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Canadian minister speaks out against plans to burn Qu'rans in the US (2010-09-08)

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Canadians, religious groups, top soldiers and world leaders. They're all condemning a Florida pastor's decision to burn the Qu'ran on September 11th. That includes our Defense Minister, Peter Mackay. The man behind the plans, says it's retribution for 9/11. Others say it's a move that will just give militants more fuel for their anti-west sentiments. But, as Rajeev Dhir reports, it may just come down to the rights entrenched in US society.

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As the flood waters recede, and rebuilding begins, the focus is on clean water for Pakistan flood victims. There are worries that diarrhea, cholera and other water-borne diseases could mean death for millions. But some tiny tablets can go a long way. Two Albertans are making sure they get to Pakistan. Aadel Haleem (aadel.haleem@rci.rogers.com) reports.

Pakistanis in Canada continue to help those in their home country. The communities in both Edmonton and Calgary held fundraisers. There's another event taking place this weekend. And it's sold out. For one man -- the journey has come full circle. Kiranpreet Cheema (kiranpreet.cheema@rci.rogers.com) reports.

We start in a country under attack by flood waters and militants. Today is the first day of mourning in Pakistan. This, after sectarian violence resumed following a lull during the floods. For three days, residents of Lahore will grieve for those lost in yesterday's blasts. Dozens were killed, hundreds injured. Religious leaders are condemning the attacks. Pakistani state heads are again coming under fire. It's also the latest blow for a community worried about their home country. Rajeev Dhir (rajeev.dhir@rci.rogers.com) reports.

Security experts and even muslim leaders are worried about extremism. So its no wonder a certain video game is stirring up controversy well before its release. Rajeev Dhir (rajeev.dhir@rci.rogers.com) reports on how the "medal of honor," has people battling over what's a game and what has crossed the line.

It is the end of one era in the middle east. After more than seven years, the war in Iraq has officially come to an end. The combat mission may be over. But U.S. troops will still stay in the country to help Iraqi forces take care of their own. This has been a war that hasn't been popular in the United States. Tonight, the U.S. President spoke to the American people from the oval office. We have extensive coverage.

Federal Safety Minister, Vic Toews comments may have fired up emotions. But he did credit one community for doing what he's been talking about. He praised Somali-Canadians for tipping off authorities. This comes as young Edmonton Somalis came together. They're holding a conference for youth by youth. Aadel Haleem (aadel.haleem@rci.rogers.com) reports.

It looks like what's been happened around the world lately has taken a bite out of province's balance sheet. First quarter results show Alberta is expected to bleed record red ink. But the Stelmach government insists it has a safety net to cushion the blow. But the opposition hopes that doesn't include a sales tax. Kiranpreet Cheema (kiranpreet.cheema@rci.rogers.com) reports.

We begin tonight by taking a closer look at our province's immigration and foreign worker file. Just yesterday, the minister in charge says he putting on hold some programs that bring people to Alberta for work. The government says it's just not the time given our lagging economy. But is that really the case? And what do the changes mean to the foreign workers struggling right now? Aadel Haleem (aadel.haleem@rci.rogers.com) reports.

We begin tonight at the Calgary law courts...and an update in the case of Ranjit Singh. He is the man accused of killing his 60 year old father last December. Well after a lengthy delay-- an examination into suspect's state of mind is complete. Now Singh's lawyer believes the pschiatric assessment could decide how this case plays out. Rajeev Dhir (rajeev.dhir@rci.rogers.com) reports.

Today's Headlines: September 8, 2010

Alberta:
More Acute Care Beds On The Way In Calgary

The province is announcing 132 new acute care hospital beds in Calgary. The government says it will greatly reduce the need for patients to be treated in hallways and other locations. The announcement was made today by health minister Gene Zwozdesky. He also announced 153 full -and part-time nursing and care staff to support the beds. The rollout will begin in mid-September, with a 32 bed transition unit at the Peter Lougheed Centre. Zwozdesky says he wanted to make sure the beds were available as immediately as possible. The new beds will cost 15 point seven million per year to operate. They will open at the foothills medical centre, the Peter Lougheed Centre and Rockyview General Hospital.

National:
Low literacy skills set to jump 25 per cent by 2031: report

A study by the Canadian Council on Learning projects the number of Canadians with low literacy skills will rise by 25 per cent in the next two decades if something isn't done to prevent it. Of Canada's four largest cities – Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa – the nation’s capital is predicted to see the biggest increase in the overall population of adults with low literacy skills.

International:
Ottawa speaks out against planned Qur’an burning

Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay is speaking out against a small Florida church's plan to burn copies of the Qur’an, saying it is “insulting to Muslims and Canadians of all faiths.” Despite backlash from the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan and key Washington officials, the church is slated to go ahead with the Qur’an burning on Satuday, the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Health:
Mental illness taking toll on Canadian economy: study

Mental illness is associated with more lost work days than any other chronic condition, costing the Canadian economy $51 billion annually, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Researchers looked at data tracking the short-term disability leave of 33, 913 full-time employees. They found the cost to a company for a single employee on a short-term disability leave due to mental health issues totals nearly $18,000.

Sports:
Waterloo athlete gets three-year ban for HGH use

A first-year running back at the University of Waterloo has received a three-year ban from football after testing positive for human growth hormone. The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport says Matt Socholotiuk is the first athlete in North America to be caught using HGH. In June, the University of Waterloo suspended its football program from competition for a full season after urine tests revealed nine anti-doping violations.

Oddity:
‘Spider Dan’ nabbed for scaling San Francisco skyscraper

A man known as “Spider Dan” has been cited for public nuisance and trespassing after scaling a 58-storey skyscraper in San Francisco, California. The 54-year-old man used only suction cups to scale the residential complex. Police say it took him about four hours to complete the 197-metre climb and unfurl an American flag at the top.

Business:
Canada’s central bank hikes key rate

The Bank of Canada has raised its key interest rate by one-quarter of a percentage point to one per cent, marking the highest level since January 2009 and the third hike in three months. Still, the central bank says it now expects the economic recovery in Canada to be slightly more gradual than previously thought, citing weakness in the U.S.

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Pakistan flood relief efforts

As Pakistan suffers through its worst flooding in over 80 years, major efforts are underway to help the millions of people affected.

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