In the news today, Aug. 13

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LIBERALS, TORIES BUILD SIMILAR LOCAL WAR CHESTS

The Liberals and Conservatives are matched fairly evenly when it comes to how ready their local campaigns are to pay for the coming federal election, a shift from when the big blue machine dominated the scene the last time around. The Conservatives have boasted of besting the Liberals when it comes to fundraising at the national level, but an in-depth analysis by The Canadian Press suggests a closer race between the two parties. The 2018 annual financial returns for riding associations, which are still trickling in to Elections Canada, show Conservative ridings ended last year with about $24.2 million in combined net assets. The Liberals were not far behind, with about $21 million in net assets spread out nationwide.

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MANHUNT SUSPECTS DIED BY APPARENT SUICIDE: POLICE

Autopsies have confirmed two bodies found in northern Manitoba last week are those of two teenage murder suspects, who shot themselves. Police say two firearms were found with 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky and 19-year-old Kam McLeod. Forensic analysis is underway to definitively confirm the weapons are connected with the investigations into the deaths of three people in northern B.C. Authorities say it appears the teens were dead for a number of days before the bodies were recovered. The RCMP say once their review is completed over the next few weeks, they will provide families with an update then release information publicly.

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FOODORA COURIER UNION VOTING ENDS TODAY

Foodora couriers in Toronto will end voting later today on union certification to create Canada’s first unionized workforce in the gig economy. The company, which operates the food delivery service in seven Canadian cities, has objected to a Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ application for certification under a section of the Ontario Labour Relations Act. The union filed its application last week with the Ontario Labour Relations Board, months after a campaign was launched that addressed working conditions. Foodora objected to the board because it contends the couriers are independent contractors rather than employees.

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LEADERS PITCH THEMES FOR MANITOBA ELECTION

Manitoba’s political leaders are pitching different themes for the election campaign that is now officially underway. Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister says the campaign for the Sept. 10 election is all about trust and taxes. He says his party can be trusted to keep taxes in line after following through on a promised sales-tax cut this year. NDP Leader Wab Kinew is focusing on health care and other services. He says the Tories have hurt health care and the NDP would reinstate two of the three Winnipeg hospital emergency rooms that the government has downgraded.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS:

— How to deal with bullying and harassment in the workplace is to be discussed as Canada’s police chiefs gather today in Calgary for their annual meeting.

— Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan will make a child care announcement today in Vancouver.

— NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will speak at the Climate Caucus Summit in Vancouver today.

— Former Regina gymnastics coach Marcel Dubroy will appear in court on charges relating to alleged sex crimes committed against a former athlete from January 2002 to April 2008.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

In the news today, Aug. 13

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