Four stories in the news today, Jan. 27

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ATLANTIC PREMIERS TO TALK ABOUT ECONOMIC GROWTH

Atlantic Canada’s premiers meet with several federal ministers today to discuss how to expand the region’s economy. Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil says the meeting in Wolfville, N.S. is important because many of the economic issues to be discussed require both levels of government to work together. He says the talks will touch on how to continue to grow immigration to the region and on ways the provinces can continue to co-operate in areas such as energy.

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TORY LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE PULLS OUT OF RACE

In a tumultuous day for the political right in Alberta, talk of merging the Wildrose and the Progressive Conservative parties ramped up Thursday while one of the contenders for the Tory leadership pulled out of the campaign, saying the race has “devolved into vitriol, anger and division.” Stephen Khan issued a statement on his Twitter feed announcing his withdrawal, saying the reputation of the party is “damaged so badly … that our credibility may be beyond repair.” The surprise announcement came the same day that Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said consolidating conservatives under a single banner is the best chance to defeat Premier Rachel Notley’s NDP.

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QUEBEC POLITICIAN BEING INVESTIGATED BY POLICE

The Quebec premier’s office is confirming that a longtime cabinet minister is under police investigation. In a statement Thursday, Premier Philippe Couillard says Pierre Paradis has been replaced as agriculture minister by Laurent Lessard. The 66-year-old Paradis, who has represented the riding of Brome-Missisquoi since 1980, has also been kicked out of the Liberal caucus.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Four stories in the news today, Jan. 27

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