Good morning, It’s Wednesday, August 14th. In today’s news, a government-funded ‘anti-hate’ report labels Catholics and feminists ‘far-right’ hate groups, Canada’s police chiefs ask for government help to deal with rising protests, Conservatives rally support for a bill that bans Central Bank Digital Currency, Canada’s assisted suicide program is the fastest growing in the world, and much more.
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Government-funded “Anti-hate” Report Labels Catholics, and Feminists Far-right Hate Groups
The Liberal government-funded Canadian Anti-Hate Network (CAHN) has controversially labelled Canadian pro-life, feminist, and civil liberties organizations as "far-right" or "hate groups" alongside recognized terrorist entities. The report, "40 ways to fight the far right," is intended to mobilize far-left activists against these groups, which CAHN identifies as threats.
Organizations like Campaign Life Coalition and Liberty Coalition Canada, both named in the report, strongly reject these labels, arguing that CAHN is a radical, far-left group using taxpayer money to suppress conservative voices. They also claim that CAHN's accusations are baseless and misleading while using tactics that include doxing and targeting opponents' livelihoods. Some groups are considering legal action against CAHN, which has received over $900,000 in federal funding since 2020.
Critics argue that CAHN's report, which groups feminist and Christian organizations with neo-Nazi entities, lacks transparency in its methodology and unfairly brands dissenting opinions as hate. They also warn that CAHN's recommended tactics, such as doxing, could lead to harmful consequences. More
Our Thoughts: Throughout history, Marxists and communists have labelled ideologies, movements, or groups they oppose as "far-right," or "fascist." This tactic is rooted in their broader ideological framework, which divides political and social forces into those that support their cause and those that oppose it.
In Marxist theory, anything that upholds capitalism, and traditional social structures, or resists revolutionary change is often categorized as "far-right." These labels are used to discredit and delegitimize opponents, whether they are genuinely far-right or simply disagree with Marxist principles.
Catholics and feminists were merely the next targets for these whackjobs. That being said, we should all be very concerned that these people are funded extensions of the government.
Canada’s Police Chiefs Ask for Government Help to Deal With Rising Protests
Canada's police chiefs are urging all levels of government to increase funding and manpower to manage the rising number of protests across the country. At the 119th Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) summit in Halifax, the chiefs highlighted the growing strain on police resources due to escalating protests, driven in part by global conflicts and national issues. These protests, which often start peacefully, are increasingly turning into high-risk situations, leading to more assaults and threats against police officers.
The CACP passed a resolution requesting additional financial and human resources, training, and equipment to address the increased demands. The chiefs also pointed out that immigration has contributed to the rise in violence at protests, as some newcomers may be accustomed to using violence as a means of social change. Additionally, they expressed concern over the doxing of police officers online, calling for legislation to make it illegal.
The resolution emphasizes the need for coordinated government support to ensure both officer and public safety during protests. More
Tiny Thought: I understand why they're asking for more resources, but the rise in protests is entirely the government's doing. So, instead of boosting the police force, I suspect they'll clamp down on our rights with even more restrictive policies.
Conservatives Rally Support for Bill that Bans Central Bank Digital Currency
The Conservative Party is urging Canadians to back Bill C-400, which aims to protect cash currency and prevent the government from introducing a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Sponsored by MP Ted Falk, the bill proposes a national framework to safeguard cash usage, restrict the finance minister’s authority to withdraw banknotes and amend the Bank of Canada Act to prohibit the creation of a CBDC.
Falk emphasized the importance of cash for privacy and its essential role for vulnerable populations, charities, and remote communities. Public consultations showed overwhelming opposition to a digital currency, with 86% of Canadians against it, fearing it could be used as a tool for government control. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has also voiced strong opposition to digital currency, highlighting its risks to privacy and financial freedom.
