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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alberta company at the centre of corruption allegations calls for release of audit
EDMONTON — An Alberta company swept up in allegations of government corruption says it's being further harmed by the suppression of a report it believes will exonerate them. Medical supply company MHCare Medical is calling on the province's front-line health provider to release an audit into health contracts commissioned by its former chief executive officer. MHCare believes the audit from former Alberta Health Services head Athana Mentzelopoulos may provide concrete proof allegations against its CEO are baseless. Mentzelopoulos is suing Premier Danielle Smith's government for wrongful dismissal, claiming she was fired for looking into questionable, overpriced contracts. MHCare is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, but contracts it had with AHS were part of the examination by a law firm that is referenced in court documents. The province has denied any wrongdoing, arguing in court documents that Mentzelopoulos was fired for poor job performance and for dragging her feet on health-care reforms. The contracts are the focus of three investigations, and MHCare says the repeated delays are unfair as the allegations tarnish their reputation and leave CEO Sam Mraiche with no chance to clear his name. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2025. Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Report finds including limited right to sue in new Alberta auto insurance model could cost drivers up to $136 annually
Province's Care-First system unlikely to deliver premium savings for drivers unless changes are made EDMONTON, ON, June 24, 2025 /CNW/ - A new analysis from consulting firm MNP finds that the government's intention to maintain the ability to sue in Alberta's Care-First auto insurance model could add up to $136 to required premiums annually. In light of the findings, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is urging the government to resist pressure to keep tort access in the new system and instead stay focused on ensuring victims receive the highest level of care to support their recovery. "Litigation in Alberta's auto insurance system creates significant costs for Alberta drivers. Removing this, to improve affordability and care, is the main reason the government decided to transition to its Care-First model," said Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Pacific and Western, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). "The provincial government designs and mandates the auto insurance products that insurers must sell. No other province with a care-based system permits the ability to sue as envisioned in Alberta because of the significant costs it adds for drivers, while doing nothing to improve care for those injured in collisions." As the Alberta government moves forward with the final design of its new Care-First auto insurance system, it has indicated that those injured in collisions will retain the ability to sue when the at-fault driver is guilty of select Criminal Code and Traffic Safety Act violations, as well as to recover out-of-pocket expenses beyond what is covered by their own insurance policy. IBC commissioned MNP to explore the impact this would have on required premiums. The firm's findings can be found here. After years of escalating legal costs and government-imposed rate interventions, Alberta's auto insurance market is in crisis. Soaring repair costs, inflation and tariffs are only adding to the pressure. Now, with the government's intention to allow tort access to continue as a cost pressure, the success of Alberta's Care-First model is at risk—eroding the savings that drivers could see when the new system comes into effect in 18 months. "Drivers deserve an auto insurance system that they can count on when they need it," added Sutherland. "IBC and its members are eager to work with the government to stabilize the system today and ensure the new system brings drivers savings and the access to the best medical benefits so that they can recover." The Alberta government's Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB) recently published new data on cost pressures impacting driver premiums over the next year, all of which are growing well in excess of the current 7.5% auto insurance rate cap: Legal costs are increasing 9.7% Accident benefit costs are increasing 11.9% Over the last year, costs for vehicle damage coverages were projected to increase by more than 15%. The AIRB also highlighted that last year auto insurers lost 20 cents for every dollar sold in premiums due to the government's ongoing rate cap. This is creating significant strain on the availability of coverage for drivers today and on the ability of the Care-First system to deliver savings for drivers in the future. "The Alberta government is trying to deliver significant savings under the new system, but current auto insurance rates are under tremendous pressure," said Sutherland. "The insurance industry supports the government's goal of making auto insurance more affordable for Alberta drivers. But to do that, a significant course correction is needed." About Insurance Bureau of Canada Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of Canada's highly competitive property and casualty (P&C) insurance market. As the leading advocate for Canada's private P&C insurers, IBC collaborates with governments, regulators and stakeholders to support a competitive environment for the P&C insurance industry to continue to help protect Canadians from the risks of today and tomorrow. IBC believes that Canadians value and deserve a responsive and resilient private P&C insurance industry that provides insurance solutions to both individuals and businesses. For media releases, IN Focus articles, or to book an interview with an IBC representative, visit Follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC. We're here to help. SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada View original content to download multimedia:
Toronto Star
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Donald Trump is a convicted felon. Could he be stopped from entering Canada for the G7 summit?
