Nova Scotia weighs risks of online gambling as other provinces expand access

This article is new today!

Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-10-30 20:11:56.0
Tags: [Nova Scotia, Healthcare, Public Safety, Governance]

The Nova Scotia government, through Finance Minister John Lohr, is evaluating whether to expand government-regulated online gambling after seeing Ontario and Alberta open up their markets in 2022 and July respectively, currently relying solely on the Atlantic Lottery Corporation for authorized platforms. Opposition leaders, including NDP Leader Claudia Chender and Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin, have cautioned that the province must proceed very carefully and conduct public health risk assessments first. This comes as studies from institutions like the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health highlight significant concerns regarding online gambling harms, noting that Ontario emergency department visits for gambling disorders doubled following expansion and high school youth participation rates rose from one per cent in 2019 to nine per cent.

6 provinces and territories exploring adoption of new CO detector rules, Sask. minister says

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-29 22:04:08.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, National, Public Safety, Housing, Governance]

Effective November 1, 2026, Saskatchewan is enacting regulatory updates known as Henry's Law, which requires carbon monoxide alarms in all residential suites across multi-unit buildings, regardless of their location within the structure. Named in memory of 11-year-old Henry Losco, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning following a boiler leak in a Regina apartment building in December 2025, the legislation applies to both existing and new residential buildings. Saskatchewan's Minister of Government Relations Eric Schmalz announced that six other provincial and territorial jurisdictions—Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories—are actively exploring the adoption of similar carbon monoxide safety rules.

Ottawa's sluggish bureaucracy leaves critical gaps in Canadian military ammo supply: AG

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 21:57:13.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Public Safety, Governance, Industry]

A federal audit by Auditor General Karen Hogan revealed that Canada's strategic military ammunition stockpile has critical gaps and fails to support war readiness or NATO commitments, citing sluggish restocking by Public Services and Procurement Canada and poor inventory management by the Department of National Defence. Despite a previously announced $9.2-billion federal funding pledge over 13 years and a March $1.4-billion framework scaling up domestic production—including $305 million to IMT Precision in Ingersoll, Ontario, and nearly $1 billion to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems in Quebec—resolving the shortfalls will take several years. The audit noted that regular-use ammunition contracts took an average of nearly 19 months from signature to final delivery, while equipment unreliability and limited training further reduced operational utilization.

Alberta proposes changes to improve parental notification of a serious incident at child-care facilities

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-29 19:46:43.0
Tags: [Alberta, Education, Public Safety, Governance]

Alberta Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides tabled an omnibus bill proposing legislative amendments to the Early Learning and Child Care Act and the Education Act. The proposed statutory changes mandate that licensed child-care providers must contact families as soon as possible following a critical incident, and grant the Alberta government the authority to notify parents directly if a provider fails or is unable to do so. Additionally, the legislation introduces mandatory safety plans, expands licensing oversight to weigh applicant compliance and financial history, and replaces indefinite child-care certifications with expiring, renewable certifications effective March 1, 2027.

Canada's new national security strategy will shield economy, modernize military

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 15:59:34.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Economy, Trade, Public Safety, Governance]

The federal government released a sweeping national security strategy committing over $163 billion toward military expansion and defence industrial base rebuilding through the middle of the next decade. The framework emphasizes protecting economic sovereignty across sectors such as critical minerals, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence, while managing a clear-eyed relationship with the United States and deferring immediate decisions on establishing a standalone foreign intelligence agency. The strategy also includes plans to review existing national security legislation within a year to modernize intelligence capabilities against emerging geopolitical threats.

Canada's new national security strategy will shield economy, modernize military

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 15:59:34.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Economy, Trade, Public Safety, Governance]

The federal government, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, has released a new national security strategy designed to protect the Canadian economy and modernize military capabilities amid global instability. The framework outlines a multibillion-dollar expansion plan that allocates more than $163 billion toward the military by the mid-2030s, alongside pending legislation to create a dedicated Crown corporation for defence procurement. While the strategy emphasizes trade diversification and a clear-eyed approach to relations with the United States, a final decision regarding the establishment of a separate foreign intelligence agency akin to the U.S. CIA or Britain's MI6 is currently being deferred by senior officials. Completely redrawn defence and foreign policies are scheduled to be released in the coming months, accompanied by a comprehensive review of national security legislation within a year.

