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London rally calls for action against gender-based violence

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Hundreds march in London’s Take Back the Night rally, demanding safer communities after anti-women graffiti and Hockey Canada trial verdict.

Londoners march in Take Back the Night rally at Victoria Park

Survivors take the lead

Survivors of domestic and sexual violence led the annual Take Back the Night rally on Thursday evening in London, Ontario. Cheered on by hundreds of supporters at Victoria Park, participants called for an end to gender-based violence and greater community accountability.

A community shaken

This year’s march unfolded against a heavy backdrop: anti-women graffiti discovered on a north London overpass just one day earlier, and widespread frustration following the recent not-guilty verdict in the sexual assault trial of five former Hockey Canada players. Both events underscored the urgency of the gathering.

Speaking truth to power

Among those addressing the crowd was Ashley Senuita, a survivor of intimate partner violence and mother of two. She voiced her fear and frustration over systemic failures to protect women. “If even in large groups we aren’t safe, and if in courts we aren’t believed, what recourse do we have?” she asked. Her son, 18-year-old Jack Wright, echoed her call for change, stressing the role of young men in creating a culture of consent.

A return after the pandemic

Thursday marked the first Take Back the Night rally in London since the COVID-19 pandemic. Organized in partnership with the London Abused Women’s Centre, ANOVA, Queer Intersections, Muslim Resource Centre, the City of London, Western University, and Fanshawe College, the event also coincided with Ontario’s first official Consent Awareness Week, introduced this summer to strengthen education on healthy relationships.

Finding strength in solidarity

For newcomer Ashley Jimenez, the rally provided a space to connect and listen. She said hearing survivors share their stories was empowering, though she worries that public acts of misogyny—such as the graffiti incident—or lengthy trials where survivors are retraumatized, discourage others from coming forward. “It feels like blame is always shifted onto women,” Jimenez said.

Leadership responds

Mayor Josh Morgan condemned the graffiti in a social media statement, calling it “hateful and bigoted, inciting violence against women.” City staff removed it Wednesday morning, but for many, its impact lingered. Morgan reaffirmed the city’s commitment to ensuring safe public spaces for all residents.

Learning to do better

Some participants attended to listen and learn. Londoner Alex Cottrill admitted he had little prior understanding of the prevalence of gender-based violence but wanted to understand his role in changing harmful cultural norms. “Even jokes can cause damage,” he said, reflecting on his own school experiences. “I just want to figure out how to help create a healthier culture.”

A movement with deep roots

Take Back the Night has been held in London for over two decades, part of a global movement that centres survivors while pushing for systemic change. Organizers say the annual march is both an act of resistance and a space for healing—one that continues to grow in urgency as communities confront persistent violence and inequities.

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P.E.I. Tops Canada for ER Patients Leaving Untreated

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A report finds 14% of P.E.I. emergency patients left without treatment—the worst rate in Canada, nearly double the national average.

Report Highlights Crisis in Island ERs

Prince Edward Island has the highest rate in Canada of patients leaving emergency departments without receiving care, according to a new report from the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI). Data obtained through a freedom of information request to Health P.E.I. revealed that in 2024, 14.15% of Islanders visiting ERs left without treatment, nearly double the national average of 7.78%.

Scope of the National Problem

The think tank found that almost 1.3 million Canadians left ERs before being seen by a doctor or nurse last year. Manitoba followed P.E.I. with 13.23%, while other provinces posted significantly lower figures. The findings highlight a widening gap between patient demand and the health system’s ability to respond.

Reasons Patients Walk Away

Long waits and lack of available staff were cited as the main reasons people leave untreated. “If you need emergency treatment in Canada, you’d better be a very, very patient person,” said MEI vice-president of communications, Renaud Brossard. He noted many of those who left were considered lower-priority cases that could have been managed by a family physician.

Impact of Primary Care Shortages

Health P.E.I. medical director Dr. Ken Farion agreed that limited access to family doctors forces patients into emergency rooms for non-urgent issues. “Unfortunately, some feel the ER is their only option,” he said, pointing to shortages of walk-in clinics and challenges in staffing hospitals. More than 35,000 Islanders remain on the province’s patient registry awaiting a primary care provider.

Efforts to Improve Access

To reduce pressure, the province is directing patients without a family doctor to virtual options such as Maple and Pharmacy Plus. Recruitment campaigns for physicians and nurse practitioners are underway. Experts say expanding nurse-practitioner-led and pharmacist-run clinics could divert non-emergency cases away from hospitals, giving ER staff more capacity to treat serious conditions.