The bill includes provisions to encourage businesses and creditors to accept cash payments. The Conservatives argue that keeping digital currency in the private sector will allow Canadians to make financial decisions without government interference. More
Canada’s Assisted Suicide Program Fastest Growing in the World
Since the Trudeau government legalized assisted suicide in 2016, Canada has seen a rapid increase in the number of people seeking medical assistance to end their lives, surpassing other countries with similar programs. Initially intended for rare cases of terminal illness, the practice has expanded to include non-terminal conditions like disabilities. A report from Cardus highlights concerns over the lack of safeguards, with 81% of requests leading to death and a median wait time of just 11 days, with only 3.5% deemed ineligible. Assisted suicide is now the fifth leading cause of death in Canada, outpacing many other causes, and every other country. More
US Approves Sale to Israel of $20 Billion Weapons Package
On Tuesday, the US approved a $20 billion military equipment sale to Israel, including F-15 jets, tank cartridges, explosive mortars, and army vehicles. The Pentagon said deliveries would happen over several years, with F-15s expected by 2029 and other equipment by 2026, though some deliveries will occur sooner. The US has already provided substantial military aid during the conflict. The decision has faced both domestic and international criticism. More
RFK Jr Denied NY Ballot Access Over 'False' Address
A New York judge ruled that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. does not meet the state's residency requirement for ballot access, declaring his claim of a New York address as a "false statement." Kennedy, who resides in California, has vowed to appeal, calling the ruling a partisan attack. The decision could also impact his ballot status in other states. Kennedy's evidence of residency, including paying New York state taxes and a rental agreement, was deemed insufficient by the judge, who questioned the authenticity of his New York residence claim. More
Tiny Thought: This is not democracy.
Canada’s Organized Crime Networks Have Begun Producing Fentanyl Domestically
The RCMP reported that Canada's organized crime groups are increasingly producing domestic fentanyl rather than importing it. This shift has exacerbated the opioid crisis with over 8,000 opioid overdose deaths in Canada last year, averaging 22 per day. Opioids also led to 6,312 hospitalizations, 28,345 emergency department visits, and 41,938 EMS responses in 2022. Since 2016, 44,592 Canadians have died from opioid toxicity, largely due to fentanyl. In 2023, fentanyl was involved in 82% of opioid-related deaths, a 44% increase since 2015. More
UAW Hits Musk, Trump with Federal Labour Charges Over Union-busting Comments
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has filed federal labour charges against former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk for endorsing the firing of employees who threatened to strike. Trump praised Musk for allegedly firing striking workers at Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), which violates federal labour laws protecting the right to strike. UAW President Shawn Fain criticized Trump for undermining union rights, while the Teamsters union condemned such practices as "economic terrorism." Both Musk and Trump have yet to comment on the charges. More
Feds Urge Businesses to Prepare for “New Virus” Pandemic, Gas & Food Shortages
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has released an updated guide urging businesses to prepare for a pandemic caused by a hypothetical “new virus” that could lead to significant disruptions in food and fuel supplies. The second edition of the Flu and Infectious Disease Outbreaks Business Continuity Plan Handbook, emphasizes the need for businesses to plan for extreme scenarios, including widespread workforce absences and disruptions to essential services. The guide also anticipates multiple pandemic waves and advises employers to prepare for reduced labour, supply chain issues, and potential shortages in essential services. More
Tiny Thought: This country can't afford another pandemic, and I doubt Canadians will stand for it.
Canadian Building Permits Continue to Decline, Dropping Another 13.9% in June
In June, Canadian building permits fell by 13.9%, continuing a trend of a weakening property market despite government efforts to boost housing development. This decline follows a 12.2% drop in May and a 21.6% decrease year-over-year. Residential and non-residential sectors both saw declines, with residential permits down 11.5% to $6.5 billion and non-residential permits dropping 18.1% to $3.5 billion.
Building starts also decreased by 9% in June, with a notable 60% drop in Toronto and 55% in Vancouver compared to last year. The Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cuts are expected to stimulate housing activity, but permits continue to decline. More
Starbucks CEO Steps Down, Chipotle CEO to Take Over
Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan is stepping down immediately after one year. Brian Niccol, currently CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, will take over as chairman and CEO on September 9th. Rachel Ruggeri, Starbucks’ CFO, will serve as interim CEO until Niccol's official start.
