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Trudeau hopes to advance policy as pomp surrounds Biden’s whirlwind visit to Ottawa

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:25:00 GMT

OTTAWA — The pomp and circumstance of a presidential visit will give way today to a series of talks about green energy, migration and Haiti, as U.S. President Joe Biden heads to Parliament Hill.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is scheduled to greet Biden late Friday morning for a welcoming ceremony at West Block.Dignitaries from the House of Commons and Senate, including the Speakers from each chamber and the leaders of each elected party and most Senate groups, are set to join them.Biden and Trudeau plan to then have a bilateral meeting in the Prime Minister’s Office.That is to be followed by an extended chat between Biden and senior Trudeau cabinet ministers in the room where they typically craft major policy decisions. It is possible that some of Biden’s own cabinet ministers will join the discussion.The presidential flight included at least 18 officials and aides, including State Secretary Antony Blinken, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and national security adviser ...

Changing salmon hatchery release practices can improve survival rates: B.C. study

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:25:00 GMT

A first-of-its kind study in British Columbia suggests salmon hatcheries could improve survival rates by optimizing the weight of the juvenile fish and the timing of their release.More than five billion juvenile salmon are released from hatcheries into the North Pacific Ocean each year, with about six per cent coming from B.C. and Yukon.The hatcheries are aimed at stabilizing declining populations of wild salmon while keeping fisheries afloat, but the study says there’s a lack of robust scientific assessment of their overall efficacy for conservation purposes.The study published in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences analyzed data from 21 chinook and 16 coho hatcheries in B.C. over the last two decades, finding higher survival rates were linked to heavier weights upon release.For ocean-type chinook, it found the average maximum survival stemmed from releases six to 27 days earlier than historical averages for most of the hatcheries.Meanwhile, coho survival rates c...

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau to introduce FLOTUS to curling during first lady’s visit

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:25:00 GMT

OTTAWA — The United States’ first lady will be given a sweeping introduction to Canadian sports culture in Ottawa today as Sophie Grégoire Trudeau takes Jill Biden to the curling rink. President Joe Biden and his wife arrived in Ottawa Thursday evening for their first official visit to Canada since the president took office two years ago.He is expected to spend most of today close to Parliament Hill in meetings with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau while their wives take to the ice at the nearby Rideau Curling Club.The official itinerary says Jill Biden will be given an “introduction to the sport of curling” before chatting with a local youth team about wellness and mental health. Afterward, the two women will travel to the National Gallery of Canada, where they’ll take in an exhibit by Canadian women artists and have lunch before joining the president for his address to Parliament. The pair met a few months ago at the North American Leaders Summit in Mexico, wh...

Cosmetic brands will have to disclose fragrance ingredients — a welcome change for those with allergies

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:25:00 GMT

Alisha Minielly was mystified as rashes suddenly started appearing all over her body, including one that persisted on her left leg for six months. She figured something in her makeup or shampoo could be the culprit and began switching to personal products labelled as having “natural” ingredients but that did not help. Neither did a steroid cream prescribed by a doctor at one of the walk-in clinics she visited because she didn’t have a general practitioner.A patch test, which had a dermatologist placing small amounts of various fragrance mixes on her back and covering them with patches for five “very itchy” days, revealed she was allergic to a long list of common fragrances used in products ranging from face wash and moisturizer to shampoo, conditioner and hair dye.The allergens included propolis, which smells like beeswax, as well as nickel, geraniol, limonene, linalool and anise alcohol. The fragrances add floral, citrus, woodsy and other scents, which...

Dinner fit for a president: Friday’s menu showcases Canadian ingredients

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:25:00 GMT

OTTAWA — United States President Joe Biden is staying in Ottawa on his short trip north of the border, but the catering team from the National Arts Centre plans to take him on a cross-country culinary tour Friday evening. The president and first lady Jill Biden are set to be the guests of honour at a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau at the Aviation Museum. The meal, put together by executive chef Kenton Leier, features ingredients such as East Coast yellowfin tuna, Alberta beef, flaxseed, Quebec maple syrup and Yukon gold potatoes. The three courses also include a cabernet sauvignon jus made with wine from Pelee Island Winery in Kingsville, Ont., and a rum caramel made of Newfoundland’s famous Screech rum.Because this isn’t an official state dinner, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and her husband, Whit Fraser, are relieved of hosting duties — though both will be in attendance. The guest list also includes various cabinet ministers ...

