--Ninth NewsWatch--

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(Lost-Canadians)

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has tabled legislation intended to extend citizenship to some children born outside of the country.

The Conservative government changed the law in 2009 so that Canadian parents who were born abroad could not pass down their citizenship unless their child was born in Canada.

The Ontario Superior Court ruled last year the system unconstitutionally creates two classes of Canadians

The new bill says parents who were born outside of Canada will need to have spent at least three years in Canada before the birth or adoption of their child to pass on their Canadian citizenship. (9)

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(Campus-Antisemitism) (Audio: 063)

Canada's special envoy for combating antisemitism says she's very interested in exploring the idea of removing religion as a possible defence against hate speech charges.

Deborah Lyons made the comments before a parliamentary committee that is studying antisemitism on university campuses.

Members of Parliament asked Lyons about whether Criminal Code changes are needed.

They pointed to Quebec prosecutors' recent decision not to charge an imam over comments said during a prayer -- a scenario Lyons says she is discussing with the government. (9)

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(Via-Rail-CEO)

A high-frequency rail project between Toronto and Quebec City set to open in about a decade is raising questions about the future of Via Rail.

The rail line promises to transport more passengers more quickly, more often -- potentially luring customers away from Via Rail's main service in the central Canadian corridor.

Via C-E-O Mario Peloquin says the Crown corporation plans to discuss its funding model with the federal government in the coming years. (9)

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(NS-Northern-Pulp)

Nova Scotia's government has reached a deal with the owner of Northern Pulp -- a Pictou County plant that has been left idle since 2020.

The government say the British Columbia-based Paper Excellence will pursue a new plant in the province's southwest if the deal is approved by the courts.

Nova Scotia says the agreement addresses the 450-million-dollar lawsuit the company launched against the province over the 2020 closure of Northern Pulp and the 99-million-dollars in loans the firm owes the province. (9)

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(Singapore-Flight) (Audio: 060)

A passenger on a Singapore Airlines flight rocked by severe turbulence says he thought he was going to die as the plane suddenly descended, tossing passengers and crew around the cabin.

Josh Silverstone says he feels lucky to be walking away with minor injuries.

A 73-year-old British man died and 20 people remain in intensive care after the incident involving the Boeing 7-77, which was flying from London to Singapore.

The flight was diverted to Bangkok and a hospital there says several of the more seriously injured people will need spinal surgery. (9)

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(ENT-MUSIC-Meredith-Moon-Lightfoot)

A tribute concert for the late Canadian folk icon Gordon Lightfoot in Toronto tonight will feature performances from City and Colour, Tom Cochrane, and Lightfoot's youngest daughter, Meredith Moon.

Lightfoot died just over a year ago at age 84.

Moon says the event at Toronto's Massey Hall was put together at the request of Lightfoot, who had asked for a musical celebration in his name.

It was a special venue for Lightfoot, who first played there during a singing competition when he was 13 and returned around 170 times over his career. (9)

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(NewsWatch by Emily Joveski)

The Canadian Press