The New Brunswick government has begun the "data analysis phase" of its investigation into undiagnosed neurological symptoms affecting hundreds of people in seven provinces and whether environmental substances, such as heavy metals and pesticides, are a factor.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Department leadership is proposing cutting some offices and dramatically restructuring the department, including combining the two agencies responsible for enforcing drug and gun laws, according to a memo reviewed by The Associated Press.

The memo from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is seeking feedback on a reorganization plan that would combine the Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives into a single agency “to achieve efficiencies in resources, case deconfliction, and regulatory efforts.”

It’s part of a push by the Trump administration to reshape and reduce federal government agencies. President Donald Trump has directed agencies to develop plans for eliminating employee positions and consolidating programs.

The Justice Department plan calls for combining policy offices and eliminating Justice field offices around the country, including the Antitrust Division offices in Chicago and San Francisco.

Tax division lawyers as well as employees in the section that handles public corruption cases would be reassigned to U.S. attorneys offices, except for a “core team of supervisory attorneys” that would remain in Washington, according to the proposal.

A Justice Department spokesperson didn’t immediately provide a comment on the plan, which is not been finalized. Heads of Justice Department agencies were instructed to respond with any concerns about the proposals by April 2.

Alanna Durkin Richer, The Associated Press

The art gallery's board of trustees made the announcement Tuesday, with its board chair saying it is shifting gears to a new version of its ongoing capital project and that Kiendl had other things he wanted to pursue.

Premier Scott Moe announced his government will pause Saskatchewan's Output-Based Performance Standards program. The change will come into effect on April 1.

Coun. Jean St-Amand introduced motion at Halifax regional council's meeting on Tuesday.

The post Council votes in support of staff report on Halifax’s communication tools appeared first on Halifax Examiner.

Nearly three years after opening its doors, Rest Haven personal care home in Steinbach is now practically full.

After more than two and a half years of construction, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on May 13, 2022, officially opening the 143-bed expanded facility. However, even though the expansion was complete, that did not mean that Rest Haven was able to immediately fill all the rooms. This was due to a number of different circumstances, including the time-consuming process of admitting new residents and the fact they still needed to hire additional staff. At the time, HavenGroup noted that the expansion required the hiring of at least 150 new staff. 

Tannis Nickel is Chief Executive Officer for HavenGroup. She says admissions to Rest Haven is a well-thought-out process to determine where in the building a new resident should live, and which home would be a good community for that individual.

As of Wednesday, Nickel says 141 residents call Rest Haven home. And, she says they just welcomed their 200th admission, since opening day. In the last year alone, they have admitted 84 residents.

"That means that 84 families have been able to stay in Steinbach and be supported in the community," says Nickel. "And hopefully ease up some of the pressures in acute care."

According to Nickel, 84 residents represent nearly 20 per cent of all admissions to personal care homes in the region. 

"So quite an undertaking and the small house model has been quite the draw for residents for sure," she adds.

Having said that, Nickel notes the wait list continues to climb. She says it currently sits at about six months, meaning they are admitting residents today who have been waiting since late September. 

Rest Haven consists of 12 homes. Each of the homes, except for one, has 12 resident rooms. One of the homes has two bariatric rooms, and as a result, has only 11 resident rooms.

Each home then consists of everything that a resident needs for daily living, including a kitchen, pantry, dining room, living room, large patio and laundry room. Thanks to support from local churches, residents can also watch activities or services happening in the chapel from either their room or the home's living room.

"Now that the homes are full and there are 12 people who live in each home, I think now they are starting to be able to find that they can live life to the fullest," says Nickel. "So, we're trying to focus on the abilities of those people that move into the homes and empower staff to be able to assist with them. So, it's been a real positive experience."

With regards to staffing, Nickel says Rest Haven now has approximately 280 employees. She notes right now they are lacking some Licensed Practical Nurses. However, Nickel says they are excited to be in partnership with Assiniboine Community College, which will be offering the program beginning this fall from space leased from HavenGroup. According to Nickel, the LPN program at HavenGroup was achievable through the Workforce Development through Steinbach Economic Development.

"That hopefully will help us with the long-term recruitment of LPNs," adds Nickel.

