The coronation of King Charles III could provide a new start for the monarch to people who were hesitant about him when he succeeded to the throne, as he is now being judged on his own merit and seen out of the shadow of his mother's legacy. For Charles, his main challenges will be proving the relevance of the monarchy in society and maintaining political neutrality, while keeping the Royal Family visible. Additionally, Charles will have to face up to strained family relationships, particularly with his son Harry following the private turmoil affecting them both, and also ensure a smaller core of working royals undertakes enough public engagements to keep the monarchy relevant. With the Queen having come to the throne at the relatively young age of 25, her life was regarded as somewhat mysterious. In contrast, there has been an increased amount of attention concerning the thoughts and views of Charles, putting pressure on him to be an exemplary monarch.
A growing number of Earth observation satellites are being used by experts to predict wildfires and analyse their aftermath as the number of such satellites increase, driven by the entry of private industry and cheaper technology. Data such as fire radiative power, measuring the energy a fire is emitting, allow fire managers to locate hot spots, the likelihood of a fire advancing and how quickly. This information not only suggests how best to fight a fire, but also informs scientists what the fire is emitting into the atmosphere.
However, the relatively few satellites flying over northern latitudes, where the risk of wildfire is high, often fly over outside of peak fire activity hours, and there is a shortage of satellites that can be used. The world’s first purpose-built satellite for monitoring wildfires, WildfireSat, which is set to launch in 2029, will fly over Canada during late afternoon when fire activity is at its peak. The improvements in satellite technology also enable time-sensitive information to be delivered to firefighters in real-time.
In May, the UK teamed up with a collective of countries to utilise satellite technology to better predict climate hazards and understand climate change patterns. The International Partnership Programme aims to give policymakers and organisations insight into where climate-related dangers, including floods, fires and droughts, are likely to be the most serious, and commission projects to mitigate these risks or deal with their effects.
The Ontario Health desk of Ontario's Health Minister, Sylvia Jones, cancelled a media tour that included an interview with the province's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kieran Moore because of concerns over which journalist would ask the questions, according to emails obtained by The Toronto Star. The interviews were planned mid-December, during a time of increased hospitalisations due to a "triple threat" of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and the flu. Jones' communications director, Alexandra Adamo, apparently objected to the Star's chosen journalist, Kenyon Wallace, who has frequently reported on the pandemic, and asked whether another journalist could be lined up, according to the emails. As a result, the entire media tour was cancelled. Ontario is one of several Canadian provinces facing a resurgence in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, which has led to fresh restrictions on movement and activity in several parts of the country.
Canada's WestJet and pilots' union reached a last-minute deal, averting a strike over the May [Victoria Day] long weekend. The airline and the Air Line Pilots Association agreed to a tentative four-year deal that provides double-digit raises, making the company's pilots the highest paid crews on narrow-body aircraft in Canada. Over the last few days, WestJet had cancelled hundreds of flights, grounding the majority of its Boeing 737 and 787 fleet, necessitated by the possibility of a strike. The potential strike had jeopardized important labour relations, particularly in light of the harder financial environment created by the coronavirus outbreak and assenting new hygiene protocols. The contract is still subject to ratification by WestJet's 1,800 pilots.
McNulty claims 1st Grand Tour stage win, Armirail stays in Giro lead ahead of decisive Dolomites
CBC
23-05-21 18:00
Brandon McNulty won his first ever stage of a Grand Tour as he took the 15th leg of Giro d'Italia on Sunday, with Bruno Armirail retaining the leader's pink jersey as the competition heads into its final week. McNulty narrowly finished ahead of both Ben Healy and Marco Frigo to win the 195km route from Seregno to Bergamo. Riders now have a second and final rest day before the competition enters Dolomite country.
How satellites are being used in the battle against wildfires
CBC
23-05-21 15:27
Data from a growing number of satellites is being used to fight wildfires, giving firefighters new tools to predict fire behaviour and analyse its effects, say experts. Wildfire managers and scientists can use satellite data to get an overview of a fire, giving them the chance to determine how hot the fire is burning and how best to tackle it. Improvements in satellite technology are also getting crucial information quickly into the hands of firefighters. More inexpensive technology has contributed to a jump in the number of Earth observation satellites. In 2014, there were 192, now there are 971.
Wildfires are being fought using satellite technology that tracks emissions and uses infrared to show firefighters how hot thee blaze is. Joshua Johnson, a scientist working on 'WildfireSat' - due to become the world's first purpose-built satellite for monitoring fires - said satellite technology allowed managers to get "the big picture". Previously, it was difficult to check on every fire through pilots but now "information is there in real time". In addition to emissions, satellites also have sensors that are useful for fires. As of Friday, smoke from fires in Alberta and British Columbia was traceable as far as the west coast of Europe. In 2014, there were 192 observation satellites. That has increased to 971, allowing for unprecedented success predicting fire behaviour. WildfireSat, due for launch in 2029, will fly over Canada late in the afternoon, when activity is is at its peak.
The Florida Panthers are celebrating the success of their forward, Matthew Tkachuk, who scored an overtime goal in a playoff game and helped lead the Panthers to victory in the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. Tkachuk's performance has exceeded expectations and he is regarded as one of the best players in the NHL. In his first year with the Panthers, Tkachuk has achieved a number of records and awards, including three overtime game-winners in a postseason, MVP of the All-Star Game, and finalist for the Hart Trophy (hockey's MVP). His talent and leadership have transformed the Panthers and made him the face of the franchise. Off the ice, Tkachuk is known for his generosity, hosting team dinners, and treating everyone in the organisation with respect. His success has helped to make South Florida a Hockey Town as well as a Basketball Town, and the Panthers are hoping that it will lead them to their first Stanley Cup.
Canada's men's wheelchair basketball team finishes 3rd at Ottawa Invitational
CBC
23-05-22 01:36
Canada's men's wheelchair basketball team finished third at the Ottawa Invitational tournament, losing 63-47 to the Netherlands. Fellow Paralympians Nik Goncin and Lee Melymick each added nine points, with Gijs Even leading the Netherlands with a game-high 18 points. The five-day tournament, hosted by Wheelchair Basketball Canada, served as final preparation for the upcoming IWBF world championships in Dubai, running from June 9 to 20. Canada will compete in Group B against Germany, Thailand and Egypt at worlds.
The Canadian government will receive an initial report from special rapporteur David Johnson on whether to call for a public inquiry into claims of foreign interference. Chinese meddling allegations in the last two federal elections brought attention to the threat, with calls for an inquiry allowing for transparent conversation about the threat faced by Canada and allowing the government to illustrate what action it is taking. An inquiry would bring the conversation back to the details of the foreign interference threat and how the country can combat it, experts say. The signs of foreign interference were already visible before the controversy, however, the government has promised funding to combat foreign interference.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) celebrated its 150th anniversary on May 23, marking 150 years since the establishment of the North-West Mounted Police in 1873. The anniversary comes amid ongoing controversy around the force’s conduct, including its handling of cases involving Indigenous people, and allegations of harassment and discrimination within its ranks. The RCMP’s mandate has evolved over the past century and a half, expanding to include provincial and national policing duties, forensic laboratories, marine and air services, and participation in international peacekeeping missions. The force has also faced various cultural shifts, including the integration of women, visible and religious minorities, and the adoption of more diverse and inclusive recruitment policies. However, many Indigenous people and other critics argue that the RCMP’s structural and legislative framework reflects a history of colonialism, systemic racism, and violence, which affects its ability to serve and protect all Canadians equally.
Calls for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to withdraw from small communities across Canada and focus on its national remit to tackle emerging threats such as cybercrime, human trafficking and fraud have been heard again, prompting discussions about the police force's future mandate and direction. This comes as questions have been raised following the force's handling of various crises, including the 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia and concerns about rural crime. Suggestions have included the need for more fundamental changes to rid the force of its toxic culture and ensure that there is strong governance. There is an emerging consensus that for real change, policing will need to evolve to include professional service providers who can help individuals in crisis, with a prevention-first approach to safety. There have been calls to expand existing municipal police forces and that provinces follow the examples of Ontario and Quebec in setting up their own forces.
With calls for change of one kind or another continuing to emerge, Canada's Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is still weighing up its future in the country. Among the questions being asked are whether the organisation should be withdrawn from small communities in order to focus on larger issues and whether the Federal mandate continues to be appropriate. Although the organisation may have to consider fundamental change in order to survive, many suggest that improving the ways things are currently being done may be the better option. Meanwhile, another argument suggests that there should be a new approach to federal financing of provincial and municipal policing, with more cash being given to communities to ensure adequate policing in rural and remote areas. Regardless of what happens, it seems police forces will have to adapt to an evolving landscape of social and mental-health services as well as the need to break down silos between different government-funded services.
James Butler has signed a two-year deal with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League, following a 1,060-yard season with the BC Lions. The move gives Hamilton a 1,000-yard rusher for the first time since DeAndra'Cobb ran for at least 1,000 yards in 2009 and 2010. Despite being surprised to learn a rusher had not passed 1,000 yards since 2010, Butler is looking ahead to giving his best for the team and hopes to help win as many games as possibly in the upcoming season.
Almost 50 million square feet of vacant office space is available in Canadian central business districts, according to Karen Chapple, director of the School of Cities at the University of Toronto, citing data provided by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Business Data Lab. The figure includes close to 40% that have emerged since the pandemic began. The situation presents an opportunity to reuse some of the buildings for community, learning or start-up hubs, reflecting changing mobility patterns, said Chapple. New office space should cater to diverse needs in order to bring life back to urban centres, Chapple argued.
