Tuesday and Wednesday, May 3rd 2016

Hosted by Catlin Spencer

Stories by Catlin Spencer

Produced by Catlin Spencer

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LOCAL

Culture Minister Helene David announced new changes to Quebec's language law, Bill 101, on Tuesday.

According to the Montreal Gazette, companies with English names will have the option of creating a french versions of their trademark, or adding generic or descriptive words in french about the goods and services offered below their name.

David told the media last summer that the government was seeking a voluntary compliance, and believed it was possible to protect the French character of Quebec while not altering the names of trademarks.

Under the current law, trademarks fall under federal jurisdiction and are protected under international trade agreements.

NATIONAL

Residents were fleeing Fort McMurray Tuesday as a huge wildfire burned through homes and neighbourhoods.

According to CBC News, a mandatory evacuation notice was issued at 3:55 pm local time for the city affecting the lower townsite and downtown area, including MacDonald Island Park and 10 neighbourhoods.

As of 8 pm Tuesday night, the fire had forced nearly half of the citys residents out of their homes.

Fire Chief for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Darby Allen says 80 firefighters are tackling the western side of a second blaze that jumped the Athabasca River overnight, with ten more on the opposite side.

INTERNATIONAL

Scientists in Brazil are saying that the mosquito and sexually transmitted Zika virus may be even more dangerous than previously thought.

According to BBC News, the scientists suggest that the virus could cause microcephaly, a condition where babies are born with a below-average head size causing restricted brain development.

It is now estimated that 1% of women who contract the Zika virus during pregnancy will have a child with microcephaly, and 20% will result in a range of other forms of brain damage for the baby.

Deaths from the virus are rare, and it is thought that only one in five people infected will develop symptoms including mild fever, conjunctivitis, headache, joint pain and rash.