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Orange Shirt Day Founder Phyllis Webstad Brings Truth and Reconciliation Message to Hope

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The founder of Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad, brought her message of truth and reconciliation to students and community members in Hope on Sept. 24.

Webstad, a member of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, spoke to more than 100 students, staff, Elders, and guests at Shxwelís te Ts’qó:ls – The Spirit of Hope Secondary School as part of its Truth and Reconciliation Week.

The event opened with a welcome from Chawathil First Nation Chief Aaron Pete, followed by a drumming ceremony to honour Webstad’s advocacy for survivors.

During her presentation, Webstad recounted her own experiences at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School, which she and three generations of her family attended. Using photos to illustrate, she described the trauma residential schools inflicted, the disruption of Indigenous traditions, and the intergenerational impacts that remain today. She also raised lesser-known aspects of this history, such as forced sterilization.

Webstad explained how Orange Shirt Day, founded in 2013, was inspired by her memory of having her orange shirt — a gift from her grandmother — taken away on her first day of residential school. “It felt like we didn’t matter to anybody. It felt like I didn’t matter,” she told the audience. “That’s how we came up with ‘Every Child Matters.’ Because we mattered.”

Despite the heavy topic, Webstad infused humour into her talk, even joking about her current collection of orange shirts: “I have two closets at home full of orange shirts.”

Orange Shirt Day, marked annually on Sept. 30, honours survivors and the children who never returned home. It was officially recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2021.

At the end of her presentation, students honoured Webstad with a song celebrating feminine strength, led by Indigenous Support Workers Caitlin Demmitt and Kristie Peters.

BCSC Sanctions Abbotsford Man Convicted in U.S. Securities Fraud

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The B.C. Securities Commission (BCSC) has imposed sanctions on Kuldeep Singh Sidhu, an Abbotsford resident convicted in the U.S. for securities-fraud conspiracy in 2021.

The order, issued Sept. 9, permanently restricts Sidhu from most activities in B.C.’s capital markets. He remains a director of three companies — Platinum Cedar Sales Ltd., Platinum Holdings Ltd., and Platinum Transit Ltd. — but the BCSC stressed these firms cannot trade in public markets given his record.

Sidhu was indicted in 2018 in California for manipulating stock prices in a pump-and-dump scheme. He later pleaded guilty to conspiracy, admitting he promoted shares through offshore accounts, websites, and high-pressure sales, while distributing proceeds to co-conspirators. He served 342 days in custody, received three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $67,000 in restitution before being deported to Canada.

In its ruling, the BCSC said Sidhu’s actions were “extremely serious” and showed dishonesty that makes him unfit for market participation. He is banned from serving as a director, officer, or adviser for any issuer or registrant.

Sidhu is permitted to trade for personal use in registered accounts like RRSPs or TFSAs. The commission said this poses no risk to the public.

Sidhu argued the sanctions were “arbitrary” and harmful to his financial situation, citing investments in several IPOs. But the BCSC said he provided no proof and that such investments must remain passive unless he applies for a variation order.

The regulator concluded Sidhu poses “a significant ongoing risk to investors and the integrity of B.C.’s capital markets.”

History Professor Wins Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Book on Canada’s Postwar Prime Ministers

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A Canadian history professor has been awarded the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing for a book examining the country’s postwar prime ministers.

The prize, worth $25,000, was presented in Ottawa and recognizes outstanding contributions to political literature in Canada. The winning book traces the decisions and legacies of Canadian leaders who shaped the nation’s postwar identity, highlighting how their policies continue to influence today’s political landscape.

The jury praised the work for its accessible yet deeply researched approach, noting that it brings clarity to complex political histories while engaging a wide audience.

The Shaughnessy Cohen Prize, established in 2000 in honour of the late Liberal MP known for her passion for Canadian politics, is administered by the Writers’ Trust of Canada. It is awarded annually to a non-fiction work that captures political life, issues, or history in Canada.

The professor’s win underscores the enduring public interest in Canadian political history and the leaders whose decisions defined much of the nation’s postwar direction.

Toronto Police Issue 3,500 Tickets in Safety Crackdown on E-Bikes, E-Scooters

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Toronto police say they issued 3,500 tickets during a recent safety blitz aimed at e-bike and e-scooter riders, as part of an effort to address growing concerns over road safety.

