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Bank of Canada Holds Rates Amid CUSMA Uncertainty

Henry
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0
Bank of Canada Holds Rates Amid CUSMA Uncertainty

Bank of Canada keeps rates at 2.25%, citing CUSMA review, U.S. tariffs, and global risks as key factors shaping economic outlook.

Bank of Canada Hits Pause on Interest Rates

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada decided to keep its key interest rate steady at 2.25 per cent Wednesday, signalling caution as looming trade talks and global uncertainties weigh on the economy. Economists largely expected the move, but the central bank’s warnings suggest storm clouds may be forming over Canada’s economic horizon.

Governor Tiff Macklem emphasised that while the economy has generally followed the Bank’s expectations since December’s pause on easing rates, uncertainty remains “unusually high.” He described the current policy rate as “appropriate,” but admitted that predicting the next move is tricky.

CUSMA Talks Cast a Shadow

Much of the Bank’s caution stems from the upcoming review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in July. Macklem noted that the fate of CUSMA could significantly alter Canada’s economic path, as exemptions from U.S. tariffs are critical for Canadian exports.

The stakes are high. U.S. President Donald Trump recently threatened 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods if Canada strikes a trade deal with China. Such moves could derail growth and trigger long-term effects beyond today’s forecasts.

“The outcome of CUSMA is an important risk to our projection,” Macklem said, adding that shifts in U.S. central bank independence could also influence Canada’s outlook.

Economic Growth and Volatility

After a strong third-quarter GDP, Canada’s economy stalled in the final quarter of 2025. The Bank cites swings in exports and business activity due to tariffs as key factors behind this volatility.

Annual GDP growth for 2025 is estimated at 1.7 per cent. Looking ahead, if current tariff levels hold steady, the Bank expects growth of 1.1 per cent in 2026 and 1.5 per cent in 2027 as businesses adjust to new trade conditions.

Tony Stillo of Oxford Economics highlighted two potential paths: easing tariffs could allow a gradual rate hike next year, while a collapse of CUSMA could trigger a recession and force the Bank to cut rates.

Inflation and Policy Outlook

Inflation is expected to hover near the Bank’s 2 per cent target despite trade disruptions and past tax changes, including the federal government’s brief tax holiday and the end of the consumer carbon price.

Financial markets currently see only a five per cent chance of a rate cut at the Bank’s next meeting on March 18. Analysts at CIBC and TD suggest the Bank is taking a neutral stance, emphasising data-driven decisions as trade negotiations unfold.

Staying on the Sidelines

Overall, the Bank of Canada is treading carefully, balancing support for the economy with its mandate to maintain price stability. Macklem’s message is clear: while rates remain unchanged for now, the path ahead depends heavily on trade developments, U.S. policy shifts, and global uncertainty.

Surrey Extortion Exposes a Double Standard

Henry
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0
Surrey Extortion Exposes a Double Standard

As extortion grips Surrey, B.C., critics question why emergency powers used swiftly in 2021 are missing when small businesses face real criminal threats.

A Familiar Playbook—Used Selectively

Governments across Canada proved in 2021 that they can move fast. In fact, when political disruption rattled the country, leaders acted with urgency. They invoked emergency powers. They rolled out sweeping financial measures. They even froze bank accounts. At the time, officials argued that such steps protected public order. Therefore, the actions moved forward quickly and decisively.

However, fast forward to today, and the sense of urgency has vanished.

In Surrey, British Columbia, small businesses now face something far more tangible than political noise. They face organized criminal extortion. Owners report threats to their lives. Families describe fear at their doorsteps. Communities feel the pressure daily. Yet, despite the severity, the response remains strikingly muted.

Crime in Plain Sight

Right now, Surrey business owners describe a troubling pattern. Criminal groups demand money. They threaten violence. They intimidate workers and relatives. As a result, many owners operate in fear, unsure whether the next phone call will bring danger.

Moreover, this is not a theoretical risk. It is ongoing. It is organized. And it is criminal.

Meanwhile, community members say the atmosphere has changed. Fear spreads quickly. Trust erodes. Neighbours worry not only about livelihoods but also about personal safety. Therefore, the issue has moved beyond commerce and into the realm of public safety.

A Thin Response to a Serious Threat

Despite these reports, the official response has stayed limited. Approximately 20 police officers have been assigned to the situation. That number, while not meaningless, hardly matches the scale of organized crime.

