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Earnings of Philippine corporations grew slower in the first nine months of this year as the consumer, property and power sectors showed weakness due to high inflation during that period. In its latest Philippine Market Strategy report, COL Financial Group Inc. found that listed companies grew by 5 percent in the January to September period, down from 10.5 percent in the first quarter and 9.6 percent in the first half. Banks were the strongest among the industries as high net interest income and trading gains drove growth. According to COL, nearly all banks listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange booked higher profits, with growth averaging at 12.4 percent. Demand for loans increased, buoyed by consumer and corporate loans, which were up by 17 percent and 11.7 percent, respectively. The telecommunications sector, meanwhile, saw core earnings grow by an average of 19.1 percent on gains from the newer businesses of Globe Telecom Inc. and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. The performance of Manuel Pangilinan-led PLDT Inc. was relatively weaker than its competitors as poor weather led to network outages. Still, COL said these companies “all performed above expectations.” It also pointed out, however, that strength in the banking and telco industries failed to offset the “weaker” performance of the consumer, property and power companies. COL explained that consumer firms “delivered the worst performance” among all the publicly listed companies as high inflation during the period significantly dragged revenues. On average, profits of these firms fell by 10.1 percent as nine out of 13 stocks covered by COL reported “below expected” earnings. Although relatively unaffected by the business cycle, earnings of the power sector also declined by 1.9 percent. This came due to lower commodity and spot market prices, COL said. At the same time, property firms grew by 11.9 percent from 13.9 percent previously due to slower revenue growth. “Going forward, the pace of residential revenue growth might slow down further as takeup sales contracted for the fifth quarter in a row by 14.8 percent in [the third quarter],” COL noted. Earlier, analysts interviewed by the Inquirer explained that rate cuts were “not enough” to give the local market a much-needed boost in the third quarter due to an upside risk. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . But while equities abroad are expected to be hurt by US President-elect Donald Trump’s “protectionist policies,” experts said the Philippines’ position as a US ally may become an advantage for the stock market next year. INQ
Despite Improvements, Traeger Isn't Ready For An Upgrade Just YetMatt Gaetz (Picture credit: Reuters) Former US representative Matt Gaetz announced on Thursday that he is withdrawing his name from consideration for President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general position , citing ongoing federal sex trafficking investigations that raised concerns about his suitability for the role. Gaetz said that his potential confirmation was becoming a distraction from the important work of the Trump/Vance transition. "I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition. There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General," Gaetz posted on the social media platform X. However, this isn't the first time Gaetz has faced controversy. From inviting an internet troll to Trump 's state of the union address to his clashes with White House leader Kevin McCarthy, Gaetz has frequently made headlines. Here are some of his most notable controversies: When Matt invited an internet troll to Trump's state of the union address One of Gaetz's early controversial moments came in 2018 when he invited Charles C Johnson, a notorious internet troll, to attend Trump's first state of the union address. Gaetz explained to The Daily Beast that the invitation happened because Johnson "showed up at my office." Despite backlash, Gaetz defended Johnson—who had previously questioned the death toll of 6 million Jews during the Holocaust—telling Fox Business that Johnson was "not a Holocaust denier" and "not a white supremacist." Backlash over personal attack on Michael Cohen On the eve of Michael Cohen 's testimony before the House Oversight Committee in February 2019, Gaetz launched a sharp personal attack on X. "Do your wife & father-in-law know about your girlfriends? Maybe tonight would be a good time for that chat," Gaetz tweeted. "I wonder if she'll remain faithful when you're in prison. She's about to learn a lot." The tweet sparked outrage among House Democrats, prompting Gaetz to delete it and issue a rare apology. "While it is important to create context around the testimony of liars like Michael Cohen, it was NOT my intent to threaten, as some believe I did," Gaetz wrote, referencing then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s criticism of his comments. "I'm deleting the tweet & I should have chosen words that better showed my intent. I'm sorry." Democrats called for an ethics investigation into the incident. While the House Ethics Committee later cleared Gaetz of wrongdoing, it criticized him for conduct that did not "reflect creditably upon the House of Representatives." The Florida Bar, which also reviewed the matter, reached a similar conclusion, clearing Gaetz while condemning his actions. Sex-trafficking allegations against Gaetz In the final months of the Trump administration, the US justice