Niccol, credited with significant growth and value creation at Chipotle, brings experience from Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Procter & Gamble. Starbucks founder Howard Schultz and lead independent director Mellody Hobson support Niccol's appointment, praising his track record in innovation and growth. More
AI Model 98% Accurate in Detecting Diseases — Just By Looking at Your Tongue
Researchers from Iraq and Australia have developed a computer algorithm capable of analyzing tongue colour to detect medical conditions with 98% accuracy. This technology, which uses a webcam to capture images of the tongue, mirrors traditional Chinese medicine practices. It can identify conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and stroke based on tongue colour variations. The system was trained with over 5,200 images and tested with 60 samples. Future plans include integrating this technology into a smartphone app for easy disease screening. More
Controversial Experiment to Artificially Cool Earth Gets Cancelled
Harvard's planned solar geoengineering project, SCoPEx, aimed at cooling the planet by releasing reflective particles into the atmosphere, was cancelled due to significant backlash and ethical concerns. The project faced strong opposition from local Indigenous groups and environmental advocates in Sweden, who criticized the researchers for not consulting affected communities. The advisory committee for the project highlighted the importance of public engagement and caution in experiments with potentially global impacts. The cancellation underscores the need for clear policies and public consultation in geoengineering research, as such experiments may have profound and unforeseen consequences. More
Banksy’s New Mural Frees the Animals at London Zoo in Grand Finale of Recent Series
Street artist Banksy has unveiled what is believed to be the final mural in his animal-themed series across London. The new piece, located on the shutters of the city's zoo, depicts a gorilla freeing birds and a sea lion. This mural concludes a series that started with a mountain goat and includes various other animal-themed artworks. The zoo is excited about the mural and plans to preserve it. The series has sparked speculation about its deeper meanings, with some linking it to recent social unrest or broader themes of human impact on nature.
You can check out the rest of his collection on his Instagram.
Jordan Chiles Must Return Bronze Medal After USA Gymnastics Appeal Fails
Jordan Chiles has been ordered to return her bronze medal from the Paris Olympics after an appeal by USA Gymnastics was unsuccessful. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected the appeal, which challenged a decision to demote Chiles from third to fifth place due to a late appeal by her coach. Despite USA Gymnastics submitting new evidence, CAS upheld the decision, and the International Gymnastics Federation has confirmed that Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu will take the bronze. The case may now proceed to further appeals, potentially involving the Swiss Federal Tribunal or the European Court of Human Rights. Meanwhile, rapper Flavor Flav created a symbolic bronze medal for Chiles in support. More
Tampa Bay Lightning Working on Sale with Value Close to $2 Billion
The Tampa Bay Lightning are in the process of a multi-stage sale that could value the team at nearly $2 billion. Doug Ostrover, CEO of Blue Owl Capital, is the expected buyer. Current owner Jeff Vinik will retain full operational control and a significant ownership stake for the foreseeable future. Vinik, who bought the team for $170 million in 2010, revitalized the franchise with two Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021. This sale would surpass Ottawa's $950 million deal with Michael Andlauer as the largest in NHL history. More
Airplane Pilots Record Multiple UFOs ‘Dancing’ in the Sky: ‘It Wasn’t on Our Radar’ - Pilots witnessed and filmed in detail several UFOs maneuvering across the night sky in ways impossible for a manmade plane. Captain Ruud Van Pangemanan, who is also a vlogger, was flying a Boeing 747 from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria at 5 am recently when the UFOs crossed his view and that of his colleagues in the cockpit.
Beauty Clinic Allegedly Tricks Young Man Into Getting Breast Implants - A Wuhan beauty clinic is being accused of tricking a mentally-challenged 19-year-old man into getting a boob job by claiming that he could then make money through live-streaming.
The World’s Most Expensive Cigar Lighter Is More Expensive Than a Ferrari - Made with 400 grams of solid gold and decorated with 152 sapphires, the Louis XIII Fleur de Parme is recognized as the world’s most expensive cigar lighter. Unveiled in 2013, the LOUIS was soon acknowledged by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s most expensive cigar lighter, commanding an eye-watering price of $500,000 from its buyer.