Prime Minister Carney Announces Canada’s Official Recognition of State of Palestine
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada officially recognizes the State of Palestine.
In a social media post this morning, the Prime Minister stated, “Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
The move marks a major shift in foreign policy for the nation, as both Israel and Palestine aim towards a peace deal.
Around the same time, both the United Kingdom and Australia also recognized Palestinian statehood.
Carney is currently in New York to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ahead of the UN Assembly scheduled for later today.
More than 145 countries now recognize the State of Palestine.
Reduced Ferry Capacity Sparks Frustration in St. Brendan’s
The mayor of St. Brendan’s is calling it the “straw that broke the camel’s back.”
The island relies on ferry service and the replacement vessel for the Grace Sparkes which can carry 80 people and 16 vehicles, has a much lower deck capacity.
Mayor Bill Broderick says efforts to convince the department responsible to add another trip have “fallen on deaf ears.”
That, coupled with the fact that the island currently has no medical service, is of great concern to residents.
The Department of Transportation says the Sound of Islay can accommodate nine or ten vehicles, and can transport one large commercial vehicle or transport truck.
The department says it received Broderick’s request to add a 10:30 a.m. run, but a “thorough review” determined that current demand does not necessitate an additional run. Since the Sound of Islay has been in service, there has only been one sailing when the first departure from St. Brendan’s was at full capacity, and no vehicles have been left behind on the morning departure since the vessel began services. The department says some residents may choose to line up early to secure a spot on the morning run, but the data does not indicate a systemic issue with capacity.
Researcher Seeks NL Participants for Climate Relocation Study
A PhD student at Dalhousie University in Halifax doing a study on climate-induced relocation in Atlantic Canada is looking for people who have experienced such. And there wouldn’t be any shortage of situations in this province where people would have relocated or considered doing so.
Fiona took out over a hundred homes on the southwest coast a couple of years ago, the majority of which were in Port aux Basques. The storm changed the complexion of the town as homes were condemned and areas declared off limits for residential occupancy.
Some 200 structures were destroyed in Conception Bay North last month by a wildfire.
Robyn Wilcocks-Musselman is looking for participants from this province.
That could be for several reasons including flooding, erosion and fires. And maybe a person who relocated did not actually experience one of those events buy may have moved because of the possibility of something happening in the future,” says Musselman.
Local Bakers Win Big at Las Vegas Expo
A Stephenville bakery has come out on top at a recent international baking competition in Las Vegas.
Aaron McInnis and Juanita Tobin of Happy Belly Cakery in Stephenville won the top prize in the wedding cake category at the International Baking Industry Exposition this past week.
The trade show highlighted artistry, and technical expertise featuring bakers and decorators from across North America. and beyond.
The expo is recognized as the “grain-based food industry’s largest and most comprehensive trade event in the Western Hemisphere.”
Team Gushue Extension Prompts Long-Term Road Closure
A major thoroughfare connecting Mount Pearl and Goulds will be closed starting tomorrow for nearly six weeks.
The underpass linking Commonwealth Avenue and Robert E. Howlett Drive (Goulds Bypass) will undergo construction of a new roundabout for the final phase of the Team Gushue Highway extension.
Traffic will be rerouted through Main Road, Goulds, and Ruby Line during the roadwork.
Crews will close the road starting at 7 a.m. Monday.
Aquaculture Industry Gathers in St. John’s for Cold Harvest Conference
Fish farming takes centre stage this week in St. John’s at the Cold Harvest Conference and Trade Show.
Aquaculture is big business in this province, especially on the south coast where it provides about 2,500 jobs.
Dr. Ken Coates of the University of Saskatchewan will deliver the keynote on Wednesday. He will talk about environmental activism, marine science and the economics of coastal communities.
Other topics include farmed fish and nutrition, the use of AI in aquaculture, and advancements in the industry.
The event takes place at the Sheraton Tuesday through Thursday.
Fire Damages Historic Carbonear Building
Fire caused extensive damage to an historic commercial building on Water Street in Carbonear.
The Carbonear Volunteer Fire Department was called to the scene just after 6:00 a.m. yesterday and was assisted by the Victoria Volunteer Fire Department.
The building, once described by the Carbonear Heritage Society as a symbol of the town’s living heritage, has seen a variety of business operations over the years. It served as the location of Forward’s General Store, the Carbonear Pharmacy, and Ivan’s Paints. It is immediately adjacent to a memorial to Tryphoena Nicholl, a post mistress who died while saving the lives of others after a fire broke out at the Carbonear Post Office in 1904.