If any ordinary American were to be convicted of Donald Trump 's crimes, they would most likely be stopped at the Canadian border, immigration lawyers say. But Trump is far from ordinary. Despite his 34 felony convictions, the U.S. president plans to jet into the country on Sunday, en route to the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alta. He'll likely face little resistance on his way in. Politics Analysis We found out how Mark Carney hopes to smooth differences with Donald Trump at the G7 summit. Here's what we know World leaders will have lots to chew on once they arrive in Calgary this Sunday. Politics Analysis We found out how Mark Carney hopes to smooth differences with Donald Trump at the G7 summit. Here's what we know World leaders will have lots to chew on once they arrive in Calgary this Sunday. 'Do I believe (Trump's convictions) will be an impediment to him entering Canada? The answer is no,' said Mario Bellissimo, founder of immigration law firm Bellissimo Law Group in Toronto. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'Given his status and maybe the need for his entry to Canada, all kinds of factors come into play.' The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) declined to comment. 'Due to privacy legislation, we cannot comment on individual cases,' said Remi Lariviere, a spokesperson for the IRCC. 'Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.' Is Trump allowed to enter Canada despite his felony convictions? Anyone convicted of an offence outside Canada that, if committed within the country, would constitute an indictable offence or lead to a maximum sentence of at least 10 years, will be deemed inadmissible to enter the country, according to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). So too will anyone convicted of at least two, separate offences that are also considered offences in Canada. But although Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsified business records in a 2024, a judge granted him an unconditional discharge — sparing the president any fines, jail time or probation. And that discharge might be his ticket into Canada. 'Under the (IRPA), if someone here in Canada is convicted but they receive an unconditional discharge, it's not considered a conviction,' Bellissimo said. 'It may well be that an officer doing an equivalency assessment ... may make a determination that he's not criminally inadmissible.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Politics Protests at G7 summit in Alberta set to be largely peaceful, targeting Trump policies EDMONTON - Protests during the upcoming G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis, Alta., may be starkly different than demonstrations happening this we… Politics Protests at G7 summit in Alberta set to be largely peaceful, targeting Trump policies EDMONTON - Protests during the upcoming G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis, Alta., may be starkly different than demonstrations happening this we… Even if Trump were to be found criminally inadmissible, Bellissimo believes Canada's minister of public safety would likely make an exception 'in the national interest' and allow him entry to preserve diplomatic relations. Canada's ports of entry also have a 'huge amount of discretion' regarding who they let in, added David Garson, managing partner of Toronto-based Garson Immigration Law. Depending on their circumstances, someone deemed inadmissible may be granted a temporary resident permit that allows them to enter the country for a limited time — although Trump is unlikely to reach a point where this is needed, Bellissimo said. Finally, Trump likely holds a diplomatic passport, which could help facilitate his entry. This is not a 'get out of jail free card' — it won't rule out past criminal convictions, Garson and Bellissimo said. But for the purposes of diplomatic facilitation, border officials are more likely to find a reason to let diplomatic passport holders into the country, regardless of their past offences. I have a criminal history. Can I enter Canada? That depends on your offence, how much time has passed since the completion of your sentence and the urgency of your need to enter the country, the lawyers say. 'Canada has a pretty low threshold for inadmissibility,' Garson said. For instance, driving under the influence might be considered an indictable offence in Canada and bar one from entering the country. United States What to know about 'No Kings' protests against Trump's policies Opponents of President Donald Trump's administration are set to rally in hundreds of cities on Saturday during the military parade in Washingt… United States What to know about 'No Kings' protests against Trump's policies Opponents of President Donald Trump's administration are set to rally in hundreds of cities on Saturday during the military parade in Washingt… That said, CBSA officers consider cases on a 'need versus risk' basis, said Shabnam Akrami, managing partner and founder of Mississauga immigration law firm Akrami & Associates. If one is deemed low-risk and their need to enter is compelling, they may be granted a temporary resident permit — although it can take four to five months and 'quite a lot of documentation' for this to be approved, in Garson's experience. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Otherwise, those deemed inadmissible may be considered 'rehabilitated' 10 years after they served their sentence for an indictable offence, or five years after serving their last sentence for two or more summary convictions. The screening process is more comprehensive for those who committed a serious offence with a maximum sentence of at least 10 years, Bellissimo explained. 'I think that's where people are getting irritated, because someone like Donald Trump is getting preferential treatment,' Akrami said. 'Because someone with a similar offence ... would not have been able to overcome the inadmissibility at the port of entry with same-day processing.' Akrami added that she's seen similar situations with athletes and celebrities who, despite facing criminal convictions that would bar 'normal people' from entry, were still allowed into the country. 'Because this person is an athlete and millions of people are watching them, it's a boost to the Canadian economy,' Akrami said. 'When you do the need versus risk, it could be argued that they should get in.' 'I get why Canadians are upset, with the remarks that he's made about the 51st state and all of this stuff,' she continued. 'But from a legal angle ... they're not making a new law for him. They're not doing something that doesn't already exist.'
