Canadians Divided on Nation’s Direction Ahead of Canada Day, Poll Finds
Canadian flags may be more apparent this Canada Day, but a recent Angus Reid survey shows that Canadians are divided on what Canada has to offer.
The country has seen a surge in national pride following pronouncements by U.S. President Donald Trump about Canada becoming the “51st State” and continued tariffs and tariff threats on Canadian goods.
A new poll shows that while Canadians are more united in pride, some divisions remain, especially along political lines.
The pollster found that Conservative supporters are more likely to disagree with the idea that Canada is “a country that offers a good quality of life.”
Family-age Canadians are least certain that the country is a good place to start a family; however, the overwhelming majority among all age groups are positive about raising a family here.
On a less positive note, Canadians responded negatively in the majority to the statement that Canada is “a country where everyone has the same opportunities.”
Police Seek Tips, Video in Fatal Collision on Pitts Memorial Drive
A man is dead following a fatal collision between a car and motorcycle on Pitts Memorial Drive this morning.
It happened shortly before 9 a.m. on the divided highway, just east of the Commonwealth Avenue on and off-ramps.
Police say the 40-year-old victim of Conception Bay South was riding a blue Suzuki motorcycle that collided with a black Dodge Charger as they were travelling in the same direction.
(Submitted photo)
The victim was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but died a short time later.
The RNC are appealing to the public for any information, including dash cam video, that might help them piece together what happened.
Earlier story
Pitts Memorial Drive is closed while crews work to clear what appears to be a major accident.
The accident occurred just after the Commonwealth Avenue interchange exit heading eastbound, towards downtown. The highway is closed near that exit.
Reports to the VOCM Newsroom describe a motorcycle badly damaged near a black car.
There is no word on when traffic will flow again on the highway.
Unknown Soldier Bears Witness to Memorial Day Ceremonies
Newfoundland and Labrador remembered their own who have been lost to war at memorials across the province this morning.
A warm, grey day greeted the hundreds who descended on the National War Memorial in downtown St. John’s, the solemn ceremonies forever juxtaposed with Canada Day celebrations in the afternoon.
This year’s remembrance of Beaumont Hamel and other conflicts seemed to touch many deeper, of course, with the Tomb of an Unknown Solider now front and centre, and most eyes affixed to it.
The Regiment suffered the greatest losses during the First World War, but Newfoundlanders served in many other capacities including the Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve , the Newfoudland Foresty Corps, the Royal Flying Corps, Mercantile Marine, Professional Nurses, as well as medical support staff with the voluntary aid detachment.
Meanwhile, many more served on the homefornt through the Patriotic Association of Newfoundland.
Lt.-Gov. Joan Marie Aylward, and Minister Bernie Davis on behalf of the provincial government, laid wreaths in St. John’s while Premier John Hogan took part in ceremonies in Corner Brook and Pasadena on the west coast.
In St. John’s longtime master of ceremonies Perry Grandy, with the Provincial Command of The Royal Canadian Legion, put the moment into perspective on this, the 109th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel.
(VOCM News)
“A generation of future fathers, business operators, fishers, workers and academics have been lost to war,” he said. “We will never know what may have been, had this tragic event in our history never happened.
“Lest we forget.”
(VOCM News)
NL Sugar Tax Removed Today
As of today, the province’s sugar-sweetened beverage tax is no more.
Government announced in May that it was scrapping the levy, which charged 20 cents per litre on sugary drinks.
Finance Minister Siobhan Coady said that the tax may have changed the mindset of some, but not all.
The tax, introduced in 2022, resulted in tens of millions of dollars in revenue for the province.
Government has said there will be no cuts to programming that benefited from revenue collected from the sugar tax.
Police Divers Recover Body of Missing Man on Northern Peninsula
RCMP divers have recovered the body of a man reported missing in a pond on the Northern Peninsula.
The man and a woman were riding a Sea-Doo on Gull Pond, near St. Lunaire-Griquet, Sunday night.
Somehow both of them ended up in the water, with the woman able to swim to shore.
The man, however, could not be found, with police responding to the scene along with members of the St. Anthony and St. Lunaire-Griquet volunteer fire departments.
Police confirmed in a news release around lunchtime today that the man’s body had been found.