Meanwhile, HavenGroup is holding a fundraising event on Thursday, March 27th at 7 pm at Friedensfeld Community Centre. The evening will include entertainment by Mike Janzen. For tickets, phone 204-326-2206, or visit www.havengroup.ca

A snowfall warning is in effect for Steinbach and area as an Alberta Clipper has made its way into Manitoba. 

Natalie Hasell with Environment Canada says as of 10:20 Thursday morning, the storm is already very active in Alberta and Saskatchewan. She says radar suggests it is now moving into southwestern Manitoba. 

For the Red River Valley, Hasell says cloud cover will increase this afternoon, with the first flurries falling late in the afternoon or just before supper. 

Snow, at times heavy, will continue Thursday night. And, with temperatures hovering around zero, Hasell says there is also a risk of freezing rain. Snowfall amounts for Thursday could range from five to 10 centimetres. Hasell says winds from the northeast could gust to 50 kilometres per hour. She says for the most part, visibility should not be too much of a concern, except in wind gusts in open areas. 

Hasell says the snow will continue on Friday, which is when the bulk of it should fall. She notes up to 15 centimetres could fall in the Steinbach area and again there is the risk of freezing rain. 

"The winds will be stronger as well," warns Hasell. "Visibility issues are a concern. Very sloppy, very heavy wet stuff."

The snow is expected to end Friday night. Hasell says cloudy conditions will then continue on Saturday and as the system moves out, the air will turn colder. Sunday's high is only -6 degrees with an overnight low of -17. The normal high for this time of year is four degrees and the normal low is -6. 

Hasell says by the time everything is said and done, Steinbach could receive anywhere from 20 to 30 centimetres of snow. Areas immediately south of Steinbach might only get a total of five to 10 centimetres, though it is there where there could be more freezing rain. 

"Just difficult for everyone pretty much in central and southern Manitoba," she says. 

According to Hasell, southern Manitoba will probably not see a return to normal temperatures until the middle of next week.

Meanwhile, she urges motorists to pay attention to forecasts and road conditions over the next two days. She encourages people to let others know where you are travelling and what time you expect to reach your destination. Hasell also reminds people to pack an emergency kit and if you are stuck on the side of the road, to stay with your vehicle.

It has been a month since Steinbach resident Michael Bueckert was struck by a vehicle in front of Southland Church, leaving him in critical condition. 

His mother, Karen Elias, has been by his side every day, watching him battle through serious injuries and uncertain progress. 

Elias shares that Michael remains unresponsive most of the time.  

"He does open his eyes on occasion. He has a hard time following commands, generally doesn't do that very well. From where he was about a week ago, he seems to be regressing a little bit."  

Doctors believe there is internal bleeding on the left side of his body, where he was struck, but they have been unable to locate the source.  

"We're still doing a lot of scans, a lot of X-rays, a lot of tests. He will be up for more surgeries once he's a little bit more stable to do that." 

One of the primary concerns right now is controlling Michael's bleeding and trying to find where it’s coming from.  

“He keeps needing more units of blood, and by this point, they said he shouldn't need that," Elias explains.  

His pelvis is also a major concern.  

"He has what they call an ex-fix on his pelvis to keep it together, which from my understanding has slightly shifted and so his pelvis is expanding again which it shouldn't be." 

Doctors are monitoring the extent of his brain injuries, and although his eyes occasionally move, Elias is unsure if he recognizes his family. 

"He has brain damage, but to what degree, at this point we don't know. We don’t know if he really knows who we are. We'll call his name, we'll kind of tap him on the shoulder, call his name, but he doesn't generally look at us. He has on occasion turned his eyes, but we don't know if he actually knows who we are." 

Michael is no longer medically sedated, but his level of consciousness remains very low.  

"He's quite, I'm going to say, hopped up on pain medication, but they have also lowered that or tried to kind of level that out a bit more now. But the brain injury is going to be determined when things are a little bit better to see how bad it is and where we're at." 

Recently, he was moved from the surgical intensive care unit to a lower-intensity ICU, where each nurse cares for two patients instead of just one. However, Elias shares concerns about whether the transfer was premature.  

"They're not sure that he maybe should have been brought there because he's still needing quite a bit more care than some of the people that are in there." 

As difficult as the situation is, Elias finds comfort in knowing her son was trying to help someone.  

