Peace talks continue
Both sides say progress is being made, as Ukrainian and Russian officials continue peace talks in Turkey.
But there’s widespread skepticism of Russia’s promise to scale back its military operations near the capital of Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodomir Zelensky says he doesn’t see any basis for trusting the Russian promise.
He says Ukrainians aren’t naïve adding the proof will only come once the bombing and shelling stop.
Western officials believe Russia will use the pause to reinforce its efforts in the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, where Russian-speaking separatists have been in control since 2014.
Investigation of war crimes
An additional group of RCMP officers is being sent to the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands.
They’ll help investigate charges of war crimes against Russian forces during their invasion of Ukraine.
The seven officers, requested by the court, are experts in gathering evidence that may be used in future prosecutions.
Tax put on housing in Ontario
The Ford government is making it more expensive for foreign investors to purchase homes in Ontario.
There’s currently a 15 per cent tax on homes purchased by foreign buyers in the “Golden Horseshoe” surrounding Toronto.
That tax will be increased to 20 per cent as of today, and will now cover every home purchase across the province.
The government says the move will help deter foreign speculators from trying to turn a quick profit and help make housing more affordable for Ontarians.
The Sixth Wave – another booster
The U-S Food and Drug Administration has authorized a second booster shot for Americans 50 and older, as COVID-19 caseloads begin to increase again.
The inoculations are to be administered at least four months after the previous shot.
Officials say the latest variant of the virus is much more contagious than previous versions.
But while it’s less dangerous than the others, it still poses a threat to older people and those with underlying medical conditions.