Broader Healthcare Implications

While alternative care models may help, Brossard cautioned that they cannot solve every problem linked to ER overcrowding. Still, he argued they could lighten the load for emergency physicians and improve outcomes for patients with genuine emergencies. The report underscores how P.E.I.’s struggle is part of a larger national issue: when primary care gaps persist, emergency departments become the default safety net—and patients pay the price.

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Roughriders Explore Legal Tailgating at Mosaic Stadium

Saskatchewan Roughriders may introduce regulated tailgating at Mosaic Stadium next season, working with government and city authorities for fan safety.

Saskatchewan Eyes Game-Day Tailgating at Mosaic Stadium

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are exploring the possibility of legal tailgating at Mosaic Stadium for the upcoming CFL season, signaling a potential shift in fan experiences in Regina. Craig Reynolds, president and CEO of the Roughriders Football Club, shared the news directly with season ticket holders this week.

Elevating the Fan Experience

Reynolds stated, “We have been working with the government of Saskatchewan on potential ways to elevate our game day experience. Next season, we hope to bring you legal tailgating at the Mosaic Stadium footprint for home games.” Season ticket holders would have priority access to any designated tailgating areas if the proposal moves forward.

Understanding Tailgating Rules

Tailgating typically involves gathering in stadium parking lots to eat, drink, and socialize before a sporting event. While it often includes alcohol consumption and on-site cooking, public drinking in Saskatchewan parking lots is currently prohibited. Any new framework would require regulations to ensure legality and safety.

Learning from Other CFL Cities

Other CFL teams have set precedents for controlled tailgating. The Calgary Stampeders allow pre-game gatherings but strictly prohibit open alcohol, monitored by police. Edmonton Elks fans can use designated tailgating stalls, though these are “non-licensed areas” where drinking remains illegal. Saskatchewan plans to study these examples while creating its own framework.

Provincial and Municipal Collaboration

The Saskatchewan government confirmed it is “actively exploring the Roughriders’ request to develop a regulated framework for tailgating at Mosaic Stadium.” Public safety is a priority, and any approved plan would involve close collaboration with the City of Regina. A spokesperson from Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) said they are coordinating efforts with the Roughriders, the Saskatchewan Gaming and Liquor Authority, and government bodies.

Timeline and Next Steps

Details remain preliminary, and the Roughriders noted that “we do not have any further details to provide at this time.” Fans and stakeholders can expect announcements as discussions progress, potentially marking the beginning of officially sanctioned tailgating in Saskatchewan.

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Alberta Plans Notwithstanding Clause on Transgender Laws

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Alberta aims to invoke the notwithstanding clause to amend three transgender laws, sparking legal and public debates over Charter rights protections.

Alberta Moves to Override Charter for Transgender Laws

Directive from Premier’s Office

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has instructed officials to invoke the Canadian Charter’s seldom-used notwithstanding clause in amending three laws affecting transgender people, according to a leaked government memo obtained by The Canadian Press. The document, sent by Deputy Minister of Justice Malcolm Lavoie on Sept. 10, emphasizes confidentiality and requests departments to prepare legal background information and options for Smith’s review.

Laws Targeted for Amendment

The three laws under consideration, introduced last year, include rules requiring parental consent for students under 16 to change names or pronouns in school, a ban on transgender girls competing in amateur female sports, and restrictions on gender-affirming health care for minors. The education law is already in effect, while the health-care restriction remains paused due to a temporary court injunction.

Legal Challenges Loom

Advocacy groups Egale Canada and Skipping Stone have challenged the school pronoun and health-care laws in court, citing discrimination against 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Helen Kennedy, executive director at Egale, criticized the potential use of the notwithstanding clause as “an unconscionable attack on 2SLGBTQI people” and a broader threat to Canadian rights.

Premiere’s Justification

Premier Smith has previously stated that the clause is a last-resort tool to uphold transgender health restrictions and expressed confidence that the laws could withstand Charter challenges. She told reporters in December that the government intends to argue its policies are “reasonable, proportionate, and evidence-based.”

Implementation Timeline

The memo indicates that the proposal will be briefed to Smith ahead of a cabinet meeting on Oct. 21, with the legislative session resuming two days later. Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko has been directed to enforce the sports law fully, emphasizing “all legal and constitutional means necessary.”

Wider Context and Federal Response

Alberta is not the first province to invoke the notwithstanding clause. Saskatchewan used it in 2023 for a similar school pronoun law, which a provincial court upheld as valid while noting the possibility of a declaratory ruling. Meanwhile, Alberta has joined Quebec in defending the clause in a Supreme Court case regarding public sector workers and religious symbols. Prime Minister Mark Carney opposes preemptive use of the clause, raising questions about provincial-federal tensions over constitutional rights.

