Trudeau dismisses pro Russian cyberattacks, promises more weapons for Ukraine

April 17, 2023

Ottawa: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shrugged off reports of pro-Russian hackers attacking Canadian websites on Tuesday as he used a visit by his Ukrainian counterpart to unveil a package of new military, economic and cultural measures for the embattled country.
The new measures include a donation of assault rifles, machine-guns and ammunition for Ukraine’s military as it prepares for a spring of heavy fighting, as well as new and updated agreements around free trade and student exchanges.
Ottawa is also imposing sanctions on an additional 14 Russian individuals and 34 Russian entities, and nine organizations tied to Belarus’s financial sector over their support for Moscow’s invasion.
“Canada will continue to be steadfast in our support of Ukraine as you defend yourselves heroically against Putin’s brutal, barbaric invasion,’’ Trudeau said during a news conference in Toronto with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
Shmyhal, for his part, used the occasion to thank Canada for its support since Russian forces invaded in February 2022, which has included billions of dollars in previously announced economic and military aid.
That includes a $2.4-billion loan through the International Monetary Fund that was announced in last month’s federal budget, and which Trudeau said has been fully disbursed.
At the same time, Shmyhal called for the transfer of frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine rebuild, while underscoring the need for additional military assistance as his country’s forces prepare to launch a spring counteroffensive to liberate eastern Ukraine.
“They are preparing for our counteroffensive,’’ the Ukrainian prime minister said. “We need more ammunition, we need more weaponry, we need more military equipment.’’
Shmyhal’s visit coincided with several apparent attacks on Canadian websites Tuesday morning, with a group that claims to support Russia taking responsibility.
Among the affected websites were those of the Prime Minister’s Office and the Senate, both of which were back up and running by the afternoon.
Asked about the attacks, Trudeau said it was not uncommon for Russian hackers to target countries that support Ukraine, particularly when those countries are hosting a high-level Ukrainian delegation.
“But in case anyone was wondering,’’ Trudeau added, “Russia being able to bring down an official government of Canada web page for a few hours is in no way going to dissuade us from our unshakable support of Ukraine.’’
Brett Callow, a threat analyst with cybersecurity firm Emsisoft, said hackers appear to have launched a denial-of-service attack by flooding the affected websites _ a tactic that has become increasingly common since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Hacktivists like them because while they’re disruptive rather than destructive, they’re highly visible and often make headlines,’’ Callow said.
Shmyhal’s visit also followed on the heels of leaks of top-secret U.S. intelligence documents, which included detailed assessments of the state of Ukrainian and Russian forces and their losses.
The trove of documents also reportedly included an assessment of claims that Russian-backed hackers managed in February to access the systems controlling part of Canada’s natural gas infrastructure.
The New York Times, which reported on those documents Monday, did not name a specific energy company. But it said hackers were instructed by a Russian intelligence officer to maintain access to the computer network and “wait for further instruction.’’
The Times reported that the hackers were able to show they had the ability to increase valve pressure, disable alarms and trigger an emergency shutdown at an unidentified gas distribution station.
While neither leader directly addressed the leak, Trudeau told reporters: “I can confirm that no physical harm was caused to these pieces of Canadian infrastructure.’’
The Canadian prime minister also defended the decision to contribute billions of dollars in military and economic aid to Ukraine, describing the war there as emblematic of the larger fight for the principles and values of peace and democracy.
“Authoritarian dictators are looking at Vladimir Putin, curious to see if he will succeed,’’ he said. “Because everywhere in the world, there are neighbours with larger armies than the country beside them saying: ‘Oh, wouldn’t it be nice to redraw the map?’’’
Shmyhal insisted that despite the toll the war has taken on Ukraine and the need for more weapons, his countrymen were committed to continuing the fight against Russia.
“We are tired,’’ he said. “It’s natural, because we fight (for) more than one year. … But we are not exhausted. We are not fatigued.’’

