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Stuart Murray forced out as CEO of Canadian Museum for Human Rights
The president and CEO of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Stuart Murray, has been let go, as Ottawa declined to renew his contract. Nov. 2 will be his last day in office, after spending the last five years guiding the museum’s construction through policy roadblocks, and the many other setbacks germane to such a large-scale, unique project. And, of course, added to this minutia of things he had to deal with were the requests from ethnic groups wanting specific representation at the CMHR. The news came as a shock to Murray, telling news sources, “He did not see this coming.” The CMHR board did not comment on why Ottawa made the decision. But speculation abounds, no doubt. It’s been a facility marred by controversy and skepticism. Many of the facility’s staff have departed, some complaining over how it’s run and others about its watered-down content. [Source: Winnipeg Free Press]
Hong Kong agrees to talks with protesters
Hong Kong has agreed to begin talks with protesters next week, according to its chief executive CY Leung, who addressed the issue after a second, consecutive night of clashes between police and pro-democracy activists took place near the government buildings.”Over the last few days, including this morning, through third parties, we expressed a wish to the students that we would like to start a dialogue to discuss universal suffrage as soon as we can and hopefully within the following week,” said Leung. The protests began about three weeks ago when the Chinese government passed a ruling that would ensure only vetted candidates could run for leadership in Hong Kong’s next election in 2017. [Source: BBC]
HBO to offer streaming service outside of cable contract starting in U.S. in 2015
This news came out yesterday, and won the Internet when it did. HBO watchers will be able to stream the network outside a cable contract starting 2015 through the HBO GO service. The good news, though, is for U.S. residents only. Bullocks. But we’ve heard reports that some of you can get savvy with things like VPNs. And this probably means the service will meander north of the border soon. Watchers of the trendy, edgy, some might say, smart, network have long fought for this option, and rumour’s suggest it was Time Warner that stalled the move over its unwillingness to cut cable revenue streams by offering the shows online. Also, companies paying sizable licensing fees to offer HBO are presumably fighting against the now increased access. Until it’s here, Death and Taxes suggests using a friend’s username and password to access the service. [Source: Death and Taxes]
World Health Organization says West is well-equipped for Ebola
The World Health Organization is playing down fears of a major Ebola outbreak happening in the West, saying the strong health systems in Canada, the U.S., and elsewhere make such an event unlikely. We’re confident that in North America and Western Europe where health systems are very strong, that we’re unlikely to see a major outbreak in any of those places,” said Christopher Dye, WHO’s director of strategy.U.S. President Barrack Obama agreed with Dye, despite his call for a “much more aggressive response.” Canada has increased its response, as well, earmarking an additional $30-million to help fight virus, donating supplies, planes, labs, and shipping to Africa $2.5-million worth of protective gear. The U.S. is currently investigating how infected nurse Amber Vinson was allowed on a plane from Ohio to Texas. Health officials are trying to locate the 132 people who flew with her. Ebola has taken 4,500 lives so far. [Source: BBC]
Rescue effort continues after Nepal storm
About 140 people have been rescued from Nepal’s Himalayan hiking trails after an intense storm stemming from Cyclone Hudhud dumped snow and rain on the region. It’s one of the worst storms the area has experience, and it happened at the height of hiking season. Twelve people have been reported dead, and about 70 are still missing. Helicopter crews looking for the bodies are still battling strong winds and storm-like conditions. [Source: Toronto Star]
Honourable mention:
Sylvia Gung wants to ban holding hands and kissing in public
Sylvia Gung is running for mayor in Burnaby, B.C., and it’s her second time doing so. She’s hoping to dethrone incumbent and mayor of 12 years Derek Corrigan. If elected, she’s promising to ban holding hands and kissing in public. Amazing. Her candidate profile speaks of her desire to establish a wholesome society, “banning behaviors that hints sex/sexuality[sic], even including Bridal Kiss and walking hand in hand, that hurt public decorum and lead to further violence.” Public affection leads to violence, she says. Gung is also promising to get rid of election campaigns, and the school board, and more. She has turned heads, we’ll give her that. Burnaby’s civic election is scheduled for Nov. 15. [Source: Global News and her candidate profile]
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