Route 66 Diner and Pub operated out of the building in recent years. Last month, the owners hosted a pop up fundraising event for evacuees of the fire that affected nine communities on the Conception Bay North Shore.
More than $1,500 was raised and donated to the Salvation Army to help with its efforts in providing emergency services to evacuees.
There’s no immediate word on the cause of the fire.
UPDATE: Non-Life Threatening Injuries Reported Following Crash on Veterans Memorial Highway
The man behind a serious accident last night on the Veterans Memorial Highway says he walked away with non-life-threatening injuries after the crash.
The accident closed the road for a few hours, and pictures sent to the VOCM Newsroom show a car with extensive damage thrown off the road into a wooded area.
(Submitted Photo)
The driver says he has some minor head injuries but otherwise is almost fine from the accident.
Police have since reopened the highway.
Earlier Story
A portion of the Veteran’s Memorial was closed to traffic for a period of time last evening.
RCMP issued an advisory shortly after 7:00 last evening that the highway was closed between Roaches Line and Mackinsons because of a single vehicle crash.
The road was impassable as emergency responders attended to the scene.
The highway was reopened in both directions by 8:30 last night. There’s no immediate word on possible injuries.
NDP, PC’s Make More Promises on Campaign Trail; Liberals Door Knock on Avalon Peninsula
Two of the three major political parties in this province were back on the trail yesterday, making more promises if elected.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn was in Labrador, pledging a new Critical Mineral Strategy to boost mining production in the province.
Dinn promised $5-million each year to attract new investments, while accusing the Liberals and Conservatives of not doing their part to help the mining sector.
“Our critical minerals strategy focuses on streamlining mining and ensuring the province attracts new development, which includes creating a critical minerals division,” Dinn stated.
“We’re looking at investing two million into that within the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology and this would help guide companies through the regulatory process so that they can start mining sooner.”
PC’s Call for Dedicated Fish Minister
PC Leader Tony Wakeham announced that he plans to add a dedicated Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, a position he’s pushed to have for some time.
He says the minister would demand joint control of the fishery and focus on adding value to seafood products.
“Too many people have been treating our fishery like an afterthought,” he told reporters.
“In 2017, the Liberals chose to lump our fisheries in with other resource industries that they would rather not talk about, like forestry and agriculture. Well, in this province, the fishery must never be treated like an afterthought.”
They also pledged to pull out of the NMCA Marine Protected Area agreement with Ottawa.
The Liberals did not make any new promises on Saturday, but said Leader John Hogan spent the day door-knocking throughout the Avalon Peninsula.
(Photo via Liberal Party NL.)
VOCM News will continue to follow all three leaders and have more information as it becomes available.
20-Year-Old Faces Drunk Driving Charges Following St. John’s Crash
A 20-year-old man has been arrested after crashing his vehicle on the Pitts Memorial Highway late last night.
Police were called to the scene just before 11:30, and determined the 20-year-old was far too drunk to drive.
It was also determined that the driver did not have insurance on the vehicle.
His license has been suspended, his vehicle has been impounded, and will appear in court at a later date.
Taxpayers’ Federation Demands Tax Relief Commitments from Parties
The Canadian Taypayers’ Federation is urging the province’s three political leaders to commit to what it calls meaningful tax relief.
Atlantic director Devin Drover says family budgets are being squeezed and this provincial election campaign needs to be about making life more affordable.
The federation is calling for five policy commitments from the three parties including making the temporary gas-tax cut permanent, cutting personal income taxes, reducing the sales tax by one per cent, lowering business taxes and raising the small-business threshold, and implementing spending reduction measures included in the Greene Report.
Kidnapping Suspect Arrested After Manhunt in Port Union
RCMP have a man who was the subject of an order yesterday morning for people in the Catalina area to stay inside and keep away from windows in custody.
Thirty-one year-old Tyler Linthorne of Port Union, who also goes by the surname Sutton, was wanted by the RCMP on numerous charges including kidnapping and assault.
He was taken into custody this morning by the RCMP Emergency Response Team.