Implications for Canadians

The move highlights ongoing debates over the balance between provincial authority and Charter protections. Legal experts note that invoking the notwithstanding clause allows Alberta to temporarily bypass certain rights protections for up to five years, but the long-term consequences for transgender youth, schools, and health-care providers remain uncertain.

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Toronto Unveils Memorial Mural Honouring Lives Lost

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Toronto non-profits unveil a mural by harm-reduction workers, honoring unhoused lives lost and supporting community grief and healing.

Colourful Tribute Emerges in Toronto Alley

Toronto unveiled a new mural Thursday that serves as a public tribute to unhoused and underhoused people whose lives have been lost. Located on Callaghan Lane, behind Street Health at 338 Dundas Street E., the artwork features colourful hand prints on a brick wall, symbolizing presence, remembrance, and resilience.

Community Organizations Lead the Initiative

Street Health, a Toronto-based non-profit providing health care and operating an overdose prevention site for unhoused people, partnered with Rittenhouse: A New Vision, a transformative justice-focused organization, to bring the mural to life. The project was supported by a grant from the Toronto Arts Council and guided by Indigenous artist Joseph Sagaj.

Training Program Inspires Artistic Healing

The mural is the culmination of a 10-week course for harm-reduction workers facilitated by Peter Martin. Martin explained the program helps participants process grief and normalize discussions around frequent deaths in their work. “This piece of art provides a place where people on the street can grieve those they’ve lost,” he said. “The hand prints say: ‘We are here, we have been here.'”

A Space for Collective Mourning

Street Health emphasized the mural’s role as a neighbourhood focus for remembrance and reflection. Chaudhry Ahmed, manager of Street Health’s harm reduction team, noted, “This art creation is a tool for our clients and staff to share their grief and remember the many who have died due to the toxic drug crisis and staggering homelessness in our city.”

Context of Homelessness and Crisis

Toronto faces ongoing challenges with homelessness and opioid toxicity. City data reported 8,898 people used the shelter system on a recent Tuesday, with 9,858 people classified as actively homeless in the past three months. Preliminary data from Toronto Public Health recorded 459 confirmed opioid toxicity deaths and four probable deaths in the city last year.

Healing Through Art and Community

The Wall of Remembrance mural not only honours those lost but also empowers harm-reduction workers and community members to engage with grief openly. By creating a permanent public space for remembrance, the project aims to foster healing, awareness, and a shared sense of humanity amid the ongoing social crises affecting Toronto.

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Humpback Whale Dies After Suspected B.C. Ferries Strike

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A humpback whale was found dead off B.C.’s North Coast after a suspected collision with a B.C. Ferries vessel; DFO will investigate cause of death.

Whale Found Dead Near North Coast After Ferry Incident

A humpback whale was discovered dead Thursday morning near B.C.’s North Coast, following a suspected collision with a B.C. Ferries vessel the previous evening. The incident occurred approximately 130 kilometres southeast of Prince Rupert.

Ferry Service Reports Possible Contact

B.C. Ferries confirmed one of its vessels, the Northern Expedition, may have struck a humpback whale in Wright Sound Wednesday night. “We are saddened to report that last night one of our vessels believes it made contact with a humpback whale in Wright Sound,” said spokesperson Ceilidh Marlow in a statement.

The ferry immediately reported the incident to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), local First Nations, and marine researchers.

Recovery Efforts Underway

Marine researchers located the whale around 10:30 a.m. PT Thursday near the suspected collision site. B.C. Whales, a non-profit organization, assisted in securing the animal to shore until authorities can conduct further investigation.

Janie Wray, CEO of B.C. Whales, highlighted the challenges of the remote fjord system where the whale was found, noting the region is home to a high concentration of humpbacks. “It’s a really emotional day for us. There are whales in this area we consider family,” she said.

Cause of Death to Be Determined

DFO will co-ordinate a necropsy in the coming days to determine whether the collision caused the whale’s death. “These situations are felt deeply by our crews and our company,” Marlow said. “We take our responsibility to mitigate the impacts of our operations on the environment and marine life very seriously.”

Mitigation Measures in Place

B.C. Ferries emphasized that it maintains multiple measures to reduce the risk of whale strikes, including specialized crew training and operational protocols. Despite these measures, whale strikes appear to be occurring more frequently, likely linked to a growing humpback population in the region, Wray said.

Calls for Additional Protections

Wray called for the establishment of slow-down zones in high-traffic areas along the coast to better protect whales. “There just needs to be a slow-down zone in certain areas along this coast,” she said, underscoring the community’s deep connection to the marine mammals.

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Carney, Sheinbaum Push for Stronger Canada–Mexico Ties Amid U.S. Tariff Pressures

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Short-Term Visas and Trade Routes Top Agenda

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said expanding short-term work visas for Mexicans and boosting ocean trade routes with Canada are top priorities as she welcomed Prime Minister Mark Carney in Mexico City.

The two leaders are navigating growing trade challenges tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff agenda.

Strategic Partnership Agreement

Sheinbaum confirmed both countries want to strengthen the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) while deepening bilateral ties.

During Carney’s visit, the two leaders were expected to sign a strategic partnership agreement covering:

  • Infrastructure

  • Trade

  • Health

  • Agriculture

  • Security

  • Emergency preparedness

Canadian officials said the pact reflects Ottawa’s push to diversify trade amid U.S. pressure.

High-Level Delegations

Carney’s delegation included Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and Parliamentary Secretary Rachel Bendayan.

The leaders planned one-on-one talks, a working lunch with ministers, and meetings with business leaders to boost investment.

Security talks were also scheduled to address drug and firearm trafficking and improve coordination against organized crime.

Competition in U.S. Market

Experts note Canada and Mexico have often acted as competitors for U.S. market share, especially in the automotive sector, where Washington’s tariffs aim to pull manufacturing back into the U.S.

Diplomacy professor Solange Marquez said:

“Both countries are trying to be closer to Washington rather than each other.”

Mining, Energy, and Climate Policy

Sheinbaum stressed that Canadian mining companies must follow Mexico’s environmental rules.

While both leaders have climate backgrounds, experts say climate policy is unlikely to dominate the agenda. Energy and renewables, however, may be discussed as part of trade and investment opportunities.

Broader Geopolitical Context

Sheinbaum is balancing relations with China, having recently imposed tariffs on Chinese cars under U.S. pressure. Analysts note Mexico has not yet gained clear benefits from Washington in return.

Canada cites $56 billion in two-way trade (2024) and $46.4 billion in Canadian investment in Mexico as proof of a growing relationship.

A new North American leaders’ summit is not planned, as all three countries show limited interest following political upheavals in recent years.

Canada Turning Back More Asylum-Seekers Under Border Pact

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Canada is turning away a growing number of asylum-seekers at its border with the United States under the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), new data shows. Lawyers warn that some eligible claimants are being wrongly denied entry, raising serious legal and humanitarian concerns.

Record Turnbacks in 2025

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that 3,282 people were turned back in the first eight months of 2025, compared with 2,481 in the same period of 2024.

  • In July 2025, Canada returned 789 people — the highest monthly total in over a decade.

  • The STCA, expanded in 2023, requires asylum-seekers to apply in the first safe country they enter, unless they qualify for exemptions.

A CBSA spokesperson declined to comment on the reasons for the increase.

U.S. Deportation Risks

Once returned, asylum-seekers fall under U.S. authority. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says that if claims fail and home countries refuse re-entry, individuals may face deportation to third countries.

Assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated:

“If their home country will not take them, we will make arrangements for them to go to another country.”

Since returning to office in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has prioritized faster deportations, including removals to third countries.

Cases Raise Legal Concerns

Lawyers point to recent cases where eligible claimants were wrongly denied entry into Canada:

  • Rahel Negassi, a 50-year-old Eritrean nurse, was initially turned back despite DNA proof of a brother in Ontario. She was detained for two months in Texas before re-entering Canada after an appeal.

  • A stateless Palestinian was also denied despite his eligibility under the agreement.

Lawyer Heather Neufeld said:

“The stakes have become so high. If someone is returned, detention is more likely than not.”

Broader Implications

The increase in turnbacks underscores the legal and humanitarian challenges at the Canada–U.S. border. Critics argue Canada may be violating its asylum commitments by denying entry to eligible claimants.

The CBSA has said its role ends once asylum-seekers are handed over to U.S. authorities.

RBC: Canadian Consumer Spending Fell in August Despite Back-to-School

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The back-to-school season failed to lift Canadian consumer spending. New data shows a decline in household activity in August, with both RBC and J.D. Power pointing to weaker credit card use, reduced fuel spending, and softer demand across many categories.

RBC Data: Spending Down in August

The Royal Bank of Canada reported overall consumer spending fell 2.2% in August compared with July.

Core retail sales, which exclude vehicles and gasoline, rose 0.4%, but growth slowed compared with July’s 1.1% increase.

RBC economist Rachel Battaglia said the elimination of the federal carbon tax earlier this year continues to impact fuel purchases:

“The ongoing contraction in gasoline spending has been a significant driver of this trend.”

Shifts in Spending Categories

  • Clothing purchases rose, supported by back-to-school demand.

  • Travel spending dipped 0.1% on a three-month average.

  • Most other categories showed growth but at a slower pace than earlier in the summer.

Canadians Cutting Credit Card Use

A separate report from J.D. Power found Canadian monthly credit card spending has dropped 17% since 2023, averaging $1,336 in 2025.

The decline is not limited to credit cards. Canadians are also spending less with debit and cash, reflecting tighter household budgets and economic pressure.

Broader Consumer Trends

Economists say the data shows households are focusing on essential purchases while reducing discretionary spending.

The pullback signals that weaker consumer demand could weigh on Canada’s economic growth in the coming months.

Canada Likely to Miss 2030 Emission Targets, Report Warns

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Canada’s top climate policy think tank says the country will miss its 2030 emissions reduction targets. A new report from the Canadian Climate Institute warns that stalled progress and recent policy shifts have left Canada the worst performer in the G7 on climate action.

Emissions Stalled in 2024

The institute’s early analysis shows Canada emitted 694 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2024, the same as 2023. That is equal to the yearly emissions of 146 million gas-powered cars.

While electricity, heavy industry, and buildings saw cuts, these gains were cancelled by a 1.9% rise in oil and gas emissions. That sector now accounts for nearly one-third of Canada’s total emissions.

Transportation emissions, about 23% of the total, remained flat.

Canada pledged to cut emissions 40–45% below 2005 levels by 2030. Reaching that target would require annual cuts of 40 million tonnes for the next six years.

Currently, emissions are only 8.5% below 2005 levels. The institute projects reductions of just 20–25% by 2030.

Economist Dave Sawyer said:

“It’s a mix of limited time and technical challenges. The scale of reductions needed is massive.”

He added:

“Oil and gas emissions keep rising, and methane cuts are too slow.”

Policy Shifts Slow Progress

The report points to recent reversals at both federal and provincial levels:

  • Prime Minister Mark Carney repealed the consumer carbon price and paused the EV mandate.

  • Saskatchewan extended coal plant operations.

  • Alberta froze its industrial carbon price until 2026.

“These decisions mean fewer reductions in the future and even rising emissions,” Sawyer said.

Ottawa’s Response

Carney and his ministers have not confirmed whether Canada still aims to meet the 2030 and 2035 targets. However, they insist the government remains committed to net-zero by 2050.

Carney has promised a new plan to make Canada “climate competitive,” though critics argue time is running out.

Canada Falling Behind Peers

Last year, Environment Commissioner Jerry DeMarco warned that Canada was already on track to miss its climate goals. He said it could take 20–30 more years of work before Canada catches up.

The institute’s report concludes that Canada’s climate momentum is now “fragile” and moving “in the wrong direction.”

Toronto Police Issue Canada-Wide Warrant in North York Murder

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Victim Identified as Paulin Harusha

Toronto police identified the victim of last weekend’s fatal shooting in North York as 43-year-old Paulin Harusha. He was found with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle shortly before midnight on Saturday, Sept. 13, near Victoria Park Avenue and Sheppard Avenue East.

Police initially reported they were searching for a light-coloured SUV seen fleeing the scene.

Canada-Wide Warrant Issued

On Thursday, Toronto police announced a Canada-wide warrant for 34-year-old Meelad Tarin, who is wanted for first-degree murder.

Det. Sgt. Alan Bartlett urged the suspect to surrender:

“Turn yourself in. Anyone aiding the suspect will also be investigated, and charges will be laid as appropriate.”

Victim and Suspect Connection Under Review

When asked if the victim and suspect were connected, Bartlett said there was “some familiarity” but gave no further details. He would not comment on possible criminal histories.

Police are not currently looking for additional suspects. However, Bartlett noted that if evidence points to others being involved, investigations and charges will follow.

Family Devastated by Loss

Harusha’s family and friends are mourning his death. Bartlett emphasized that the investigation also aims to support the grieving family:

“The loss has left a hole in this family. One of the reasons we are here today is to support the family and let them know that we are here to seek justice for Mr. Harusha.”

Plane Makes Emergency Landing at Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport

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Plane Lands Safely After Smoke Report

Toronto Fire confirmed that emergency crews were dispatched to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on Thursday morning after smoke was reported on an incoming plane.

The aircraft landed safely at 10:25 a.m. and was met by fire crews on the runway.

Passengers Evacuated

The flight was carrying 47 passengers. All were safely evacuated after landing.

Authorities have not confirmed whether anyone sustained injuries.

Quick Response Restores Operations

Toronto Fire said the situation was managed quickly. As a result, airport operations returned to normal shortly after the incident.