Unpublished Newswire
From the idea of legalizing pepper spray for self-defense purposes, to the looming demise of two Ottawa-based consumption sites, the CFRA textboard was burning hot today. Kristy Cameron gathers your feedback in Hour 3. Then, we open the debate floor just after the 4:30 newscast, as the Political Heat Panel tackles all-things politics. Plus, Matt Demers offers his reaction to last night’s big winners at the Oscars. But more importantly, we find out who won this year’s bet.
March 16, 2026 - 18:02 | | CFRA - 580 - Ottawa
Ontario’s Attorney General is calling on the Carney Liberals to consider legalizing the use of pepper spray for self-defense measures. This proposal also involves the exploration of mandatory DNA collection upon arrests for sexual offences. In his open letter to Canada’s Attorney General, Doug Downey says it’s all part of an effort to hold violent offenders accountable, support victims of crime, and strengthen public safety. As of today, it’s illegal to carry pepper spray. As of today, a warrant or conviction is required for DNA sample collection. But according to...
March 16, 2026 - 18:01 | | CFRA - 580 - Ottawa
A pair of Ottawa-based supervised consumption sites have received notices from the Ford government, indicating that their funding is being withdrawn. According to a joint statement from Ottawa Inner City Health and the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, the bad news came from the Ministry of Health on Friday afternoon, stating that the cash would cease within 90 days. We get the latest updates from CFRA’s Andrew Pinsent. Meantime, the gloomy news in Centretown continues, as an apartment building fire claimed the lives of two people on Saturday. Nick DeFazio from Ottawa Fire...
March 16, 2026 - 18:00 | | CFRA - 580 - Ottawa
As the U.S. asks allies to assist in defending the Gulf region from Iran, Canada’s Defence Minister David McGuinty said his government is “leaving the door open” to military support in the region, but reiterated Canada will play no offensive role against Iran.
“The question of assistance and neighbouring Gulf countries is one that we’re considering,” he said at a press conference in Ottawa on Monday. “It will depend on the nature of any kind of ask.”
U.S. President Donald Trump has asked for assistance from some NATO allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil...
March 16, 2026 - 17:59 | Jordan Gowling | National Post
Ottawa filmmaker Patrice James says the fact that a young woman of colour won the Oscar for best cinematography for the first time inspires a lot of hope. But as James tells CBC’s Rachelle Elsiufi, while it’s nice to see the progress she feels there is more work to do.
March 16, 2026 - 17:45 | | CBC News - Ottawa
Unpaid municipal taxes by some in the energy industry is a long-standing issue, with Alberta's rural communities owed more than $250 million as of last year.
March 16, 2026 - 17:44 | Globalnews Digital | Global News - Canada