department launched an investigation into sex-trafficking allegations involving Gaetz and a 17-year-old girl. The investigation, which lasted nearly three years, sought to determine whether Gaetz had paid for the girl's travel in violation of sex trafficking laws, among other allegations. According to Gaetz's colleagues, the congressman had boasted about his sexual encounters and even showed off nude photos of women. However, Gaetz denied all allegations of wrongdoing. His office said in 2023 that prosecutors had informed him he would not face charges. When Gaetz's 'Wingman' was sentenced to 11 years Joel Greenberg , a convicted fraudster who cooperated extensively with the justice department’s sex-trafficking investigation into Gaetz, was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a federal judge in Florida in 2022. Gaetz had referred to Greenberg, the former Seminole County tax collector, as his "wingman." Greenberg had previously pleaded guilty to charges including underage sex trafficking, wire fraud, stalking, identity theft, producing a fake ID, and conspiring to defraud the US government. The revelations surrounding Greenberg sparked widespread media attention, with journalists investigating Gaetz’s Venmo transactions with Greenberg and other reports detailing his behavior in the Florida House, including a claim about a "Harry Potter"-themed sex competition. When ethics committee launched an investigation The House Ethics Committee launched its investigation into Matt Gaetz's sexual misconduct and other allegations in 2021. While the investigation was initially put on hold due to pending charges from the justice department, the committee resumed its inquiry in May 2023. The committee, known for its discretion, publicly stated it was looking into whether Gaetz had been involved in sexual misconduct, illegal drug use, accepted improper gifts, or obstructed investigations. According to The New York Times, lawmakers were ready to vote on releasing their findings on Gaetz's conduct. However, before they could proceed, the Florida Republican unexpectedly resigned. This came shortly after Trump had selected Gaetz as his nominee for attorney general. Tense confrontation between Gaetz and McCarthy Kevin McCarthy, then-House minority leader, was expected to become the next House speaker after Republicans regained control of the chamber in the 2022 midterms. However, Gaetz and a few other lawmakers had different intentions. Tensions peaked in January 2023 after the 14th vote failed, leading to a confrontation where representative Mike Rogers of Alabama, chair of the House Armed Services Committee, had to be physically restrained after lunging at Gaetz. Gaetz's continued opposition to McCarthy had been a major obstacle to McCarthy securing the speaker's position. McCarthy eventually won on the next ballot, and Rogers later apologised for his actions. McCarthy ultimately secured the speaker's position, but Gaetz and a group of conservative lawmakers continued to hold significant leverage over him. Under House rules, a single member could initiate the process to remove the speaker. In October 2023, Gaetz triggered this process by filing a motion to vacate, and with the support of seven other Republicans and House Democrats, McCarthy was ousted. Gaetz claimed his push to remove McCarthy was driven by policy differences, but McCarthy has consistently argued that his removal was personal and motivated by revenge. McCarthy has also called for Gaetz to be jailed. The tension between McCarthy and Gaetz was also evident at the 2024 Republican National Convention when Gaetz interrupted McCarthy during a TV interview, prompting McCarthy’s team to escort him away. "What night are you speaking?" Gaetz asked, disrupting McCarthy’s conversation.
Article content One of the three former executives with a Montreal company who were on trial in a case in which they were accused of paying bribes to secure contracts in the Philippines was found guilty by a jury on Thursday. The jury that heard the trial of Robert Andrew Walsh, 82, Philip Timothy Heaney, 65, both of Montreal, and René Bélanger, 62, of St-Lambert, emerged from their deliberation at the Montreal courthouse and only found Heaney guilty of the three charges he faced. Walsh, a McGill University engineering graduate who created the groundbreaking ballistics technology behind the company, and Bélanger were both acquitted of all the charges they faced. All three of the accused were senior officers with a company that was first called Forensics Technology Inc. and later called Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology Inc. (UEFTI). They each faced two counts under Canada’s Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. They were alleged to have offered or given benefits between 2013 and 2018 to public officials in the Philippines or to other individuals who could influence public officials who made decisions on contracts. They were also charged with fraud under the Criminal Code. When the trial began in late October, prosecutor Marie-Eve Moore told the jury the Crown’s theory was that the accused allegedly paid bribes to secure contracts and then later added the cost of the bribes when they billed their clients. The investigation was done by the RCMP and, in 2023, Michael McLean, 58, of Beaconsfield, another former UEFTI executive charged in the case, pleaded guilty to a section of Canada’s Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. He received a 12-month sentence that he could serve in the community. Heaney’s case will enter the sentencing stage at a later date. pcherry@postmedia.comMichigan athletic director Warde Manuel gets 5-year contract extension
