By Canadian Press

In the news today, Aug. 15

Aug 15, 2018 | 5:23 AM

Six stories in the news for Wednesday, Aug. 15

———

SOURCES: NEONICS ON THEIR WAY OUT IN CANADA

The federal government will begin phasing out the outdoor use of nicotine-based pesticides beginning in 2021 as part of an effort to help save honey bee colonies. Sources say the Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Canada will announce a three-year phaseout today of two of the three main neonicotinoid pesticides now approved for use in the country. The agency has already announced plans to phase out the third pesticide for outdoor uses.

———

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

SURVEY: GENDER-REVENUE GAP IS $68,000

A new study suggests small- and medium-sized businesses owned by women generate 58 per cent less revenue than similar types of enterprises owned by men. An online survey conducted by PayPal and Barraza and Associates suggests the median revenue for enterprises owned by men was $118,000 compared to $50,000 for similar businesses owned by women.

———

TORONTO POLICE ISSUE DANGEROUS NARCOTICS WARNING

Toronto police have issued a warning about dangerous narcotics being sold downtown after seven overdose deaths in the city since Aug. 2. Police say they believe the drugs responsible are a deadly batch of fentanyl or carfentanil. These opioids have been blamed for an growing overdose crisis that federal health officials say has killed at least 1,460 Canadians in the first half of 2017.

———

TUG CAPSIZES IN B.C.’s FRASER RIVER

A company that operates a tugboat that capsized in the B.C.’s Fraser River says it will pull the vessel from the water today. Ledcor says a large crane and barge will lift the George H. Ledcor tug from the waterway. The Canadian Coast Guard says it’s unclear why the tugboat capsized on Monday night, spilling as much as 22,000 litres of fuel in the salmon-bearing waterway.

———

ONTARIO WORKING ON POT ENFORCEMENT DETAILS

A day after announcing plans to sell recreational cannabis in private stores, the Ontario government says it is still working on regulations governing the new system. Finance Minister Vic Fedeli says talks with municipalities will help the province determine the details, which will focus heavily on public safety. Recreational cannabis will initially only be sold online in Ontario when it is legalized on Oct. 17. A “tightly regulated” private retail model will then be in place by April 1, 2019.

———

HEDLEY FRONTMAN CASE RETURNS TO COURT

The case of Hedley frontman Jacob Hoggard, who faces three sexual assault-related charges, will be returning to a Toronto court this morning. Hoggard, 34, was arrested last month and charged with one count of sexual interference and two counts of sexual assault causing bodily harm. Police say the charges relate to three separate incidents involving a woman and a girl under the age of 16 that allegedly occurred in the Toronto area in 2016.

———

ALSO IN THE NEWS:

— A New Brunswick court will hear a challenge of a publication ban in the Fredericton shooting case.

— Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will visit the Quebec communities of Rouyn-Noranda and Malartic.

— NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will tour several businesses in the Drummondville, Que., region.

— Environment Minister Catherine McKenna will launch the Climate Action Fund.

— International Trade Diversification Minister Jim Carr will meet with Pennsylvania’s governor to discuss Canada-U.S. trade.

The Canadian Press