In the news today, Aug. 28

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ONTARIO COURT BACKS TESLA IN REBATE SPAT

An Ontario court has ruled in favour of the Canadian arm of Tesla Inc. in its petition that it had been treated unfairly in the provincial government’s cancellation of an electric vehicle rebate program. An Ontario Superior Court judge said the decision to exclude Tesla from a grace period for the program’s wind-down was arbitrary and had singled out Tesla for harm. Tesla said it was pleased with the court’s decision while a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Attorney General said the government was reviewing the ruling.

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FEDS APPROVE ROADSIDE CANNABIS TEST

Police have been given approval for a new roadside test to check for drugs. Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould approved the first saliva screening equipment to be used by law enforcement to test for THC, the main psychoactive agent in cannabis. The equipment will be made available to police across the country, but it will be up to police forces to decide what testing equipment they want to use. Recreational cannabis will become legal on Oct. 17.

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AIR CANADA, WESTJET BOOST BAGGAGE BILL

Air Canada and WestJet Airlines both say they are increasing fees for passengers to check their bags. The airlines are raising the fee for the first checked bag by $5 to $30 and by $20 to $50 for a second bag. Air Canada says the increase “will help offset overall increasing costs and keep overall ticket prices competitive.” The new baggage fees apply on flights across Canada, to and from the U.S., the Caribbean and Mexico, departing on or after Oct. 5.

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MORE BANKS REPORT INCOME TODAY

Two more of the country’s largest banks report their third-quarter earnings today — BMO and Scotiabank. TD Bank and National Bank report their results later in the week. The Royal Bank and CIBC got the ball rolling last week when they both reported profits that beat expectations and raised their dividends. The Royal Bank delivered a record $3.1 billion in net income in the quarter while CIBC logged $1.37 billion in quarterly earnings.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS TODAY:

— Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will visit his Montreal riding (Papineau) and suburban Longueuil.

— NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has speak to the media after a Montreal meeting with his Quebec caucus.

— B.C. Finance Minister Carole James will release the provincial government’s 2017-18 public accounts.

— The group Patients’ Lives Matter will present a list of demands pertaining to cannabis regulations.

— Police will provide an update into the recent shooting of a German tourist on an Alberta highway.

— A pre-enquete hearing will be held in Charlottetown into a criminal proceeding against former PEI Premier Robert Ghiz.

— International Trade Diversification Minister Jim Carr travels to Thailand to promote trade and investment.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

In the news today, Aug. 28

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