#toronto articles

[queen-street-news]

New Post has been published on https://bloornews.com/blog-toronto/misunderstanding-caused-bc-company-to-say-health-canada-licensed-it-to-sell-cocaine-trudeau-says/

‘Misunderstanding’ Caused BC Company to Say Health Canada Licensed It to Sell Cocaine, Trudeau Says

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it was a “misunderstanding” that caused a British Columbia-based company to say Health Canada granted it permission to produce, sell, and distribute cocaine.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to the media in Ottawa on Feb. 12, 2023. (Patrick Doyle/The Canadian Press)

Trudeau told reporters in Winnipeg on March 3 that he was “as surprised” as B.C. Premier David Eby when he heard that the company Adastra Holdings Ltd., which produces marijuana for adult use and medical sales out of its headquarters in Langley, B.C., announced on Feb. 22 that it was permitted by Health Canada to “legally possess, produce, sell and distribute” cocaine.

The company said in a news release that it had been granted a Health Canada amendment to its controlled substance dealer’s licence on Feb. 17.

Eby first responded to the company’s statement on March 2, saying he was “astonished” that Health Canada would grant the amendment and that his government would be contacting Health Canada for answers.

“I was as surprised as the premier of British Columbia was to see that company was talking about selling cocaine on the open market or commercializing it,” Trudeau said on March 3.

“There are limited and very restricted permissions for certain pharmaceutical companies to use that substance for research purposes and for very specific narrowly prescribed medical purposes, but it is not a permission to sell it commercially or provide it on an open market.”

The prime minister said his government is actively addressing the issue.

“We are working very quickly with this company to correct their misunderstanding that their press release has caused,” he said, adding that decriminalizing the commercial sale of cocaine “is not something that this government is looking at furthering.”

Decriminalization B.C. decriminalized possession of up to 2.5 grams of certain hard drugs, including cocaine, beginning on Jan. 31 following Health Canada’s approval of three-year experimental decriminalization exemption program back in May 2022.

Federal Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett has said that B.C.’s decriminalization plan will reduce “the stigma, the fear, and shame that keep people who use drugs silent about their use, or using alone.”

In 2022, B.C. had an average of over six people dying from drug overdoses every day, and over 11,000 people in the province have died from illicit drug overdoses since the provincial government declared a public health emergency in 2016.

Federal Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized the decriminalization policy, saying the solution to the issue of addiction is “more treatment and recovery,” rather than “more poison.”

Both Trudeau and Justice Minister David Lametti have said Ottawa has no plans for a national drug decriminalization policy.

The Canadian Press and Marnie Cathcart contributed to this report.

(Patrick Doyle/The Canadian Press) Peter Wilson

[reviewed-rated]

Trudeau government's invocation of the Emergencies Act in February 2022—to end the Freedom Convoy protests—was unreasonable and violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

On January 23, 2024, Justice Richard Mosley of the Federal Court of Canada ruled that the Trudeau government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act in February 2022—to end the Freedom Convoy protests—was unreasonable and violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.     Key Points from the Ruling: – The court found that the legal threshold for invoking the Emergencies Act was not met. –…

[thingsreadinthedark]

Morning reads: an intriguing piece from the Toronto Star News today detailing the Justice Minister recently cut in Justin Trudeau’s cabinet shuffle.

It sounds like he was making progress. However, it also sounds like there were too many issues regarding bail reform, amongst other things, that caused him to get dropped. 🤔

Always interesting to take a closer look at the people who make up the government’s cabinet of ministers and leaders.

[toronto-credit-card-processing]

320 Permit Parking spaces removed by Brad Bradford in the Beaches

Details of City Of Toronto Transportation Services Report This staff report is about a matter that Community Council has delegated authority from City Council to make a final decision. Transportation Services is reporting on the results of the permit parking poll undertaken on Pine Crescent, Glen Ames, Long Crescent, Glen Oak Drive, Balsam Road, Pine Glen Road and Glen Stewart Crescent. As…

[intheupside]

Crosby to be Canada's 'security blanket' as captain at 4 Nations Face-Off

Indeed, is anyone more deserving of the title of Captain Canada?

