A bill proposed by New Brunswick Liberal MP René Arseneault aimed to make the oath of allegiance to King Charles optional for Canadian MPs and senators. However, a cross-partisan group of MPs, including most Liberals, Conservatives, and the Prime Minister's cabinet, voted against it, resulting in the bill's defeat. This maintains the requirement for parliamentarians to swear allegiance to the reigning monarch, as outlined in Canada's Constitution.
Supporters of King Charles enthusiastically celebrated the bill's defeat by singing 'God Save the King' in the House of Commons. Monarchists see this as a victory for preserving Canada's longstanding connection to the monarchy, while republicans welcomed the bill as a step toward eliminating what they see as an outdated institution.
Despite divided public opinion on the monarchy, it's unlikely that Canada will sever ties with the Crown soon due to the constitutional requirement of unanimity among provinces, territories, and the federal government.
Here are the Canadian cities set to experience brief moments of total darkness during the solar eclipse, as reported by The Weather Network (all times listed are local):
🔻Niagara Falls, Ontario: Totality commences at 3:18:18 PM
🔻Hamilton, Ontario: Totality commences at 3:18:12 PM
🔻Kingston, Ontario: Totality commences at 3:22:15 PM
🔻Montreal, QC: Totality commences at 3:26:49 PM
🔻Sherbrooke, QC: Totality commences at 3:27:42 PM
🔻Fredericton, NB: Totality commences at 4:33:49 PM
🔻Miramichi, NB: Totality commences at 4:34:24 PM
🔻Summerside, PE: Totality commences at 4:37:08 PM
🔻Gander, NL: Totality commences at 5:12:59 PM
Additionally, various cities across Canada will witness a partial solar eclipse on April 8th. These cities include St. John's, NL; Halifax, NS; Charlottetown, PE; Moncton, NB; Quebec, QC; Ottawa, ON; Toronto, ON; Windsor, ON; Sudbury, ON; Thunder Bay, ON; Moosonee, ON; Winnipeg, MB; Thompson, MB; Regina, SK; Calgary, AB; Edmonton, AB; Fort McMurray, AB; Vancouver, BC; Prince George, BC; Whitehorse, YT; Yellowknife, NT; Iqaluit, NU; and Arviat, NU.
#Eclipse2024
Wait, we have this kind of road rage in Canada? We thought it was just an American thing. Since the video went viral, Peel Regional Police have identified two of the suspects, while the other two remain unidentified. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Gambian parliament has voted on advancing a bill to lift the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). The vote saw 42 in favor and 4 against, supporting the bill's aim to repeal the 2015 ban, which previously carried a penalty of up to three years in prison for perpetrators. Advocates of the bill argue that it respects citizens' rights to uphold their cultural and religious practices.
Video source: Al Jazeera
I honestly can't believe we are here. How?
Could someone please explain how a simple veggie or fruit platter is priced at $44.99 when you can probably get a whole basket of fruits or veggies for the same amount? The irony of the 'New lower price' sticker truly baffles me. Metro stores are primarily in Ontario and Quebec, and in my neck of the woods, I've never encountered such exorbitant prices.
However, I've noticed that even items like half a watermelon are priced ridiculously compared to buying a whole one. What exactly are we paying for, and where's the logic in these pricing strategies?
Notice that there is not even a dip in the platter... LOL, so we can't even claim that is what is causing the exorbitant price of the platter. 📹: @nikitacekay
The recent passing of a prominent actor in Nigeria has sparked discussions on social media about the preventable complications that led to his death. Many believe that earlier gastric sleeve surgery could have helped him achieve a healthier weight and possibly avoid such outcomes. This serves as a reminder for those who still have the chance to address their overweight condition. While diet, exercise, and medication work for some, others may see gastric sleeve surgery as the only viable option to attain a healthy weight.
Obesity is not just about the numbers on the scale; it brings along a range of health issues including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, sleep apnea, and more. Reflecting on the recently passed World Anti-Obesity Day, it’s imperative to explore effective weight-loss solutions like Bariatric Surgery. Obesity poses a significant challenge to one’s health, confidence, and overall happiness.
In the video featuring Dr. Abuchi Obaro of @euracare_ he shares his expertise and insights into addressing obesity-related challenges.