Toronto Sun
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Protests at G7 summit in Alberta set to be largely peaceful, targeting Trump policies
Published Jun 12, 2025 • 4 minute read The parking lot of the Fenlands Recreation Centre in Banff has been chosen as the G7 2025 protest zone in the townsite. It was photographed on Thursday May 22, 2025. Photo by Gavin Young / Postmedia EDMONTON — Protests during the upcoming G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis, Alta., may be starkly different than demonstrations happening this week against immigration crackdowns in the United States. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account A University of Toronto research group that has been monitoring the meetings of world leaders since 1998 says its analysis shows Canadian protests are more peaceful and smaller. But similar to the recent demonstrations in Los Angeles, they're likely to be against the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump. 'The Los Angeles protests will add another (issue) the protesters going there already care about, but it won't do anything much more than that,' said John Kirton, director of the G7 Research Group. 'I don't think it'll bring more protesters, too. Nor will the L.A. protests delay Trump from coming here.' Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting Trump and world leaders from France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy and the European Union for the three-day summit starting Sunday in the Rocky Mountains southwest of Calgary. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Leaders of several non-member countries, including India, Ukraine and Mexico, are also set to attend. The summit comes as protests in the United States continue against Trump's immigration raids, particularly his government's detainment of migrants. Hundreds of marines have joined about 4,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles. The protests have seen clashes with police, burned cars, rubber bullets shot at journalists and arrests. In Alberta, Kirton said protests during the G7 are not expected to be the same. '(The G7's) distinctive mission from the very beginning was to promote within its own members the values of open democracy,' he said. 'In democracies, people are supposed to protest. It's an integral part.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It's unlikely Canada's government would respond to any clashes like Trump, by calling in the military, Kirton added. The remote Kananaskis location will be closed off to the public. Visuals and audio of protesters at three demonstration zones designated by the RCMP — two in downtown Calgary and one in Banff _ are to be shown to the leaders and other delegates at the summit on TV screens. Another zone at the Calgary airport won't be broadcast. Kirton said the distance between officials and protesters ensures the summit unfolds peacefully. 'Trump has been subjected to two assassination attempts, and one almost killed him. So you can see why (RCMP) have to be hypervigilant,' Kirton said. The Calgary Raging Grannies group plans to be at the protest zone at Calgary City Hall on Sunday afternoon. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Mary Oxendale-Spensley, 74, said the grandmothers will be far from raging and clashing with police when they call out Trump's tariffs and his pitch to annex Canada. 'We do intend to sing,' said the retired teacher. One of their songs in the lineup: 'U.S.A., you have got a problem.' The song calls the U.S. president an 'orange blob' because of his tan, says he's 'way out of line,' and declares 'our sovereign nation will never be yours,' said Oxendale-Spensley. Ensuring Trump hears their message is vital, she said, even if it's on a screen. 'I'm a Canadian. I was Canadian when I was born. I intend to be a Canadian when I die.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO It's hard to say how many grannies will be at the protest, she added. 'My big complaint about the grannies always is that we're grannies. People get sick, people break their ankle, that kind of thing.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Protests at the last G7 summit in Kananaskis in 2002 were peaceful, Kirton said, as demonstrators were also given designated zones. 'I do remember most vividly it was very hot,' Kirton said, and there were not many protesters. 'There were so few of them and it was so peaceful that we didn't even bother to estimate a number.' Aside from protests against Trump, some are expected to address other issues — like calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war and Russia's war in Ukraine, Kirton said. Kirton said he also anticipates a presence from Canadians who want Alberta to separate from Canada, as well as those opposed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tensions have been high between Canada and India since 2023, when former prime minister Justin Trudeau told the House of Commons that agents of the Indian government were linked to the killing of a Canadian activist for Sikh separatism outside a gurdwara in Surrey, B.C. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The World Sikh Organization of Canada said inviting Modi to the G7 is unacceptable. The International League of Peoples' Struggles, an international alliance of grassroots organizations, is expecting about 200 people for a protest also at Calgary City Hall. Yasmeen Khan, vice-chair of the group's North America chapter, said protesters want to raise awareness about various issues, including Indigenous struggles, housing and climate change. 'We'll have banners. We'll be chanting,' she said. 'We will also have some cultural performances from some Indigenous artists and migrant youth.' Mounties said first responders are prepared for protests. 'While the number of participants may vary, we have strong situational awareness of anticipated demonstrations and are well positioned to respond accordingly,' said RCMP spokesman Fraser Logan. Celebrity Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists
Toronto Star
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Marchand scores in double OT, Panthers beat Oilers 5-4 to tie Stanley Cup series 1-1
Nhl EDMONTON - Brad Marchand had a pair of goals, including the winner in the second overtime, as the Florida Panthers evened their Stanley Cup final rematch with Edmonton, defeating the Oilers 5-4 in a wild Game 2 on Friday.