“He’s up there,” Tocchet said. “And look, I don’t want to embarrass Sid. But from sitting in the locker room across from Wayne Gretzky, the way Wayne’s demeanor is, the way he acted around his teammates, the way he acted in front of the public, Sid’s got that.

“And then you’ve got the Mark Messier type, not afraid to say things to your teammates if needed at the right time. And I’ve seen Sid do that too, using his voice to let them know something is unacceptable. He’s willing to do that. That to me is a great leader. In all facets. One hundred percent.

“The bottom line: When he puts that jersey on, you can sense the calmness come over the entire country of Canada. It’s almost like he’s our security blanket.”

“From the time I first met him, it’s just the way he always looks to raise the bar,” Bergeron said. “We’ve been teammates and linemates in a lot of these tournaments, and he’s never satisfied. He’s always looking to the next thing. He’s able to enjoy the success but at the same time wanting more. It’s his drive, his determination, there’s a lot of reasons why he’s been so clutch and so important in, what you could say, [is] history.

“He commands respect. I think the country is proud of who he is as a person and how he represents us on the international stage. There’s no missteps. It’s been going on since he’s been 14 years old when they started aiming cameras on him. He’s never had a misstep.”

Bergeron is considered one of the top leaders of his era and won the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2021, an honor Crosby received in 2010.

“I accomplished a lot in my career,” Bergeron said. “But I have to say, I’m so proud that in my time playing, that Sidney was the face of our league and for Canadian hockey. Well deserved.”

Crosby already had his eyes on the 4 Nations prize five months ago, long before he would officially be given the “C” for Team Canada.

Back in early September, Crosby helped organize an unofficial training camp of sorts under the watchful eye of Andy O’Brien, his longtime trainer, in Vail, Colorado. Among those invited to the event were some of Canada’s top players, including Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, who like Crosby is from Cole Harbour; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid; and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner.

Crosby insists it wasn’t an official Canada team-bonding exercise, pointing out that there were players from other countries there as well. At the same time, he admits it was productive for some of the Canadians on hand to get the opportunity to develop chemistry and play together, something that could come in handy at the 4 Nations and the 2026 Olympics.

Marner, for one, was appreciative of the invite extended him by Crosby and O’Brien.

“It was great,” he said. “Getting to know Sid and some of those guys both on and off the ice, well, I was grateful that they asked me to join them.

“You get to know them on and off the ice a bit. Such great guys. And so much talent out there with guys like Sid, MacKinnon and McDavid.”

And, according to Team Canada and Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper, it was just another example of Crosby’s leadership ability to bring players together for a common goal.

“It’s what he does,” Cooper said. “It’s who he is.

“Look at what he did [last] month when we were in Pittsburgh.”

Cooper was referring to a postgame scene after his team had defeated Crosby and the Penguins 5-2 on Jan. 12, a game in which Tampa Bay scored three goals in the final 3:03 to break a 2-2 tie. The uber-competitive Crosby was upset that victory had eluded the Penguins, but still took time to see Cooper afterward to chat about the 4 Nations.

At one point, Crosby asked Cooper to bring out Lightning forwards Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli, his future 4 Nations teammates, to talk about the upcoming tournament.

“He here is, angry that his team had just lost a game, and he put that aside to talk Team Canada with them,” Cooper said. “They sat there for 20 minutes. They were like kids in a candy store.

“That right there is what true leadership is.”

And, according to Tocchet, what Crosby is all about.

“It’s unbelievable,” Tocchet said. “He’s a guy that carries the torch, and is willing to pass the torch on when he’s done.

“That’s what he’s doing with Cirelli, Hagel, those guys. He basically comes in and says, ‘Hey, you guys are my teammates in a month, I just want to get to know you real quick and let you know what’s at stake.’ He’s done it with other players. I just think it goes so far with his teammates. They legitimately badly want to play with him, to be his teammate.”

[dontforgetukraine]

"It is our responsibility to categorically reject any attempts to excuse or rehabilitate the Russian war crimes being committed in Ukraine, and to ensure that the suffering of Russia’s victims is neither forgotten nor minimized — it’s the very least we can do for the tens of thousands of Ukrainians whose lives they stole and destroyed."

