Ten stories in the news today, June 19:
GRAHAM JAMES TO FACE MORE SEX-CHARGES
Former junior hockey coach Graham James is due to appear in a Saskatchewan court this morning to face more sex-related charges. James, who is currently behind bars serving a sentence for sexually abusing two hockey players, was charged witht he new criminal charges last month. The allegations stem from a time when he was hosting the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League.
ACCUSED IN LINDHOUT CASE DUE IN COURT
A suspect charged in connection with the hostage taking of Canadian Amanda Lindhout is due in an Ottawa courtroom today. It’s the second appearance for Ali Omar Ader who is charged with hostage taking. Lindhout and an Australian man were taken captive in Somalia in 2008 and spent more than a year enduring torture and abuse. Police arrested Ader in Ottawa last week after a lengthy and complex investigation.
#MMIW UPDATE FROM RCMP
The RCMP is expected to give some idea today how its dealing with unresolved cases of missing and murdered aboriginal women. Today’s report is a follow up to one released last year that found nearly 12-hundred incidents of women who disappeared or were killed between 1980 and 2012. There have been widespread calls for a national public inquiry into the matter, but the Harper government is rejected the idea.
SENATORS MUST DECIDE TODAY WHETHER TO PAY UP
Senators whose expenses have been questioned by the auditor general must decide by the end of today whether to reimburse the taxpayer or challenge Michael Ferguson’s findings. Several senators have already repaid tens of thousands of dollars in questionable claims. Ferguson’s report identified nearly $1 million in dubious expenses. Two current and seven former senators have had their expense claims referred to the RCMP while 21 others could face a similar probe if the Mounties choose to follow up.
ALSO IN THE NEWS
Suspended senator Patrick Brazeau stands trial for sexual assault and assault in Ottawa.
Finance Minister Allen Roach of Prince Edward Island introduces the province’s 2015-16 provincial budget.
Defence Minister Jason Kenney and Public Works and Government Services Minister Diane Finley will make an announcement about Maritime Helicopters at CFB Shearwater in Nova Scotia.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada will release a report into the CN train that derailed and caught fire in Plaster Rock, N.B., on Jan. 7, 2014.
Government House Leader Peter Van Loan will make a statement about the federal government’s legislative accomplishments at an Ottawa news conference
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and former governor of the Bank of Canada David Dodge will speak in Edmonton about the government’s development of a new capital plan.