Notably, no emergency declaration has followed. No extraordinary enforcement tools have appeared. No financial or regulatory measures have disrupted criminal networks. Instead, the approach feels cautious and restrained.

Yet, when compared to 2021, the contrast feels stark.

Back then, governments, including the NDP government in British Columbia, justified extraordinary action in the name of urgency. Now, when small businesses and families ask for protection, that same urgency seems to fade.

A Question That Won’t Go Away

This difference raises an uncomfortable question: why does urgency depend on who benefits?

When political or economic interests faced disruption, governments acted swiftly. When organized crime targets everyday Canadians, the response slows. Therefore, many residents now wonder whether emergency powers exist only when they serve government priorities.

Public safety, after all, should not depend on optics. Nor should it hinge on convenience. Instead, it should respond to real harm, especially when civilians face credible threats.

Furthermore, the current approach sends a message. Twenty officers suggest a problem acknowledged but not fully confronted. For many, that signal feels troubling.

The Cost of Delay

While governments hesitate, the damage continues. Businesses weigh whether to close. Families consider leaving neighbourhoods they once trusted. Communities lose confidence in protection systems meant to serve them.

At the same time, criminal groups gain ground. They test boundaries. They measure responses. If resistance looks weak, pressure grows stronger. Consequently, delay carries a cost that compounds over time.

Therefore, critics argue that stronger action now could prevent deeper harm later. Financial investigations could disrupt extortion networks. Regulatory tools could expose laundering operations. Coordinated enforcement could restore confidence.

Fairness, Responsibility, and Trust

At its core, this issue is about fairness. If extraordinary powers can protect governments during protests, they should also protect citizens during criminal campaigns.

Moreover, responsibility matters. Governments hold tools that ordinary people do not. When leaders choose not to use them, they must explain why.

Transparency builds trust. Silence erodes it.

As a result, residents now demand clarity. Why do emergency powers appear available in political crises but absent in public safety emergencies? Why does organized crime not trigger the same decisive response?

The Public Wants Answers

Surrey’s situation has become a test case. It asks whether public safety truly comes first. It challenges leaders to align words with actions. And it forces a reckoning with how power gets used.

Ultimately, Canadians expect consistency. They expect protection. And they expect governments to act when harm is real and ongoing.

Until clear answers arrive, the contrast remains impossible to ignore. And the question lingers: if not now, then when?

Selective Emergencies and the Question of Public Safety in Surrey

James
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0
Selective Emergencies and the Question of Public Safety in Surrey

Public anger in Surrey is rising—not because people are looking for confrontation, but because they are looking for protection.

Across Surrey and surrounding communities, small business owners are reporting organized extortion threats. Many describe being targeted repeatedly, warned against contacting police, and threatened with harm to themselves or their families. The fear is not abstract. It affects daily operations, personal safety, and community trust.

This is not a political issue. It is a public safety issue.

Yet the official response has left many residents questioning priorities and consistency in how governments deploy their most powerful tools.

A Tale of Two Emergencies

In 2021, governments at both the federal and provincial levels demonstrated their ability to act swiftly and decisively in the face of disruption.

Emergency powers were invoked.
Extraordinary financial measures were implemented.
Accounts were frozen.
Regulatory and enforcement authorities were expanded.

At the time, these actions were justified as necessary to preserve public order and economic stability. Governments argued that extraordinary circumstances required extraordinary responses—and that hesitation would carry unacceptable risks.

Today, Surrey faces a different kind of emergency.

Organized criminal extortion is being reported across multiple business sectors. Unlike protests, extortion is not a matter of public expression or political disagreement. It is a criminal enterprise that operates through fear, silence, and coercion.

And yet, the response has been notably restrained.

Approximately 20 additional police personnel have been assigned to assist with enforcement efforts. No emergency declaration has been issued. No enhanced financial, regulatory, or investigative authorities have been publicly announced. No extraordinary measures comparable to those used in 2021 have been invoked.

For many in Surrey, this contrast is difficult to reconcile.

Anger Rooted in Fear, Not Politics

It is important to understand the source of public frustration.

People are not angry because they oppose government. They are angry because they feel exposed.

Small business owners are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for safety—the same safety that governments have previously argued justified extraordinary powers when public order was perceived to be at risk.