—Kate Tsurkan, Kyiv Independent Reporter

Source: Opinion: Russian soldiers in Ukraine are ‘ordinary guys’ who commit horrific war crimes

[tiger-balm]

dewey stand up routine 🔜

[nottodayjustin]

April 1st 2024 best hockey tweet(s) of the day

[wmnylander]

[ratatatastic]

What did Nico H do to Barky??

This is specifically referring to an incident on Dec 17 2022 where Nico and Sasha were lining up for a face-off where Nico crosschecked his knee in the first period and subsequently Sasha would not start the second and would not come back to finish the game at all.

He would miss 3 games and end up playing again on Dec 29 2022, this was also after the time he came back from pneumonia so he hadn't already played in like 2 weeks so to see him out again wasn't exactly great news which only spurred on what some might call an excessive reaction, not to mention the whole "Dont hurt our Captain!"-ness of it all. Also Matthew was out with illness the game before against the Penguins and had just come back for the game against Jersey and it just felt like the team was always down a couple players due to illness or injury so to have your Captain out AGAIN made this game way chippier than it would've been for perhaps any other team.

Naturally the kitties did not take kindly to what they saw as a dirty play (despite later on Sasha reassuring media he didn't think Nico did it on purpose or that he's a dirty player) and checked him every chance they got, and then the next matchup after that.

And well, if you noticed since then kitties have specifically targetted Nico and have played him a lot harder than other Devs (because he's a great 2-way player you HAVE to play him harder but sometimes you can't help but think if theres something of a grudge there) which is why he ends up in a lot more scrums against us and I'm afraid Matthew seems to have the biggest grudge against him lol Ekky's definitely tied for like 2nd with the way he's always roughing up Devs doesnt specifically have to be Nico just /a/ Dev and it's been 2 years

[3416]

mitch marner, man with a wife, says he likes to come home to his dog after games and then just black out playing cod for a bit..... i'm fljdsklfjsdlkfj

[queen-street-news]

New Post has been published on https://bloornews.com/blog-toronto/jordan-peterson-shows-bill-maher-why-justin-trudeau-is-bad/

Jordan Peterson shows Bill Maher why Justin Trudeau is BAD

[reviewed-rated]

Support : Druthers is an independent, people-powered Canadian newspaper

Druthers is an independent, people-powered Canadian newspaper that began in December 2020. It was founded by Shawn Jason to provide news and information that, according to its mission, is not covered by traditional corporate media. Starting with an initial print run of 25,000 copies in Toronto, the publication has grown significantly, distributing over 13 million copies across Canada as of…

[grainelevator]

Beavers are a keystone species that can help control areas (like California) that are affected by droughts, wildfires and floods by creating wetlands

[toronto-credit-card-processing]

Mayoral Hopeful Brad Bradford Robs Beach Residents of Parking on Pine Crescent

Authorize the removal of the overnight on-street permit parking program on Pine Crescent, between Balsam Avenue and Glen Manor Road East Authorize the removal of the overnight on-street permit parking program on Pine Glen Road, between Glen Manor Drive East and Pine Crescent City Of Toronto Report Other Media Other Sites Other Sites TV Mayoral Hopeful Brad Bradford Robs Beach Residents of…

[chirpingfromthebox]

The Sceptres' Post-game Press Session from 2/11/2025 - MIN at TOR

The Toronto Sceptres' post-game press session from their home game against the Minnesota Frost on Feb. 11th, 2025.

At the table were head coach Troy Ryan and forwards Renata Fast and Natalie Spooner.

My transcription is under the break.

[Video begins]

Reporter:

Natalie, it’s been a long road back to being on the ice in a full game. What was it like to get back on the ice and how do you feel?

NATALIE SPOONER:

Oh, it was awesome. I mean, definitely an adjustment and I think it will take a few games to get really back feeling like myself. But just to get out there with the girls, to get that win, felt really good. So, excited for the next one now.

Reporter:

It seemed like you and Hannah [Miller] kind of just picked up where you left off last year, really clicking together. How much easier does it make it knowing that you’re gonna be on a line with her and you guys already have that chemistry from last season?

