In the news today: Smoke aids B.C. fires, CUSMA talks, Meteor shower, Partial eclipse

Smoke from numerous wildfires across British Columbia has been exacerbating air quality issues in the region, yet surprisingly aiding firefighters in their efforts to combat the infernos. The B.C. Wildfire Service reported that many of the 100 or so active fires have been aided by the smoky conditions, which prevent flames from accessing oxygen and spreading.

However, the smoke also settles in low-lying areas, causing poor air quality for residents. A change in weather could lead to the smoke dissipating, potentially increasing the likelihood of fires spreading. Across Canada, the broader economic ramifications of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) loom large. A recent report suggests that if the trade deal were to be dismantled, Canada could lose over 100,000 jobs, while the United States might see 214,000 job losses by 2027.

Though discussions continue, the future of CUSMA remains uncertain. Montreal police chief Fady Dagher is under fire following allegations of racism and misconduct within his force. Residents are demanding an independent public investigation after learning about alleged racist and abusive behavior by some officers. The force dismantled the Montréal-Nord unit in June due to the accusations, leading to the suspension of three officers.

Meanwhile, skywatchers in Quebec and surrounding regions are in for a celestial treat this week. The Perseid meteor shower is set to coincide with a partial solar eclipse, creating a rare alignment that promises a spectacular show. Seabastien Giguère, scientific coordinator at the Astrolab astronomy center, predicts up to 100 shooting stars per hour during the meteor shower, with people in Atlantic Canada experiencing the greatest solar coverage followed by those in eastern Quebec.