A Pending Air Canada Strike? Not if the Government Has Their Say
Image: Flickr
If the airline’s largest union has its way, Air Canada might be grounded for March Break.
On Wednesday, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers served notice saying they would walk off the job unless a new labour agreement is reached by Monday.
But, if Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt has anything to do with it, the government may intervene; preventing a transit strike that could leave thousands of Canadians stranded at their destinations for one of the busiest travel times of the year.
The IAMAW represents 8,600 workers, including ground crew and mechanics, and presented a list of demands to the airline on Tuesday, which were rejected. The union also rejected a new labour agreement with Air Canada two weeks ago, as well.
While both the IAMAW and Air Canada have stated they are willing to return to the bargaining table, a government spokesperson suggests a back-to-work bill could be introduced as early as Thursday. Fret not March Break travellers, regardless of the outcome, the airline is promising a contingency plan, just in case. Sure.
Bully’s Rating Petition: Will 200,000 Students Force the MPAA to Change its Mind?
Image: The Weinstein Company
The battle to repeal a teen-centric documentary’s R rating continues.
Bully, the much anticipated Weinstein-produced documentary, was rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America early last week. On Wednesday, Katy Butler, a 17-year-old high school student from Michigan, submitted a petition of more than 200,000 student signatures to the MPAA in hopes to lower the film’s rating.
Read More: Bully
Read More: What’s it all about, Harvey Weinstein?
The documentary, Bully, focuses on the rise of adolescent-on-adolescent bullying in the U.S., but was given an R rating for a reported six uses of the f-word. Last year, the Weinstein Company was able to successfully appeal an NC-17 rating on their film Blue Valentine, changing the rating to a more audience-friendly ‘R.’
The Weinsteins, critics and Katy Butler are looking to change the rating from an R to a PG-13, making the documentary’s impact as pervasive as possible. Or, you know, to make sure that the intended audience, adolescents under the age of 17, are able to see the film without parental supervision.
Butler, who came out as a lesbian when she was in middle school, launched the online petition on Feb. 26. The teen appeared on a taping of Ellen Wednesday, where the talk show star formerly announced her endorsement of the campaign.
Andrea Martin Drops Out as Genie Host; Genies Officially Go Younger With Solo Host, Strombo
This might be a big deal… To someone. Canadian comedy legend Andrea Martin, or Aunt Voula from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, as she is known to many young audiences, has dropped out of her hosting duties for Thursday’s annual Genie Awards.
Martin was set to co-host the awards show alongside CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos, and even reported to rehearsals on Wednesday. However, Martin allegedly pulled out due to a rescheduled prior commitment.
This odd couple were originally teamed up in an effort to rebrand the Genies as cool and hip, while paying homage to Canada’s entertainment roots. Many in the Canadian film world were looking forward to seeing the unusual duet riff on stage. So, I guess this leaves the Genies as young and hip? Why not.
Martin marks the second awards show host to drop out this year, after Eddie Murphy quit as the Oscar host back in November. Of course, that might have more to do with Brett Ratner’s firing by the AMPAS than anything else, but nonetheless, it’s an interesting trend.
Iceland Might Adopt Canada’s Loonie For Their Nation’s Currency
Image: Flickr
And in strange news… Iceland might adopt the Loonie, or the Canadian dollar, for their national currency. How bizarre.
Iceland’s currency, the krona, has seen better days, and is struggling to post anything remotely resembling a gain.
This idea was first suggested by economists and politicians in Iceland’s opposition Progressive Party, but was brushed aside in lieu of the country’s application for membership in the EU. Seen by many as a joke, the idea has gained some steam, after Canada’s ambassador to Reykjavik was set to deliver a speech in Iceland, saying Canada would see nothing wrong with the loonie migrating over to Iceland.
After the speech leaked, Canada has backtracked significantly on this proposed currency adoption, but as the plan attracts more national support in Iceland, it’s hard to say how this will turn out. Perhaps it is time to flip a coin?
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Joanna Adams writes the Morning Cable, and lots more, for Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at †@nowstarringTO.
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