By Lee Berthiaume
The Canadian Press

B.C. Chinese communities tell Mendicino of intimidation by foreign powers and proxies

April 17, 2023

Vancouver: Federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino says Chinese community members in Vancouver have told him of “intimidation, harassment and abuse’’ linked to foreign governments or their proxies, confirming the need for a foreign agent registry.
Mendicino said he met Wednesday with a “robust cross-section’’ of people from the communities.
The results, he said, reinforced the need for a registry of agents who are acting on behalf of foreign governments in Canada.
“Foreign interference is a phenomenon that has existed for many years, but it has become a more insidious threat to our national security landscape,’’ Mendicino said after the meeting.
“And so that’s why we have (been), and will continue to be, very proactive in putting in place the people, the resources and the tools that are necessary to combat foreign interference.’’
The federal government announced in March that it wants to hear from Canadians on creating a foreign influence transparency registry to help prevent meddling in Canada’s affairs. The process will continue until May.
The minister did not disclose exactly who was invited to Wednesday’s meeting, only that it included “community advocates, business leaders and representatives.’’
Mendicino said some indicated they fear retaliation, so he chose to host the discussions in a “safe and inclusive’’ environment where the privacy of those speaking out would be protected.
The issue of foreign interference has been under debate amid media reports citing unnamed security sources and classified documents that warned China had tried to interfere in the last two federal elections, as well as the recent municipal election in Vancouver.
The requirement that someone be registered to act on behalf of a foreign government _ thus making their actions more transparent _ has been in place in the United States since 1938 and was introduced in Australia five years ago.
But Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s national security adviser Jody Thomas said in a memo last August that a registry could elicit public pushback, since countries like Russia have used it as a tool “to silence activists and shut down organizations critical of government.’’
Mendicino said he heard similar concerns at Wednesday’s meeting, with some people expressing concerns about how a person would be labelled as an agent.
The minister said a properly calibrated registry should alleviate not deepen such fears.
“By bringing sunlight and transparency to the table, we are able to ensure that those foreign activities and diplomatic activities are being done in a way that is transparent,’’ Mendicino said.
Mendicino was joined at the meeting by Richmond Centre MP Wilson Miao and Steveston-Richmond East MP Parm Bains. Both Liberals defeated incumbent Conservatives in the 2021 federal election.
Mendicino dismissed a question about whether foreign interference might have helped Miao or Bains.
“I want to be very clear that MPs Bains and Miao are two hard-working colleagues who were elected by their respective constituents in their respective ridings by Canadians and Canadians alone,’’ Mendicino said. “And we are confident in the integrity of the elections of 2019 and 2021, as was verified by two independent panels.’’
Mendicino said the 2023 budget earmarks $50 million for law enforcement and national security agencies to “directly support ? and protect’’ Canadians from intimidation or harassment stemming from foreign interference.
“When you take all of that and you add to it the creation of this registry, Canadians can be confident that the government of Canada is doing everything that is necessary to protect our economy, to protect our communities, and to protect Canadians from foreign interference.’’

By Chuck Chiang
The Canadian Press

Canada inches closer to Afghan resettlement target, could reach 40,000 by end of year

