Top Stories – June 28 – Dam Money

The provincial government says the Turtle Lake dams near Idabel Lake, will be strengthened and reinforced. In addition, wastewater management in the Rutland area will be improved by eliminating aging septic systems. Victoria says the $3-million investment in these two projects will reduce the risk of water quality deterioration in groundwater sources and Okanagan Lake.

It’s something every shopper knows… Canada’s grocery sector needs more competition to help keep food prices down and encourage new entrants. The Competition Bureau says the three largest grocers, Loblaws, Sobeys, and Metro reported more than $100 Billion in sales and $3.6 Billion in profits last year. The grocers have argued that consolidation increases efficiencies and provides consumers with more value.

Canada’s annual inflation rate came in at 3.4% in May, its slowest pace in two years, weakening the case for another interest rate hike as soon as next month. That was down a full percentage point from the month before when there was a series of surprisingly strong data. However, grocery prices also continued to surge, rising 9% year over year in May.

A new set of street banners are on lamp posts by the Rotary Centre for the Arts and the Art Walk as part of the Outdoor Banner Exhibition program. 13 original works by UBCO students and alumni will be up for the rest of the year. The partnership program between the City and UBCO’s Faculty of Creative & Critical Studies has been able to support the work of 39 students, faculty and alumni.

The provincial government is giving BC Hydro, which is a Crown utility, $10 million to provide up to 8,000 free air-conditioning units to vulnerable people. Health Minister Adrian Dix says it will be done over the next 3 years but if demand increases, the number could also go up. He says people can apply for the units on their own or health officials working with elderly people will be able to help them apply for one.

Ottawa has banned the testing of cosmetic products on animals in Canada. It means that companies will no longer be allowed to test or sell their cosmetics that rely on animal testing data to establish safety. Health Canada is working with the international scientific and regulatory community to develop, validate and implement effective alternatives.

The high cost of replacing infrastructure and upgrading it to withstand damage from climate-related disasters was a topic of discussion as western premiers met in Whistler. BC’s David Eby said recent disasters such as the heat dome followed by the series of atmospheric rivers, show the need for new infrastructure to be more resistant to the effects of climate change.

NASA says smoke from wildfires in northern Quebec has reached Europe. However air quality in Europe has not suffered to the extent seen in Canada because of the height of the smoke in the atmosphere. Officials say rain that started falling Monday in parts of Quebec with the worst fires, has not been sufficient to extinguish the flames.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has gone from predicting Olivia Chow would be an “unmitigated disaster” as Toronto’s mayor to calling her a “nice person” and promising he’ll find common ground and work with her. Chow beat 101 other candidates to win the byelection to replace John Tory. Chow is the widow of former NDP leader Jack Layton who died from cancer in 2011.

Sports

The NHL entry draft gets underway later today in Nashville. Of course Connor Bedard of the Regina Pats is expected to go first overall to the Chicago Blackhawks who won the draft lottery.

The Kelowna Falcons and Victoria Harbourcats will play their third game at Elks Stadium tonight. First pitch is at 6:35.

The NHL’s Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award winner isn’t happy with the league’s decision to do away with themed jerseys. Connor McDavid says he and his team have always backed specialty nights.

Sheldon Keefe will remain behind the bench for the Maple Leafs next season. Toronto made it past the first round of the playoffs this past season for the first time since 2004.