From the arrests in an alleged plot to blow up a Via Rail train, to the horrific collapse of a Bangladesh garment factory, Global News’ managing editor, George Browne, takes a look back at the big news stories that shaped this week.
TERROR TRAIN PLOT
With the fallout of the Boston Marathon bombings still resonating, the RCMP revealed they had arrested two men and charged them with conspiring to carry out a terrorist attack against a Via passenger train.
The Mounties said they received a tip from Toronto’s Muslim community who raised concerns about the activities of one of the suspects, Raed Jaser, and his attempts to approach young Muslims. Our investigative team revealed Jaser had dodged deportation for years.
During a court appearance, the second suspect, Chiheb Esseghaier – a PhD candidate studying in Montreal – took issue with Canada’s criminal code saying it “is not the holy book.”
The RCMP declared al-Qaeda operatives in Iran helped orchestrate the operation, which drew a quick denial from Iranian officials.
Our tech reporter Nicole Bogart, wrote about how terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda, use a variety of techniques to communicate with potential jihadists.
BANGLADESH FACTORY COLLAPSE
On Wednesday morning, an eight story garment factory crumbled to the ground, killing more than 300 people.
“We want to go inside the building and find our people now. They will die if we don’t find them soon” said Shahinur Rahman, whose mother was missing in the Bangladesh factory collapse.
14 gut-wrenching photos from Bangladesh building collapse
It was a race against time for rescuers as they dug through the concrete rubble in a desperate search for survivors.
“We know a human being can survive for up to 72 hours in this situation. So our efforts will continue non-stop,” said military official, Maj. Gen. Chowdhury Hasan Suhrawardy.
By all accounts, it was a disaster that could have been avoided; the building was ordered evacuated a day before, after cracks in the structure appeared.
According to an AP report, some big clothing brands that profited off of a country notorious for its hazardous workplaces and subsistence-level wages, rejected a safety plan for Bangladesh garment factories.
Heather Loney raised the question about consumer choices after it was revealed that Canadian clothier Joe Fresh was among Western clothing labels found in Bangladesh factory collapse.
“There are some prices below which you shouldn’t go…And that is a price that guarantees…that the workers have a basic and safe workplace that they can rely on. If you can’t guarantee that with the price you’re selling your goods at, then you’ve got to raise the price,” said Kevin Thomas, director of advocacy at the Maquila Solidarity Network.
The Canadian Press wrote an article offering tips on how consumers can be more socially conscious in shopping.
POLITICAL MUSINGS OF THE WEEK
The stage of this week’s political theatre was shared by a wide cast from federal, provincial and municipal troupes. In Calgary, Global News obtained a secret video tape that revealed a Calgary developer’s plan to control city council.
In BC, week two of the provincial election campaign got off to a ho-hum start with Keith Baldrey reporting voter apathy is rampant.
At least the students, not eligible to vote, are engaged.
Our data desk team developed an interactive showing “How BC votes: Take a poll-level look at 2009 election results.”
On the federal front – Justin Trudeau fought back against Conservative attacks ads by launching his own videos – with a considerably different tone wrote Rebecca Lindell.
From our Ottawa bureau, Laura Stone investigated the reasons behind the Correctional Service of Canada’s decision to not release records under Access to Information law relating to dead inmate Ashley Smith.
SHOULD I OR SHOULDN’T I
From our health specialist Carmen Chai, a reality check: Is light drinking during pregnancy safe?
LET THE PLAYOFFS BEGIN
From Jets fans shedding tears to Leafs fans crying foul – playoff season is about to invade living rooms, pubs and arenas across the country.
BUBLE, BERRY, RIMES, STAR TREK AND WAYNES WORLD
Our resident entertainment aficionado John R. Kennedy interviewed Star Trek’s Canadian content Marina Sirtis, covered the Junos, wrote about Wayne’s World reunion, LeAnn Rimes/Eddie Cibrian anniversary in Toronto, Halle Berry in Montreal, McConaughey’s deal with a Toronto company and how Michael Buble credited Burke for Leafs success.
TOP FIVE VIDEOS OF THE WEEK:
1. Home builder outlines plan to control city council
It’s a rare glimpse into backroom politics. Global News has obtained a recording of a meeting hosted by one of Calgary’s most prominent home builders. It outlines a plan to control city council in the next election. Doug Vaessen has more in this Global News exclusive.
2. HMCS Winnipeg rammed by fishing trawler
An American factory-fishing trawler smashed into the docked Canadian navy frigate HMCS Winnipeg in a B.C. harbour in a spectacular crash.
Several explosions on two fuel barges in Mobile, Alabama left three people injured Wednesday night.
4. Quebec Major Junior Hockey League brawl
The league suspended 12 players, fined another, banned both coaches for two games and fined the two teams on Thursday after a bench clearing brawl at the end of the Armada’s 4-3 victory over the Drakkar on Wednesday night.
5. Minivan crashes into New York deli
A minivan loses control and slams into a New York deli narrowly missing two passing joggers. The accident was caught on a surveillance camera.
And finally – don’t forget the squirrel!
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