Category: minister

French Police Kill Man Who Attacked Them With Knife at Paris Rail Station, Minister Says

PARIS—Police on Monday morning killed a man who attacked them with a knife at Paris’ Gare du Nord station, French transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari told RMC radio. The incident was not thought to be terrorist-related, the minister said. “The person who attacked them died on the spot,” Djebbari said, adding that two police officers had…


Japan Has No Plans to Review Sales Tax Rates, Finance Minister Says

TOKYO—Japan is not considering reviewing future national sales tax rates as the current 10 percent levy provides a vital source of funding the social security spending to support its aging population, the finance minister said on Friday. Shunichi Suzuki told reporters after a cabinet meeting that Japan must tackle spending and revenue reform to win…


UK Minister Quits Government Over ‘Schoolboy’ Handling of Covid Fraud

A British minister quit the Government at the despatch box and marched out the chamber over what he called the “schoolboy” handling of fraudulent Covid business loans. Lord Agnew of Oulton’s resignation from his Cabinet Office and Treasury posts was described as “one of the most dramatic moments ever seen” in the House of Lords….


Japan, US Ministers to Hold ‘Two-Plus-Two’ Talks on Friday

TOKYO—Japan’s foreign and defence ministers will hold talks with their U.S. counterparts in a “two-plus-two” format on Friday to discuss security issues, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. The announcement of the discussions by the two key allies came just hours after North Korea conducted an apparent ballistic missile launch. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi…


‘A Force’: Politicians Remember Former NL and Federal Cabinet Minister John Efford

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—Former federal and provincial cabinet minister John Efford is being remembered as “true icon” of Newfoundland and Labrador politics. He died Sunday at the age of 77, prompting notes of remembrance and gratitude from politicians across the province, both current and retired. In a news release, Premier Andrew Furey said Efford “selflessly served…


Foreign Carmakers Interested in Ford Plant in India: State Minister

CHENNAI—Foreign automakers have indicated an interest to the government of India’s Tamil Nadu state in acquiring Ford Motor Co.’s plant there, the state industries minister said on Thursday, after inconclusive talks with the Tata Group. Ford announced plans to stop production in India in September, as it did not see a path to profitability there….


US Lawmakers Criticize White House Over Allegations It Cut Taiwan Video Over Map at Democracy Summit

U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern after the White House allegedly asked to shut off the video feed of a Taiwanese minister during last week’s Summit for Democracy. The White House has denied the claims. Concerns arose from a color-coded map that showed Taiwan in a different color to China, as presented by Taiwanese Digital Minister…


Minister Apologies to Victims of Military Sex Misconduct, Says Ottawa Failed Them

OTTAWA—Defence Minister Anita Anand apologized to victims of military sexual misconduct on behalf of the federal government Monday, saying Ottawa has long failed to protect those who willingly signed up to protect Canada. “I apologize to the thousands of Canadians who were harmed because your government did not protect you, nor did we ensure that…


Minister Apologizes to Victims of Military Sex Misconduct, Says Ottawa Failed Them

OTTAWA—Defence Minister Anita Anand apologized to victims of military sexual misconduct on behalf of the federal government Monday, saying Ottawa has long failed to protect those who willingly signed up to protect Canada. “I apologize to the thousands of Canadians who were harmed because your government did not protect you, nor did we ensure that…


Visit to Flooded Farm Gives ‘Greater Sense of Loss’: BC Agriculture Minister

ABBOTSFORD, B.C.—The federal agriculture minister and her provincial counterpart said they were both moved to tears hearing about the devastation farmers endured in British Columbia’s recent floods and how those same people found the strength to help each other. Marie-Claude Bibeau was joined by her provincial counterpart Lana Popham on Friday for a tour of…