The enforcement campaign focused on violations such as riding on sidewalks, failing to follow traffic signals, and operating without proper safety equipment. Police noted that the use of e-bikes and e-scooters has surged across the city, prompting the need for stronger oversight.

“While these devices provide an affordable and eco-friendly way to travel, riders must follow the same rules of the road as other vehicles,” a police spokesperson said. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.”

The blitz targeted several busy downtown corridors and residential neighbourhoods where complaints about reckless riding have increased. Officers reported encountering riders weaving through pedestrian traffic, ignoring red lights, and using devices not compliant with provincial safety standards.

Officials stressed that the campaign was not just about issuing tickets but also about educating riders on safe practices. Police say similar blitzes will continue throughout the year as part of an ongoing strategy to improve safety for all road users.

The operation comes amid rising popularity of micro-mobility options in Toronto, with many residents adopting e-bikes and scooters for daily commutes. However, city officials warn that without proper regulation and responsible use, these devices pose risks to both riders and the public.

Meta Removes Fake Facebook Page Impersonating Quebec City Mosque Gunman

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Meta has taken down a Facebook protest page after it was revealed to be created by someone impersonating the gunman responsible for the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting.

The page, which had recently surfaced, was reportedly being used to organize protests and spread inflammatory content under the false identity of the convicted killer. It raised immediate alarms among members of the Muslim community and advocates against hate speech, who warned that allowing such impersonations risked glorifying violence and retraumatizing victims’ families.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed the removal, stating the account violated the platform’s rules against impersonation and harmful content. The company also reiterated its commitment to improving detection systems to prevent similar incidents.

Community leaders in Quebec condemned the incident, describing it as an unacceptable misuse of social media that undermines public safety and respect for victims. They are calling for stronger regulation of online platforms to stop impersonators and extremists from exploiting social networks.

This is not the first time Meta has come under fire for delayed responses to harmful pages. Critics argue that the company’s monitoring systems remain reactive, relying on user complaints rather than proactive enforcement.

The Quebec City mosque attack in 2017 left six people dead and injured 19 others, marking one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history. The shooter was sentenced to life in prison without parole eligibility for 40 years.

For many in the community, Meta’s decision to remove the page was necessary but overdue.

PM Carney Heads to U.K. Seeking Investment, Faces Pressure to Deliver

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Prime Minister Mark Carney is in the United Kingdom this week, aiming to secure new investment and partnerships as his government faces mounting domestic pressure to demonstrate economic results.

Carney will attend the Global Progress Action Summit, a gathering of progressive world leaders, where he is expected to promote Canada’s economic strengths while pitching the country as a reliable destination for foreign investment.

The trip comes at a critical moment for Carney, who has faced questions over slow growth, rising unemployment, and the strain of U.S. tariffs on Canadian industries. Analysts say he must return with concrete wins to reinforce his government’s message that Canada remains competitive on the world stage.

“Carney’s challenge is to balance diplomacy with tangible results. Investors and voters alike are looking for proof that his economic vision is working,” said one policy expert.

While in London, Carney will meet with global business leaders and financial institutions to pitch opportunities in Canadian sectors like technology, clean energy, and infrastructure. Government officials say the mission is about building trust and long-term partnerships, not just short-term deals.

At the summit, Carney will also join discussions on global trade, climate change, and democratic resilience alongside other progressive leaders. The event provides a platform to strengthen alliances at a time when geopolitical tensions remain high.

Back in Canada, opposition parties are already framing the trip as a test of the prime minister’s leadership. They argue that without measurable outcomes, his international travels will be seen as more show than substance.

The coming days will determine whether Carney can turn high-profile meetings into the kind of economic results Canadians are demanding.

Canadian Kids With Cancer Lose Access to U.S. Clinical Trials Amid Policy Shift

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Canadian children battling cancer may soon face a devastating setback, as recent U.S. policy changes threaten their ability to join vital clinical trials.

Doctors warn that Canada’s pediatric oncology patients are losing access to U.S.-based trials after the American government cut funding for the Children’s Oncology Group’s brain tumour research network — a critical program that has helped advance treatments for some of the deadliest childhood cancers.