NATALIE SPOONER:

Yeah, I mean I loved playing with her last season. I think last season, like, I’d say she was one of the best passers on our team and was setting me up. But this year she’s scoring all the goals. So I think I gotta be the one passing to her now [laughs]. But I mean she’s an amazing player so I know she’s gonna, you know, bury those pucks. She’s gonna win battles, make plays. She’s a lot of fun to play with.

Reporter:

Does that net front still feel real familiar?

NATALIE SPOONER:

For sure. Yeah, I like being around there. Got a few pucks in there today, they didn’t quite go in, but yeah, just kind of getting comfortable with my timing and where to be when pucks are coming in. Might take a little bit of time, but it felt good to be back there. Felt at home.

Reporter:

How did tonight compare to your expectations over the weeks and months?

NATALIE SPOONER:

Yeah, I mean obviously, like, coming back from pregnancy I kind of had a similar experience and I think having that I can kind of, in a sense, give myself grace. And I would say the first period definitely didn’t feel great. But kind of in the second period I thought I settled in a little bit more. But yeah, to be honest it felt a little bit of a blur so I’ll have to go back and watch a bit of the game and see. I’ve got a lot to work on still. Could feel it out there already so just kind of take it a game at a time and hopefully after a few games I kind of get back to that timing and that rhythm of the game.

Reporter:

Did you surpass- or did you get back quicker than you might even have thought you might have gotten back? Or was this a little later than you were thinking that you would?

NATALIE SPOONER:

As a high-performance athlete I think you want to get back as soon as you can. So I probably would have liked to have been back earlier. But at the same time I think it was the right time. The strides that I was making week after week, I think, were important. And to be able to go out there and feel safe and feel strong, I think was important. Today I felt good physically, so now it’s just getting that speed and that timing back.

Reporter:

Renata, is there a different feel with Natalie back in the lineup?

RENATA FAST:

Yeah, definitely. I mean, you can feel it the moment we got to the rink this morning- this afternoon, Spooner’s energy already in the locker room. I think Spoons just brings so much on ice, off the ice. Her presence, like you said, the net front, I think all us D were like, “If you see Spoons in front of the net just shoot the puck.” Because she’s just so good in front of there. Yeah, just such a valuable part of our team. It’s nice to have her back.

Reporter:

Troy, what did you think of Natalie’s performance in her first game back?

TROY RYAN:

I thought it was great. You know I mentioned to- in media before the game that it’s- you know our team would just be so excited to have her back. The presence she has off the ice, the presence she has on the ice. Had a great, probably our best scoring chance in the first period and none of it really surprises me. Doesn’t surprise me that she got back as early as she did. It’s like the best- it’s almost like a trade acquisition you make at this point in the year. And it’s the best trade we potentially could make getting Spooner back into our lineup at this point in the year. We’re excited.

Reporter:

In retrospect what did that time away feel like for you given you guys fought so hard to have this league? What was it like to watch from the stands in those games? Especially after the season you had last year.

NATALIE SPOONER:

Yeah, yeah, I mean, yeah, it’s never easy, I think, to show up at the rink every day, but not like be able to practice with your team. And be grinding out and rehabbing; it’s not where you want to be. But I think, you know, I just took it a day at a time. And standing in the stands at the same time I got to see kind of the perspective of the fans and how amazing the league is from that perspective. Which I think was really neat. Just kind of brought a really big appreciation for, you know, the city of Toronto. And they’re showing up for us every single day. So to be able to play in front of them today was kind of extra special because I had then seen that other side that when you’re on the ice you don’t really get to see.

Reporter:

Troy, it seemed that this was, for both teams, but seems like neither team was able to get shots until it opened up a little in the third. Why do you think that was the case? Especially for you guys. And why do- how do you want to make that adjustment moving forward?

