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Apr 30 2023

Shrinkflation worries. Poilievre v Ford. Dr. ChatGPT.

Apr 30, 2023
David Akin's Roundup
Clippings of #cdnpoli, #media, and #tech content aimed at those with an interest in Canadian politics and policy. And sometimes Canadian postage stamps.
Canada
Canadians are worried about shrinkflation — and if it’s here to stay: poll
Not only do the majority of Canadians say they're paying more for groceries, a new poll shows they also believe packages are getting smaller. [Global]
Ottawa says it has tabled a 'final' offer to the Public Service Alliance of Canada that addresses all remaining union demands, including a new wage package, as a strike continues.  [Global]
The federal government signed deals with every province and territory that would see child-care fees cut in half within the year and to an average of $10 a day within five years.  [Global]
A cosy encounter at an Ontario VW plant is the most recent example of the schism between the Poilievre and Ford Conservatives. [TorStar]

The Assembly of First Nations’ executive committee has passed a resolution to recommend chiefs-in-assembly remove RoseAnne Archibald as national chief at their next meeting. [CBC]
From the provinces
Alberta's two main political rivals have baggage to shed ahead of May 29 election
Alberta’s two main provincial political party leaders are set to duel for the province's highest office starting Monday in a campaign that for both could be a case of win or go home. [CP]
Alberta NDP leader, Rachel Notley's husband is a communication official for CUPE, an organization which Smith says shouldn't be spending money on attack ads against the UCP. [Global]
After the second round of matching, there are still 22 unfilled family medicine spots in the province.  [Global]
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Elsewhere
As the Sudan crisis continues, a fifth evacuation flight for Canadian citizens is planned for Saturday, Defence Minister Anita Anand said.  [Global]

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is in Kenya for the next few days to help inform Canada's response to the crisis in Sudan. [CP]

The Republican secretaries of state in Ohio, West Virginia and Missouri all have promoted their states’ elections as fair and secure. Yet each also is navigating a fine line on how to address election fraud conspiracies, as they eye campaigns for U.S. Senate or governor in 2024. The split-screen messaging of Ohio's Frank LaRose, West Virginia's Mac Warner and Missouri's Jay Ashcroft shows just how deeply election lies have burrowed into the Republican voter base. [AP]
The 150-kilogram sandstone block, also known as the Stone of Scone, was used to crown Scottish kings for centuries, before it was stolen by England for its own coronations.  [Global]
Media

A steep decline in advertising is forcing a historic shakeup in digital news and social media, and leading some to imagine navigating the internet without the likes of Google or Facebook. [NPR]
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Tech
University of Guelph reach finals of Deep Space Food Challenge
The team of science students have developed a chamber for the competition that can grow food without soil, water, or sunlight.  [Global]
ChatGPT can compose songs, draft essays and write code, but can it help diagnose a sick patient? Some doctors are trying to find out.  [Global]
Issued this day ...
Issued this day in 1993: Scott #1464: Hand-Crafted Textiles: Kwakwaka’wakw Ceremonial Robe: Design: Peter Adam. Photograph: Michael Mitchell.

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