Scotland to remain dependent
Scotland will remain a part of the UK, a fate decided by a slim majority of 55.3 per cent. “I accept the verdict of the people…We shall go forward as one nation,” said First Minister Alex Salmond in his post-referendum speech Thursday evening. Voters in Scotland chose dependence in a historic referendum that got the attention of UK politicians, and the world. If voters chose independence, rumours circulating across outlets and platforms suggested British Prime Minister David Cameron would be asked to step down. Cameron has promised to see through the commitments he made to Scotland of offering more independence on spending, tax, and welfare. Voter turnout ranged from 75 to 91 per cent. The “no” side won, but change is afoot. Things have to change. Scotland knows this. And the UK does, too. Forty-four per cent of a country’s electorate is a strong voice. [Source: Globe and Mail]
French launch airstrike against IS
Rafale fighter jets “hit and completely destroyed” their objective in a air assault by France on Islamic State militants in Iraq, according to a release from the office of French President Francois Hollande. The attacks targeted an IS depot in the northeast part of Iraq. And, the release went on, there will be more attacking in the coming days. Since mid-August, the U.S. has carried out more than 170 airstrikes against the IS militants, who have seized control of dozens of communities in Iraq and Syria. Twenty-six countries have pledged their support in helping the new government in Iraq fight against IS “by any means necessary.” U.S. airstrikes are expected to hit affected areas in Syria. But, as of now, President Barack Obama is steering clear of ground troops in either region. [Source: BBC]
Canadian Museum for Human Rights opens today
Winnipeg’s Canadian Museum for Human Rights opens its doors today. Opening ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. and will be broadcast live on TV. The museum has been the source of much controversy, and is still. A Tribe Called Red cancelled their Saturday evening concert over concerns about the way the museum is portraying aboriginal issues. “The CMHR understands the group has elected not to participate over concern around the way Indigenous issues are presented in the Museum,” the CMHR said in a statement. “We know that building dialogue and earning trust is a long-term process, and we hope this will again be an opportunity for respectful conversation on issues that historically haven’t been easy to talk about.” Another aboriginal group has opted to light a fire near the museum site to educate people on the issue of clean water in First Nations reserves. Controversy aside, Spectator Tribune will be touring the facility as media this weekend and reporting back to you, its beloved readers. [Source: Spectator Tribune and CBC]
World’s population to increase more than initially thought
Apparently researchers were predicting that the world’s population would stop growing, plateauing by 2100. A new study, published in the journal Science and authored by researchers a the United Nations, University of Washington and elsewhere, suggests otherwise: there’s an 80 per cent chance the world’s population will reach 9.6-billion by 2050, and 12.3-billion by 2100. From the article abstract: “Much of the increase is expected to happen in Africa, in part due to higher fertility and a recent slowdown in the pace of fertility decline. Also, the ratio of working age people to older people is likely to decline substantially in all countries, even those that currently have young populations.” [Source: Science News]
B.C. teachers ratified new deal, school starts Monday
School starts next week for the nearly 500,000 students in B.C. who have been waiting for the teacher’s strike to end. It finally has. There were whispers of a deal a few days ago. Those whispers – a tentative deal – were put to a vote was passed, with 86 per cent in favour. “This was a very tough round of negotiations and a difficult time for many of us on strike. But together, we successfully pushed back against concessions and we have emerged as a stronger and more engaged union,” B.C Teachers’ Federation president Jim Iker told reporters. “We all know that this deal isn’t perfect, but it does provide gains for teachers. It protects our charter rights and increases support for our students.” The deal includes a nearly 10 per cent salary increase, improved health benefits, and a larger coffer for hiring specialized staff. [Source: National Post]
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Toban Dyck is sorry to not be at the CMHR opening ceremonies. Spectator Tribune was invited, but unable to attend. He is on Twitter @tobandyck
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