Six stories in the news today, May 13

Six stories in the news today from The Canadian Press:

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TRUDEAU TO VISIT FORT MCMURRAY TODAY

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will get a first-hand look at the wildfire devastation in Fort McMurray, Alberta today. He is expected to tour areas which sustained severe damage and left the city’s residents homeless for an indefinite period. Trudeau also plans to travel to Edmonton to meet with Premier Rachel Notley.

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CONSTRUCTION FIRMS PREPARE FOR FORT MCMURRAY CLEANUP

Construction and cleanup firms are already mobilizing to help rebuild Fort McMurray, Alta., after the wildfires, a monumental effort that’s expected to take years. Ben Dutton, the CEO of the Casman Group of Companies, says getting oilsands operations running is a key first step to the long-term restoration of the community.

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FORT MCMURRAY FIRE CHIEF TAKING A BREAK

The man who has been the face of the fire fight in Fort McMurray is taking some time off. Wood Buffalo fire Chief Darby Allen says he is handing control to others tasked with returning people to the community and rebuilding. “I’ll be honest, I need a break.” Allen said. “I’m going to spend time with my family and we’re going to hug a lot and I’m going to have a couple of beers.

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ABORIGINAL ISSUES INVISIBLE TO MANY CANADIANS: PAUL MARTIN

Former prime minister Paul Martin says the challenges faced by Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples have long remained out of sight and mind to many. Martin, long a vocal champion of indigenous rights, told The Canadian Press he doesn’t believe Canadians are racist, but does believe “the whole issue that we are talking about is invisible to so many Canadians.”

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TORIES, NDP SAY NO MORE STAFF FOR GREGOIRE

The opposition parties are making some political hay over reports that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife wants extra staff to help manage her official duties. Tory MP Candice Bergen wonders how the government could hire more staff for Sophie Gregoire when there are Canadian families who are struggling to make ends meet.

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RAPTORS HOPE TO MAKE FRANCHISE HISTORY TONIGHT

The Toronto Raptors are in Miami tonight to face the Heat in Game 6 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference final. The Raptors lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 and a victory will send them to the conference final for the first time in the franchise’s 21-year history.

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