Afternoon front page: Stephen Harper speaks against Alberta separatism; State of the Nation poll finds 45% of Canadians feel worse off than a year ago; and more

It’s Friday, October 2. Here are the top stories we’re following today.

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Referring to the socially and economically damaging Quebec referendums, the former prime minister writes: “I see no benefit and significant risk for Alberta to go down that path today. I believe Albertans’ energies are far better employed pushing for change in Ottawa and for the exercise of greater power by Alberta itself. Such efforts are far more likely to produce actual, positive results.”

While the poll found 47 per cent of Canadians think the country is heading in the wrong direction compared to 40 per cent who believe Canada is on the proper path, the numbers are notably less pessimistic than in other western nations, pollster Lord Michael Ashcroft wrote. Further reading:What ‘threat’ worries Canadians most and other key findings of State of the Nation poll and Lord Ashcroft: Conservatives have work to do to unseat Mark Carney.

Ivison notes that the private sector has been virtually absent from the Pacific Link pipeline project, in terms of binding financial commitments. By designating the project as being in the national interest, the federal government is explicitly implying that it believes there is a high likelihood of it being completed. “It remains to be seen whether private sector investors agree,” he adds.

Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members from Dubai to Tel Aviv, about a three-and-a-half-hour flight. But with an hour left before landing, the trip turned terrifying.

The bridal shop owner was convicted of assaulting the rambunctious seven-year-old, who had been running around in the dressing room “tormenting” the man. Although, the boy’s face turned purple and he struggled to breathe from the hook, the judge concluded the shop owner “did not act in anger or with an intention to harm.”

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