To learn more about medical interventions and services like Bariatric Surgery and others, you’re invited to join the seminar “The Advances in Healthcare in Nigeria” with Euracare @euracare_ Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi, Medical Director & Chief of Cardiology at Euracare Nigeria, will provide insights into available expertise and personnel while also dispelling misconceptions about healthcare accessibility in Nigeria and more.
The link to register for the seminar “The Advances in Healthcare in Nigeria” with Euracare can be found in our stories. Click here to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sY1oeHOOTWOg1ykEaeuPow
Here are 5 crucial measures it aims to implement:
👉🏾Targeted Content: The bill aims to tackle various forms of harmful content, including non-consensual intimate images, deepfakes, child sexual exploitation, bullying, self-harm encouragement, violent extremism, terrorism incitement, and hate speech.
👉🏾Platform Responsibilities: Online platforms will face new obligations, including reducing users’ exposure to harmful content, conducting continuous risk assessments, developing mitigation strategies, providing user tools to flag harmful content, publishing digital safety plans, and sharing data with researchers.
👉🏾Establishment of Regulatory Bodies: The legislation proposes the creation of a Digital Safety Commission to ensure platform compliance and an independent Ombudsperson to advocate for users.
👉🏾Content Removal Timeframe: The bill empowers the Digital Safety Commission to order the prompt removal of specific harmful content, such as child sexual victimization or non-consensual intimate images, within 24 hours of notification.
👉🏾Enhanced Reporting and Legal Frameworks: Amendments seek to enhance reporting of child pornography by extending data preservation periods and adjusting the statute of limitations for prosecution. Changes to the Canadian Human Rights Act aim to address online hate speech as a form of discrimination, enabling complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The Criminal Code may see higher maximum penalties for hate propaganda offenses, including life imprisonment for advocating genocide.
📝Dami’s Note: This development is welcomed, especially as the prevalence of sextortion is unfortunately growing in Canada, particularly among young people and teens. Reports of sextortion to Cybertip.ca, Canada’s tip line for reporting online sexual exploitation of children, have seen a significant increase. Between December 2022 and August 2023, reports rose by 85%, averaging 40 reports per week. While both
About two weeks ago, Euracare @euracare_ Multispecialist Hospital in Lagos, led by Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi @drtosinmajek, performed the first transcatheter aortic valve implantation in Nigeria, marking a significant milestone not only for the hospital but for West Africa as a whole.
The procedure, conducted on a lady in her 80s with severe aortic stenosis, was completed under conscious sedation using a 23mm MyVal (Merril Life Sciences) without any complications.
This groundbreaking achievement not only showcases the exceptional skill and expertise available in Nigeria but also challenges the misconception that quality healthcare is inaccessible locally. The success of this procedure adds to a series of firsts accomplished by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, demonstrating its commitment to pioneering advancements in healthcare.
It is a fervent desire not only for Nigerians and Africans to have access to the highest standard of healthcare available globally, but also for Nigerian healthcare to compete on a global scale. We envision Nigeria becoming a destination for medical tourism, offering affordable healthcare without the pocket-breaking costs of the United States or the wait times experienced in countries like the UK and Canada.
#cardiology #interventionalcardiology #tavr #tavi #structuralheart #aortic #valverepair
#euracarepartner
The ArriveCAN app saga: Here’s what went down:
👉🏾Launched in April 2020, ArriveCAN aimed to manage travel during COVID-19 by collecting health info from travelers entering Canada.
👉🏾Overseen by CBSA, the app’s development faced issues like poor financial controls and lack of oversight.
👉🏾 The Auditor General’s report revealed that the app, initially budgeted at $80,000, ended up costing taxpayers around $59.5 million—a staggering 750 times more than planned.
👉🏾177 versions rolled out, some without proper testing, leading to errors like 10,000 travelers wrongly quarantined.
👉🏾Non-competitive contracts awarded without transparency raised concerns about fairness and accountability.
👉🏾Opposition leaders call for investigations into possible criminal activity. Government pledges to address issues and improve oversight.
