In the news today, Feb. 25

Jagmeet Singh’s political fate, and the fortunes of the New Democratic Party as a whole, are in the hands of voters today in a B.C. riding. The NDP leader is running for a seat in the House of Commons in Burnaby South, one of three federal byelections today. Many New Democrats believe it’s a do-or-die contest — that Singh cannot lead his party in this fall’s general election if he can’t get himself a seat in Parliament. Singh is hoping a victory will put to rest grumbling within the NDP about his underwhelming performance since being chosen leader almost 18 months ago.

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CANADIANS DOMEE SHI, PAUL MASSEY WIN OSCARS

Toronto-raised director Domee Shi won her first Oscar for her animated short film “Bao.” Shi wrote and directed the Pixar production, about a Chinese-Canadian woman and her adorable little dumpling that miraculously comes to life. The eight-minute film is set in Toronto and features many of the city’s landmarks. Canadian sound engineer Paul Massey also won his first Oscar for his work on “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He won the trophy alongside Tim Cavagin and John Casali in the best sound mixing category.

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REGULATING WILD FOOD SUGGESTED FOR NORTH

A federal advisory group says northerners could get relief from sky-high grocery bills if Ottawa helped regulate and encourage the sale of food harvested from the land. In a report released today, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board recommends sweeping changes to how so-called country food is exchanged. It suggests everything from regulations on buying and selling to safety standards, and even marketing boards to explore potential sales outside the North. Inflated food prices have long been an issue across Canada’s far northern reaches.

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INJURED HUMBOLDT BRONCO PLANNING ON THAILAND SURGERY

Injured Humboldt Broncos player Ryan Straschnitzki has focused entirely on his recovery since he was paralyzed in last April’s deadly bus crash in Saskatchewan. Now his quest to heal is expected to take him to Thailand. Straschnitzki plans to undergo a surgical procedure on his spine that could restore some movement. The surgery, tentatively planned for April or May, would involve placing an epidural stimulation implant on his spine. Straschnitzki says he isn’t looking at it as a cure but says any improvement in his mobility would make his life better.

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ABRUPT TRANSITION TO SPRING IN THE FORECAST

The Weather Network is predicting winter will continue to grip the country heading into March, but Canadians can expect an abrupt transition to spring. It says winter weather will persist for most of the country over the next three weeks, followed by a sudden turn to mild temperatures. But the network’s chief meteorologist says the sharp change in conditions doesn’t mean some colder days won’t briefly interrupt the spring weather. Chris Scott says B.C. will be the first province to get an extended taste of spring, and the Atlantic provinces will be the last.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS:

— Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer speaks to reporters ahead of debate on a motion to call Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to testify at the Commons justice committee.

— The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation releases a report on foreign buyers in the condo market.

— Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council to be named in Edmonton.

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The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

In the news today, Feb. 25

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