Community Rallies for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
The Candlelighters – a group which provides emotional and peer support for families of children diagnosed with cancer – have a couple of major fundraisers scheduled over the next couple of weeks.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Erin Collette of the Candlelighters NL says NL Events is hosting the very first Go Gold Fun Run around Quidi Vidi Lake tomorrow with more than 80 people registered to take part.
She says NL Events is calling it a ‘fun run’ because you can “walk, skip, walk backwards” if you want. They just want people to show up and help raise money for the cause.
Meanwhile, the Night of Delight, which is being hosted by Ches’ Famous Fish & Chips, is coming up November 1st in support of the Candlelighters. The event includes a silent and live auction, dinner and dance with live entertainment.
Canada’s First Commercial Space Launch Delayed Again
The company behind Canada’s first-ever commercial space launch was hoping to get off the ground in St. Lawrence today, but it has now been postponed.
NordSpace tried to launch its rocket in late August, but that was scrubbed to a new window – today through next Saturday.
CEO Rahul Goel calls this a ‘very important’ first step for his company’s and Canada’s access to space.
This would be the first commercial rocket launch, the first commercial liquid rocket launch, says NordSpace, noting that it’s all made in Canada.
The Ontario-based company will have another go at it tomorrow.
Local and French Artists Collaborate on New Cultural Exhibit
Canada’s special and unique ties with France, the French language, and culture is being celebrated in a new joint exhibit at St. John’s City Hall and École des Grands Vents.
Artists from Newfoundland and Labrador and the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon were invited to create a series of panels on the ties between the two countries and neighbours.
The theme is Fraternity, referencing the close ties between the two nations and cultures, and playing on the French national motto of liberté, égalité, fraternité (liberty, equality, fraternity).
Exhibition director John Edit says Canada’s relationship with France and French culture is unique in the English-speaking world.
The French language, the French culture…you don’t have that in the USA now, you don’t have that in New Zealand, you don’t have that in Australia for example, it’s really Canadian.”
The exhibition is open to the public from now to October 2nd.
NL Hydro Explains Overnight Power Outages
Pockets of the island were without electricity for a short time overnight, a situation which originated with Newfoundland and Labrador hydro.
The utility, which manufactures about 90 per cent of the power consumed on the island, had a trip on a transmission line. That, in turn, resulted in customers being taken offline to balance system frequency and ensure stability. It’s called “”frequency load shedding” in NL Hydro terms.
The company says it has plenty of supply available for customers.
The Return of Joshua the Goat, T’Railway Trek Comes Back for a Second Year
A fundraising run gets underway in Conception Bay South tomorrow, and one late, and unexpected entry from last year’s race is set to reprise his starring role.
Joshua the Goat stole the show at last year’s inaugural T’Railway Trek Half Marathon, getting away from Taylor’s Pumpkin Patch and joining runners participating in the race.
Joshua the Goat participating in last year’s race (Town of CBS)
He was even awarded a medal for his effort.
This year the town is hoping the attention Joshua created last year will result in bigger crowds, with the G.O.A.T. himself expected to make an appearance.
There will be a number of road closures and delays to accommodate the run. Drivers are being asked to plan accordingly and use alternate routes to avoid any possible delays.
Photo via Facebook
This year the town is hoping the attention Joshua created last year will result in bigger crowds, with the G.O.A.T. himself expected to make an appearance.
There will be a number of road closures and delays to accommodate the run. Drivers are being asked to plan accordingly and use alternate routes to avoid any possible delays.
- 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. – Route 60 at Richard Parsons Memorial Field, including Daniels Road and Nextor Place
- 7:50 to 8:45 a.m. – Route 60 at Peacekeepers Way to Garden Road
- 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Topsail Road from Frog Pond Road to Topsail Beach Road
- 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Topsail Road from Frog Pond Road to Topsail Beach Road
- 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Topsail Beach Road
The 2024 T’Railway Trek Half Marathon Winners Circle (Town of CBS)
Conservatives Call for an End to Temporary Foreign Worker Program
The federal Conservatives are calling for an end to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program which they say is being abused by what they call “predatory multinational corporations.”
The MP for Central Newfoundland and the Conservative critic for fisheries says the fishing industry called for a separate, standalone program to provide workers for the industry, but says “all Atlantic Canadians got were more abuses of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.”
Clifford Small says the program was introduced to meet the needs of agricultural producers but he claims the federal government has allowed it to be used by big corporations as a cheap source of labour.