A former prominent Vancouver stock promoter residing in California has been sentenced to four months in jail and one year of supervised release for committing securities fraud through companies he directed in the U.S. In a federal court in Boston, Mass., on Wednesday, Avtar Singh Dhillon learned his fate from Judge Allison D. Burroughs after to wilful failure to disclose stock sales, aiding and abetting the sale of unregistered securities and conspiracy to not disclose touting compensation. Authorities had determined Dhillon and his corporate lawyer Daniel Martinez concealed ownership of shares for Boston-based Arch Therapeutics and New Jersey-based OncoSec Medical Inc. — two “fledgling” biotechnology companies Dhillon was chairman of the board for, between March 2011 and April 2020. Specifically, the U.S Attorney’s Office stated, Martinez made “misleading representations” directly and indirectly to stockbrokers in order to make it appear as if the shares held by Dhillon’s nominees were eligible for unrestricted sale to retail investors. Dhillon then clandestinely sold the shares for $2.1 million, profiting $1.5 million while Martinez gained just under $200,000. As such, Dhillon was ordered to repay $1.5 million as part of his guilty plea. Dhillon also participated in a securities conspiracy involving the non-disclosure of what the U.S. Attorney’s Office called , a subsidiary of Dhillon’s B.C.-based investment firm Emerald Health Sciences. Dhillon and the subsidiary (EHP) already settled fraud allegations in separate civil proceedings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) while Martinez pleaded guilty to criminal fraud in October 2023 and was sentenced to one year of supervised release. Dhillon faced the prospect of up to 63 months in prison; however, his recommended sentence was lowered to 18 months after pleading guilty and testifying against his former business associates in a contemporaneous civil complaint launched by the SEC, in August 2021. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Drabick noted Dhillon lied to the SEC twice under oath thus “digging his hole deeper.” Drabick said Dhillon and Martinez “were not equal partners” and “to be sure, Dhillon directed Martinez to take certain actions at certain times throughout the course of their criminal activity” and Martinez also never lied under oath. Drabick said Dhillon’s guilty plea and consideration for his two young children played a role in lowering the sentencing recommendation. But Burroughs was much more lenient on Wednesday after hearing from Dhillon, who resides in a US$12-million, 9,300-square-foot, yacht-lined waterfront home in Long Beach, Calif. “Avtar Singh Dhillon stands humbly before this Court, having reflected deeply on his conduct, anguished by the hurt to which he has exposed his daughter, son, and wife, and full of genuine remorse for the pain he has caused to his family, friends, and colleagues,” Dhillon wrote to the court in a pre-sentencing memorandum wherein he requested no prison time, no fine and two years of probation. Dhillon stated how he was not a U.S. citizen, unlike his wife Diljit Bains, and that “this case may ultimately have immigration consequences.” Bains stated in a letter to the court her husband’s crimes were contrary to the values she perceived himself to live by: “honesty, compassion, ambition, integrity, hard work, and the desire to make a positive impact on the world.” Bains hails from a prolific farming family, the daughter of the late “Peach King” Didar Bains, who has operations in B.C. Dhillon submitted, via his lawyer George W. Vien, that he wished to “rebuild and repair the relationships in his life, including within his family.” Dhillon, 63, touted a rags-to-riches type story, telling the court how he was disadvantaged as an immigrant child from Punjab growing up in Canada due to discrimination and bullying as well as a father troubled by alcohol-fuelled violence. But Dhillon overcame those disadvantages, working “in far-away fields under inhumane conditions” but ultimately graduating with a medical degree at the University of B.C. in 1988. However, after a short stint practising medicine, he turned to investment work in the 1990s and moved to the U.S. in 2001 before marrying Bains in 2004. Dhillon’s corporate work occurred largely in the medical and biotechnology fields after graduating from medical school. He once claimed, after an initial career as a medical doctor, to have raised more than $1 billion from investors. Dhillon is the past chairman of the Cannabis Canada Council and is a former member of the securities practice advisory committee to the B.C. Securities Commission. The commission has taken no regulatory action against him, to date. But south of the border, Dhillon had been subject to an intensive, widespread investigation from the SEC and Federal Bureau of Investigation for his part in an unprecedented and widespread $1-billion stock fraud scheme orchestrated, in part, from Vancouver, between 2011 and 2019, according to the authorities. In August 2021, the SEC filed a civil complaint against Dhillon, who only to finally admit to his part in the scheme and agree to testify against his associates, allowing him to avoid further criminal charges of obstruction. Dhillon testified in the civil trial that involved seven other B.C. residents since found liable of committing fraud. Some are facing criminal fraud charges in the U.S. Chief among them is former Vancouver lawyer and . to conceal shares for so-called “control groups” of individuals who secretly obtained vast amounts of shares of otherwise low-value public companies they secretly controlled. Dhillon testified in 2023 how he raised money for another of his companies OncoSec Biomedical from B.C. residents Paul Sexton, Mike Veldhuis — who face criminal fraud charges — as well as another former prominent Vancouver stock promoter David Sidoo. Sidoo is allegedly part of a separate control group led by former to what the U.S. Attorney’s Office called a “sprawling ‘pump-and-dump’ scheme involving the shares of numerous U.S.