Neither the man nor the woman were wearing life jackets.
St. John’s-Born Deantha Edmunds Invested in Order of Canada
A proud moment for Newfoundland and Labrador will take place today as Deantha Edmunds of St. John’s is invested as a Member of the Order of Canada during national celebrations in Ottawa.
Governor General Mary Simon will preside over the event, which is being held at Lebreton Flats Park, as part of the Canada Day Noon Ceremony.
Edmunds, celebrated as Canada’s first Inuk classical singer, has been widely praised for her work promoting Indigenous culture and advancing reconciliation through music and storytelling.
Edmunds is among five exceptional Canadians being recognized for their outstanding contributions.
The ceremony will also see the investiture of Heather Rankin of Cape Breton and actor Ryan Reynolds as Officers, along with broadcaster Scott Oake and author Kim Thúy as Members.
Advocates Welcome New Back-to-School Benefit, But Say More is Needed
The Single Parents Association says they’ll have to continue to fill the gaps for single parents who will struggle to outfit their kids to school in September.
Recently government announced it was adding a benefit to low-income households to provide $100 for back-to-school supplies.
Each year, the association works to drum up those supplies for single families, including their annual block the Metrobus campaign.
Danielle Seward, who is with the association, says while the new benefit will only get parents halfway, that’s better than nothing.
She says many of the families will see benefits from the new program, which will help with not only supplies, but clothing and sneakers.
“One-hundred dollars may not go as far as it did years ago, but it’s $100 more than what we saw last year,” she told reporters.
Power Rates Go Up Today
Electricity rates have increased by 7 per cent starting today.
The amount reflects “rate smoothing” applied by the Public Utilities Board, without which the PUB says the increase would have been 15 per cent due to combination of rate increases and adjustments.
The PUB asked Newfoundland Power to go back to the drawing board when it originally submitted a general rate application for 10.6 per cent.
Memorial Day Ceremonies to Honour Newfoundland Regiment Across the Province
Today is July 1st, Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador.
It marks a grim anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, on July 1st, 1916. During the battle, almost 800 Newfoundlanders went over the top, hundreds died. Just 68 answered roll call the next day.
Ceremonies are slated for later this morning across the province and at the National War Memorial in St. John’s.
The Royal Canadian Legion Newfoundland and Labrador Command will begin its parade from the Sergeant’s Memorial on Queen’s Road at 9:45 a.m., with the annual ceremony at the National War Memorial on Duckworth Street at 10:45.
Thieves Target Lotto Break-Opens in String of Thefts
RCMP in Bay Roberts and Harbour Grace are investigating a string of recent break ins at businesses in the Trinity-Conception area.
Culprits have targeted gas stations and convenience stores throughout the area. In most cases vehicles were used by the suspects to get around, but off-road vehicles were also used.
Stolen items include lotto tickets – mostly of the break open variety – and other items.
Police are aware of people who have attempted to redeem a large quantity of winning break-open tickets, and they’re asking business owners to be aware and report any suspicious activity.
Impaired Driver Caught Speeding Downtown with No Lights
A 30-year-old St. John’s man who started his Canada Day celebrations early and got behind the wheel has been arrested.
Police say they first noticed the man in the downtown area just before 2:00 this morning, reportedly driving with his lights off and at over double the speed limit.
When the man did a breath test, he was found to be well over the legal limit.
His license has been suspended, his vehicle has been impounded, and he’s facing a dangerous driving charge before a judge at a later date.
High Fire Index Means No Fireworks in St. John’s for Canada Day
A high fire index in the metro region has forced the cancellation of Canada Day fireworks in the capital city scheduled for 10:00 p.m. July 1.
Dry conditions also mean all personal or backyard fireworks in St. John’s are also prohibited.
Canada Day and New Year’s Eve are only two occasions on which people can fire personal fireworks without express permission.
Th St. John’s Regional Fire Department says while there is no fire ban, it is asking residents to be cautious when using firepits and charcoal barbeques, and keep a hose or fire extinguisher handy.
Former Teacher, Coach Markus Hicks Pleads Guilty to 54 Charges
Former teacher and volleyball coach Markus Hicks has pleaded guilty to 54 of the charges against him.
