In the news today, March 9

Five stories in the news for Friday, March 9

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TRUDEAU TO NAME NEW RCMP BOSS IN REGINA

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has a busy schedule in Regina today, including the naming of a new RCMP commissioner. Sources say the prime minister will name Brenda Lucki to the post during an event at the force’s “Depot” training academy. Trudeau is also set to deliver remarks at a library about parental leave measures in last week’s federal budget, and he’ll meet with new Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. Last night, Trudeau told supporters at a fundraiser that Canada needs to do more to help Indigenous people.

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don't be fooled

Fake gold jewelry scam going around Red Deer, RCMP warn

A few moments ago

effective immediately

Lacombe County latest to implement fire restrictions

10m ago

Individuals aged 55 and over

Central Alberta Older Adult Employment Strategy Assessment Project full report released

17h ago

COURT TO HEAR ARGUMENT TO EXTEND ONT. PC LEADERSHIP RACE

A Toronto lawyer representing a disenfranchised member of Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party says he’s taken legal action in an effort to extend the party’s leadership race. Jeffrey Radnoff says the Superior Court of Justice is scheduled to hear his application for an injunction this morning, just hours before voting in the contentious race was scheduled to end. The party ruled against prolonging the race late Wednesday, saying that would contravene its constitution. But Radnoff said in an email late Thursday that his client, along with a “significant number” of party members, had not received a personal identification number allowing him to vote.

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B.C. JUDGE TO RELEASE POLYGAMY DECISION

A judge in British Columbia is scheduled to hand down a decision today in a constitutional challenge of Canada’s polygamy laws. Winston Blackmore and James Oler were found guilty last July of having multiple wives, but they argue the law infringes on their rights to freedom of religion and expression. Blackmore has been found guilty of marrying two dozen women, while Oler was found to have five wives. The convictions have not been entered pending the outcome of the constitutional arguments.

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CHAMPAGNE TO ANNOUNCE NEW TRADE TALKS

International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne is in Paraguay today, where he’s set to announce the start of free trade talks with the Mercosur group of South American countries. Officials say negotiations with the bloc — which also includes Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay — could begin within the next 10 days. But experts say striking a deal won’t be easy, as Brazil and Argentina have been reluctant to talk free-trade with Canada in the past.

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‘LOVEWINS’ CONCERT FACES BACKLASH FROM LGBTQ COMMUNITY

Organizers of a concert billed as “part vigil, part celebration” in the wake of the arrest of an alleged serial killer have responded to some of the concerns raised by members of Toronto’s LGBTQ community. LoveWins is a free music event planned for March 29, with a lineup that features Carole Pope and members of the Barenaked Ladies. Critics say the plans are tone deaf regarding what’s actually happening in Toronto’s LGBTQ community, as police continue to seek answers about a man who allegedly targeted gay men in the city for years. A poster promoting the concert was taken down from the event’s Facebook page Thursday night.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS TODAY:

— Statistics Canada releases the labour force survey for February and the industrial capacity utilization rates for the fourth quarter

— Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer attends the Canada – United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce roundtable in London.

— Finance Minister Bill Morneau delivers remarks and discusses the federal budget at New York’s Penn Club.

— A Halifax judge will deliver his decision in the case of two men charged with manipulating the price of Knowledge House Inc. shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

— The Paralympic Winter Games opening ceremony takes place in Pyeongchang. Cross-country skier Brian McKeever will be Canada’s flag bearer.

The Canadian Press