April 17, 2023

Ottawa: More than 300 people from Afghanistan arrived in Canada on Wednesday, bringing the total number of Afghans resettled since the Taliban takeover of that country to more than 30,000, the federal government said.
A flight from Pakistan arrived at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on Wednesday morning.
Those on board included people who helped Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, family members of former interpreters and privately sponsored refugees.
After the Taliban swept to power in August 2021, Canada promised to resettle at least 40,000 Afghans through a number of special programs.
Ottawa has faced criticism for its chaotic attempts to get people to safety as the Taliban took over Kabul, with many pointing out that Canada closed its embassy earlier than other countries did.
The federal government says it is now on track to reach the 40,000 target by the end of 2023, but it acknowledges in a news release that there will be significant challenges.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked about expanding that target Wednesday, but only said the government would look at next steps once 40,000 people are resettled.
“We’re continuing to work on fulfilling those numbers and we’ll look to what we can and must do in the future in other ways,’’ Trudeau said at a press conference in Winnipeg.
Canada is prioritizing the most vulnerable Afghans, “including woman leaders, human-rights defenders, persecuted and religious minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and journalists,’’ said a news release from the Immigration Department.
As of the end of March, 18,000 people had applied to come to Canada as part of a special immigration program meant for people who helped Canadian diplomats and troops during the mission, as well as their families.
So far, 11,990 applications had been approved, but only 9,875 had arrived in Canada by March 30, according to data published by the Immigration Department.
Another special program has been created to help the extended family members of former interpreters who are already living in Canada. The government says it aims to bring 5,000 people in through that stream, and 1,285 had arrived by the end of March.
Another 15,875 people who fall under government-assisted and privately sponsored refugee programs were in Canada by that time.

By Laura Osman
The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Trudeau says it’s up to provinces to make Orange Shirt Day a holiday

April 17, 2023

Winnipeg: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is encouraging provinces and territories to step up reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples but stopped short of saying they should make the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, commonly called Orange Shirt Day, a statutory holiday.
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson recently announced her Progressive Conservative government would not be making that day a provincial statutory holiday this year, citing the need for ongoing consultations.
The federal government made the day a statutory holiday for its workers and federally regulated workplaces in 2021.
The decision to do so is in response to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action.
The prime minister said the federal government has moved forward on “living up and fulfilling’’ that call.
“That is a day that Indigenous Peoples wanted to be marking truth and reconciliation, and all the challenges and difficulties that came from that,’’ Trudeau said Wednesday at an event in Winnipeg promoting his government’s new budget.
“`(The federal government) certainly hopes that provinces would realize their responsibility in the path of reconciliation and take on the actions laid out in the calls to action, but those are obviously decisions for the provinces to make.’’
Orange Shirt Day falls on Sept. 30. It was established in honour of the experience of Phyllis Webstab, whose gift of clothing from her grandmother was taken away on Webstad’s first day at a residential school.
The Manitoba government closed non-essential offices and services the past two years on Sept. 30, giving most of its workers the day off. Schools from kindergarten to Grade 12 also closed. Stefanson has said that will continue this year.
The premier also cited the vulnerability of businesses still recovering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in her decision not to make the day a statutory holiday this year.
The organization responsible for advocating for First Nations in Manitoba expressed its frustration following the province’s decision.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said in a statement Wednesday that the province has missed a key opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to healing and recognizing First Nations people.
Grand Chief Cathy Merrick said the Manitoba government has not consulted with her on the issue in the last six months.
Some businesses and organizations have chosen to honour the day.
“I would like to take this opportunity to recognize all businesses, private sector establishments and organizations that have chosen to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by closing their operations and giving their employees the opportunity to reflect on the significance of this day and how it affects First Nations peoples,’’ Merrick
said.
Some provinces and territories have followed the federal government.
Trudeau commended efforts that are in place or underway and called for provinces and territories that are lagging to move forward more seriously on reconciliation work.
“There are some provinces that have not moved forward as quickly or strongly or as forcefully on the path of reconciliation as either the federal government has or other provinces have, and I would certainly like to see more provinces, all provinces do more on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples,’’ he said.
The prime minister also celebrated Passover with members of the Jewish community at a personal care home.
“Passover is a time of reflection, of sacrifice, of celebration,’’ the prime minister said to residents and staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre.
“It’s also a moment to give thanks for the strength and resilience of this community that has always been there — not just for each other, but for all of us from coast to coast to coast.’’

