Hoping to be aquamated? Ontario may not allow it

Plus, passengers booted by Air Canada and 50 things to do in Toronto this summer [The Star] First Up [By Manuela Vega] By Manuela Vega Good morning. Here’s the latest on the future of a controversial alternative to cremation, why 25 passengers were removed from an Air Canada plane and how to plan for a summer of local fun. DON’T MISS Andrew Francis Wallace/The Star aquamation [This funeral director got permission to liquify bodies five years ago — now Ontario wants to ban the process ]( Unlike traditional cremation, alkaline hydrolysis doesn’t emit greenhouse gases and it doesn’t require a casket. That’s why funeral director Trevor Charbonneau committed to buying the required machinery and offering clients the alternative disposition method. Now, the province wants to shut Charbonneau down, saying the process poses a public health risk — something experts deny. [Here’s what we know about alkaline hydrolysis, and the debate over its safety](. - More: Charbonneau twice won appeals against the Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s (BAO), but new proposed legislation could see the end of alkaline hydrolysis in Ontario. - Context: The process uses lye, water and heat — either 150 C or 96 C, depending on the machine — to break down remains. Liquified tissue goes down the drain, while the pulverized bones are returned to the family. The BAO takes particular issue with lower-temperature machines. - Go deeper: “We have a lot of families choosing this process for their loved one. And if they’re ever to read this from the regulator of the industry — that the method of disposition that they chose for their loved one isn’t safe — I just don’t think that’s right.” Steve Russell/The Star grounded [Air Canada is blaming masking “non-compliance” for deplaning while passengers say they were “treated like criminals”]( Acknowledging that some customers were mistakenly removed from a flight between Montreal and London, England, the airline says most of the 25 deplaned passengers were violating mask requirements. But one couple says they were following directions and still booted from the flight, telling the Star passengers were directed to leave without explanation, and then told they couldn’t fly Air Canada for 24 hours, they would have to buy new tickets and that they couldn’t get their luggage. [Here’s more on what we know](. - More: Transport Canada, which provides consumer protections for air passengers, says it will “conduct extensive checks to ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations.” - Travel troubles: Whining about airport wait times proves it: [we’re spoiled, and we aren’t ready for what’s coming]( Emma Teitel writes. - Another angle: [Ottawa ignored concerns about passport delays last year]( federal workers say. Susan Kao/The Star what's on [Here are 50 things to do around the GTA this summer]( After two years of a pandemic-induced pause, the city is roaring back to life — and there’s no shortage of things to do. There’s something for everyone in the GTA in the coming months: can’t-miss festivals and activities at your favourite parks to thrills for the daredevils among us. Whether you’re on the hunt for free events, luxury staycations or the most hidden of gems, Toronto’s got it. [Check the Star’s list of things to see, do, watch and eat in the city this summer.]( - Watch for: The annual Toronto Pride parade goes down Sunday, open-air movie screenings at the Distillery District start Monday and kayaking, kiteboarding, wakeboarding or wakesurfing lessons at Woodbine or Cherry Beach have been available since mid-June. - Good news for: Theatre buffs, music lovers, athletes and foodies.  WHAT ELSE [Who will lead the Ontario NDP?]( These two potential candidates say they represent the diversity the party needs. Michelle Rempel Garner says she won’t seek Alberta UCP leadership — [while calling out Conservative party turmoil](. Is Chrystia Freeland’s inflation-fighting plan [running out of gas?]( Today’s the day! Ontario premier Doug Ford will [unveil his new cabinet](. When is “extreme intoxication” a legit criminal defence? [Explaining the controversy behind the new law](. Lower Coxwell was named thanks to a parking lot. [Now it can’t be changed to an Indigenous name]( the city says. The public’s enthusiastic response to a monkeypox vaccine is being [marred by supply concerns](. An OPP officer was sentenced for steering $500,000 in business to a [tow truck operator featured on reality TV](. [“I have suffered.”]( A former cop says she experienced a “poisoned’ culture. A [victim in the Playa del Carmen double murder]( has been identified. Doctors, nurses and other health-care workers are demanding Ontario gives workers 10 paid sick days. [Here’s what’s at risk if it doesn’t](. Here’s how the daughter of Kimchi Korea House’s Mama Lee [turned the pandemic lull into an opportunity](. POV Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick [The convoy lives on — and about 20 per cent of the Conservative caucus supports it.]( CLOSE-UP Richard Lautens/The Star CANADA’S WONDERLAND: Five-year-old Arya Thorpe works on her backstroke at one of three facilities in the country participating in the 13th annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson. [Here’s more on the global drowning prevention initiative](. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_130997). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. [The Star]( If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. Or, if you'd prefer, you can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking the first link below. 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