Here are the five things you need to know this Thursday: Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says he'll play a constructive role in talks between provincial leaders and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; Donald Trump has found another support in the form of Canadian Conrad Black; a mental health advocate has called for exclusions for doctor-assisted death; Trudeau's brother says he's done nothing wrong in petitioning for a suspected terrorist sleeper agent; and a Winnipeg group is looking to help Syrian refugees adjust to Canada.
And one more thing… a Life Hack Thursday story on how to stay focused and not let distractions get in your way.
1. First Ministers Meeting: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Canada’s premiers and territorial leaders today, with the economy and environment taking centre stage. Despite threats of pressure, Saksatchewan Premier Brad Wall says he will play a "constructive role."
2. Black backs Trump: Conrad Black says his friend Donald Trump will win the Republican nomination and "mop the floor" with Hillary Clinton. He has a good sense of presidential history, too, having written biographies on Franklin D. Roosevelt and Richard Nixon.
3. Call for exclusion: A mental health advocate has launched a petition urging the federal government to reject a proposal that would allow Canadians with mental health issues to request a doctor-assisted death.
4. Strong denial: The Prime Minister's brother says he's done nothing wrong in petitioning the federal government to stop the deportation efforts for a suspected terrorist sleeper agent. Alexandre "Sacha" Trudeau recently sent a letter to Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale asking for deportation hearings for Mohamed Harkat to stop.
5. Winter survival tips: A Winnipeg non-profit has compiled a guide on how to survive a Canadian winter for young Syrian refugees. While some parts of Syria can drop below freezing, Canada's temperatures can go much lower.
And one more thing for Life Hack Thursday... New research has found that people with a high IQ are not just better at remembering the things they need to remember; they are better at ignoring the things that aren't important. But there's good news if you're easily distracted: studies also suggest you can train your brain to focus better. Here's how:
