In the news today, July 29

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B.C. MURDER SUSPECT’S FATHER RELEASES BOOK

The father of a B.C. murder suspect has written a book that sheds new light on his mental health, explains harassment convictions involving his ex-wife and provides insight into the possible impacts the events had on his fugitive son. Alan Schmegelsky, the father of Bryer Schmegelsky, has sent a book to reporters titled “Red Flagged,” which he says is a novelization of actual events and fictionalizes some incidents. Bryer is a suspect in three murders in northern B.C. along with his friend, Kam McLeod. A massive manhunt for the two suspects continues in northern Manitoba.

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FOUR FOUND DEAD IN HOME NORTH OF TORONTO

A lot of questions remain to be answered today after four bodies were found inside a home in Markham, Ont., just north of Toronto. York Regional Police said officers discovered the bodies Sunday afternoon while responding to a 911 call about possible injuries at the home. They said the officers were met at the door by a 20-year-old man who was later taken into custody, but there was still word as of Sunday night whether he’d been charged with anything. And no information was immediately released about the identities of the deceased, their ages, genders, relationship to each other, or how they died.

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FOCUS ON SHIPPING IN EFFORT TO SAVE WHALES

The shipping industry is under increased scrutiny after two cargo ships were fined for sailing too fast through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where the rising death toll among endangered North Atlantic right whales has been partly blamed on collisions with vessels. There have been eight deaths reported since early June, and examinations of five of the carcasses showed three of them had injuries consistent with ship strikes — a leading cause of death for these rare mammals. Transport Canada says that while the shipping industry has been overwhelmingly compliant in respecting new speed limits, there are still some exceptions, and it is examining all reported cases of non-compliance.

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U.S. HOUSE BREAKS WITH NO NEW NAFTA: NOW WHAT?

The U.S. House of Representatives begins its summer break today leaving the ratification of the new North American trade deal hanging, rekindling angst that a frustrated President Donald Trump will blow up the existing pact. Trade experts in Canada and the U.S. are divided on whether Trump may be driven to invoke the six-month notice period to withdraw from the current North American Free Trade Agreement — a threat he repeatedly made during the tense renegotiation of the pact that he pushed on Canada and Mexico. Mexico is the only country to give full legal approval to the new accord. Canada is waiting to see what the U.S. Congress will do.

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20 DONORS GAVE MAX TO BOTH LIBERALS AND CONSERVATIVES

The chairman of the board of Bombardier, a scion of the Rotman family, the chairman of a major power company — these prominent Canadians all gave as much money as they’re allowed, or close to it, to both the Liberals and Conservatives in 2018. An analysis of Elections Canada documents by The Canadian Press shows they are among at least 20 Canadians who gave substantially to the country’s two most fiercely opposed parties last year. Such donations are fully legal: a person can give to all the political parties if he or she wishes — but they are unusual.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS:

— Green Leader Elizabeth May and candidate Greg Malone host a community meeting in Carbonear, N.L.

— Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay makes an announcement in Hamilton about research into chronic pain issues concerning veterans.

— Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna makes an announcement in Mississauga regarding clean-transportation infrastructure.

— Small Business Minister Mary Ng is in Vancouver to announce the creation of an integrated market in the medtech industry.

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The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

In the news today, July 29

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