"Michael has always been the type of person to help people out, whether he was able to in any way or not, he always tried," she says. "It's heartbreaking. It's been difficult, but I know that he's in good hands and there are so many miracles that have already happened, and I know there are more to come, but it absolutely breaks a 'mama heart'." 

The Steinbach community continues to rally around Michael and his family. A GoFundMe page remains active for those who wish to help financially. Elias says how much the family's spirits have been lifted by the support.  

"The messages, the prayers, just everything. It's been absolutely amazing, and we can't thank everybody enough." 

Michael's five-year-old son is also facing a difficult transition.  

"He understands probably a bit more than what we imagine he does because he talks about it a lot. He has seen his dad a few times. But it's hard for him every time because Daddy doesn't squeeze his hand. Daddy doesn't answer him. Daddy doesn't look at him."  

However, with the support of family, he is adjusting.  

"He used to cry every night. But we're trying to make it as light-hearted and easy for him as possible to transition from being at Daddy’s house with Daddy all the time, to now being with Mama and Papa. It’s a transition for him, but he’s doing remarkably well considering." 

She adds, “My brother and sister in laws, they have stepped up as well, and they’ve been amazing. We’ve got great family support.” 

For those wanting to help, the GoFundMe page for Michael remains open, and prayers and messages of support continue to make a difference for the family as they navigate this challenging time. 

It’s official: a federal election has been called for April 28, 2025.

Given the current tariff war and threats of annexation from the United States, it will be easy for candidates to invoke Canada’s national identity and the need to stand together in the upcoming federal election.

But what does this really mean? And how can voters ensure candidates will address other pressing domestic issues like the housing and cost-of-living crisis, a broken shelter system, and increasing repression of protests?

“The reality is that no matter who wins the federal election … [these issues] will need prolonged engagement and advocacy efforts,” Scott Cooper, a communications and public engagement specialist with Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), says.

An ecumenical non-profit that promotes justice through public policy, CPJ has put together a 2025 Election Bulletin to provide voters information about three broad policy areas: refugee and migrant rights, climate justice, and poverty elimination. It also suggests questions to ask candidates and MPs. CPJ is also holding local events during its 2025 election tour ending on April 12.

Want to join the Broadview community and make sure you don’t miss a story? Sign up for one of our newsletters.

Other faith-based resources coming soon include Kairos Canada’s voter toolkit, the Canadian Council of Churches’ 2025 Election Guide and the United Church’s advice on how to engage directly with candidates.

What are some of the tips these organizations offer?

Don’t scapegoat immigrants

Determine whether candidates acknowledge discrimination against migrants, says CPJ’s Cooper. “We suggest that people consider whether the solutions leaders are proposing recognize the dignity and the right to an adequate standard of living of people.”

One example includes asking about measures that address systemic barriers refugee claimants face in securing accessible and stable housing.

Cheryl McNamara, with Kairos, also suggests asking about a regularization program for undocumented migrants, which the outgoing Liberal government promised to implement in its 2022 mandate letter.

Also be on the lookout for candidates “scapegoating” immigrants for issues like the housing crisis, adds Emily Dwyer, with the United Church. “In reality, the causes of the housing crisis have come from lack of investment from all levels of government, lack of policy and privatization of the sector,” she says.

Climate justice from the bottom up

Relating to climate justice, Cooper suggests asking how candidates will uphold the principle that polluters should pay now that the carbon tax is being scrapped. But be aware of red flags like candidates deflecting “responsibility to different levels of government,” he warns.

Any answer “worth its salt,” he says, will: A) acknowledge that we pay enormous subsidies to the fossil fuel industry; B) admit that climate justice boosts our economy; and C) plan to not leave workers behind as we transition to a cleaner economy.

McNamara says candidates should also prioritize local conversations with workers and communities directly affected by the transition away from fossil fuels. And don’t get taken by arguments that Canada needs more pipelines, she adds, because the transition away from fossil fuels “is happening whether we want it or not.”

Instead, she suggests asking, “How do we build the infrastructure to help with this new energy transition that is underway? How can Indigenous Peoples, communities, experts, be at the forefront?”

Indigenous rights

In that same vein, McNamara says, the transition will involve mining for critical minerals. Voters should therefore ask how candidates will ensure that free, prior and informed consent from Indigenous people will be “fully observed” when entering their communities.

