After warning in April that a considerable staffing reduction would be taking place, the Ottawa Hospital, in a recent update, mentioned a much smaller outcome. Spokesperson Michaela Schreiter announced the latest number to be around 17 involuntary departures, or approximately 0.15 per cent of the hospital staff – down from the originally projected 3 per cent, or around 400 positions. Vacancy management and the alleviation gained from those who accepted early retirement were two of the factors that helped towards the reduction of the number of involuntary cuts, although hospitals in Ottawa still continue to see financial pressures and ongoing exploration of cost-saving measures.

A synagogue’s assembly witnessed a terrifying scene on Sunday as a man fired shots outside of their place of worship, culminating in a shootout that involved officers and injuries, including the suspect and the local officer surveilling the synagogue. Sean Ward, the 29-year-old accused from Quinte West, arrived in the area during the synagogue’s Yom Kippur service in a truck loaded with a shotgun and opened fire at the officer on duty, identified as Const. Jeff Smith, of Belleville. The exchange of gunfire left bullet holes in several vehicles and even one of the synagogue’s stained glass windows. No one inside the place of worship was injured, but many inside were left stunned, terrified and worried.

With the sitting members of Parliament having reconvened on Monday, some key focus areas remain top of mind, especially with what has unfolded during the three-month recess. The trade war with the US, the opportunities for strengthened partnerships with the European Union and related impacts on living costs for Canadians will likely be the first to be tabled as Prime Minister Mark Carney was fresh off his visit to the EU, and having welcomed the French President and the Prime Minister of Norway on separate meetings on Sunday. He set off for New York on Monday to address the United Nations General Assembly. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to counter the costs that Canadians could have to bear as a result of any newfound ties with the EU, although the Liberals currently hold a slim majority in terms of seat counts.