Thirty-four-year-old Hicks had been staring down more than 200 charges related to sexual violence. He is alleged to have used various fake accounts on social media to arrange sexual acts at his home in Paradise, and to have worn disguises to hide his true identity.
The guilty pleas were formally entered in court this morning – included in which are charges of sexual assault, disguise, luring, and breach of trust.
An agreed statement of facts, outlining what Hicks has now admitted to doing, was also read aloud in the courtroom.
Award-Winning Producer Established in Trinity Bay Named to Order of Canada
A Grammy-winning music producer who has established a studio in his ancestral home town of Winterton, Trinity Bay has been named as a Member to the Order of Canada.
Greg Wells, who grew up in Ontario and calls Los Angeles home, has deep roots in Trinity Bay and bought the old Anglican Church in Winterton after suddenly feeling compelled to check and see if the old United Church was available for sale.
Trinity Hall, Winterton.
As it turned out the old U.C. Church had just been sold, but the Anglican Church was for sale, and he bought it, sight unseen.
Wells has since turned the building into Trinity Hall, a recording and performance space in Winterton that he visits frequently.
Wells, who funds music scholarships in Canada and donates instruments to students around the world, found himself on the receiving end of charity with fundraising concerts held at the beginning of the year after he lost his home in the Los Angeles wildfires.
Among those named to the Order of Canada are Maureen McTeer, former Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Teresa Tam, and author Miriam Toews who were all named as Officers, with Wells and former world champion mixed martial artist Georges St.. Pierre among those named as Members.
Bay St. George Investigate Reported Indecent Act in Stephenville Park
RCMP in Bay St. George are investigating a report of a indecent act committed in Stephenville area park late last week.
Police were contacted around 2:30 last Thursday afternoon about a man exposing himself in Blanche Brooke Park.
The man was described as being in his 60s with grey hair, and was wearing brown or khaki-coloured clothing.
RCMP are seeking any possible witnesses or video footage from the area at the time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bay St. George RCMP at 709-643-2118 or Crime Stopper at 1-800-222-8477.
New Lighting Installed at National War Memorial Reflects Original Design
New lighting has been installed at the National War Memorial on Duckworth Street that the provincial government says was designed and created based on the original globe lights that were in place back in 1924.
The new lights were a joint project of the provincial government, Memorial University and the Royal Canadian Legion – NL Command.
The idea was sparked by the discovery of the last original globe light in the Legion’s archives.
The replacement of the lights became a commemorative project to celebrate Memorial University’s 100th anniversary which is being marked this year.
The National War Memorial’s 100th anniversary was marked last year with the unveiling of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
By-election Date Set as Conservative Leader Hopes to Regain Seat in Parliament
A date has been announced for the by-election that could see federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre regain a seat in parliament.
Poilievre lost his seat in the riding of Carleton in Ontario during April’s general election, a seat which he had held for over 20 years.
Not long after, Conservative MP Damien Kurek announced he would be resigning his seat so the party leader could run in a by-election.
The riding is considered to be a tory stronghold, with Kurek winning in a landslide – gaining over 80 per cent of the popular vote.
The by-election will be held on August 18th.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 Hosting Events to Mark Memorial Day
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No 1 is marking Memorial Day with a series of events leading up to the annual ceremony at the National War Memorial on Duckworth Street.
A 2023 Remembrance Day ceremony in the Field of Honour, Mount Pleasant cemetery, St. John’s (via the Lieutenant Governor of NL Facebook page)
Buses will leave the Legion at 8:00 tomorrow morning for a ceremony at the Field of Honour on James Lane in St. John’s at 8:30.
The service will be followed by a wreath-laying at Branch Number 1 at 9:00, and a service at the Sergeant’s Memorial on Cathedral Street.
A parade will form at the Sergeant’s Memorial that will proceed to the National War Memorial for the annual wreath-laying ceremony.
Pallbearers bring the unknown soldier to the tomb at the National War Memorial in downtown St. John’s.
There has been a surge in attendance in Memorial Day commemorations events in recent years.
Expect road closures in and around the downtown tomorrow morning.
Thrive Not Convinced Increased Security is Best Approach to Reducing Crime in Downtown St. John’s
An organization which offers guidance and services to those who are having difficulty navigating their way through life is not sure that beefing up security in downtown St. John’s, unto itself, is the best way to try to reduce the incidence of crime.