More on Broadview:

• I study empathy—Elon Musk gets it all wrong
• New Ontario MPP Rev. Alexa Gilmour on her call to politics
• The Christian Reformed Church is deeply divided over Trump

She suggests asking which local nations were consulted, their level of involvement, about allocation of funds and about the direct impact on the communities.

Peter Noteboom, with the Canadian Council of Churches, recommends asking about the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations, about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls commission, and the adoption of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Cooper says a positive sign is a proposed approach that is “intersectional” and takes into account various determinants of health such as housing and poverty and the ongoing effects of colonialism.

Time to reflect

Noteboom suggests asking candidates how they plan to bridge divides across the country. “Will individualism win out, or will community solidarity win out?” he says.

Cooper says that ultimately, this election is an opportunity to prioritize public justice and craft a vision for the future.

“It’s not just about getting things just barely back up to snuff,” he says. “With the right policies in place, and with access to an adequate standard of living for everybody, the land and the world will flourish — Creation will flourish.”

***

Fernando Arce is a Toronto-based freelance journalist focusing on social issues, local politics and Indigenous resistance to colonization. He is a co-founder and senior editor of The Grind, a free print news and arts publication. He’s also an amateur photographer, an okay drummer, and a lifelong animal lover.

Thanks for reading!

Did you know Broadview is the only media organization in Canada dedicated to covering progressive Christian news and views?

We are also a registered charity and rely on subscriptions and tax-deductible donations to keep our trustworthy, independent and award-winning journalism alive.

Please help us continue to share stories that open minds, inspire meaningful action and foster a world of compassion. Don’t wait. We can’t do it without you.

Here are some ways you can support us:

• Donate 
• Subscribe 
• Give a Gift Subscription

Thank you so very much for your generous support! Together, we can make a difference.

Jocelyn Bell, Editor/Publisher, CEO and Trisha Elliott, Executive Director

The post How to push candidates on justice issues this federal election appeared first on Broadview Magazine.

Opening arguments are underway in the trial of two people accused of murder in the shooting death of a provincial police officer more than two years ago.

Ontario Provincial Police Const. Grzegorz Pierzchala was shot on Dec. 27, 2022 while responding to a vehicle in a ditch west of Hagersville, Ont., near Brantford.

Randall McKenzie and Brandi Stewart-Sperry were each charged with first-degree murder in the 28-year-old officer’s death.

A coffee shop in Gander received a surprise donation earlier this week from an American man who wanted to thank people in the town for their kindness during the 9/11 Terrorist attacks.

Jumping Bean Coffee received a call recently from a military veteran in Seattle.

He had seen Prime Minister Mark Carney’s campaign stop in the town, and that got him thinking about the way Gander helped in the aftermath of 9/11.

Eventually, the business agreed to take a $125 donation, which was used to treat customers to a free cup of coffee on Wednesday.

Mackenzie Randell is the supervisor who took the call.

She says the man was great to speak with, and praises his kindness – noting that when the exchange rate dropped his donation down to $69, he ensured that the company received the full $125.

She says he wanted people to know that, given the current political climate, not everyone is of the same mindset in the United States and there is support for Canada.

Former Alberta justice minister Jonathan Denis is fighting his Law Society of Alberta (LSA) convictions, fines and the costs he was ordered to pay following the findings of guilt on two instances of professional misconduct.

Theft Under $5000

 On March 26th at 12:27 pm A business in the 1200 block of 1st street north reports a male stole several energy drinks and fled in a vehicle. The registered owner was contacted and a few hours later the vehicle driver turned himself in to police. A 21-year-old male was arrested for Theft Under $5000 and released for court on May 22nd, 2025.

Arrest Warrants

 On March 26th at 11:30 am a 38-year-old female turned herself in to Brandon Police Service as she was aware she had an outstanding warrant for Theft under $5000. She was arrested and released for court on April 22nd, 2025.

On March 26th at 8:38 pm Police conducted a pedestrian check in the 400 block of Rosser Avenue. A 30-year-old male was arrested as he had an outstanding warrant for failing to provide his fingerprints. He was arrested, fingerprinted and released for court on April 24th, 2024.

