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New Brunswick to be Hit Again with Rough Weather

New Brunswick was recently hit with a series of heavy, torrential rains that caused massive flooding throughout the region. While they are still struggling to clean up and recover from the first round of flooding, more severe storms are forecasted to hit the area. Environment Canada has laid down a weather warning for most of the area, with the northern part receiving a snow warning along with potential high winds.

An area that has been hit the hardest by the flooding is St. Stephen, which finally has begun to see some of the water lowering from the storm the previous week. It will have to brace itself for the new storm, which is expected to drop 45 millimeters of rain. This, coupled with 70 kilometer an hour winds, could create a storm surge with a strong surf along the coastline. The water will then have a series of high tides that could bring flooding to the area either Tuesday afternoon or into the evening hours. This storm does not carry the same punch, though, that the last one did.

The next step it help for these residents with housing and funding to make repairs to homes that were damaged during the flooding. The government will be providing aid to victims after damage and repair assessments have been done on damaged property. The process could be further delayed due to government offices being closed during the holiday season. Private individuals and a number of organizations have stepped up to help people in the meantime with whatever funding can be put together. The Canadian Red Cross is currently accepting donations to help the flood victims. TD Bank Group has also kicked in, giving the Red Cross $10,000 in donations. As the area prepares for the next storm coming in, residents will be relying heavily on these efforts to help them keep things going.

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The Fight Against Pension Reform

The Federal Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty, may meet with harsh resistance as he puts forth proposed reforms on pensions. Six provinces have put out a message that the government needs to expand the Canada Pension Plan instead of focusing on proposed reforms. The Finance Minister stated that he will not be putting forth any plans that include expansion of the pension, but instead supporting a plan that puts the pension in the private-sector. It would outline a pooling of pension resources, from businesses to self-employed individuals, that would cost much less. The provinces of British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island want the possibility of expansion to be kept in consideration.

There is support for the private-sector route, but enacting a small increase in the near future. There has also been additional lack of support for Flaherty from those in opposing parties and those involved in the labor movement. The plans regarding the future of Canada’s pension plan has been going on for the last year, with the recent federal plan which would base the pension plans on established contributions. This would broaden their availability to more in the work world, such as self-employed individuals.

The government, as it planned in June of last summer, plan to go forward with analysis of a three-part reform approach. The three parts to be addressed are as follows: future additions to the pension, changes in regulations so that provinces could allow the private sector to offer employees the low-cost saving option and financial literacy. The battle over expansion versus the private-sector route looks to heat up as Flaherty heads to meet with the provinces regarding his proposal. They will have to find a middle ground in order to move the reform plans for the pension through the government.

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Craigslist Takes Down Prostitution Advertisements in Canada

Supreme Court of Canada
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Federal and provincial government officials have been exerting pressure on Craigslist to pull prostitution ads from its various Canadian websites for months, and the company has finally given in. The government has shown deep concerns that the company’s erotic section of ads could elicit criminal activities, child prostitution and sex trafficking. The company was forced to do the same in the United States after they were told they would not have legal protection to keep them online. The government is working to confirm the pulling of all of the ads, with Ontario promising swift action if they are not.

The issue reached a head when a 14 year old girl in British Columbia was taken into custody by police. She was both advertising herself as a prostitute and doing so for other girls that were underage through advertising on the site. The government has stated that the site does not have the same editorial controls that many newspapers in the country do. They have displayed explicit advertising, but can better ensure it does cross the line.

When the Canadian government first requested that the ads be pulled, Craigslist asked to meet with government officials in Ontario. In the meantime, hundreds of advertisements for prostitution were posted on the website on a daily basis. The Canadian Attorney General Chris Bentley sent two letters to the company, requesting the ads to be pulled. His letters were joined by those from the provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta and Maintoba.

The case with the fourteen year old pimping out for other girls on the site proved the point that government officials had been trying to make. The ads being pulled proved a victory for those wanting to protect women, children and other vulnerable individuals from the possible criminal activity that could be brought on by this practice.

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Stepping Back into Canadian History at Fort Anne National Historic Site of Canada

Fort Anne National Historic Site of Canada is the perfect to step back into the earliest years of Canada, which is the country’s oldest national historic site. It chronicles the military history of the fort as it experienced the battles and business involved with expanding empires. It changed hands numerous times throughout its history, and still stands today as a fascinating learning opportunity for visitors to get a peek into the past.

The museum is housed in the 1797 Officer’s Quarters, which has been renovated to its former appearance. There are more than 400 artifacts that you can look at, including the eight foot by eight foot Fort Anne Heritage Tapestry that park volunteers made. These are primarily military in focus, and cover the 400 year span of history that the fort was active. From September to the middle of October, the park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and is open on weekdays from October 16th through May 14th, but is closed Saturday and Sunday. There is a fee charged to enter.

During the warmer months of the year, the park is host to a number of special events, especially on Canada Day. There are demonstrations of military life and battle action, and you can also attend special presentations that give you greater insight into the history of the area. You will need to contact the park or check the park website to find a schedule of upcoming events.

While here, you can walk the Perimeter Walking Trail, which takes you through the foritifications that were built to help defend the fort. These are star-shaped and give you perfect views of the defenses and of the nearby Annapolis River. You will be walking a total of 1/2 a kilometre. You can also fly your kite on windy days or play croquet with your family. The site has a set that is able to be borrowed by visitors.

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