News for residents of the “11th province”: Canadians abroad.
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Special Ballot Clock Runs Down
Canadians in three federal byelection ridings have until Tuesday to ask for a special ballot, which is… less-than-convenient timing if your mailbox is in another country and your riding is in North Vancouver, Toronto or Quebec.
The August 31 votes are for North Vancouver-Capilano, Beaches-East York and Chicoutimi-Le Fjord. Special ballots can be requested online or in person, but Elections Canada says anyone requesting one 10 days or less before election day should plan to return it in person at a local Elections Canada office, and that’s the rub from abroad. More than 1,000 voting kits had already been sent to voters outside Canada by August 20, but only 152 have been returned as of press time. Democracy by mail might work, but unfortunately, it doesn’t bend the laws of physics.
Read more: CityNews Vancouver / Elections Canada
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A photo from the old country:
Economy Seats Get a Little Less Grim
Canadian airlines are promising a somewhat less punishing economy cabin, which is welcome news for anyone who weighs trips home in knee angles and charging-port luck.
The National Post says Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat and Porter are all trying to make the cheap seats feel a bit less cheap. Air Canada is adding ergonomic seats, tablet holders, larger screens and Bluetooth audio on some aircraft, and WestJet says its refreshed cabins include free Wi-Fi, four-way headrests, phone holders, charging ports and coat hooks.
The biggest improvements, naturally, are still to be found up front, especially lie-flat seats and premium cabins, however, so if you plan to fly home from Dubai, London or Bangkok, the back of the plane may get nicer gadgets before it gets more space.
Small mercies at 38,000 feet.
Read more: National Post