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Thursday, July 10, 2025

KNIGHT: New report condemns RCMP, but what will change?

A report issued this week by former Supreme Court Justice Michel Bastarache looked at the complaints brought against the RCMP by former members Janet Merlo and Linda Gillis Davidson. 

The report was unequivocal in its findings against the Force, confirming that there was a history of systemic harassment in the RCMP against women and a culture of bullying. 

The report claims “One of the key findings of this report is that the culture of the RCMP is toxic and tolerates misogynistic and homophobic attitudes amongst its leaders and members.”

I have been writing about this for years and now the systemic cultural problems have been laid bare for all Canadians to see and hopefully to discuss the way forward. 

Unfortunately, the report does not do anything to put into place parameters to stop the RCMP from its brutish and outdated behaviour. Nor does the executive of the RCMP agree to any circumstances that would lead them to alleviate any of the egregious behaviour. 

We’re left with the leadership of the RCMP agreeing that they did bad and agreed to pay out large amounts of taxpayers’ dollars for their foibles, but there is nothing in the document that says what they will do going forward.

What is the point of the exercise? What will change? 

Historically, the RCMP have been a deliberately opaque organization. And nothing has changed. 

Take for example the case of serving member Constable Gerry Rundel who, along with Corporal Monty Robinson (Ret.) has initiated criminal complaints within the Force that are still reverberating throughout the organization. 

Rundel and Robinson were two of the four members involved in the response to the disturbance call at YVR in October 2007 that resulted in the death of Polish traveller Robert Dziekanski. 

All four members went through hell. All four were charged criminally with perjury on what can only be described as trumped up charges by a system that desperately wanted a scapegoat. 

Rundel was acquitted at trial but Robinson was convicted and sentenced to jail in what can only be described as a travesty of justice. 

They are both pursuing criminal charges against the Commissioner of the RCMP and senior officers to try and get a measure of justice. 

The RCMP internal investigation went nowhere but through the pressure put forward by Rundel and Robinson, the matter of obstruction of justice has been referred to the Ontario Provincial Police and the matter is currently under investigation by that agency. 

Constable Rundel has also requested a Case Management overview which should include all documents requested of the RCMP and the Department of Justice.  

The RCMP requested two separate adjournments to get together the requisite documents, which was granted, but to date has yet to comply. In fact, they seem to be in radio silence as we approach the November 30 deadline date. 

Open? Transparent? That is not the RCMP. 

Systemic bullying and harassment is but one component of today’s RCMP. 

Never mind what they say, this is reality. 

MERTA: Do pro-life voices have a place in Canada?

Despite what the mainstream media and leftist politicians would want you to believe, Canada is home to a large number of pro-life individuals.

However, in so many instances – when Canadians express their pro-life views, they’re persecuted, ridiculed and ostracized. In a free society, all voices need to be heard, not just the ones that agree with your world view.

Mattea Merta explains why it’s so important to stand up for one’s right to free speech.

Another business gets shut down in the name of social justice

Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing lockdowns, a Toronto Star editor caused the closing of a Toronto eatery because of “cultural appropriation.” So much for “we’re all in this together” right?

The Toronto Star’s Evy Kwong went on Twitter to complain about the owner of Ripe Nutrition, a white woman, because she dared to sell food from another culture. Kwong went on to explain she was triggered by this because she was picked on as a child for bringing ethnic food to lunch.

True North’s Lindsay Shepherd says it’s sad to see small business owners give into the vindictiveness of social justice warriors.

Salvation Army begins Christmas Kettle Campaign amid unprecedented need

The Salvation Army has officially begun its Christmas Kettle Campaign as the number of Canadians requiring assistance this year has skyrocketed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Starting this week, the Salvation Army will have donation kettles at 2,000 locations across Canada to meet an increase in need not seen since the Second World War.

In a statement, the Salvation Army said that the Kettle Campaign is more important than ever given the effects the pandemic has had on society.