Financial intelligence agency slow to provide police with info to curb money laundering: AG

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 14:19:17.0
Tags: [National, Finance, Public Safety, Justice, Governance]

A federal auditor general report tabled in the House of Commons reveals that the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) takes an average of about four months to provide financial intelligence to law enforcement agencies. Half of the surveyed police and law enforcement respondents reported receiving FINTRAC intelligence too late to be useful for freezing assets, intercepting transactions, or apprehending suspects. The auditor general concluded that inadequate tools and processing delays hinder FINTRAC from effectively carrying out its mandate to detect and deter money laundering and terrorist financing.

Alberta ethics commissioner suspends investigation into MLAs accepting hockey tickets

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-28 22:03:17.0
Tags: [Alberta, Governance, Public Safety, Justice]

Alberta Ethics Commissioner Shawn McLeod suspended his investigation into MLAs accepting hockey tickets under Section 25(6) of the Conflict of Interest Act due to an active law enforcement probe. The suspension follows inquiries by Alberta Legislative Assembly Speaker Ric McIver regarding the status of the ethics probe. Concurrently, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is investigating allegations of corruption, fraud, breach of trust, and money laundering in Alberta health care procurement practices, which surfaced in a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former Alberta Health Services CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos. Media reports previously indicated that MHCare Medical CEO Sam Mraiche provided NHL playoff box seats to cabinet ministers and government staff.

Fraud, breach of trust and money laundering subject of RCMP Alberta health care procurement probe: court filing

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-28 17:11:45.0
Tags: [Alberta, Healthcare, Justice, Public Safety, Governance]

An Ontario Crown prosecutor's letter filed in Athana Mentzelopoulos's $1.7-million wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the Alberta government revealed that the RCMP are investigating Alberta Health Services procurement practices for potential fraud, breach of trust, and money laundering. Mentzelopoulos, the former CEO of Alberta Health Services, claims she was fired after investigating inflated contracts for private clinic surgeries and conflicts of interest involving Sam Mraiche's medical supply company, MHCare. While opposition NDP leader Naheed Nenshi renewed calls for a public inquiry, Premier Danielle Smith rejected the demand, citing an earlier report by retired judge Raymond Wyant.

New Brunswick introduces legislation to crack down on copper wire theft

Source: New Brunswick - Regional News
Date: 2026-10-28 15:32:10.0
Tags: [New Brunswick, Public Safety, Justice, Infrastructure, Governance]

Premier Susan Holt’s Liberal government in New Brunswick has introduced legislation to amend the Salvage Dealers Licensing Act aimed at cracking down on copper wire theft. The proposed changes restrict the sale of copper wire exclusively to licensed salvage dealers and individuals lawfully entitled to possess and dispose of it. Sellers are now required to provide photo identification, and a mandatory 48-hour buffer on payments has been established. The provincial government acted in response to rising incidents reported by telecommunications and electricity companies regarding infrastructure thefts causing service outages.

Alberta to remove DEI hiring practices, strengthens protections against deepfake distribution

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-27 21:06:05.0
Tags: [Alberta, Justice, Public Safety, Education, Governance]

Justice Minister Mickey Amery tabled Bill 33, the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, which prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices and mandatory training across provincial bodies including public agencies, Crown-controlled organizations, public post-secondary institutions, school boards, and municipalities under Section 10.1 of the Alberta Human Rights Act. Additionally, the legislation amends the 2017 Protecting Victims of Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images Act—renamed the Intimate Content Protection Act—to penalize the distribution of artificially generated or modified non-consensual deepfake images with fines up to $10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. The bill also reverses provisions from former Bill 14 regarding the Legal Profession Act by altering governance and appeal processes concerning the Law Society of Alberta.

Amendments to the Social Workers Act Will Strengthen Public Safety

Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-27 17:55:46.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Healthcare, Public Safety, Governance]

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through Minister of Health and Community Services Joedy Wall, has introduced amendments to the Social Workers Act to establish a new Registered Clinical Social Worker category for private practice. Developed in collaboration with the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, the designation requires a Master of Social Work, proven clinical experience, and a recognized clinical exam. A transition plan is being formulated for existing private practice social workers who do not yet meet the new standard. Additional amendments clarify that social work students on field placements do not require registration, remove redundant honorary membership provisions, mandate the college board to appoint an auditor, and incorporate gender-neutral language.

Province gives Grande Prairie's 911 service $2 million to support policing, fire response

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-27 16:03:53.0
Tags: [Alberta, Municipal, Public Safety, Infrastructure, Governance]

The Government of Alberta provided a $2 million grant to the City of Grande Prairie’s 911 service, bringing the province's total contribution to public safety and policing projects to $19 million against a total project cost of $23 million. Announced by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis, the funding supports the development of the local Public Safety Communication Centre (PSCC). The PSCC handles dispatch services covering 47 percent of the province and facilitates a transition of local policing responsibilities from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to the newly established Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS), led by Police Chief Dwayne Lakusta.