By Brittany Hobson
and Steve Lambert
The Canadian Press

B.C. marks 7th anniversary of overdose emergency with grim record statistics

April 17, 2023

Dangerous Pills Addiction — Source: https://ittrdetox.com/2019/07/25/symptoms-of-drug-toxicity/

Vancouver: British Columbia Emergency Health Services has released grim statistics on the toxic drug crisis ahead of the seventh anniversary of the province declaring a public health emergency.
B.C. set records in March for the most overdose calls in one day, the highest 30-day average of overdose calls and the most consecutive days where paramedics attended 100 or more poisonings.
The province is also on pace to set a new record for poisoning calls in a year and match its annual record for the most naloxone doses administered to reverse the effects of opioids.
B.C. was the first jurisdiction in Canada to declare a public health emergency over increasing overdoses on April 14, 2016. Overdose deaths had reached 474 in 2015, a 30 per cent increase from the year before, and the government said more people were dying every month.
Last year, the toxic drug supply claimed nearly 2,300 lives in B.C.
Leslie McBain, one of the founding members of the advocacy group Moms Stop the Harm, said the number of illicit drug poisoning calls are devastating, but not surprising.
The drug supply has been getting more toxic and there’s not enough testing available for people who use drugs to know what they are consuming, she said.
“It’s a crapshoot because there are new things (in the drugs) and in different strengths, there’s no consistency around the drugs, and there’s still, obviously, people who need these drugs. It’s the perfect storm.’’
The data shows B.C. recorded an average of 119.9 overdoses a day in March. The previous 30-day high was 116.2 recorded from July to August 2021.
From March 15 to April 2, Emergency Health Services was notified of 100 or more poisonings on each of those 19 days. The previous record for consecutive days was 15, set in August 2021.
On March 22, 2023, paramedics responded to a total of 205 poisoning calls in B.C., a new provincial daily record exceeding the previous mark of 203 on Jan. 19, 2022.
McBain, whose 25-year-old son Jordan died in 2014 of a pharmaceutical drug overdose, remembers feeling optimistic when B.C. declared the emergency, believing it would start the momentum needed for change.
“I would have never predicted, I could have never predicted, that it would just get worse and worse and worse,’’ she said.
The public face of the emergency in the early years was medical health officer Dr. Perry Kendall.
Now retired, Kendall told The Canadian Press that had those in power realized how toxic the supply of drugs would become, they may have worked sooner to increase access to a safe supply.
“What I think was needed at the time, had we but known and it’s still very contentious is the whole issue of increasing safe supply and actually getting enough good medications in stock for people who are actually trying to get into treatment,’’ he said.
Kendall said declaring an emergency was meant to increase public awareness and require data around overdoses and deaths to be released more quickly.
A working group was pulled together to organize the emergency response.
“We introduced overdose prevention sites, the minister ordered the regional health authorities to open up overdose prevention sites where the need was, the coroner was able to give us information on a rapid basis ? we got a significant budget to add to the response,’’ he said.
Kendall said it appeared at first that their efforts were having some impact. Deaths levelled out at the 1,500 range in 2017 and 2018 before dropping below 1,000 in 2019.
“And then COVID struck,’’ he said.
“People just didn’t have access to supervised consumption sites, to overdose prevention sites, that they needed, and the numbers rebounded in 2020, in 2021 and 2022.’’

By Ashley Joannou
The Canadian Press

Alberta premier says she’s under ethics investigation related to COVID-19 prosecution

April 10, 2023

Edmonton: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she’s under investigation by the provincial ethics commissioner into whether she interfered in the administration of justice in relation to a COVID-19 prosecution.

The premier’s office says in a statement that Smith welcomes the investigation, will co-operate and is confident the probe will determine she has done nothing wrong.

Smith has faced renewed accusations of interference in the justice system after a leaked phone call was released almost two weeks ago in which she is heard discussing an active criminal case with the accused.

On the call, Smith is heard sharing details of an internal disagreement over Crown case strategy with Calgary street pastor Artur Pawlowski as they discuss his case.

