Top Stories To Know…
Top headlines for today…
- Speaker of the House resigns: House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota, has stepped down from his position after pressure from Members of Parliament. The backlash comes after Speaker Rota extended an invitation to 98-year old Ukrainian Canadian Yaroslav Hunka last Friday. According to a report, Hunka had fought in WWII and was a high ranking officer in the 1st Galician Division, a branch of the Nazi Germany Waffen-SS. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an address Monday saying it’s “deeply embarrassing” for his invitation to the event honoring Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenski. Speaker Rota also issued an apology to Canadians about the embarrassment. Leaders of the NDP, Bloc Quebecois and Conservatives have voiced their position for the Speaker of the House to resign. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said “It was an embarrassment to the House and to Canadians, and I think the Speaker should listen to members of the House and step down.
- Poland to extradite Nazi veteran: The Canadian government is receiving backlash, not only from Canadians, but on the international stage, after inviting Nazi war veteran Yaroslav Hunka to the House of Commonsm, where he was also applauded. The Polish government is seeking the extradition of Hunka from Canada to pay for his crimes against humanity. In a tweet, Polish Minister Przemyslaw Czarnek said “In view of the scandalous events in the Canadian Parliament, which involved honoring, in the presence of President Zelenskyy, a member of the criminal Nazi SS Galizien formation, I have taken steps towards the possible extradition of this man to Poland.”
- NHL preseason game tonight in St. Thomas: Kraft Hockeyville will be coming to Southwestern Ontario again. West Lorne, just southwest of London won the 2023 contest which allows them to host a preseason game between the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs. Unfortunately, the town of 1,300 does not have an arena that is up to NHL standards. A decision was then made to host the game at the Joe Thornton Community Center. The arena has a capacity of 2,200 people with an additional 800 in standing room. Tickets were only given to select players of the Western Minor Hockey Association, West Elgin Skating Club, and a few lucky community members through a draw. Members of the community can still join in on the celebration at West Lorne Arena where NHL alumni will be there, and the Stanley Cup will be on display. The event will take place Wednesday from 4pm-7pm.
- Numerous charges laid after homecoming celebrations: The London Police Service had a busy weekend with the unsanctioned party goers. In a press release, police say approximately 10,000 people were in attendance this weekend. The police have released their enforcement numbers from Saturday’s celebrations. 38 Liquor Licence charges, 16 Highway Traffic Act charges 10 by-law charges, 2 criminal code charges, and 249 Administrative Monetary Penalties. According to the London Health Science Center, 31 people were treated in hospital in relation.
- Homeless hub locations approved: All five proposed locations for homeless hubs have been approved by city councilors after hours of discussion. All locations did receive some pushback from community members. Most notable was the location of 705 Fanshawe Park Road West. Ward 13 Councilor David Ferreria said he needs London to stop “turning their backs” on this issue. There will be two downtown locations, two near Victoria Hospital, and one in the city’s northwest end. The public will be invited to provide their input at the next council meeting on October 5th
- Road Closure: King St between Wellington and Lyle St will be closed for the next three weeks to paint lines for the East London Link Project. Several LTC bus routes will be detoured, visit the LTC website for more information and detour routes.
