CRTC gives Bell and Telus until Wednesday to drop fees or risk compliance actions

The CRTC has again issued warnings to Bell Canada and Telus Corp. over recently introduced fees the regulator says could be in violation of its new policy prohibiting telecoms from charging customers when they activate, change or cancel plans.

In letters addressed to the two companies last Friday — the day the new rules took effect — the CRTC's director of social and consumer policy Nanao Kachi said Bell and Telus have until Wednesday to confirm they have stopped charging the fees in question.

"Commission staff will consider all available compliance options to ensure that fees that are a barrier to switching cellphone and internet plans are prohibited as intended by the act," Kachi said in each letter.

Last month, the commission warned Bell that a new $40 "device handling" fee could violate the policy, saying the charge didn't appear to qualify for an exemption.

Canada begins talks with Italy on buying advanced trainer jets

ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS - Canada and Italy have entered talks for Canada’s purchase of M-346 advanced jet trainer aircraft.

The announcement was made after a meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains. 

The jets are designed and produced by Leonardo, one of Italy’s largest aerospace companies. 

It’s unclear how many jets Canada is looking to purchase.

Lauded law firm Fillmore Riley LLP preps move to Richardson Building from home of 40 years on Main Street

Does this brief from 1986 spark joy?

Employees at Winnipeg’s Fillmore Riley LLP may not be using Japanese organizing expert Marie Kondo’s methods, but they are decluttering. After more than four decades headquartered in the 360 Main St. office tower, the full-service law firm is preparing to move its operations across the street to the Richardson Building.

“You’ll see a lot of garbage bins and recycling bins all over the place because we are getting rid of what’s accumulated over the last 40 years,” said Stuart Blake, chief executive officer and managing partner.

Construction on the new office started last fall. One thing Blake and the firm’s other 36 partners knew at the end of 2024 when they made the decision to move was that they wanted to stay downtown.

New First Nations water bill changes mention of ‘right’ to clean water access

OTTAWA - A new First Nations clean water bill set to be introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney's government changes a provision in a previous bill that would have recognized First Nations have a human right to clean drinking water.

The Canadian Press has obtained a draft of the bill labelled "for consultation until June 11, 2026." It's not clear if any changes were made since the consultation period ended.

Some First Nations leaders had expected the bill to be introduced as early as Monday, but that didn't happen. It's now expected on Tuesday, and Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty is scheduled to hold a news conference.

The House of Commons is expected to rise by Friday for the summer break, which means the legislation likely won't be debated or voted on until the fall.

Canada risks missing economic boom by leaving Africa envoy position vacant: senator

OTTAWA - Ottawa might scrap the position of special envoy to Africa, despite House of Commons and Senate committees calling on the government to give the role a higher priority and more resources to capitalize on a projected economic boom on the continent.

"Every time I speak about Africa, it's like talking into a vacuum because I feel like people's eyes are closed to this continent," Sen. Amina Gerba said in a French-language interview.

"We shouldn't limit ourselves to just Europe or just Asia. We need to open ourselves up to other markets, and the fastest-growing markets today are in Africa."

On June 3, Global Affairs Canada announced it would replace its ambassador to the African Union when Ben Marc Diendéré's three-year term wrapped up this year. In March 2025, in its last weeks in office, the Trudeau government appointed Diendéré as a special envoy for Africa.

Mondetta unveils expansion amid ScaleUP week

Scratch the kitchenette — Mondetta’s new RV is stocked with suits and gas for cross-country sales.

The Winnipeg-based clothier has spent $500,000 renovating an RV to take its menswear brand, Modern Ambition, to cities throughout Canada.

It’s also slated new stores for Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.

“We are very proud that a Canadian brand is … expanding and getting that recognition,” said Georgi Gvakharia, Mondetta Clothing’s senior vice-president and global head of retail.

Returning after leave of absence: an employee’s guide to a successful transition

Returning to work after a leave of absence can bring a mix of emotions.

McDonald’s is serving fried apple pie again for America’s 250th birthday

McDonald’s is frying up some apple pies to honor America’s 250th birthday.

The company said Tuesday it’s bringing back fried apple pies for the first time in more than three decades. They’ll be available at most U.S. restaurants for a limited time starting June 23.

McDonald’s is one of several fast food companies offering semiquincentennial treats. Burger King recently debuted its Firecracker Cookie Pie, which has a sugar cookie crust and red, white and blue star-shaped sprinkles. Sonic is offering a red, white and blue slush float for $2.50. Hardee's has an iced Star-Spangled Biscuit with red and blue sprinkles.

Here’s a look at McDonald’s fried apple pies by the numbers: