Sharif Hassan

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Sharif Hassan.

Mayors urge Ontario to declare state of emergency to address homelessness, addiction

Mayors urge Ontario to declare state of emergency to address homelessness, addiction

TORONTO -- The mayors of Ontario's 29 largest cities are calling on the province to declare a state of emergency as municipalities deal with what they call a "community safety and humanitarian crisis" created by homelessness, mental health and addiction.

Canadian workers' free speech fears persist two years after Israel-Hamas war began

Canadian workers' free speech fears persist two years after Israel-Hamas war began

During the Israel-Hamas war, a Canadian paramedic was fired, a teacher was put on extended leave and a doctor's residency was suspended.

'Why we do it': More than 100 volunteers lay flags at soldiers' graves in Kingston

'Why we do it': More than 100 volunteers lay flags at soldiers' graves in Kingston

KINGSTON -- On a chilly November morning, more than 100 volunteers began arriving at a historic cemetery in Kingston, Ont., to help honour soldiers who are buried there.

As Barrie, Ont., moves to clear encampments, some people say they have nowhere to go

As Barrie, Ont., moves to clear encampments, some people say they have nowhere to go

BARRIE -- For the past 15 years, Shania Steeves has slept on sidewalks and stayed in overcrowded, sometimes unsafe shelters.

'Very unfair': Property taxes up 20 per cent in cash-strapped Ontario township

'Very unfair': Property taxes up 20 per cent in cash-strapped Ontario township

Tammy Daigle has spent more than half of her life in the rural, northern Ontario community of Fauquier-Strickland, focusing on her family and rarely thinking about the small town's finances.

New Ontario safety rules welcome after crash, not blanket solution: daycare coalition

New Ontario safety rules welcome after crash, not blanket solution: daycare coalition

TORONTO -- A coalition that represents hundreds of child-care centres says the Ontario government's proposed measures to boost daycare safety are welcome, but is cautioning against a "blanket" solution given the diversity of programs in the province.

Mayor of Barrie, Ont., declares state of emergency over homeless encampments

Mayor of Barrie, Ont., declares state of emergency over homeless encampments

The mayor of Barrie, Ont., has declared a state of emergency over homeless encampments in the city, citing concerns about public safety as a justification for the decision.

Ontario man who raised a pack of wolf-dogs worries government will euthanize them

Ontario man who raised a pack of wolf-dogs worries government will euthanize them

When a friend asked for help to build a fenced home for his dogs, Bryton Bongard made a deal: he would lend a hand in exchange for several puppies.

'No safety rules': Concerns grow as AI-generated videos spread hate online

'No safety rules': Concerns grow as AI-generated videos spread hate online

At first it appears to be a quirky video clip generated by artificial intelligence to make people laugh.

Ontario paramedic shouldn't have been fired over Israel comments: union, law experts

Ontario paramedic shouldn't have been fired over Israel comments: union, law experts

The Centre for Free Expression is calling for the reinstatement of a York Region paramedic whose union says she was fired over a social media post criticizing Israel's military operations in the Middle East.

Canada's EV market was already in trouble. Tariffs made it worse, Ontario workers say

Canada's EV market was already in trouble. Tariffs made it worse, Ontario workers say

INGERSOLL -- Bob Pulham recalls the optimism in the air when General Motors began producing electric vans in Ingersoll, Ont., in late 2022.

Manitoba residents fleeing scorching wildfires take refuge in Niagara Falls, Ont.

Manitoba residents fleeing scorching wildfires take refuge in Niagara Falls, Ont.

NIAGARA FALLS -- Some Manitoba residents who have taken refuge in Niagara Falls, Ont., after fleeing wildfires raging in their province say they're grateful for the hospitality but worry they won't have a home to return to once the flames die down.

In Canada's housing crisis, are modular homes a cheaper and faster solution?

In Canada's housing crisis, are modular homes a cheaper and faster solution?

TORONTO -- When a church in Toronto's west end was converted into affordable housing nearly 15 years ago, the group behind the project was already thinking ahead.

