Israel’s devastating campaign in Gaza and deadly raids against militants in the northern West Bank, such as Thursday’s operation in the Jenin refugee camp that killed 13 Palestinians, most of them alleged militants.
Rights watchdogs describe such punitive home demolitions as collective punishment, leaving uninvolved parents, siblings, and spouses homeless. Israel’s far-right government is more aggressively pursuing the policy, which it defends as a deterrent against militant attacks.
Four Ontario municipalities nix strong mayor powers
Several Ontario municipalities have turned down the province’s offer of strong mayor powers due to concerns either with the housing targets the government has tied to them, or worries that the powers would lead to a “dictatorship.”
The Progressive Conservative government has assigned housing targets to 50 municipalities—their portion of the 1.5 million homes that Premier Doug Ford has promised to get built by 2031.
Now, four municipalities—Newmarket, New Tecumseth, Norfolk County, and Haldimand County—have given a straight-up no thanks.
Some dental-care consultations need NDAs
Health Canada will consult with provincial dental associations that have complained of being left in the dark about the new federal dental-care plan—but only if they sign a confidentiality agreement.
Health Minister Mark Holland noted that condition in his response to provincial and territorial dental associations, who last month expressed serious concerns over Canadian dentists lacking information about critical aspects of the new plan set to launch before the end of the year.
Historians worry about dwindling veteran numbers
More than one million Canadians served in the Second World War. More than 45,000 died, and another 55,000 were wounded. Another 33,000 fought in the Korean War.
Veterans Affairs Canada says there are 9,267 veterans of the Second World War and Korean War who are still alive in Canada.
But as veterans die, military historians worry about keeping their history alive in the minds of Canadians.
Canada’s involvement in the Second World War is taught in schools, but it often focuses on international conflicts and root causes as opposed to specific battles and exploits.
Indigenous art on display at Manitoba legislature
Scattered throughout the century-old Manitoba Legislative Building are the works of famed Indigenous artists, including Daphne Odjig and Jackson Beardy.
Now, one room in the historic building is home to a semi-permanent exhibit showcasing more than 20 pieces of Indigenous art.
Having one space that captures the province’s vast collection of contemporary and traditional Indigenous art was something Myrna Driedger envisioned during her years as Speaker. She chose not to seek re-election as a Progressive Conservative legislature member earlier this year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 10, 2023
The Canadian Press
Read the full article here