“This year, we see evidence that the people we serve are struggling like never before,” said spokesman Lt-Colonel John P. Murray.

“We refuse to let the pandemic steal their Christmas joy. That’s why The Salvation Army is providing those in need with food, shelter and other essentials. We need the help and support of Canadians who can donate more now than ever.”

The Salvation Army has faced a 19% increase in people coming for help due to declining wages. The number of people helped for homelessness has doubled over the past year.

As the Kettle Campaign enters its 130th year, the organization hopes to raise $23 million to continue its crucial work as financial hardship is expected to continue into 2021.

Along with in-person kettles, the Salvation Army has also created an online “Fill the Kettle” campaign where individuals can donate to the campaign or host their own virtual kettle fundraiser for the group.

Donations to the Kettle Campaign can also be made at SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) and via mail to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4.

Edmonton extends mandatory mask bylaw for a year

On Friday, Edmonton’s city council voted 12-1 in favour of a one-year extension to the mandatory face covering bylaw until December 31, 2021.

The bylaw originally came into effect at the beginning of August for a five month window and states that anyone visiting an indoor public space or travelling via public transportation such as LRT, taxi or bus is required to wear a mask. Those who fail to comply will face a fine of $100.

Councillor Sarah Hamilton said, “The reality is that the pandemic will be with us for some time and given the amount of work that is before us and the amount of work that this particular bylaw requires, I think it would be prudent to give it a longer timeline on the repeal.”

Hamilton requested that the extension go beyond a five-month window to a full year and was seconded by councillor Scott McKeen.

“This does not preclude it from being repealed earlier, in fact I have nothing but hope that it can be repealed in May or April, but practically speaking, I think it makes sense to extend it to the end of next year.” said Hamilton.

The motion was passed under the assurance that it could have the chance to be debated or repealed in every council meeting.

In April, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians won’t be able to return to life as they knew it before until a vaccine for the coronavirus is available. Trudeau told Canadians this month that Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate would be ready for distribution in early 2021.

Despite the belief that a vaccine would end the need for public health measures like mandatory masks, Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said a COVID-19 vaccine is “not a silver bullet” and that wearing a mask and social distancing are the “best weapon” to control the spread of the coronavirus. 

Religious leaders warn African Christians at risk of genocide

A new book is warning that the rise of radical Islam in Africa may result in the genocide of African Christians if the situation is not confronted.

In their book The Next Jihad,  Rev. Johnnie Moore and Rabbi Abraham Cooper expose the increasing violence perpetrated against Christians by Islamic terrorists in Nigeria.

In an interview with the Christian Post, Moore said that the pair saw first hand the unreported plight of Christians in Africa which has yet to be recognized by the international community. 

“Where my mind was when we were writing the book right after our trip, 10 days before the world started shutting down because of COVID, I thought this could be the next jihad,” Moore said.

“I since come to realize that it is the next jihad right now. It is not just Nigeria. It is the countries around Nigeria. It is a quickly escalating problem.”

Moore and Cooper claim that Africa has become the main focus of global terrorism since the defeat of ISIS in the Middle East.

Nigeria has been combatting Islamists for over a decade now. The local terrorist group Boko Haram has been bolstered by ISIS and al-Qaeda in recent years, turning the insurgency into a regional conflict.

It is estimated that 37,500 people have died in the war against Islamists in Nigeria, many of them Christian civilians.

The situation in Nigeria is only worsening. According to one estimate, 812 Christians were killed by Islamists in just one state in 2020. Moore said the situation is similar to the beginning phases of previous genocides.

“[We want] to help people really feel the problem and understand it enough to do something about it,” Moore said.

“It felt like deja vu to me because back in 2014, the Weisenthal Center was the first organization of any kind that recognized what ISIS was doing to Christians and Yazidis in Iraq was genocide.”

Terrorism has been on the rise in Africa in recent months. Recent attacks this year in Niger, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast have left dozens dead.