The City of St. John’s is adding extra security patrols this summer in the downtown, a move endorsed by the RNC and business lobby groups.
Angela Crockwell, the executive director of Thrive, says the data is clear that there has been an increase in crime, so concerns about public safety are valid. But, just because somebody is sleeping outside or panhandling doesn’t mean the public isn’t safe.
She says such people are often experiencing poverty, homelessness, or mental health issues, but that does not mean they are criminals.
Crockwell says an increased police presence can be required, but what will be helpful in the long run is how to find safe, affordable housing and putting in place long-term supports.
This Year’s NL Folk Festival Likely to be the Last
It looks like this could be the end for the iconic Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, and the Folk Arts Society as a whole.
The society says this year’s festival, which is scheduled for July 11th to the 13th, will “likely be (the) last.”
President Julie Vogt says despite strong community support and successful fundraising efforts, the organization has lost “crucial” funding from ArtsNL, which is needed to pay staff and pay office expenses.
Folk Arts Society executive director Julie Vogt.
“They were absolutely right to take our funding because we didn’t do our jobs. And when you don’t have the benchmarks that they’re looking for, which were not outrageous, they were financial stability, we don’t have that. Solid board governance, we didn’t have that. Public sector engagement, I’m going to say last year was the first year we’ve had that in 10 years. And strategic planning, they didn’t look at the map that we had and didn’t operate within it. So this is the result. It is a surprise on one hand, but deserved on the other.”
Vogt says this year’s event will go on as planned, and will be a celebration of the festival’s legacy, and those that have made it possible.
RCMP Searching for Man Thrown from Seadoo on Great Northern Peninsula
RCMP on the Northern Peninsula are searching for a man who was thrown from a Seadoo late last evening.
Police were called just before 9:30 last night, where a man and woman, who were not wearing life jackets, were forced to swim to shore near St. Lunaire-Griquet.
The woman was able to make it to shore, but the man was nowhere to be found.
The RCMP dive team is currently on-scene in Gull Pond.
Town Encouraging Safety as People Flock to Middle Cove Beach for Share of Capelin
The mayor of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove is encouraging safety as people flock down to the beach to get their capelin.
Large amounts of capelin were rolling on the beaches in the community over the weekend, bringing with them crowds of people eager to get their share.
Mayor Denis Hickey says one of their main concerns is traffic and making sure Marine Drive is clear for traffic, including emergency vehicles, to get through.
To that end, there is no parking on the ocean side of the road, a security company has been hired to help control access to the beach, and the RNC is also patrolling the area.
As for safety down on the beach, Hickey says there are a few things to keep in mind.
He says for adults to use their common sense while down on the beach and to keep an eye on any young children they may have with them. He also reminds for visitors to the community not to block access to people’s homes.
Small Increase in Seniors Benefit on July 1
Seniors 64 years of age or older who are eligible will get a little more in their seniors’ benefit starting tomorrow.
The provincial government accepted a recommendation by the Seniors’ Advocate that the benefit should be indexed to the cost of living. The maximum payout goes from $1,516 per year to $1,551.
Seniors with a family net income of up to $30,078 are eligible to receive the maximum.
Advocate Susan Walsh calls it a good news story.
“Over time, it will keep pace with inflation. It’s not a panacea and seniors won’t notice a lot of extra money in the pocket but in the long term, they will be better off,” says Walsh.
Canada Day Celebrations Kick Off at Sunrise on Signal Hill
St. John’s will be the first to officially ring in Canada Day tomorrow with the sunrise ceremony at Signal Hill kicking off at 6 a.m.
The event includes a flag-raising ceremony with appropriately-decorated cupcakes.
A wheelchair-accessible shuttle will be available to take people from the visitor centre up to Cabot Tower.
Meanwhile, the 37 Combat Engineer Regimen will do a ceremonial 21-gun salute at Queen’s Battery at noon tomorrow.
People can observe from a safe distance and while there will be loud artillery fire, the ammunition will be blank. Access to Queen’s Battery will be closed during the salute.
Association for New Canadians Holding Multicultural Sports Day Today
Sport is a universal language and culture and it will be on display today at the Association for New Canadians.
Multicultural Family Sports Day takes place at Gonzaga field from 11:00 this morning until 2:00 this afternoon.