-based issuers that preyed on ordinary, retail investors.” The SEC charged Sidoo with civil fraud offences in April 2022, nearly two years after he was sentenced to jail for criminal wire fraud for his participation in the U.S. college admissions and bribery scandal. Sidoo’s own case involves other companies not associated with Dhillon. through B.C. company American Helium, which sold shares in U.S. markets. The allegations against Sidoo remain unproven as his trial is adjourned for the U.S. Attorney’s Office to clear up criminal cases of alleged co-conspirators (one of them being Bauer). Sidoo continues to reside in a home valued at about $35 million on Belmont Avenue in Vancouver’s West Point Grey neighbourhood near UBC; he has not been pursued by Canadian authorities. in monetary orders stemming from the SEC fraud complaint, albeit some are currently appealing the amounts and Sharp never responded to the SEC claiming he was not properly served. The residents are also contesting . Sharp has since been banned by the B.C. Securities Commission and owes the SEC US$52.9 million. As for Dhillon, , representing the net profits gained as a result of his fraud through OncoSec. He is also to pay US$1.3 million in interest. Of the US$10.4 million, US$1.5 million will be offset from his criminal sentence. Dhillon is also permanently banned from participating in penny stock trading (defined as any equity or security below a price of $5) and related business activity with public companies and stockbrokers in the U.S., although he is still free to conduct business in Canada. Dhillon also directed Vancouver-based medical marijuana company Emerald Health Therapeutics in the Lower Mainland before running afoul with the SEC in 2021. The company operated out of Richmond, where Dhillon leased land to it, according to company filings. Therapeutics was controlled by Emerald Health Sciences, whose shareholders include companies alleged to be controlled by Sharp, Sexton, Taylor and Delta resident Jackson Friesen (also facing criminal charges). One of Therapeutics’ co-founders is Dhillon’s nephew Yadvinder Singh Kallu, a U.S.- who was sentenced to nine years in a New York federal prison in 1999 after being caught running drugs and cash in Los Angeles for a transnational organized crime network. Kallu was able to obtain Health Canada medical marijuana growing licences for Therapeutics along with his brother Kris Kallu, on their parents’ property in Richmond. Meanwhile, Dhillon touted the company’s on his Richmond farm property. Therapeutics has since been absorbed by Skye Bioscience Inc., a company now being investigated by California law firms, including , for alleged securities fraud after being sued by a whistle-blowing employee. Two years prior to the Skye takeover, the Kallu property associated with Therapeutics was raided by Delta police in October 2020 under and is now subject to a civil forfeiture claim by the provincial government after police asserted an illegal marijuana grow-op was taking place under the guise of a medical marijuana company. Police have linked the grow-op to organized crime, including the Hells Angels. Notably, Sharp; Courtney Vasseur now . Evidence tendered by the SEC purports to show text messages from Sharp to an associate cautioning the associate to the risk of leaving evidence of money laundering for the Hells Angels: "On aug 12 u wrote a draft for grand yachts against cash. Cld u pls explain to me how this is legitimate payment? My concern is money laundering: hells angels gives us cash, we give them a draft to buy a boat. Later, boat is seized, polic investigate, find out charterhouse paid for it; visit us and ask why. What will u say?" With respect to Dhillon’s family, it is his nephew Kris Kallu who is suing Dhillon and Emerald Health Sciences, claiming the firm was a “sham” to serve as a “conduit for undisclosed payments” for chosen shareholders. Kris Kallu claims he was Therapeutics' co-founder and cultivator, using his blueberry farming skills, however a falling out took place in 2018 over share compensation. It was the September 2021 indictments against Dhillon and Sharp that also led Kris Kallu to use a 2019 Emerald securities registry to email shareholders about the proceedings. As a result, Emerald .Former Virginia guard Jalen Warley is transferring to Gonzaga, according to several reports Monday. Gonzaga appeared to confirm the transfer by reposting the news on social media. Warley, who has 96 college games (58 starts) under his belt, will use a redshirt this year and spend 2025-26 in Spokane, Wash. Warley played three seasons at Florida State before transferring to Virginia before the 2024-25 season. He was allowed to enter the transfer portal again following the surprise retirement of coach Tony Bennett just three weeks before