Earlier this month, 50 people we beheaded in a mass-execution by ISIS-affiliates in Mozambique.

KNIGHT: The global push for a “great reset”

Trudeau can try to dismiss “The Great Reset” as a conspiracy theory but it is in fact an initiative from the World Economic Forum.

“The Great Reset” is a global push to use the COVID-19 pandemic to promote a leftist reorganization of the global economy – and Canada’s Prime Minister endorsed this movement in a speech at the United Nations.

True North’s Leo Knight says “The Great Reset” is all about social control of the population.

Government asks church to “voluntarily” close to curb COVID-19

Outspoken Aylmer, Ontario pastor Henry Hildebrandt received a letter from his local health unit asking that he “voluntarily” close the doors of his church in an effort to combat the “increased risk” of COVID-19 transmission. Except there has never been a single case of the virus at Hildebrandt’s church.

Pastor Hildebrandt joined True North’s Andrew Lawton to discuss the letter and his response (spoiler alert: no).

Watch the full episode here.

Taxpayers paying to support Bill Morneau’s OECD secretary-general bid

The Liberal government has assigned 19 public sector workers to help former finance minister Bill Morneau campaign for the position of secretary-general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

According to Global Affairs Canada, the individuals working on Morneau’s campaign are doing so on a part-time basis to help provide “strategic policy advice, advocacy and support.” Among those allocated to Morneau’s team includes policy advisers, communications and media professionals, an assistant deputy minister and other employees. 

With regards to the final cost taxpayers will have to foot on Morneau, Global Affairs had little to offer in terms of estimates. So far, the campaign has cost Canadians $6,265.76 in hospitality fees. 

The new information was released by the department in response to a written question by Conservative MP Corey Tochor, who requested further information on the government resources spent on the OECD bid. 

“These expenses reflect standard diplomatic practices, including for such selection processes,” said Global Affairs Canada. 

“As is the case in campaigns for leadership positions in multilateral organizations, the government will provide diplomatic support, advocacy and strategic advice to advance Mr. Morneau’s candidacy. This support will be cost-effective and consistent with relevant Treasury Board guidelines and policies.”

Morneau resigned from cabinet and as an MP in the wake of the WE Charity scandal last summer. 

Morneau and Trudeau were both implicated in the scandal after reports emerged that the federal government awarded a sole-sourced contract worth $912 million to the organization despite personal ties with WE.

On the same day of Morneau’s resignation, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would fully support Morneau’s OECD bid.

Earlier this year, Trudeau’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council fell flat on its face after Canada was skipped over for the two revolving seats. 

Recent reports reveal that the prime minister’s failed pursuit of the seat cost Canadian taxpayers $2.4 million. 

Iranian Christian sentenced to 80 lashes for receiving Holy Communion

An Iranian man faced 80 lashes this week for taking part in Holy Communion four years ago.

Saheb Fadaee, an Iranian convert to Christianity, is currently serving a six year prison sentence for charges of “acting against national security” and “promoting Zionist Christianity,” according to Article 18. 

The 80 lashes, usually performed with a leather whip, were punishment for a separate charge of violating Iran’s alcohol laws when Fadaee drank Communion wine in 2016.

Normally, Iranians facing lashing are not subject to lashing until their prison sentence is completed. Why Fadaee received a lashing early is not known.

It is illegal to convert to Christianity in Iran, with punishments ranging widely from fines to death sentences. 

Fadaee and two other converts were originally sentenced to ten years in 2017 but in June, a retrial reduced that sentence to six years.

Last month, convert Youhan Omidi (formerly known as Mohammed Reza) also received 80 lashes. Both Omidi and Fadaee took part in the same underground church.

Iran is the 9th most dangerous country in the world for Christians according to Open Doors. In recent years, many of Iran’s house churches have been raided and dozens have been arrested. 

Christian converts in particular are said to received fierce discrimination in the Iranian legal system.

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