The concern is not about policing effort alone. It is about urgency, scale, and seriousness.

Organized crime does not operate on symbolic numbers. It does not pause because resources are limited. It adapts, expands, and exploits gaps in enforcement.

When communities see rapid, forceful action taken in response to political disruption—but measured, incremental action taken in response to criminal intimidation—the message received is not reassurance. It is uncertainty.

The Question That Must Be Answered

This situation raises a fundamental question that governments owe the public an answer to:

If extraordinary emergency and financial powers could be justified in response to protests, why can similar urgency not be justified when civilians and businesses are being terrorized by organized crime?

This is not a call for reckless action. It is a call for consistency, transparency, and accountability.

Emergency powers should not depend on political context.
Public safety tools should not be selectively applied.
Criminal extortion should never be treated as a lesser threat than political disruption.

Why This Matters Beyond Surrey

Surrey is not an isolated case. How governments respond here sets a precedent.

If organized extortion can grow while responses remain limited, other communities will take notice. Confidence in institutions erodes not only when action is taken too aggressively—but also when it appears absent during genuine emergencies.

Trust is built when governments demonstrate that law-abiding citizens receive the same urgency and protection as governments grant themselves during crises.

A Call for Calm, Clear Leadership

MNwire recognizes the intensity of public emotion surrounding this issue. Fear and frustration are understandable responses when safety feels uncertain.

At the same time, this moment demands leadership—not escalation.

Governments must clearly explain:

Why current measures are considered sufficient

What thresholds trigger emergency or extraordinary powers

What additional tools are being evaluated to dismantle organized extortion networks

Silence fuels anger. Transparency restores trust.

Alberta judges issue rare warning on court independence

Willy
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0
Alberta judges issue rare warning on court independence

EDMONTON — Alberta’s chief justices from all three levels of court have issued an unusually public statement underscoring the importance of judicial independence, following recent comments by Premier Danielle Smith suggesting she wished she could “direct the judges.”

The joint statement, published Tuesday on the Alberta Courts website, was signed by Acting Chief Justice of Alberta Dawn Pentelechuk, Court of King’s Bench Chief Justice Kent Davison, and Alberta Court of Justice Chief Justice James Hunter. While the message does not reference any specific remarks, its timing closely follows Smith’s comments on her Saturday call-in radio show.

Judges rarely speak publicly outside of written rulings, making the statement notable in both tone and timing.

“The separation between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government is essential to a functioning democracy,” the justices wrote. “It is equally important that each branch respect and support the independence of the others.”

They emphasized that judicial independence exists to protect the public, allowing judges to decide cases based solely on law and evidence — free from political pressure, including from governments responsible for judicial appointments.

“We are Albertans, like the people we serve,” the statement continued. “We are proud of the work judges and court staff do every day to protect rights and safeguard democracy.”

Premier’s comments spark response

The statement follows Smith’s appearance on 880 CHED’s Your Province, Your Premier, where a caller raised concerns about bail decisions in a high-profile Edmonton homicide case. Smith responded by saying she wished she could “direct the judges,” adding that judges “deserve criticism” for some decisions.

Smith also argued that provinces should have more influence over judicial appointments, particularly at the Court of King’s Bench and Court of Appeal levels, which are federally appointed. She said she had written to Prime Minister Mark Carney suggesting a joint appointment process.

In a statement Tuesday, Smith’s press secretary said the government respects judicial independence, while acknowledging public frustration with aspects of the criminal justice system and ongoing calls for bail reform.

Legal experts raise concerns

Legal scholars say the judges’ statement signals unease.

Gerard Kennedy, associate dean of the University of Alberta’s law faculty, said debate over court decisions is legitimate, but political control over judges crosses a line.

“The idea that courts may overstep their role is a valid discussion,” Kennedy said. “But the notion that the executive could direct the judiciary is fundamentally incompatible with judicial independence.”

Chris Samuel, president of the Alberta branch of the Canadian Bar Association, noted similar tensions elsewhere in Canada. Ontario’s chief justices issued a comparable statement last year after Premier Doug Ford criticized judges and suggested they should be elected.

“Courts must stay out of legislative policymaking,” Samuel said. “But governments must also stay in their lane and not undermine judicial independence.”

Political fallout

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said the judges’ statement should concern all Albertans.