Restaurants and bars brace for biggest alcohol tax jump in 40 years

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:25:00 GMT

Canada’s restaurant industry is bracing for the biggest jump in the country’s alcohol excise duty in more than 40 years, spurring warnings the tax hike could force some bars and restaurants out of business.“Any increase at this very vulnerable time for our industry is just another blow while we’re down,” said Brenda O’Reilly, the owner of multiple restaurants and a brewery in St. John’s, N.L. “It’s like death by a thousand cuts.”Bar and eatery operators across Canada have endured lockdowns, labour shortages, supply chain mayhem and soaring costs for everything from payroll to cooking oil. Rising inflation has also softened demand as some consumers stay home to save money. “Many of us haven’t recovered from the pandemic and now they want to raise this tax,” she said. “It’s hard to get blood out of a turnip. We’ll see more restaurant closures if this goes ahead.”The federal beverage alcohol...

Norad, Haiti, migration, critical minerals to top agenda for Trudeau and Biden

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:25:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Joe Biden is embarking on a 27-hour whirwind visit to Ottawa, where he will meet Friday with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and speak to a joint session of Parliament — his first bilateral sojourn north as commander-in-chief. Here are some of the issues the two leaders are likely to discuss:Migration breakthrough: The two countries are already close to an agreement to expand the 2004 migration treaty known as the Safe Third County Agreement, which is designed to limit asylum claims in both countries but currently only applies to official entry points. As a result, critics say it encourages asylum seekers to enter Canada at unofficial border crossings, which allows them to make a claim. Sources familiar with the details say the two sides have been working on extending the agreement to cover the length of the Canada-U.S. border since the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles last June. Such an agreement would help resolve a major political headache for Trude...

Daily horoscope for March 24, 2023

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:25:00 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Taurus.Happy Birthday for Friday, March 24, 2023:You have an excellent mind and are fascinated by everything in life. You have a penetrating insight into the behavior of others. This is a year for reflection and taking time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs. Explore philosophies and life belief systems that will give you better self-awareness.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★★This might be a good day for financial transactions. In fact, you can attract money to you. Meanwhile, many of you will spend money buying beautiful things for yourself and for loved ones. Keep an eye on your possessions to avoid sudden loss. Tonight: Protect your assets.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★★Today you will truly enjoy any beauty that you encounter in art, architecture or people. Not only will you appreciate the beauty of buildings and items around you, you will also appreciate the beauty of others, which...

Miss Manners: Is there a grandmother contest I’m not aware of?

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:25:00 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I have three beautiful grandchildren. Many people ask me, “How often do you see your grandchildren?”When I answer with anything but the word “daily,” I am often met with responses such as, “Oh, is that all?” or “Don’t you wish it were more often?”Is there some “grandmother contest” that I am unaware of? I feel as though I’m being judged by how often I see, or don’t see, my grandchildren. I have never thought to ask other people this question, and my husband is never asked.Our kids think we are wonderful parents and grandparents, and we are happy with the time spent with our grandchildren. What is the best way to respond to this question that will not lead to more intrusive questions?GENTLE READER: “The perfect amount.”Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: How can I make them stop being rude about my employee’s hair? Advice | Mi...

Dear Abby: Is it OK to keep our fun going until his wedding day?

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:25:00 GMT

DEAR ABBY: I lost my husband of 20 years a little over two years ago. Last year, I moved to another state to be close to family. I rented an apartment, and my best friend moved with me.Shortly after, I met a much younger man. He was immediately interested in me. He’s sweet, kind and very handsome. It took me months to realize that I’m also interested in him.We began spending time together, including bedroom fun. He has told me at least twice he loves me, and I told him the same. His demeanor and expressions match his words, and we agreed for the time being to be friends with benefits.Three months ago, he met someone much closer to his age. But even in front of her he holds me close and tells me he loves me. She has now slapped a ring on his finger and is pushing him for marriage. He keeps saying he’s not ready.We feel that until the day he says “I do,” it’s OK for us to continue our bedroom fun. I’m new to the dating world, and he’s my...