Small says the Conservatives are calling for an end to the program and for it to be replaced with a “separate, standalone program that will be more timely, efficient and targeted to fill legitimately difficult-to-fill jobs in industries that grow, harvest and process…food.”
RCMP Charge 17-Year-Old in School Threats Investigation
A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged after they allegedly made threats of violence toward students and staff at Indian River High School in Springdale.
RCMP were first called just after 8:30 Thursday night after they say the threats were made using an instant messaging platform on social media.
The young person was arrested at a home on Friday and has been charged with uttering threats.
They have been released on conditions and will appear in court at a later date.
Police Search for Driver After Car Hits Pole
Police are looking for a person who crashed their car into a utility pole in St. John’s last night.
The accident happened on Penneywell Road at about 9:00.
RNC say the airbags were deployed, but the driver was nowhere to be seen.
Delayed by Wildfires, Miracle Treat Day Arrives in NL
Today is Miracle Treat Day at DQ locations across Newfoundland and Labrador.
The proceeds from each Blizzard sold will go directly to the Children’s Miracle Network.
This year’s Miracle Treat Day went ahead across Canada on August 14th, but was delayed in this province due to the wildfire situation.
The manager of donor engagement and the Children’s Miracle Network with the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation, Janessa Ward, says she’s grateful for the way in which Newfoundlanders and Labradorians always show support.
She says this is a great opportunity for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to show the rest of Canada how they show up for the children’s hospital.
Police Pursuit Ends with Arrest at Thorburn Road Collision
A vehicle that was involved in a short pursuit with police in metro yesterday enjoyed freedom for a little while, but officers ended up nabbing him in a roundabout manner.
Officers responded to a car crash on Thorburn Road over the supper hour to find the same vehicle that they had been after earlier.
A 34-year-old man has been charged with driving while suspended, flight from police, drunk driving and six breaches of court orders. He was held for court.
Man Arrested for Breaching Court Orders After Domestic Incident
A man has been charged after a domestic incident on Nascopie Crescent, just off New Penneywell and Columbus.
Police responded around 9:00 last night, arresting a 33-year-old who they knew was out of jail on court-ordered conditions.
The suspect, who RNC describe as highly intoxicated, was taken to the lockup on the breaches and held for court today.
Police Confirm Cadaver Dogs Will Be Used in Upcoming Search for Jack and Lilly Sullivan
It will be the first time that RCMP will have used such means in the case. They will not say when the search will be conducted.
The dogs are trained to pick up the scent of human remains.
A memorial to Jack and Lilly Sullivan outside the RCMP detachment in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia (VOCM News)
The ongoing case has gripped people across the country.
The children were reported missing on May 2nd, and surveillance images confirmed that they were seen alive with family members while out shopping the previous day.
Province Investigates Moose Shot from Trans Canada Highway
Wildlife officers are investigating a report of a hunter shooting a moose from the Trans Canada Highway near the golf club in Grand Falls-Windsor earlier this week.
Officers found a fresh moose paunch at what was believed to be the kill site, approximately 75 metres west of the last putting green visible from the highway and just three metres into the woods beyond the ditch on the highway’s south side.
It is against the law to discharge a firearm from a highway, including the shoulder, or within 1,000 metres of an athletic field.
The kill site and its proximity to the golf club in GF-W (Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture)
The incident is believed to have occurred between 4:00 and 5:00 Monday afternoon.
The person involved may have been driving a silver or grey pickup.
Law enforcement is hoping to speak with the person involved and are asking for the public’s help in helping to identify them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Resource Enforcement Division at (709) 637-2971 or make an anonymous report through the province’s 24/7 Poaching Line at 1-877-820-0999.
Man Charged After Disturbance in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
A 35-year-old man has been arrested and charged as the result of a disturbance outside a home in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
RCMP were called around 6:00 p.m. Wednesday about a disturbance on Lethbridge Street. A passenger van had been damaged and police were told that the person responsible had run away.
A man, who police describe as intoxicated and combative, was found nearby and taken into custody.
He allegedly caused damage to the inside of a police vehicle and items inside the detachment.
Charged with three counts of damage to property, he was released on strict conditions pending a court appearance November 13th.
Three Vehicles Seized in Traffic Enforcement Operation in Twillingate
Three vehicles were seized and impounded – all within a couple of hours – as the result of a traffic enforcement operation by RCMP in Twillingate this week.
RCMP say three vehicles were ticketed over a two-hour period on Main Street on Wednesday.
