Six stories in the news today, Nov. 19

Six stories in the news today, Nov. 19, from The Canadian Press:

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TRUDEAU-OBAMA MEET AT APEC SUMMIT IN MANILA

U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday at the APEC summit in Manila that the United States and Canada will “both soon to be signatories to the TPP.” The 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership signed Oct. 5 was one of several topics Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Obama discussed during their first formal meeting since Trudeau took office earlier this month.

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MIKE DUFFY TRIAL SET TO RESUME

A much anticipated appearance by Sen. Mike Duffy will highlight the resumption of his trial today in Ottawa. Ontario He has pleaded not guilty to 31 charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery. Once the Crown calls its final set of witnesses over the next several days, Duffy is expected to take the stand when the defence begins presenting its case.

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PROPORTION OF WOMEN ON BOARDS GROWING: STUDY

A new report says women hold 19.5 per cent of the seats on the boards of Canada’s biggest companies, up from 17.1 per cent in 2014. The report by the Canadian Board Diversity Council says it’s the largest one-year increase in female representation on the boards of FP500 companies, which are Canada’s largest firms by revenue, since 2001.

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RCMP FACE LABOUR CODE CHARGES IN BOURQUE CASE

RCMP officials are expected in court in Moncton, N.B., today for a hearing on alleged violations of the Canada Labour Code related to the force’s response to a deadly shooting rampage last year. Employment and Social Development Canada alleges there were four violations of the code relating to the force’s equipment, training and supervision in the June 4, 2014 incident that resulted in the deaths of three Mounties.

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CANCER SOCIETY WANTS NEW MENTHOL SMOKES BANNED

One of Canada’s largest tobacco companies has introduced a new type of menthol cigarette that the Canadian Cancer Society worries could get more teens and young adults hooked on smoking. The cigarettes, sold by Rothmans Benson & Hedges Inc., contain a capsule of liquid menthol inside their filters, which a smoker can squeeze to get a burst of flavour while taking a puff.

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HIJAB DAY IN HALIFAX TO ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS

Members of Halifax’s Muslim community are confronting misconceptions about their faith by holding an information session about the hijab this weekend. Anyone who stops by the Halifax Central Library for “Hijab Day” on Saturday will be invited to try one on.

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— Alberta Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley will provide details of human rights legislation amendments.

— Former TV journalist Arthur Kent’s lawsuit against Postmedia and other individuals related to a 2008 column continues.

— Statistics Canada will release September figures for wholesale trade, employment insurance and travel between Canada and other countries for September.

— The Bank of Canada will release the autumn issue of the Bank of Canada Review.

— Trial continues for Toronto police Const. James Forcillo, charged in the shooting death of Sammy Yatim on a streetcar.

— Trial continues in Toronto for Everton Biddersingh, charged with first-degree murder in the death of his daughter.

— Coroner’s inquest into the 2008 death of seven-year-old Katelynn Sampson, who was killed by her guardians.