Yukon minister directing ‘crackdown’ of tents outside Whitehorse shelter, but won’t say how

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-27 15:44:59.0
Tags: [National, Housing, Social Services, Public Safety, Governance]

Yukon Health and Social Services Minister Brad Cathers stated in the Yukon Legislative Assembly that he has directed his department to crack down on tents outside the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter at 405 Alexander St. The minister stated he instructed his department to collaborate with the Department of Justice, the Department of Highways and Public Works, the RCMP, and the City of Whitehorse bylaw services to remove the encampments. Liberal Party Leader and Vuntut Gwitchin MLA Debra-Leigh Reti criticized the lack of operational clarity regarding the plan and called for a dedicated task force to assess the needs of individuals outside the shelter. The announcement coincides with ongoing legislative debate surrounding proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act and the elimination of rent control in the Yukon.

Solu Med inc. de Montréal perd son autorisation de contracter et est inscrite au RENA

Source: Quebec - Fil de presse gouvernemental
Date: 2026-10-26 11:59:00.0
Tags: [Quebec, Healthcare, Labour, Governance, Public Safety]

The Autorité des marchés publics has revoked the contracting authorization of Solu Med inc., a Montreal-based nursing personnel placement agency. Consequently, the company has been officially registered in Quebec's Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA), barring it from participating in public sector contracts.

First Nations leaders voice priorities ahead of historic meeting in Ottawa

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-24 14:06:34.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Governance, Economy, Public Safety]

First Nations leaders are preparing for a historic meeting in Ottawa with Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial premiers, marking the first gathering of its kind in over two decades. Tensions have risen over recent federal legislation aimed at streamlining major project developments without adequate Indigenous consultation, which critics argue threatens reconciliation. Ahead of the talks, the Assembly of First Nations released position papers focusing on economic development, policing, public safety, employment, and health, with specific proposals including a First Nations sovereign wealth fund.

Reminder: Firearms Amnesty Extended Beyond October 30 Expiry Date

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-23 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, National, Justice, Public Safety, Governance]

The Government of Canada has extended its federal firearms amnesty period beyond the previously scheduled expiry date of October 30, 2026, tying the new deadline to 90 days after the Supreme Court of Canada renders its decision on appeals challenging the May 2020 firearms prohibitions. The amendment covers amnesty orders associated with federal bans implemented in May 2020, December 2024, and March 2025, protecting affected individuals and businesses from criminal liability while maintaining compliance. In response, the Saskatchewan Firearms Office continues to provide provincial support through its Firearms Verification and Appraisal Service, offering firearm verification, certificates of exemption, and appraisals for affected owners and businesses navigating the federal regulations.

National security strategy to address array of threats coming soon: Carney adviser

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-23 17:14:26.0
Tags: [National, Public Safety, Defence, Governance, Economy]

David Morrison, senior diplomatic and international affairs adviser to Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced to the House of Commons public safety and national security committee that Canada is poised to release its first comprehensive national security strategy in over two decades. The upcoming strategy, last updated in 2004 under Prime Minister Paul Martin as Securing an Open Society, aims to address a wide array of modern threats with an increased focus on economic security. According to Privy Council Office spokesperson Mélany Gauvin, the policy document is expected to be made public within a few weeks, following directives initially issued by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to deliver a renewed strategy.

Claims that Canada is interfering in U.S. midterms have 'no merit,' Carney says

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-23 14:03:20.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Governance, Public Safety]

Prime Minister Mark Carney dismissed allegations of Canadian interference in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections made by U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra and trade adviser Peter Navarro as having "no merit." The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet outlining concerns regarding potential interference, pointing to routine meetings between Canadian government officials and Democratic representatives. In response, Global Affairs Canada advised embassy and consulate staff to avoid appearing with U.S. midterm candidates to prevent the appearance of meddling.

U.S. claims of Canadian political interference have ‘no merit,’ Carney says

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-23 13:24:53.0
Tags: [National, Governance, Trade, Public Safety]

Prime Minister Mark Carney stated there is no merit to claims by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra regarding potential Canadian political interference in the November U.S. midterm elections. Amid heightened diplomatic sensitivity and warnings from U.S. officials for Canadian politicians to stay out of American politics, Canadian diplomats have been instructed not to meet with or attend events featuring U.S. midterm candidates. Prime Minister Carney expressed disappointment over the envoy's accusations while emphasizing Canada's commitment to avoiding even the perception of electoral interference.