Smith is heard promising to make inquiries on Pawlowski’s behalf and report back to him while also telling him the charges against him are politically motivated.

Smith has defended the call, saying while politicians are not free to contact criminal accused about active cases, it’s her job as an elected official to listen and act on concerns from the public.

Over the weekend, Smith offered up a new version of the call, saying she thought she was talking to Pawlowski in his role as the leader of another political party and suggested she had not expected him to bring up his court case.

Legal experts say the call was a clear violation of the firewall between politicians and the justice system and, regardless of the pretext, Smith should have ended the call when the case came up.

Liberals expand loans and grants in budget, but students hoping for more next year

April 10, 2023

Ottawa: This year’s federal budget sets aside more than $800 million to expand loans and grants for the upcoming school year, but students are looking forward to permanent changes to financial assistance.

For the 2023-24 school year, the Liberals are planning to increase the maximum grants available to $4,200, up from $3,000.

The loan limit is also increasing $300 per week of study from $210.

Those changes are part of a set of affordability measures in the budget.

The government also promised to “work with students in the year ahead to develop a long-term approach to student financial assistance.”

Mackenzy Metcalfe, executive director of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, says students need more support to keep up with the rising cost of living.

2023 Polestar 2 EV – Premium Brand Gaining Traction

April 10, 2023

Review by Veeno Dewan

Polestar is an unfamiliar name to Canadians and is a standalone sub-brand of the Swedish Volvo and Chinese Geely auto out of China – who actually own Volvo. It is a premium brand competing with the likes of Tesla and Audi, with a focus on quality, performance, and cabin design.
We were lucky to gain a test drive in the new Polestar 2 Crossover, an arresting All- Electric fastback-style five door hatchback with hints of Volvo in the design language. There are the distinctive Volvoesque Thor’s hammer-style LED daytime running lights and a high Volvo style tailgate. It looks fun and interesting.
For 2023, the Polestar 2 EV has slightly improved range for dual-motor models along with an upgraded heat pump for even better wintry weather performance. There is also more interior and exterior design options such as fresh paint colors, wheel designs, ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, Light Ash wood trim, removable sunshade for the panoramic glass roof, Advanced cabin filter and upgraded interior particulate matter sensor and new in-car apps.
There are two versions of the Polestar 2: the long-range single motor model, and the long-range dual motor model as evaluated. The single motor model features a 228 hp unit powering the front wheels with a driving range of 434 km of range. The dual-motor model features a combined 408 horsepower and all-wheel drive with very fast acceleration.
Both models feature a 78-kWh battery that allows 155 kW DC fast charging. Recharge times are good with the battery able to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 35 minutes. It takes eight hours to charge from empty to full using a 16-amp home setup.
Canadian pricing for the 2023 Polestar 2 Single Motor starts at $56,250, including the $2,300 destination fee. The Polestar 2 Dual Motor starts at $61,250, including the destination. Option packages for the single motor model include a Plus Pack for $5,700, which has an upgraded sound system, WeaveTech seats, energy-saving heat pump and a wireless phone charger. The upgraded $4,700 Pilot Pack adds some driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, parking assistance and blind spot information monitoring.
The Performance Pack to the Dual Motor models offer increased horsepower bumping to 476 hp, along with flashy gold painted Brembo brake calipers, and special Öhlins Dual Flow Valve adjustable shock absorbers and gold cosmetic accents here and there.
The Polestar interior also smacks of high quality Scandicool Volvo. A fixed panoramic sunroof makes the light interior even more airy and there is a fairly roomy cabin overall. The front area features fully-electrically adjustable heated seats with lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, and a gamut of tech features accessed by the 11-inch portrait touchscreen. There is the same neat, minimalist, Scandinavian style dash, with few hard controls or buttons. The touchscreen operates and adjusts most functions.
The Polestar is truly green too, and features eco technology such as recycled materials in interior textile surfaces. Technology is high with an Android based Automotive operating system, Google Play and Google Assistant integration and the 13-speaker Harman Kardon Premium sound system. The rear is well finished with comfortable seats and the Polestar offers 405 liters of cargo space, including the additional 41 liters under the false floor. cargo space in the trunk. Space expands to 1,070 litres when the rear seats are folded. The 2023 Polestar 2 is rated to tow 3,000 lbs.
On the road, the 2023 Polestar 2 has the typically intoxicating instant acceleration of all EVs from a standing start. The drive modes include a regenerative braking mode, which can be set to coast or maximise charge with one-pedal driving which is nicely calibrated. The steering is also well weighted and nicely progressive along with fine handling. There is good traction from the 4-wheel drive system when accelerating in all conditions. Suspension errs to soft although the Performance Pack equipped version with the bigger tires rides a little firmer. Suspension is helped in the Performance Pack equipped dual drive models thanks to the included includes the special Ohlins dampers that can be tuned to driver preference. Overall, there is a nice balanced feel to the Polestar 2 on the road. There are some downsides, its not super agile and the Dual motor model packages are pricy.
Still the Polestar is a premium hatchback that can stand against rivals such as the Tesla Model 3, Audi Q4 E-Tron, and Volkswagen ID.3. It can only get better. If you like Volvo’s you will not be disappointed with the Polestar 2.

