5 things to know for Thursday, October 28, 2021

TORONTO -

The Alberta premier's office faces toxic workplace allegations, Kyle Beach comes forward, and a mysterious radio signal comes from space. Here’s what you need to know to start your day.

1. Toxic workplace: A former Alberta government staffer is suing the premier’s office, alleging her contract was terminated after speaking out against a toxic workplace that included on-site intoxication and sexual harassment.

2. Blackhawks investigation: Kyle Beach, a former player in the Chicago Blackhawks farm system, has come forward as John Doe in the team’s sexual assault investigation.

3. Papal visit: While Pope Francis may visit Canada amid calls for him to apologize for the Catholic Church's role in residential schools, Indigenous leaders say his visit must be "more than a gesture" in order to have an impact on reconciliation.

4. Vaccine mandate: Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole says that his caucus has agreed to “respect and abide by” the new rules mandating vaccination in the House of Commons, but at the “earliest opportunity” his party will be challenging the policy decided by a board of MPs.

5. Antidepressant impresses: The inexpensive and well-known drug fluvoxamine can save the lives of COVID-19 patients and cut hospital admissions by up to 30 per cent, according to a new study.

One more thing…

UF-no: A mysterious radio signal from a nearby star system that was detected in 2019 isn’t coming from aliens, scientists say.

The Parkes observatory is positioned to be isolated from radio frequency interference. The site also sees dark skies in optical light, as seen here in June 2017 with the Milky Way Galaxy overhead. (Daniel John Reardon)

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Canada

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World

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Politics

Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight

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Health

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CTE: Researchers believe widespread brain injury may contribute to veteran suicide rate

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Sci-Tech

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Entertainment

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Business

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Lifestyle

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Sports

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Autos

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Toronto

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Calgary

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Ottawa

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Montreal

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Edmonton

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Atlantic

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Winnipeg

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Regina

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Kitchener

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Former Kitchener doctor accused of sexually assaulting patients makes brief court appearance as marathon trial continues

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Saskatoon

Crown argues for life sentence for Sask. Mountie who shot and killed his lover

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'Difficult to maintain': Private Sask. school embroiled in abuse allegations may soon close

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Council votes for bike safety improvements at corner where cyclist was killed

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Northern Ontario

Former head of Ont. tech company charged in $6M fraud case

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London

Aamjiwnaang First Nation declares state of emergency over benzene levels

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A First Nations young female hockey player bears the Toronto Maple Leafs’ flag before playoff game

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Barrie

Honda unveils $15B investment plan to build new EV plant in Alliston

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Windsor

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Oversized danger: pedestrian advocacy groups call for smaller trucks and SUVs

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Vancouver Island

Hiker airlifted to hospital in critical condition after falling into Vancouver Island canyon

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Harbour Air commits to buying 50 electric engines for seaplane fleet

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Kelowna

B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA

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Homicide investigation underway after body found near Kelowna, B.C.

Major crime detectives in British Columbia are investigating a suspected homicide after a body was found in a remote area southeast Kelowna over the weekend.

Lethbridge

Former U of L student awarded diversity, equity and inclusion medal by NASA

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Oilers get hat trick from MacNeil en route to 4-1 win over Bandits

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Fire risk for southern Alberta high: Natural Resources Canada

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Sault Ste. Marie

Garden River chief meets with disgruntled band members over payout concerns

Some members of the Garden River First Nation are demanding answers regarding the disbursement of the Robinson-Huron Treaty settlement funds.
OPP and Treaty Three police lay murder charge in northwestern Ont.

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Youth charged in the Sault for firing cap gun at passersby

A 15-year-old in Sault Ste. Marie has been charged following an incident on Bay Street on Tuesday.

N.L.

Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition

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Rideshare platform Uber expands to Newfoundland and Labrador

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Newfoundland director found creeping terror of 'The King Tide' in a tiny coastal town

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