Meet five Canadian women in film who are proving the future of cinema is brighter than ever
The Toronto Star
23-09-19 22:30
Five Canadian women filmmakers are making waves in the industry by telling incredible stories and making dreams a reality. Anubha Momin has several projects in development, including a series with Disney and a rom-com set at a luxury inn in Newfoundland. Noura Kevorkian is an award-winning documentarian whose film "Batata" was nominated for multiple awards and has just been submitted for Oscars consideration. Zoe Hopkins is a writer and director who has worked on a variety of projects, including the hit sitcom "Run The Burbs" and the APTN series "Little Bird." Vanessa Magic is a writer and director whose short films have premiered at the Cannes Short Film Festival and the Brooklyn Film Festival. Meredith Hama-Brown is a writer and director who recently completed her debut feature film, "Seagrass," which explores themes of grief, motherhood, and sisterhood.
These women are breaking barriers and creating opportunities for themselves and others in the industry. They are telling stories that are often overlooked or marginalized, and their work is being recognized and celebrated. As more diverse voices are heard and stories are told, the future of film is bright and promising. These filmmakers are paving the way for others and proving that dreams can become a reality.
N.L. info watchdog wants province to fix 'big hole' in oversight role
CBC
23-09-21 13:30
The information and privacy commissioner of Newfoundland and Labrador, Michael Harvey, has called on the provincial government to restore powers that were recently removed by the courts. The Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal recently upheld a ruling that Harvey cannot compel the government to hand over documents that are protected by solicitor-client privilege. This means that the only option for individuals requesting information is to go to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.
California is suing Big Oil over climate 'deception.' Could the same happen in Canada?
CBC
23-09-21 17:27
California has filed a 135-page lawsuit against five major oil and gas companies, including ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and BP, accusing them of deceiving the public about the risks of fossil fuels. The lawsuit seeks a compensation fund to pay for future damages caused by climate-related disasters in California. The long list of allegations includes false advertising, misleading the public about the impact of fossil fuel emissions, and delaying the transition to renewable energy. The suit claims that oil and gas company executives were aware of the potential warming effects of greenhouse gas emissions as early as the 1950s but made efforts to cast doubt on the scientific consensus on climate change.
The California lawsuit is one of many filed in recent years against the fossil fuel industry for its role in the climate crisis. However, few compare in scope and significance to this case, which is being pursued in the world’s fifth-largest economy and a major oil and gas producer. While there have been 35 climate-related legal challenges in Canada, none have been filed against corporations, only governments. However, experts believe that this is likely to change in the future.
California Governor Gavin Newsom insists that the lawsuit can help expose the deception and lies of oil companies. Many of the allegations in the suit are based on investigative reporting, including a recent report in the Wall Street Journal that found Exxon undermined climate science through at least 2015 and tried to twist the science of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The American Petroleum Institute and the oil companies named in the suit argue that climate policy should be debated in the U.S. Congress, not the courtroom.
Tropical storm warning issued for US East Coast ahead of potential cyclone, forecasters say
The Toronto Star
23-09-21 17:00
A tropical storm warning has been issued for the East Coast of the United States from North Carolina to Delaware as a potential tropical cyclone approaches. The disturbance, known as "Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen," is currently located southeast of Charleston, South Carolina and is moving north. It could reach the North Carolina coast by Friday night or early Saturday. The National Hurricane Center defines a potential tropical cyclone as a disturbance that poses a threat for tropical storm or hurricane conditions to land within 48 hours. A storm surge watch has also been issued for parts of North Carolina and Virginia.
A car belonging to a missing woman in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland has been found near a talc mine in the area. Anna Gaulton, 79, and her dog have been missing since early August. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary confirmed that Gaulton's car, a red 2013 Chevrolet Cruz, was found near the mine. A search of the mine is being conducted with the help of a volunteer organization. Gaulton is described as being around 5'4" and 130 pounds, with brown eyes and grey hair. She was last seen wearing red pyjama pants and a red shirt.
A potential tropical system is headed toward North Carolina; Hurricane Nigel remains at sea
Associated Press
23-09-21 15:18
Hurricane Nigel is currently a Category 1 storm moving northeastward over the Atlantic Ocean. It is expected to weaken and potentially become a post-tropical cyclone. In addition, a potential tropical cyclone is forming off the southeastern coast of the United States. This disturbance is currently centered southeast of Charleston, South Carolina and is moving north. A tropical storm warning has been issued from Cape Fear, North Carolina to Fenwick Island, Delaware, and a storm surge watch has also been issued. The center of the cyclone is expected to reach the North Carolina coast on Friday night or early Saturday.
Beaumont Hamel receives UNESCO World Heritage status
CBC
23-09-21 20:57
The Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in France has been granted world heritage status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The memorial is one of 51 burial sites and memorials to be added to the prestigious list, which includes 139 sites in total. The Beaumont Hamel memorial is located on what was known as the Western Front, where soldiers died in large numbers between 1914 and 1918 in battles between German and Allied forces. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment was decimated during the opening day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916, with only 68 of the 800 soldiers who went into battle surviving. The memorial is considered sacred ground and is one of the most visited memorials in Northern France.
Evening Update: Canada reduces diplomatic staff in India, citing threats to safety
The Globe and Mail
23-09-21 20:54
Canada is reducing staff levels at its diplomatic missions in India due to safety concerns for its employees amid high tensions between the two countries. The move follows allegations by India that New Delhi was behind the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Canada has not confirmed how many staff are being removed. In response, India has suspended all visa services for Canadian citizens, including e-visas and visas issued in third countries. Meanwhile, Russia has launched its biggest attack on Ukrainian cities in over a month, firing two barrages of cruise missiles at six locations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is currently on a visit to the US and Canada in a bid to bolster support. He is set to meet with US President Joe Biden, who is expected to announce a new military aid package for Ukraine. Zelensky is also due to visit Canada on 3 December. In other news, Alberta plans to leave the Canada Pension Plan after releasing a report claiming it is entitled to over half of the assets in the national scheme.