As a result, a 59-year-old man from Durrell was stopped and ticketed for driving with an expired plate and without insurance, while a 70-year-old Boyd’s Cove man was ticketed for driving without insurance, and for driving with a suspended licence.
RCMP say a motorcycle was also stopped and the rider, a 69-year-old man from Twillingate, ticketed for driving without registration or insurance.
Parties Pledge, Promise More Goodies During Campaign Free-For-All
Leaders of the three provincial political parties are ending this week of promise-making in various parts of the province.
Liberal Leader John Hogan committed to removing red tape as it relates to Crown Lands during a stop in Clarenville this morning.
He says the Liberals plan on improving the process by expediting approvals for land and titles that lawyers have already certified as legitimate, saying they will work with the Law Society to establish title standards.
Premier John Hogan with candidate Greg French. (NL Liberal Party).
Hogan also promised to expand the Primary Residence Land Title Program to include eligibility for secondary residences, which they argue would allow people without the clear title required for a Crown grant the ability to obtain a so-called quitclaim deed.
He also committed to reviewing the Crown land inventory to identify new development opportunities for things like housing developments in high-demand areas, and more draws for cabin development.
PC Leader Tony Wakeham, meanwhile, focused on health care today on the campaign trail in Grand Falls-Windsor.
Wakeham announced four initiatives that he believes will improve health care in central Newfoundland.
PC Leader Tony Wakeham flanked by incumbent MHAs Chris Tibbs and Pleaman Forsey. (NL PC Party)
The PCs plan on putting over $1.2 million toward reopening the emergency room at the hospital in Botwood, $5 million for volunteer fire departments that respond to medical calls, and $400,000 in additional funding for the Lionel Kelland Hospice.
Wakeham has also committed to a new MRI machine for the central region, located in Grand Falls-Windsor. That was originally announced earlier this week, with the PCs allocating $4.4-million for four MRI machines in rural areas.
In Labrador West today, a seat held by the NDP until MHA Jordan Brown announced he wasn’t seeking re-election, Leader Jim Dinn said it’s time government started caring about the needs of Labradorians, not just the Big Land’s resources.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn with candidate Shazia Razi. (VOCM News via Zoom)
The party unveiled its lofty election platform specific to Labrador, promising a new seniors’ complex, 200 new housing units and 140 additional health care workers.
The party also committed to repairing the province’s fifth waterbomber, and improving MTAP, the medical transportation assistance program, including making it more accessible and responsive to residents by removing requirements for additional doctor notes for patients who need an escort.
“For decades, Liberal and Conservative governments have focused only on Labrador’s resources while ignoring the people who live here and make it all possible,” said Dinn. “Labrador has given so much to this province and it’s time the province gave back.”
Steamroller Operator Charged with Impaired
A 61-year-old man who was operating a steamroller in the parking lot of the Marystown Mall has been charged with impaired driving.
Burin Peninsula RCMP received a call around 1:00 Wednesday afternoon from a concerned citizen who believed they had seen the asphalt roller driver drinking alcohol while working on the mall parking lot.
(RCMP)
Officers at the scene confirmed the presence of alcohol and a construction worker who appeared impaired.
Police say the 61-year-old Torbay man refused to take a roadside screening test, and was arrested for refusal.
The accused is also charged with impaired driving and two counts of failure to comply with the conditions of his release in relation to previous impaired-related charges in St. John’s.
The matter remains under investigation, and Occupational Health and Safety/Workplace NL has been notified.
The man is scheduled to appear in Grand Bank provincial court on November 12th.)
NordSpace Gets Another Launch Window, Rocket Could be Fired from St. Lawrence as Early as Tomorrow
Canada’s first-ever commercial space launch could take place as early as tomorrow now that a new launch window has been opened up to NordSpace.
The Markham, Ontario company made an initial attempt to launch its Taiga rocket from St. Lawrence in late August, but was unable to fire the rocket before the launch window closed.
The company has received authorization to give it another try during a period spanning September 20 to the 27, and another launch attempt is scheduled for tomorrow.
CEO Rahul Goel calls this a ‘very important’ first step for his company’s – and Canada’s – access to space “as this would be the first commercial rocket launch, the first commercial liquid rocket launch, and it’s all made in Canada, launching from Canada, from the beautiful province of Newfoundland and Labrador where we’re building a space port.”
Here’s the countdown link.