TROY RYAN:

Yeah, I think there’s many reasons, many factors. Like obviously a lot of players on both of these teams were just away with their national team. So that’s gonna have some impact. Fatigue would be part; it’s a quick turnaround and it’s the first game after that international break. And it’s not just that, you know, there’s players not just the Canada/US, there’s the international players that did international travel and then a quick turnaround to get into this game. And then the players that weren’t away with the national teams, there’s a bit of a break there, right? So you get away from the flow of what games look like on a regular basis. You try to create game-like situations, but it’s really difficult when one half of your team is not there and some of your staff. So I think that’s- it’s just a quick turnaround. We knew that it was going to be ugly at times, but I think that’s what’s special about getting a win like that. Is that you can find different ways to win and our group just found a way to stick with it. So I think that’s one of the ones that when I look back at the end of this year I’m gonna be proud of, because you know, it’s just you’re finding a way to get it done.

Reporter:

You mentioned some of the international prey- play, bringing back Laura [Kluge] after her training camp and what has the process been like over the past couple of months here? And bringing her back what does she bring to this team?

Troy Ryan:

Yeah, she’s gonna be a great addition. You know, Gina [Kingsbury]’s done a lot of hard work to make that happen and obviously Laura as well on her end. You know, the one thing that I think’s really important to note is that it’s kind of getting grouped in with the [Sarah] Nurse being on long-term injury: they’re not connected at all. Laura was coming in to be a part of our team and it just happened to align with the same time that Nurse got- and I know that’s a bit of a side note, but I think it’s important for everybody to know that it was always the plan to bring in Laura and when we got the opportunity it just coincided with Nurse’s injury.

Reporter:

Just to piggyback on that, were you guys always looking for her to come after the international break? I know her and Germany were trying to qualify for the Olympics. Was that kind of the time frame you guys were looking at?

TROY RYAN:

Yeah, I mean you might have to ask Gina on the exact details of it. I just know it was always work but there was some work with her to do in Germany to get cleared and be able to be eligible for us to have signed her.

Reporter:

Renata, it’s taken a long time to get to your goal-

RENATA FAST:

Oh, it’s all good. [laughs]

Reporter:

Did you realize there was so little time left on the clock? And maybe a little bit of your description on what you saw there?

[For the record it took 6min and 41 seconds to ask Fast about her game-winning overtime goal. Just so you know!]

RENATA FAST:

Yeah, no I actually had no idea of the time on the clock. But, yeah, I was just telling them that I’ve had a couple of breakaways in overtime where I’ve shot the puck over the net or things like that. So I just went in just like, telling myself, “Don’t shoot over the net.” And that’s what happened. But yeah, I had no idea of the time.

Reporter:

Do you think the 3-on-3 suits your game?

RENATA FAST:

Yeah, I like when there’s lots of space on the ice, so I think it suits my game.

Reporter:

With the week- I mean, you’re coming back from Rivalry Series and can’t be really totally fresh, but you still had gas to go, at that point in the game, after- I mean, you were at your own end for almost the full 5 minutes, where do you find that?

RENATA FAST:

Yeah, well, I mean you see open ice in front of you and your eyes get big, you just go. But no, I think all of us were a little bit tired from the week that we had, but yeah, you just find it in yourself to play a game that you can play given the energy levels you have and go when you can and stay back when you don’t have it. So I think just managing it throughout the game allows you to still have a jump at the end.

Reporter:

Do you feel you were kind of owed this one? I mean you’ve had a lot of games where you guys have dominated play, and they kind of well they did dominate the overtime, and then to just steal one away. Do you almost feel like you’re owed this one?

RENATA FAST:

It definitely felt good. I mean, yeah we’ve had quite a few close games, overtime games, that haven’t gone our way in the last little bit. So, yeah, I think our team was happy with this one to finally get the win.

Reporter:

You mentioned earlier about not having Sarah [Nurse]. How much does that hurt not having her in the lineup for the next stretch?

TROY RYAN:

Yeah, it’s gonna be tough. She’s a big part of our team. A big part of our success. And obviously it’s gonna be difficult for a few weeks without her in our lineup, but I think there’s plenty of players that will make the most of the opportunity and hopefully we don’t miss a beat.

Reporter:

Can you guys also just talk about Kirk’s performance in the overtime? We talked a lot about it and then she made a couple big saves for you guys. Can you just talk a little about your thoughts on her during the game and especially during that overtime?