the season. With the Seminoles, Warley averaged 6.0 points, 2.9 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. His junior year was his best, as he put up 7.5 points, 2.8 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game over 33 appearances (32 starts). --Field Level MediaANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan gave athletic director Warde Manuel a five-year contract extension Thursday on the heels of the Wolverines' upset over rival Ohio State and a strong start to the basketball season. Manuel, who has held the position since 2016, signed through June 30, 2030, the school announced. Manuel is also chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee. “During Warde’s tenure as director, Athletics has put a structure in place where our student-athletes compete for Big Ten and national championships, excel in the classroom, and proudly graduate with their University of Michigan degrees,” university President Santa J. Ono said in the announcement. Michigan had a disappointing football season, finishing 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten), but a 13-10 win over then-No. 2 Ohio State took some pressure off of the program. The Buckeyes were favored by 21 points, the widest point spread for the rivalry since 1978, according to ESPN Stats and Info. The Wolverines won the national championship last year in their final season led by coach Jim Harbaugh, whose tenure at the school involved multiple NCAA investigations for recruiting and sign-stealing allegations. Manuel supported Harbaugh through those processes. In basketball, the women's team made its season debut (No. 23) in the AP Top 25 this week. The men are 7-1 a season after firing coach Juwan Howard, who lost a school-record 24 games in 2023-24 as Michigan plummeted to a last-place finish in the Big Ten for the first time since 1967. Michigan has won 52 Big Ten championships since 2020. “Every day, I am thankful to work at this great institution and to represent Michigan Athletics," Manuel said in a statement. "I especially want to thank the student-athletes, coaches and staff who compete for each of our teams and who have helped us achieve unparalleled success athletically and academically. I am excited to continue giving back to a university that has provided me with so much over my career.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Qatar tribune QNA Doha Momentum has returned to negotiations aimed at reaching a truce and exchanging hostages in the Gaza Strip after the US elections, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has said. Speaking at a dialogue session titled ‘Conflict Resolution in a New Era’, as part of the activities of the 22nd Doha Forum, the PM said that they felt after the US elections that momentum was returning to the path of negotiations and there is much encouragement from the next US administration to reach an agreement, even before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. He added that this prompted them to return to the path and put the negotiations back on track, noting that they resumed the negotiations in the past weeks. “There will be some differences in the approach of the administration of President Joe Biden and that of President Trump to certain issues and matters. This approach affects the decisions taken and what happens on the ground. However, we have not noticed any differences or rejection by the new administration regarding the main goal, which is to end the war in Gaza,” he said. While referring to many fluctuations that the negotiations have witnessed since the beginning of the war, the prime minister said a deal was reached on November 23, 2023, under which 109 Israeli hostages and 15 foreign hostages were released in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners. “Since then, the same process and the same framework have continued. Discussions within this framework have continued until today,” he said. He added that they went through several stages during the negotiation process, in which this process was exploited for political reasons by one party or another, and they went through a lot of scrutiny and examination because one party or another tried to score political points. Sheikh Mohammed pointed out that the momentum of the negotiations had slackened significantly in the last days before the US elections in particular, and they did not feel a real will or readiness to reach a conclusion to the events that were sweeping the Strip. “At that moment, Qatar decided to take a step back similar to what it did last April to see if there was a possibility of regaining this momentum.” The PM stressed that this issue affects many people, whether the residents of Gaza or the families of the hostages. Unfortunately, and given the way things were managed during this year and the exposure of all these details to the public, raising the level of hope among these innocent people had negative effects because we felt frustrated every time as a result of these disappointments. “That’s why we’re focused on achieving meaningful results, and what we expect and hope for is that we reach results as soon as possible,” he said, adding that all parties have a real will to deal with things in good faith. The prime minister pointed out that the gaps and points of difference between Hamas and Israel are not big and are not of a magnitude that would affect the negotiations. He added, “The question is simple: Is there a will to end the war? Yes or no? And is there a will to reach an exchange deal? Yes