2023 Polestar2 Dual motor. Priced from $61,250 plus option packs.
More info at www.polestar.ca

Vancouver radio personality Red Robinson has died at age 86, family says

April 3, 2023

Vancouver: The family of Vancouver radio personality Red Robinson says he has died after a brief illness.

In a statement posted online, Robinson’s family says he passed away on Saturday shortly after 8 a.m. He was 86.

Robinson began his radio career in 1954 at Vancouver’s CJOR, and his website credits him as the first DJ in Canada to play rock ‘n’ roll music on a regular basis.

It says Red jumped to Vancouver CKWX station in 1957, where he met American singer Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley.

His website says he was elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2000, retiring from radio in 2007.

He received the Order of British Columbia in 2016, and was also the recipient of the Canada 125 award and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.

“We’re so glad we got to spend his final moments with him, and having his brother Bill there made it extra special,” said his family in the statement.

“Most people knew our Dad as a rock’ n’ roll DJ, a TV personality, an ad agency owner, a spokesperson, or through his philanthropic work. He was larger-than-life in a lot of ways, but to us he was a devoted father and grandfather, a loving husband to our late mom Carole, and a loyal friend to everybody.”

Simulant

April 3, 2023

Strange Brew!

By Shirl Hollenberg

Welcome to paradise. Perhaps not. See the sparks fly as a future society unravels big time in the wickedly engaging Simulant. Embrace all the benefits and shortcomings of technology run amuck in This savvy engaging high tech thriller from Mongrel Media. Most impressive of all is that this movie was made by Canadians with an eye to the world market. Lucky for them they succeeded. You make the call by checking out this high stakes drama now showing at select Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres around B.C. before it makes its way to pay tv.

Shot in of all places Hamilton Ontario Simulant has that brooding somber atmosphere ideal for its subject matter. You see artificial intelligence is on the rise spearheaded by a mysterious mega corporation who has outfitted thousands of people with life-like androids able to do almost all chores humans can do. Perhaps even breeding! Spooky.

Love and relationships are at the heart of Simulant with sometimes those inanimate objects getting a bit too close to the real thing. This sets off a powder keg of emotions with one determined corporate agent to get at the bottom of a love loss. Sam the man Worthington brings all that pent-up Avatar anger and gravitas to the fore as an agent who is in the hunt for a lost love and some corporate terrorist who enjoys playing God at the expense of all those good housekeeping androids and their masters.

Smart writing and a great futuristic setting with good acting and tension galore make Simultant a creepy experience that is new, bold and vibrant. A positive mark o. hi e grown Canadian talent and creativity.

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