Auditor General confirms meeting with RCMP on ArriveCan, inviting formal requests for ArriveCan files. #ArriveCAN #AuditorGeneral #RCMPInvestigation 🕵️♂️📊
With only two weeks left, anticipation soared for the forthcoming final UNGANISHA: Explore. Connect. Dance. showcase. Attendees eagerly awaited a boundary-breaking film exploring themes of history, social justice, and community. The event promised an immersive dive into the diverse world of modern dance forms from the African diaspora.
For those seeking an unforgettable experience, securing tickets was imperative. Don’t let this opportunity slip away; reserve your spot today at www.woezoafrica.com/UNGANISHA.
A video captured a Polar Bear making a surprise appearance in Churchill, Manitoba. Spot the school bus in the frame - one can only imagine what was going through their minds! The reaction of ethnic parents or kids during or after this incident must have been quite something. Thanks to alert Churchill residents and Polar Bear Alert, everyone stayed safe, and the bear was relocated. 🎥: @greatwhitebeartours
📢 What You Need to Know: Bell Media Layoffs & Radio Station Sales
Bell Media, a major Canadian media company, has announced layoffs affecting approximately 4,800 employees, about nine percent of its workforce.
The company plans to sell 45 of its 103 regional radio stations located in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada.
Bell Media cited financial difficulties, including operating losses in its news division, as reasons for the layoffs and station sales.
Federal and provincial politicians criticized Bell Media for its decision, accusing the company of undermining local journalism despite receiving regulatory relief. Despite saving approximately $40 million per year from the government's Online Streaming Act, Bell Media faces scrutiny for not investing in news and local journalism.
Bell Media blamed regulators for the layoffs and station sales, citing slow responses to industry challenges.
The layoffs and station sales raise concerns about the future of local news coverage and the vitality of media outlets in affected communities.
Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi @drtosinmajek , serving as Euracare’s @euracare_ Medical Director and Interventional Cardiologist, delves into Euracare’s mission and the transformative role of Interventional Cardiology in Nigeria’s cardiac care landscape. Discover more about Euracare’s unwavering commitment to world-class healthcare and its pioneering spirit in medical excellence. Visit www.eurcarehealth.com to explore the forefront of world-class healthcare innovation. #InterventionalCardiology #HealthcareExcellence #Euracare
#EuracarePartner
Contact
🇳🇬 Nigeria:
Phone: +23470038722273
Email: [email protected]
Hey, Vancouverite, could you shed some light on this? I’m curious about how the commute from Calgary to Vancouver ends up being more economical than renting in Vancouver itself. 🤯🤯
We should be greeting Vancouverites differently; y’all are the real big ballers 💵💸 of Canada. 🎥 @yourmorning
Ronke Edoho’s @9jafoodie story shines bright as a beacon of hope and determination. Originally from Nigeria, Ronke embarked on a journey to Canada two decades ago as a business economics student. Little did she know that her path would lead her to become a trailblazer in the culinary world, bridging the gap between immigrant communities and their cultural roots.
Ronke’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple observation: a longing for authentic flavors from back home amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. Through her food blog, she discovered the yearning for connection to one’s roots through food, which inspired her to create the “Jollof mix,” a sauce that not only tantalized taste buds but also stirred memories of home.
Despite facing numerous hurdles, Ronke’s unwavering spirit propelled her forward. From navigating an unfamiliar entrepreneurial landscape to overcoming the absence of a support network, she persisted with determination and resilience.
Today, Ronke’s venture, Atare Foods @atarefoods , stands as a testament to her perseverance and passion. Through her groundbreaking work, she not only provides a taste of home to immigrants but also inspires countless others to pursue their dreams with courage and tenacity.
Ronke’s journey reminds us that with dedication and perseverance, anything is achievable. Her story resonates with immigrants worldwide, encouraging them to embrace their heritage, chase their passions, and never lose sight of the belief that “thrive we must.”
We celebrate Ronke Edoho’s remarkable journey and honor the resilience of immigrant entrepreneurs everywhere. Together, we can amplify their voices and inspire others to believe that their dreams are not only valid but also within reach.
📝 Story by Victoria Idowu @sweetsoulofficial for @globalnews. All credit for the source material goes to Victoria Idowu and the original publication. 📝
🚇 Exciting News for GTA Commuters! Ontario Announces One Fare Program 🚇
Ontario Premier Doug Ford just announced the rollout of the One Fare program, starting February 26. 🚆 Now, you'll pay only one fare no matter how many buses, trains, or streetcars you transfer between, making your commute more convenient and affordable!
