In the news today: NDP holds key to timing of next election after ending Liberal deal

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed…

What’s next for Singh and his broken political pact with Trudeau?

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh may hold the key to trigger the next election now that he’s axed his political pact with the Liberals. But strategists say that could prove to be both an asset and a liability. They say Singh gains runway to differentiate himself from the Liberals and the Conservatives, but will also face pressure to bring down the Liberal government. On Wednesday Singh put an end to the deal the Liberals have relied on since 2022 to keep their minority government from toppling.

TIFF kicks off with plenty of star power

The Toronto International Film Festival returns in full force today after navigating several years of pandemic-related challenges and industry disruptions. More than 270 films are set to light up screens as the 49th edition of the festival returns to form, including buzzy movies such as Sean Baker’s tragicomic sex-worker love story “Anora,” Marielle Heller’s Amy Adams-starring horror comedy “Nightbitch,” and Pamela Anderson’s Hollywood comeback “The Last Showgirl.” A-listers expected to attend this year’s event include Denzel Washington, Jennifer Lopez, Bill Murray, Bruce Springsteen, Nicole Kidman and Adam Driver.

Here’s what else we’re watching…

Trudeau photos absent from Montreal riding

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is conspicuously absent from campaign signs in a Montreal riding entering the final stretch of a byelection campaign. The Conservative, NDP and Bloc Québécois leaders all appear prominently on election signs in LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, where voters will go to the polls on Sept. 16. But images of Trudeau are nowhere to be found in the Liberal stronghold, which was held by former cabinet minister David Lametti from 2015 until he resigned earlier this year. Liberal strategists say the prime minister used to be central to the Liberal brand during elections, but that has changed with his dwindling popularity.

Ontario corner stores can sell booze as of today

Convenience stores across Ontario are allowed to sell booze as of today as the province dramatically loosens its grip on the alcohol marketplace. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario says it has granted 42-hundred licences to convenience stores across the province. The stores will be allowed to sell alcohol from 7 a-m to 11 p-m. Twenty per cent of beer, cider and pre-mixed cocktails on display must be from small Ontario producers, and 10 per cent of wine on display must be devoted to small Ontario wineries.

N.S. legislature opens amid election speculation

The Nova Scotia legislature is set to open today for its fall sitting. The early September return has added to speculation of a possible election call later this fall, but Premier Tim Houston will only say that he’s excited about his government’s legislative agenda. The Opposition Liberals and the NDP say they are ready for any scenario and remain focused on their own priorities for the sitting. Both parties say they will highlight the need to deal with cost of living issues, including the shortage of affordable housing and the lack of access to primary health care.

B.C. to support workers after sawmill closures

British Columbia’s forests minister says the province will fight against “unfair duties and stand up for forestry workers” after Canfor Corp. announced the closure of two northern B.C. sawmills, partly blaming “punitive” U.S. tariffs imposed last month. Bruce Ralston says the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to increase punishing softwood lumber duties, on top of low prices for lumber, is hurting forestry communities. Canfor Corp. announced Wednesday that it was shutting the Plateau mill in Vanderhoof and its Fort St. John operation would also remove 670 million board feet of annual production capacity.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 5, 2024.

The Canadian Press