Until now, Canadian hospitals and patients were integrated into these research collaborations, giving children access to experimental therapies not available at home. With funding pulled, that participation is in jeopardy, raising concerns about stalled progress in treating rare and aggressive cancers.

“We’re talking about kids with brain tumours — where survival rates have historically been poor,” said one Canadian oncologist. “Losing access to these trials could mean losing hope for many families.”

The U.S. decision comes as part of broader budget and policy changes, and Canadian physicians say the move will have an outsized impact north of the border, where domestic clinical trial infrastructure is limited.

Advocacy groups are now calling on Ottawa to step in with new funding or strike bilateral agreements to ensure Canadian children aren’t left behind.

“This is not just about science, it’s about fairness and giving every child a chance,” one parent of a young patient told CBC News.

The future of Canadian participation in U.S.-based pediatric cancer trials remains uncertain, but doctors stress the urgency: without access, many families will be left with no options beyond standard treatments.

Alberta Tops Interprovincial Migration as Ontario Faces Record Exodus

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Alberta has once again emerged as the country’s leading destination for Canadians moving between provinces, marking its third straight year at the top for interprovincial migration.

According to new Statistics Canada estimates, Alberta recorded the strongest population inflows between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. The province’s robust job market, lower housing costs compared to other major centres, and rising economic opportunities are fueling the trend.

In contrast, Ontario continues to experience the largest net outflow of residents in Canada. The province has now seen nearly four consecutive years of population losses to other regions, driven in part by high housing costs and affordability concerns.

British Columbia and Nova Scotia also saw gains, though Alberta’s growth remained unmatched. Meanwhile, Manitoba and Quebec recorded smaller inflows, with the Prairie province benefiting from some cost-of-living advantages.

Ontario’s population decline through interprovincial migration is the longest-running streak of its kind in years, with many former residents relocating to Alberta in search of better affordability and employment opportunities.

The latest figures highlight an ongoing shift in Canada’s population patterns, with Alberta becoming a preferred destination for those seeking stronger economic prospects and a more affordable cost of living.

Canada Issues High-Alert Travel Advisory for India Amid Regional Tensions

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The Government of Canada has issued a high-alert travel advisory for India, warning citizens about heightened risks in several regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Manipur.

The advisory, updated this week, cites ongoing security concerns, civil unrest, and potential threats to travelers. It specifically urges Canadians to avoid all travel to Jammu and Kashmir (excluding Ladakh via air), as well as to the northeastern states of Assam and Manipur.

Global Affairs Canada noted that the situation in these regions can change rapidly, with the potential for violent incidents, curfews, and disruptions to essential services. Travelers currently in affected areas are advised to exercise extreme caution, monitor local news, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

The advisory also reminds Canadians of potential risks associated with large gatherings and political demonstrations across India, which may escalate without warning.

Canada frequently updates its travel advisories based on security assessments. The latest warning comes amid broader concerns about safety for international travelers in certain regions of India.

Rare Medieval Artifacts Found for $30 at Chilliwack Thrift Store

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Some extremely rare artifacts, possibly medieval, were recently discovered for just $30 at the Thrifty Boutique thrift store in Chilliwack, operated by the Chilliwack Hospice Society.

The collection of eleven rings and two medallions was spotted by a customer with an archaeology background who immediately recognized their potential value. Volunteers then contacted Simon Fraser University, which has now taken the artifacts into the care of its Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

Experts say the items could be hundreds or even thousands of years old. While their exact origin remains unknown, SFU associate professor Sabrina Higgins, who specializes in Rome and late antique archaeology, believes the pieces most likely date to the medieval period.

“The shapes, designs and construction make me think these are medieval, as the Romans typically used slightly different materials and techniques,” Higgins explained.

The museum will use advanced technologies to investigate the artifacts’ background while also using them to educate students about archaeology and museum ethics. A new course planned for fall 2026 will center on these pieces, exploring their origins as well as ethical questions about artifacts that lack provenance.

Museum director Barbara Hilden called the find extraordinary, noting that the items could have been lost or destroyed at any point in history, yet have survived to tell a new chapter.

The course will culminate in an exhibition at SFU’s Burnaby campus, highlighting the artifacts’ journey, their potential significance, and the broader ethical issues around looted or undocumented historical pieces.