Megan Morris, the executive director of the association, says it’s their 13th year hosting the event. She sees it as a great way to bring everyone together to celebrate one another’s culture and enjoy fun and laughter.
There will be sports, bouncy castles, barbecue, popcorn and snacks.
Cenovus Hopes to Produce First Oil from West White Rose in 2026
Cenovus is entering the final stages of completing the West White Rose Project.
Everything is built for the West White Rose oilfield and now it’s about things coming together.
West White Rose tow out (Cenovus Energy)
Derek Pearcey, VP Major Projects at Cenovus Energy, met with reporters out in Bull Arm last week to talk about some significant milestones the project has reached over the last number of weeks.
The concrete gravity structure was towed from Argentia to the oil field last month, and attached to the ocean floor this past week. Pearcey says the operation went off as planned.
The West White Rose topsides sailout from Ingleside, Texas (Cenovus)
The 23,000 tonne topsides arrived from Ingleside, Texas last week and will go offshore around the middle of July.
Cenovus expects to begin drilling by year’s end with first oil in 2026.
The topsides will be attached to the 200,000 tonne platform followed by about three months of additional work.
MUNFA Concerned Over Decision to Suspend VP Search at Grenfell Campus, Marine Institute
Faculty at Memorial University are concerned about a decision to suspend searches for vice-president at two campuses.
Despite being well into the process, MUN has aborted the search for a vice-president at Grenfell and a VP at the Marine Institute.
Both searches had reached candidate review stage according to faculty, and MUNFA is calling on the university to resume both searches without delay.
Memorial suspended the process until after the arrival of the new president, Dr. Janet Morrison, in August. That’s so that she can have a hand in things.
MUNFA finds that peculiar as the administration moved forward with major budgetary decisions in the absence of a president.
It says prolonged leadership gaps will only deepen uncertainty across both campuses.
Pynn’s Lawyer Hopeful Will Stay Out of Trouble Following Release
Philip Pynn’s longtime lawyer says the man’s age, and children, should motivate him to change his criminal ways.
Pynn was freed on Friday without court conditions for the first time in 25 years.
The 39-year-old has a 40-page rap sheet that dates back to 1999, including the 2014 manslaughter conviction in the shooting of his friend Nick Winsor.
On Friday, Pynn was sentenced to just over four years in prison for assault, breach of probation and twice smuggling drugs into HMP.
But that equals the time he’s credited with serving while waiting for trial, which resulted in time-served, and unconditional release.
Legal Aid’s Mark Gruchy was asked if he thought Pynn would be able to stay out of trouble.
“I’m hopeful, I’m hopeful. I’ve represented a lot of people, going in and out, having issues, but sometimes people do stop,” he said.
“The most consequential thing for Mr. Pynn is he’s about to turn 40, and I’ve known Philip for a very long time now—2014 wasn’t yesterday. And so here I am still working with him. But sometimes when people hit that point and they get to middle age things can change for them because their perspective changes … and the man has children, right?”
Military Recruiters Set Up in Downtown St. John’s This Summer
There will be a military presence in downtown St. John’s this summer—not for anything untoward but to encourage people to consider enlisting in the reserves.
Captain Tim Ryan of the Department of National Defense says it’s a part-time job, which should not interfere with one’s full-time work or school. Personnel from the department will be around the Pedestrian Mall and the War Memorial from now until September 2nd.
“There will be soldiers walking about with pamphlets and information and smiles on their faces ready to speak with anyone who wants to talk about the possibility of joining the reserves here in Newfoundland,” says Captain Ryan.
The reserves, based in Pleasantville, offer much more opportunity than just infantry.
“There are service and support cooks, maintainers of vehicles, signals equipment operators, engineers who blow stuff up and build things—there are lots of exciting opportunities in each unit.”
Conditions to Improve Heading into Canada Day
It’s shaping up to be a decent Canada Day in terms of the forecast.
Environment Canada meteorologist Wanda Batten says the drizzle should move out early tomorrow morning with sunny breaks and temperatures in the mid-twenties for most.
The exception will be the south coast where temperatures will be in the teens.
Batten says winds should be ideal for any fireworks.
Fireworks are prohibited in areas under a fire ban.