Key Points:
✅ Pay one fare for all transfers within the GTA
✅ Effective Feb. 26, offering more transit options
✅ $67 million allocated for initial phase, $117 million annually
✅ Includes GO Transit, TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, York Region Transit
✅ Expected to save GTA transit users $1,600/year and encourage 8 million more rides annually
#OneFare #GTAtransit #AffordableCommute #OntarioGovernment #GameChanger 🚇
Osuji & Smith @osujismithlawyers , Canada’s largest Black-owned law firm, is excited to announce the acquisition of Fisher Law, recognized for its exceptional immigration legal services. Fisher Law is a highly regarded, reputable, award-winning immigration law firm with a presence in Dubai, Ottawa, Yukon, Airdrie, and Calgary! This strategic move represents a significant step forward in expanding our support for immigrants across Canada.
Formalized on February 1, 2024, this acquisition underscores our commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem of support for immigrants, especially during Black History Month. We remain dedicated to providing trustworthy legal services to those navigating immigration complexities.
CEO Charles Osuji @osuji.charles is enthusiastic about the acquisition, emphasizing its broader impact. “This isn’t just about business expansion; it’s a commitment to empower and uplift the immigrant community in Canada,” he stated.
Both Charles Osuji and Rowan Fisher, Founder & Managing Lawyer of Fisher Law, share immigrant backgrounds, offering profound insights into the challenges faced by newcomers to Calgary, Alberta, and Canada.
With Rowan Fisher appointed as the Managing Lawyer of Osuji & Smith’s Immigration Division, we’re eager to expand the impact of our work. “This acquisition ensures that more immigrants in Canada have access to reliable, empathetic, and effective legal assistance,” Fisher remarked.
Additionally, with this acquisition, Osuji & Smith boasts of delivering legal services in more than 25 major languages including Ibo, French, Edo, English, Urdu, Punjabi, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Italian, South Korean, Twi, Ewe, Japanese, Arabic, Spanish, Hindi, Yoruba, Pashto, Polish, Romanian, Russian, and Ukrainian. Watch the full video on : @osujismithlawyers YouTube
Danielle Smith on Alberta's New Transgender Policies: Balancing Treatments, Pronouns, and Parental Rights
British Columbia has taken a bold step to safeguard the quality of education and protect international students by implementing a two-year ban on new post-secondary institutions enrolling international students. Here are the key takeaways:
👉🏾Concerns about exploitative practices within the international education system prompted the ban.
👉🏾Post-Secondary Education Minister Selina Robinson emphasized the need to address poor-quality education, lack of instructors, and instances of misleading practices by certain private institutions.
👉🏾Minimum language requirements will be introduced at private institutions to better prepare international students for their studies in B.C.
👉🏾School inspections will be intensified to ensure standards are met and to address students’ concerns about complaining.
👉🏾The ban provides time to evaluate recent changes, including a federal cap on study permits, which is expected to reduce new student visas by 35 percent.
👉🏾Public post-secondary institutions will clearly communicate full tuition costs to international students and set expectations for maximum international student enrollment.
👉🏾New standards for institutions will include higher assessment criteria for degree quality, labor market demand for graduates, resources, and student support.
👉🏾The ban on new institutions enrolling international students will be in effect until February 2026.
Quick Fact: British Columbia hosts over 175,000 international post-secondary students from 150+ countries among its 545,000 post-secondary students across public and private sectors. 📹 @globalnews
What are your thoughts on British Columbia’s decision to pause new international student applications at new colleges for two years?
Health Minister Mark Holland has announced that Canada is not ready to expand eligibility for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) to individuals with mental illness as their sole medical condition. This decision follows the release of a joint parliamentary committee report, which highlighted unresolved issues surrounding the proposed expansion. The government intends to table a response to the report, seeking additional time to address concerns before moving forward with any changes. Despite the upcoming March 17 deadline, Minister Holland emphasized the importance of thorough consideration and readiness. Feedback from healthcare professionals suggests that the system is not adequately prepared to implement the proposed expansion.