or no? Two simple questions and two simple answers.” Regarding the developments in Syria, Sheikh Mohammed said that there were two main factors related to what is taking place today in Syria. The first factor was expected given the current events in Gaza, noting that Qatar warned against the expansion of the conflict and the consequences of the war in Gaza on the entire region. He added that they have noticed the expansion of this situation and the extension of this conflict, whether to Lebanon, the Red Sea, or other areas within the Middle East, expressing belief that it is wrong to consider that Syria is immune to this conflict. He explained that the second factor is related to ignoring the situation in Syria, adding that there was a golden opportunity during the period when the fighting calmed down but this opportunity was not seized, for Bashar Al Assad to begin correcting his relationship with his people. The PM said everyone in the world was surprised by the events witnessed in the past few days, and surprised by the speed of progress achieved by the opposition in Syria. “This situation may develop and its danger may increase,” he added, expressing concern about the escalation of the situation and the return of internal violence and civil war that threaten the territorial integrity of the Syrian state. He said that the current situation could undoubtedly destroy what remains of Syria, unless all parties act responsibly and quickly to establish the necessary framework to address this issue politically and reach a sustainable solution. He said Qatar’s role is to ensure the stability of the region and that of its own, for which it needs to deal with all sides, work for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and ensure a better future for the region. Copy 09/12/2024 10Election Aftermath: Gaetz Out, Bondi In, and Pennsylvania's Electoral Drama | @amacforamerica
There was no shortage of reaction to Premier Doug Ford’s plan to take a hard line on homeless encampments and public drug use. “No one will help me. I’m *** starving and I’m freezing, and *** almost burned to death,” exclaimed Chris Sinclair, who has been staying at a London, Ont. park. He said he’s too busy worrying about how he’s going to survive the winter than he is about getting arrested for living in an encampment. “Where are we supposed to go, right? This is *** ***. Excuse my language but we were told to come here. I thought the law said that until, between certain months we can come to these camps,” Sinclair told CTV News. The Ford government says it will introduce legislation to help municipalities dismantle homeless encampments. Measures include fines up to $10,000, and up to six months in prison for people who repeatedly use illegal drugs in parks and public spaces. The move follows requests from a number of Ontario mayors calling for the legal tools to crack down on encampments. London Mayor Josh Morgan said he wants to make sure there’s a plan in place to get people help when they’re moved from encampments, but the new laws are necessary to deal with a growing concern. “What I see here is the premier carving out a number of things. I look toward continued investment for creating spaces for people to come indoors is absolutely necessary. And continuing to find pathways to treatment and recovery. But allowing us some tools to deal with open drug use. It’s absolutely something that has to be dealt with,” said Morgan. Sarah Campbell, executive director of Ark Aid Street Mission, on Dec. 13, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London) Some who work on the front lines of the homelessness and addictions crisis say the plan effectively criminalizes people for being unhoused and sets monetary penalties with little chance of actually being able to collect. Sarah Campbell, the executive director of the Ark Aid Street Mission, said supports have to be in place before making arrests and removing people from encampments. “I lament public drug use,” exclaimed Campbell. “It’s a problem for our communities. And at the same time, until we have pathways to care and support, I think it’s very short-sighted. And I also think that the language around how we’re calling out addicts who are outside versus addicts who are inside is marginalizing and really setting up a system of oppression,” Campbell said. The Ford government also says it will invest more than $75 million into homelessness prevention, including money for affordable housing and expanding shelter capacity. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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Federal government says 'not to confuse' premiers' differing opinions on Trump tariff retaliation, 'confident' in Canada's response As it continues to tout a 'Team Canada' approach, the federal government is downplaying differing opinions from premiers on how Canada should respond to a potential 25 per cent tariff from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump. Eight people injured after horse-drawn wagon went out of control in eastern Ont. Eight people were injured after horses became out of control while a man was offering a horse-drawn wagon ride Thursday in eastern Ontario, according to the Brockville Police Service. Kitchener School warns parents of possible scarlet fever case in Waterloo, Ont. There are new concerns surrounding a highly contagious infection after a suspected case of scarlet fever was reported at a school in Waterloo, Ont. This little piggy went to the Humane Society The Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth Humane Society has an unusual animal up for adoption after it was found wandering the streets. Labour minister unveils steps to end Canada Post strike Canada Post workers began their strike four weeks ago, halting mail and package deliveries across the country. