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Major projects bill would put decades of labour stability at risk: union leader
Labour leaders raise alarm about Bill C-39
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
The president of the Canadian Labour Congress says proposed amendments to Canada's labour code outlined in Bill C-39 could put decades of labour stability at risk.
The 243-page bill seeks to fast-track approvals for major projects, cut their review times and create zones of "national interest" to pre-approve certain types of projects.
The bill also proposes changes to Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to state that a minister can order a business under federal jurisdiction to resume operations, or put parties into binding arbitration.
Labour Congress president Bea Bruske told a House of Commons committee today those proposed new powers effectively eliminate the right to strike.
Canadian Union of Public Employees national president Mark Hancock told the committee that when companies know the government will bail them out during a strike, they won't put their best offer forward in contract negotiations.
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said Monday the bill strengthens the right to strike by removing the ability to use Section 107 before a labour disruption, adding that the government has the responsibility to act during an "exceptionally consequential" dispute.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.
By Catherine Morrison | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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Wainwright, Alta., residents grieving but resilient after tragic fire on army base
Army town remains stoic after military base fire
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Residents of a central Alberta town are grieving after a vicious fire killed four men and injured dozens more at a nearby military base, but living alongside soldiers preparing for battle has built up a deep stoicism and resilience in the community.
"It's heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the families but we'll bounce back," said Sharon Pashko, 79, whose uncle was once commander of CFB Wainwright.
Pashko said the community, about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, takes care of its own and should be proud.
"We've gone above and beyond and I'm very proud of Wainwright residents," she added.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been meeting with constituents in the town, which is in his Battle River-Crowfoot riding. He said while many unanswered questions remain, people are coping.
"I'm just amazed how resilient and strong the people are. Nobody's breaking. Everyone's just putting their head down and they're doing their jobs. It's the best of Canada," he said.
"They're obviously heartbroken. They see the loss of these brilliant young men in the springtimes of their lives but at the same time they bounce back and they keep working to support the living."
Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh said the base has always been a part of the community.
"It's a part of us and we're a part of it. It's a symbiotic relationship," he said.
Despite the temporary closure of the local polling station for Alberta's referendum, a steady stream of voters continued to cast ballots Monday.
"A couple of friends of mine from church are in the military and I've heard, last night, that they were actually both in Latvia right now,” Dustin Degenhardt said after voting.
“I'm grateful that they're safe, but at the same time I know hearts are here too.”
Degenhardt said the tragedy didn't affect how he voted and sees the two as separate issues. Other residents shared that view, while some said the shadow of the fire loomed over their decision.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.
By David Baxter and Bill Graveland | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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Advance voting in B.C. election is down compared to 2024
Advance voting in B.C. down compared to 2024
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
The number of ballots cast in the first three days of advance voting in the British Columbia election is down about 8 per cent compared to 2024.
Elections BC says there were about 440,000 votes cast from Friday to Sunday, compared to almost 480,000 for the first three days of advance voting last election, which set a record for total advance turnout.
Early voting continues at hundreds of places across the province today and tomorrow until 8 p.m. ahead of final voting day on Saturday.
There were more than one million advance ballots cast in 2024, a surge of 49 per cent compared to the previous election, and a report by the chief electoral officer says the process has been steadily increasing in popularity for two decades.
The report says almost half of all votes in 2024 were cast in advance, compared to about 20 per cent as recently as 2013.
The ballots cast in advance so far for the current election represent about 12 per cent of all registered voters.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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