In the news today, Aug. 29

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DAIRY LOOMS AS 11TH HOUR NAFTA IRRITANT

Canada’s supply-managed dairy industry has emerged as a major 11th-hour irritant as Canada returned to what could be the final, pivotal round of talks to salvage NAFTA. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked the protected section, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has remained unmoved. The Globe and Mail reported Tuesday night that Ottawa is prepared to make concessions on dairy as part of an effort to save a dispute-settlement system within NAFTA and other measures.

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VOTE EXPECTED TODAY ON NEWSPRINT DUTIES

The U.S. International Trade Commission is expected to vote today on whether to uphold duties imposed on Canadian newsprint imports. The vote comes as U.S. newspapers have campaigned heavily to lift the duties that have pushed a core expense higher and forced layoffs at some papers. The U.S. Commerce Department imposed anti-dumping and countervailing duties of various levels on Canadian producers including Resolute Forest Product, Catalyst Paper Corp., and Kruger Inc. earlier this year.

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COURT DECISION MAY DETERMINE PIPELINE’S FATE

A court decision expected Thursday could determine the fate of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and further define Canada’s duty to consult with First Nations, experts say. The Federal Court of Appeal is to rule on a case that combined nearly two dozen lawsuits calling for the National Energy Board’s review of Kinder Morgan Canada Ltd.’s project to be overturned. First Nations argue the federal government did not adequately consult them before the energy board review or the cabinet decision to approve the project.

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MANITOBA FACING CRYSTAL METH CRISIS

The use of methamphetamine is soaring in Manitoba. As other provinces grapple with an opioid epidemic, the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba says the use of meth has jumped more than 100 per cent in adults between 2014 and 2017. The province’s chief medical examiner says meth was involved in 35 overdose deaths in 2017, up from 19 the year before.

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CONCERN GROWS OVER NOVA SCOTIA SINKHOLE

A Nova Scotia town is urging public caution as officials scramble to assess a large, fast-expanding sinkhole that has sucked up trees and picnic tables. An Oxford, N.S., park has been roped off while geologists and emergency management officials assess the stability of the surrounding area, which includes a community centre, gas station and a Tim Hortons. The sinkhole measured about 34 by 29 metres by Tuesday morning.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS TODAY:

— The National Bank of Canada will release its third-quarter results.

— Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation will release its quarterly financial report.

— Statistics Canada will release Canada’s balance of international payments for the second quarter.

— Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will visit Kapuskasing, Ont.

— Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Energy Minister Greg Rickford will make an announcement in Milton, Ont.

— The City of New Westminster, B.C. will unveil the restored BC Penitentiary Cemetery.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

In the news today, Aug. 29

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