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he hopes work will resume as early as next week. Barrie South Simcoe police mourn death of officer facing discreditable conduct charges The South Simcoe Police Service is mourning the passing of one of its officers. Driver sentenced to jail time in 2019 dangerous driving causing bodily harm case An Aurora man convicted of dangerous driving causing bodily harm for a crash that sent a woman to hospital where she later died was sentenced Friday in a Newmarket courtroom. Student charged with explosives-related offence in Kawartha Lakes Provincial police in Kawartha Lakes charged a student following a report that someone brought an unknown substance into a school. Windsor Fentanyl and Psilocybin seized in Leamington Essex County OPP have charged two people with drug-related offences following the execution of a warrant in Leamington. CUPW Local 630 leader 'disappointed' by government’s plan amid strike Windsor-Essex union leaders for Canada Post workers aren’t happy with the latest plans from Canada’s labour minister about the ongoing strike. Crow statue being removed from Chatham park A 13-foot-tall crow won’t likely be in Zonta Park for much longer. Northern Ontario Northern Ont. bank employee taken to hospital with serious injuries after shooting An employee at Northern Credit Union in Wawa, Ont., was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a shooter entered the branch and opened fire Thursday morning, the financial institution said in a statement. One dead after single vehicle rollover in northern Ontario A 65-year-old man from northern Ontario has died after a single-vehicle rollover Thursday evening near Temiskaming Shores. Buckingham Palace maid arrested after drunken brawl at work Christmas party Buckingham Palace is investigating after a member of staff was arrested at the end of a rowdy Christmas party. Sault Ste. Marie 'A lot at stake': Fedeli says Canada needs to unite against Trump’s tariffs threat Returning from a trip to the U.S. capital, Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade says Canada must unite against looming tariff threats that could be imposed by President-elect Donald Trump. Elliot Lake fire crews continue to battle massive apartment fire Fire crews continue to battle an apartment building fire on Hirshhorn Avenue in Elliot Lake. Damage is extensive. First group of internationally trained family doctors already making a difference in northern Ontario With doctor shortages across the country, Ontario is tapping into the availability of internationally trained family physicians to solve part of the health care crisis. Ottawa Eight people injured after horse-drawn wagon went out of control in eastern Ont. Eight people were injured after horses became out of control while a man was offering a horse-drawn wagon ride Thursday in eastern Ontario, according to the Brockville Police Service. More than 1,500 vehicles reported stolen in Ottawa in 2024: Here are the hotspots for thefts Statistics on the Ottawa Police Service's Crime Map show 1,559 vehicles have been reported stolen in Ottawa between Jan. 1 and Dec. 12. Vehicle thefts include joy rides, opportunistic thefts, and "single-use crimes," according to police. Ontario Premier standing firm on retaliatory measures to Trump tariffs Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he will use every tool at his disposal to manage the threat of tariffs from incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. Toronto 'They believe in diplomacy, good luck': Doug Ford doubles down on energy threat as some premiers distance themselves Doug Ford is standing behind his threat to stop providing the U.S. with electricity in response to president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs, even as several other premiers publicly distance themselves from the stance. Top musician forced to cancel Toronto concert after Air Canada refused to give his priceless cello a seat on plane Famed British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who became a household name after performing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has said he had to cancel a concert in Canada after the country’s largest airline denied his pre-booked seat for his cello. Transit woes continue into the weekend for GTA commuters Following the service disruptions on Monday and Wednesday, Line 1 (Yonge-University) will be closed between York Mills and St Clair stations though this weekend due to planned track work. Montreal Quebec, Ottawa announce $100-million deal to fight homelessness, add shelter spaces Ottawa and Quebec announced an agreement Friday to help unhoused Quebecers as homeless encampments continue to multiply in the province and frigid weather sets in. Two Montreal anesthesiologists suspended for questionable practices: College of Physicians Two anesthesiologists at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital were brought before the Quebec College of Physicians disciplinary board for questionable practices and were suspended. Tammara Thibeault signs with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions Quebec’s Tammara Thibeault has taken a major step in her career by becoming one of the featured