Some Ontario mayors against communities' financial incentives to attract doctors

Some Ontario mayors against communities' financial incentives to attract doctors

Several Ontario mayors have been calling on the province to ban financial incentives municipalities use to lure in doctors, saying the recruitment tactic is harming communities that can't pony up the cash - especially those in rural and northern regions.

This pilot is honoured every year in a U.K. town. Will Canada recognize his bravery?

This pilot is honoured every year in a U.K. town. Will Canada recognize his bravery?

There is a street named after him in a British town.

Canada has the critical minerals Donald Trump wants. So what should we do with them?

Canada has the critical minerals Donald Trump wants. So what should we do with them?

An ongoing trade war and U.S. President Donald Trump's hunger for critical minerals have brought Canada's rich mineral deposits into the spotlight, with federal and provincial politicians promising to accelerate natural resource projects.

Border officials offer rare look inside Canada's largest immigration holding centre

Border officials offer rare look inside Canada's largest immigration holding centre

TORONTO -- When Osama Al-Hadad arrived from Yemen and applied for asylum at Toronto's Pearson airport, he was taken into custody because he lacked documentation to prove his identity.

Mayors of border cities call on Ottawa for funding, support as tariff war continues

Mayors of border cities call on Ottawa for funding, support as tariff war continues

Mayors of several Canadian border cities and towns are calling for support from the federal government as the tariff war with the United States starts to hurt their communities.

'We stand with Canada': Americans who live here show solidarity amid Trump's threats
After seven years of PC representation, can Liberals turn Eglinton-Lawrence red?

After seven years of PC representation, can Liberals turn Eglinton-Lawrence red?

TORONTO -- When Vince Gasparro's daughter suddenly fell ill last year, the "total chaos" he witnessed in the emergency department of a Toronto hospital spurred his desire to enter electoral politics.

After 40 years in politics, Mississauga's newest mayor says she's not done yet

After 40 years in politics, Mississauga's newest mayor says she's not done yet

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- When Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish resigned from a regional police board, citing the need to be openly critical of the largest budget increase in the force's history, her decision took many by surprise.

Ontario voter turnout hit a record low in 2022. Will this election be any different?

Ontario voter turnout hit a record low in 2022. Will this election be any different?

TORONTO -- The last time Ontarians went to the polls, the province recorded the lowest voter turnout in its election history. Observers say they don't expect a significant change in this month's snap election.

How an Ontario town's refusal to declare Pride month led to a years-long legal battle

How an Ontario town's refusal to declare Pride month led to a years-long legal battle

When Douglas Judson asked the Township of Emo to declare June as Pride month and display a rainbow flag for a week in 2020, he never imagined the request would turn into a years-long legal dispute that still has no end in sight.

Is Donald Trump kidding? Americans in Canada react to tariff, annexation threats

Is Donald Trump kidding? Americans in Canada react to tariff, annexation threats

Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump has been courting controversy in Canada since his election victory, with threats to impose whopping tariffs on Canadian goods and musings about the country becoming "the 51st state."

Colleges and universities face job cuts, deficits amid international student cap

Colleges and universities face job cuts, deficits amid international student cap

Ontario's colleges and universities say the federal government's cap on international students is taking a toll on the higher education sector as some schools face growing deficits, layoffs and, in at least one case, a temporary campus closure.

'Serious risks': Researchers join push against importing monkeys for drug testing

'Serious risks': Researchers join push against importing monkeys for drug testing

Dozens of researchers across Canada, including renowned environmentalist David Suzuki, have joined a growing chorus of voices urging the federal government to halt the importation of an endangered monkey species for medical research in Quebec.

They sent ballots from Canada. Now, Americans prepare to watch the election from afar

They sent ballots from Canada. Now, Americans prepare to watch the election from afar

After knocking on thousands of doors during this year's U.S. presidential campaign, David Shelton's work is done -- now, he's looking forward to knocking back a drink or two at a local bar on election night with fellow Americans.

'Not OK': Closing only pool in Ontario town points to growing climate challenge

'Not OK': Closing only pool in Ontario town points to growing climate challenge

CLINTON, Ont. _ Randy Marriage was a regular at his hometown's only pool when he was growing up, cooling off with friends on summer days. His grandchildren won't have the same chance.