Breach of Peace

 On March 26th at 9:12 pm police were called to a residence in the 1200 block of Rosser Avenue for an intoxicated male causing a disturbance. A 29-year-old male was arrested and lodged at Brandon Police detention cells and will be released once sober.

Breach of Release order

 On March 26th at 01:53am Police received a call of a female and male yelling in the 000 block of 15th street. A 37-year-old female and a 41-year-old male involved in a verbal dispute were arrested. The pair were on a no contact order. The male was found to have further outstanding charges for possession of a weapon and was held for court on March 27th, 2025, and the female was released for court on May 29th, 2025.

Break and Enter/Resist Arrest

 On March 27th at 03:33am Police were called to a break and enter to a garage in the 1300 block of 6th street. Police attended and located a highly agitated male under the influence of drugs, throwing stuff around the garage. The male was combative and actively resisting arrest. The male was eventually taken into custody and lodged at the Brandon Police detention cells. He will appear in court on March 27th ,2025.

Distribute Intimate Images

 Between March 2015 and October 2020, a male published several intimate videos to an online adult web site involving two separate victims without their knowledge. He was originally charged on May 31st, 2021, involving the first victim and recently the second victim came forward. The crown authorized charges and on March 26th, 2025, the 36-year-old male was arrested for distribute intimate images. He was released for court on May 22nd, 2025.

For general inquiries or to file a report:

(204)729-2345 or https://www.brandon.ca/police-contact/police-contact

Anyone with information on any unsolved crime is asked to call Brandon Crime Stoppers at 204-727-(TIPS) 8477, www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP and your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers pays up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime.

CRIME STOPPERS 204-727-TIPS

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called the city's response to the biggest storm of this winter "a failure." On Thursday afternoon, we'll find out what city council will do about it.

Ottawa slashed Saskatchewan's 2025 allocation to 3,625 — the lowest level since 2009 — and now 75 per cent of all nominees must already live in Canada as temporary residents.

Health Minister Dr. John Dornan says a new collaborative care clinic will open in St. Stephen by the end of the year. 

It was a campaign promise by the Holt government, citing 10 new clinics within the first 18 months of its mandate. 

“We have committed to starting 10 clinics in this current calendar year,” he said speaking in the legislative assembly. “St. Stephen is one of those … We have already signed contracts with groups of people who are putting together these collaborative care clinics, so while not everyone has a clinic promised in the next year, yours is one of them.” 

Dornan revealed the information after facing questions from Progressive Conservative Saint Croix MLA Kathy Bockus. 

Collaborative care clinics employ many different medical professionals to provide continuity of care for patients. This model was previously introduced by the PC government. 

“It’s not tomorrow, before the year is out,” Dornan said. 

The administration of Municipal District of St. Stephen said in a statement it is encouraged by Dornan’s commitment to opening the clinic in St. Stephen during this calendar year.

“We certainly are anxious to have the details of this important development shared with our office and the community at large, said Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Renaud.  “The ability to access primary health care is a critical component to the quality of life within our community.”

Recently, the council in St. Stephen was presented a policy for incentives it wants to give to health care professionals including doctors and nurse practitioners. 

As part of that incentives package, the council will allocate $100,000 per year. Each incentive is paid out in $25,000 increments, less for nurse practitioners, over a five year commitment. 

It is something that Renaud said should be made clear the municipal government shouldn’t have to undertake, but is required to stay competitive. 

Healthcare is a provincial responsibility, but increasingly municipalities are faced with the pressure to deliver on things like housing and healthcare in ways it hasn’t in the past. 

According to the Department of Health, about 18,631 patients in Zone 2 are yet to be matched to a permanent provider, which encompasses all of southwest New Brunswick, from St. Stephen to Sussex.

:Too many of our residents, including my own, do not have a family doctor,” Renaud said. “The opening of this clinic will be a great relief to our residents, and some welcomed news in 2025.”

Other models exist in Charlotte County, as well, like brick and mortar operations. In Saint Andrews, the wellness clinic is provided free space by the council at the W.C. O’Neill Arena Complex. 

It also has about $30,000 allocated in its budget for physician recruitment and retention. 

As well, in Eastern Charlotte, the council allocates $25,000 toward the St. George Medical Centre in the St. George mall.