NATALIE SPOONER:

I mean, I thought she was solid. I’ve got to watch her from, you know, the stands, but to be out there- She made some huge saves and I think, you know, diving saves sometimes. Like, they were just desperation saves, but I think those were the saves we needed. She was able to make them in a timely time when we needed them and keep us in that game and eventually get Renata down the ice. So, yeah, we needed those big saves and she was able to give them to us tonight.

Reporter:

And Natalie, obviously, you know, the two big stories is no Nurse in the lineup and then you joining the lineup. Does- Do you think that puts any pressure on you getting back up to speed quicker here knowing that, you know, a big part of the team like Nurse is gonna be out for the foreseeable future?

NATALIE SPOONER:

I mean, I’m not trying to put any more pressure on myself, no. But I mean, I also play with Nursey so I was pretty disappointed, obviously, with her getting hurt. And I’ve played with her for many, many years now. And she’s kind of a comfortable person that I can play with. So definitely disappointed that, you know, I don’t have her there beside me, but I know she’ll be back soon enough. And hopefully we can pick up also where we left off, but yeah, I mean, she’s still a huge part of this team and she’ll still be around. So it’s just making sure that we’re winning games so that when she comes back we’re in a good spot.

Reporter:

Natalie, you mentioned being excited earlier, to come back and make the return, but how much does the win make the moment and the night that much sweeter for you?

NATALIE SPOONER:

Yeah, I mean it’s- Obviously you go out there, you want to win and you give it all. Just to come away with that win? It felt really good. So hopefully we can kind of build off that. It was definitely not a pretty win, but just kind of take that energy into the next little stretch of games we have and keep improving every game I think is really the goal coming down the stretch.

Reporter:

When did you know that tonight would be the game that you would make your return?

NATALIE SPOONER:

I mean, the timeline was kind of always constantly changing. But last week I had a few tests and was able to pass them and just kind of, I guess, talking with my surgeon and medical staff and it was like, Okay, you’re good to go. Passed everything. And then they were like, hey, that can be the game then. I mean, I’d always hoped for either this game or maybe a game earlier, but, you know. This one was the good game. You know, against Minnesota, I guess you can’t write any better, against Minnesota, got hurt against them. You know it seemed like the right time I guess.

Reporter:

You’ve taken some contact from practice already. Was there much, and again forgive me if I missed it, but it didn’t look like you got hit too much tonight?

NATALIE SPOONER:

No. Yeah, there was definitely- I think I got beat up a few times by our skills coach [laughs]. Getting ready and even some of the other girls that we were back training with me. So I was ready, but I’m sure once, maybe there’s a big hit, I dunno. We’ll see. But I think I’m ready for it now.

Reporter:

You also made the trip with the team going to Minnesota and then Montréal. Can you talk about how that helped your process getting back? You know, kind of getting back into schedule and to routine?

NATALIE SPOONER:

Yeah, just getting used to, I guess, the travel and everything. Being on the road. Just, you know, hanging out with the girls a lot more. I think it was a lot of fun for me. But yeah, even coming to the rink today I was like, What do I do? What time am I supposed to be ready at? You know? What do I drink? What do I eat before the game now? So there were a few things that I was like, Where do I stand? But, no, it’s all kind of coming back to me and it was nice to get that first one under my belt.

Reporter:

Troy, you have Megan [Carter] and Natalie out of the lineup for so much of the season, they finally come back and now Sarah’s out. Is there a frustration of not having a full healthy group? Or is it rolling with the punches at this point in the season?

TROY RYAN:

Yeah, I think it’s still rolling with the punches. Those things are stuff that we can’t control. Now obviously with Spooner back and obviously Carter now is getting a lot more comfortable and, you know, we have Scamurra, like you can just start to see what this lineup potentially could look like and I like that, you know, in the last number of games, I mean, you alluded to it, that outplaying a lot of our opponents recently now it’s gone from outplaying them to finding ways to get points. Or finding ways to get wins. So it’s just good if we just keep kind of chugging along and then when the group gets back together I think we’re gonna be very dangerous.

[End of video.]