boxers for Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the promotion company founded by promoter, boxer and influencer and influencer Jake Paul. Atlantic P.E.I. RCMP looking for man who reportedly jumped from Confederation Bridge Multiple police and search and rescue teams are looking for a man who reportedly jumped from the Confederation Bridge Friday morning. Nova Scotia non-profit groups trying to save huge Acadian church now facing lawsuit The Roman Catholic Church in southwestern Nova Scotia has filed a lawsuit against two non-profit groups trying to save a historic deconsecrated Acadian church. Man charged with manslaughter in death of missing Cape Breton man A man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the disappearance and homicide of a man in Cape Breton this past summer. Winnipeg Saying goodbye to a Winnipeg restaurant owner with a legacy of kindness Shirley Eng, the charismatic, down-to-earth owner of the famous chicken finger restaurant Mitzi’s, unexpectedly passed away at the beginning of December at age 78, according to her family. Inwood Creamery melts in major fire A 106-year-old creamery in Inwood, Man., was destroyed in a major blaze Wednesday evening. 'Tremendous donation': Police and Fire Games donating to Manitoba organizations to help fund sports Following a successful Winnipeg World Police and Fire Games in 2023, the host society is setting up a legacy program that will help distribute money to fund local sports in Manitoba. It was announced Friday the program will provide $300,000 through three main avenues. Calgary Widow of pedestrian hit and killed on Elbow Drive supports crosswalk changes The wife of a Calgary man killed while crossing the road in a marked intersection is pushing for flashing lights to be installed. Alberta's new CTrain Green Line plan includes elevated downtown tracks, more stops The province has released a “reimagined” plan for the Green Line CTrain track that it says is longer and less expensive than what the City of Calgary had planned. Section of QEII highway northbound closed because of 'serious' crash: RCMP The QEII is closed northbound near Lacombe because of a serious crash as of 10:50 a.m. on Friday, RCMP say. Edmonton Sentencing delayed in 'unprovoked' 3-day crime spree after man fires lawyer A man responsible for a series of violent crashes and carjackings in 2023 fired his lawyer during his sentencing hearing on Friday. Labour minister unveils steps to end Canada Post strike Canada Post workers began their strike four weeks ago, halting mail and package deliveries across the country. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he hopes work will resume as early as next week. Section of QEII highway northbound closed because of 'serious' crash: RCMP The QEII is closed northbound near Lacombe because of a serious crash as of 10:50 a.m. on Friday, RCMP say. Regina Second suspect wanted in Sask. serious assaults investigation arrested The second suspect wanted in connection to serious assaults in Swift Current has been arrested. Grand opening held for Regina's integrated youth services hub A grand opening for a new youth services community hub was held in Regina on Friday. Regina police stats show year-over-year increase in crimes involving people, property A Regina police report shows that both crimes against people and property have seen a year-over-year increase when comparing this November to last. Saskatoon 'Little girl deserves justice': Gallery erupts in anger as charges stayed against driver who killed child In a tense courtroom, a judge stayed the charge against a Saskatoon woman who hit and killed a nine-year-old girl. 'Gong show': Emergency patients overflow into ambulatory unit at St. Paul's Hospital The emergency department at St. Paul's Hospital is so full its turning to the ambulatory unit. Saskatoon man faces child porn charges A 28-year-old Saskatoon man has been charged with child exploitation offences following an online investigation by the Saskatchewan ICE unit. Vancouver Sneaky sketch artist to leave surprises in free libraries throughout Vancouver Sneaky by name, sneaky by nature - you probably wouldn’t recognize the face of Nishant Jain if it passed you on the street. 20-year-old pedestrian suffers life-threatening injuries in Abbotsford crash A 20-year-old pedestrian is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Abbotsford Friday morning. Vancouver Whitecaps owners put Major League Soccer club up for sale The owners of the Vancouver Whitecaps are putting the Major League Soccer team up for sale. Vancouver Island B.C. Greens to support NDP on confidence votes, work together on shared priorities The B.C. New Democratic and Green parties have reached an "agreement in principle" on a "co-operation and responsible government accord" that will see the smaller party support the government on confidence matters. Nanaimo liquor store robbed at knifepoint, RCMP seek suspect Nanaimo RCMP have released a photograph of a suspect who allegedly robbed a liquor store in the city in an effort to garner new information from the public. B.C. girl inspired by Hollywood star to donate turkeys to local families in need When Maria-Clara Patrick first watched that video of Arnold Schwarzenegger, she assumed they had nothing in common. Stay ConnectedBNP-linked groups rally to protest attack on Agartala mission
La Liga Roundup: Griezmann double makes it nine wins in a row for AtleticoMiddle East latest: Syrians celebrate Assad's fall as US seeks a peaceful political transition