Yes, the word ‘masterpiece’ is overused, but it fits Michael Crummey’s latest novel, ‘The Adversary’
The Toronto Star
23-09-22 10:00
Michael Crummey’s new novel, The Adversary, takes place in the early 19th century in an outport on the Newfoundland shore. The story revolves around the rivalry between siblings Abe Strapp and Widow Caines and explores themes of violence, subterfuge, and overwhelming loss. Crummey, who is known for his exploration of Newfoundland’s history and people, writes with a poet’s sense of language, creating a delicate and graceful prose that contrasts with the dark subject matter of the novel. The Adversary has been described as a “masterpiece” and joins Crummey’s other acclaimed works.
'It would be punitive': Alberta's pension proposal troubles N.L. premier
CBC
23-09-22 21:51
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey has stated concerns over Alberta's proposal for an Alberta-only pension plan. Furey said that it would be "punitive to many different jurisdictions around the country" and that it would have a ripple effect across the country. He also expressed his support for re-evaluating instruments within the federation and said that Canada works better when working together rather than in silos. Other premiers, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, have also commented on the proposal.
Danielle Smith says despite difficulty with Ottawa, Alberta has allies in Trudeau cabinet
The Globe and Mail
23-09-22 20:34
Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith, has said that despite her concerns about the federal government, there are some cabinet ministers she can work with. Smith has been at odds with the Minister of the Environment, Steven Guilbeault, and the Minister of Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, over their climate change policies. Smith says Alberta will not implement the emissions cap and will not follow the 2035 target. Smith has been in discussions with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and intends to talk to Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey about joint presentations at conferences in the future.
Smith says despite difficulty with Ottawa, Alberta has allies in Trudeau cabinet
The Toronto Star
23-09-22 19:27
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has criticized the federal Liberal government's climate policies and transition plan for a net-zero emissions economy. Smith has been at odds with Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson over their plans to cap emissions from oil and gas and achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. Smith stated that Alberta will not implement the emissions cap or follow the 2035 target. She also expressed disappointment with Wilkinson's comments that suggested the oil and gas industry is winding down, saying that it would discourage investment. However, Smith praised Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and other ministers for their support.
As wildfires closed in on Yellowknife, these firefighters held the line
The Globe and Mail
23-09-23 14:08
In August, wildfires threatened the city of Yellowknife in Canada, forcing 20,000 residents to evacuate. Photojournalist Pat Kane, who was also forced to leave his home, reflects on the experience and the efforts of the first responders who stayed behind to protect the city. He discusses the anger he felt when he learned that journalists from other parts of Canada were coming to report on a place they had never cared about before, while he and other residents were forced to leave. Kane's friend, artist Pablo Saravanja, volunteered to support the firefighting efforts and organised a photoshoot with the firefighters. Kane documented the first responders as a way to contribute and connect with those who saved the city. The article includes photos and profiles of some of the firefighters, highlighting their dedication and hard work. The evacuation order was lifted on 6 September and residents were able to return to their homes two days later.
Great Reads: India’s Narendra Modi; Zelensky’s impassioned speech; giant squid in Newfoundland
The Globe and Mail
23-09-23 13:42
This article highlights a selection of great reads from The Globe and Mail. The topics covered include the life and leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech to the Canadian Parliament, the mystery of giant squids in Newfoundland and Labrador, the future of Canadian engineering company AtkinsRéalis, the issues with Canada's bureaucratic systems, the integration of Muslims in the West, the retirement of Canadian football player Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, and the new pop-musical "Six" about Henry VIII's wives. The article also includes a bonus arts quiz question.
US holds biggest underwater listening systems upgrade since Cold War and wants laser focus on China
Telegraph
23-09-23 16:45
The US is upgrading its secret underwater listening systems, known as the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS), amid concerns about the growing threat of the Chinese navy. The IUSS, which was first launched during the Cold War to track Soviet submarines, will deploy new underwater drones to monitor submarine activity and protect the US's undersea cable network. The US is also developing the "Replicator" programme, which consists of autonomous drones designed to counter China's advantage in numbers. The upgrades are partly in response to China's recent acquisition of advanced naval technology and its expansion of naval operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Tropical Storm Fiona, which hit Atlantic Canada in September 2022, became one of the most powerful and destructive storms in Canadian history. The storm was able to remain strong and destructive due to several factors. Firstly, warm sea surface temperatures, fueled by climate change, provided the storm with the energy it needed to maintain major Category 3 status until just hours before landfall. Secondly, the storm underwent a post-tropical transition, allowing it to fuel itself from temperature differences in the atmosphere. Finally, the storm's track allowed it to retain hurricane strength for longer and bring destructive winds, heavy rain, and storm surge to the affected areas.
Kelp wanted: How seaweed farmers can curb the vicious cycles of climate change
CBC
23-09-24 08:30
Seaweed farming in Newfoundland and Labrador has the potential to combat climate change and create a sustainable business opportunity, according to marine scientist and seaweed farmer Micheal Teasdale. Seaweed can rapidly create biomass and does not require fertilisers or freshwater, making it an environmentally friendly crop that can help to lock up carbon. The province has expertise in ocean-related activities and already has native populations of commercially viable seaweed species, giving it the potential to become a leading seaweed producer. The seaweed can be used for various applications, including carbon offsetting and as a filler for food.
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