This report by The Canadian Press highlights several key stories from across Canada and internationally as various events unfold in early 2025.
Trudeau in Poland for Auschwitz Anniversary
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is currently in Krakow, Poland, attending events that mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a site where over one million, predominantly Jews, lost their lives during the Holocaust. In addition to the commemorative events, Trudeau is scheduled to meet with Canadian survivors of Auschwitz, making this visit particularly poignant. The timing is significant as it may be Trudeau's final major international trip as Prime Minister before the Liberal party elects a new leader on March 9, 2025.
Bank of Canada Rate Cut Anticipated
Economic analysts predict that the Bank of Canada will likely decrease its key policy interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to three percent on Wednesday. This potential rate cut follows a previous pattern where the Bank implemented two larger rate decreases by half a percentage point in October and December 2024 in response to inflation trends, which remained at or below the two percent target. As of December, Canada’s annual inflation rate was reported at 1.8 percent, aided by a temporary GST tax break, while without this measure, inflation could have risen to 2.3 percent.
Verdict Expected for Former Calgary Councillor
A verdict is anticipated today for Joe Magliocca, a former Calgary city councillor accused of fraud and breach of trust related to travel expense claims between October 2017 and December 2019. The allegations surfaced after it was revealed that he incurred expenses that were double those of his peers at a municipal conference in Quebec City. Testimony in his case raised questions about the validity of his claims, as several prominent politicians he cited as meeting him testified otherwise. Magliocca faced charges shortly before the 2021 municipal election, in which he did not retain his council seat.
Chinese Canadians Reflect on Pandemic Experiences
Almost five years post-declaration of a global pandemic, Chinese Canadians are sharing their experiences of facing ridicule and racism during the early days of COVID-19. With the outbreak beginning in Wuhan, many, including Lili Wu from Port Coquitlam, B.C., took significant precautions such as wearing masks and avoiding crowded places. Despite their forward-thinking measures, they were met with confusion and hostility from the public. Their actions ultimately became standard practices for the general populace as awareness of the virus grew.
Researchers Advocate for Exercise Prescriptions for Seniors
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal underscores the importance of regular physical activity, particularly among seniors, advocating for doctors to prescribe exercise alongside medical treatments. Bob Bursach, an 82-year-old personal trainer in Toronto who works with older clients, emphasizes the noticeable benefits of exercise, such as improved strength and independence among seniors. The lead author of the study, Dr. Jane Thornton, highlights a common concern among physicians regarding the risks of injury overshadowing the substantial benefits that physical activity can provide to older patients.
Overall, these stories underscore significant national and international developments, illustrating Canada’s evolving socio-economic landscape and the historical reflections that continue to shape contemporary discourse.