“This unprecedented intervention from Alberta’s chief justices shows how far this government has gone in attacking the rule of law,” Nenshi said. “Interfering with judicial independence erodes public trust in democracy itself.”

Snow Squalls Trigger Major Highway 401 Closures in Eastern Ontario

Willy
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0
Snow Squalls Trigger Major Highway 401 Closures in Eastern Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police say as many as 50 vehicles were involved in a series of collisions that forced the closure of large sections of Highway 401 in eastern Ontario on Tuesday, as snow squalls and poor visibility created dangerous driving conditions.

While westbound lanes of the highway have since reopened, eastbound lanes remained closed into Tuesday evening between Brighton and Belleville as police and road crews continued cleanup and investigation efforts.

The first reports of crashes came in shortly after 8:30 a.m., when multiple collisions were reported along a roughly 2.5-kilometre stretch of eastbound Highway 401 in the Quinte West area. As the day unfolded, police confirmed additional crashes and lane closures across nearly 100 kilometres of highway between Brighton and Odessa.

OPP said there were no fatal or life-threatening injuries. However, three to four people were taken to hospital as a precaution. In one dramatic incident, officers pulled a woman from her vehicle moments before it caught fire. Images released by police show the burned-out vehicle covered in spinach, believed to have spilled from a nearby tractor trailer involved in the crash.

By 7 p.m., eastbound lanes remained shut down between County Road 30 in Brighton and Wallbridge Loyalist Road in Belleville. Westbound lanes, which had been closed for several hours between Trenton and Belleville, reopened around 3:15 p.m.

OPP Sgt. Erin Cranton urged drivers to take winter conditions seriously, emphasizing that speed and following distance play a critical role during snow squalls.

“This is a clear reminder of how important it is to slow down and leave space between vehicles,” Cranton said in a video posted to social media.

Environment Canada had issued a snow squall warning for the region, forecasting blowing snow and near-zero visibility. The Ministry of Transportation reported snow-covered lanes and rapidly deteriorating conditions along the corridor between Quinte West and Napanee, prompting police to issue travel advisories for roads east of Trenton.

As vehicles became stranded, emergency crews moved along the highway checking on motorists. Buses were dispatched to transport people to a warming centre at the Trenton Arena, while tow trucks worked to clear drivable vehicles from the roadway.

Police warned drivers to expect extended closures as cleanup continued.

“Public safety remains our top priority,” OPP said in a statement, adding that crews were working as quickly as possible despite the challenging weather.

The highway closures come just one day after a separate winter storm resulted in more than 100 collisions across eastern Ontario. Belleville alone recorded about 35 centimetres of snow on Monday, with an additional five to 10 centimetres falling Tuesday due to squalls.

Westham Island Farmers Face Crisis After Bridge Strike

Henry
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0
Westham Island Farmers Face Crisis After Bridge Strike

Westham Island’s only bridge is damaged, leaving farmers stranded. B.C. officials meet with the community to find urgent solutions.

Farmers Stranded as Westham Island Bridge Remains Closed

Delta, B.C. — A week after a barge struck Westham Island’s only bridge, local farmers are facing an unprecedented crisis, with no clear solution in sight. On Tuesday, TransLink and B.C. government officials will meet with residents to discuss the damage and potential solutions.

Delta Mayor George Harvie called the incident “a significant strike through a barge of significant size,” noting the uncertainty over the full extent of the damage. Since the accident, TransLink has barred all vehicle traffic across the bridge, cutting off the island from essential transport.

B.C. Agriculture Minister Steps In

B.C. Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham confirmed she will attend the public meeting to hear directly from the farmers. She called the situation a “crisis” for the island’s agricultural community, emphasizing the farms’ vital role in provincial food security.

“Westham Island is home to significant agricultural businesses that contribute enormously to our food economy,” Popham said. “I’ve been in daily contact with farmers and recently visited the island to see the situation firsthand. The province is working closely with Delta and TransLink to find immediate solutions.”

Farmers Struggle to Transport Perishable Goods

Cory Gerrard of Rod Swenson Farms described the ongoing logistical nightmare. “Delta has secured some barges to move product off the island, which helps, but it’s nowhere near enough. These are perishable goods, and time is critical,” he said.

Gerrard revealed that his farm managed to move only three loads in a week — the equivalent of a single day’s work under normal circumstances. Without rapid intervention, he fears the farms’ survival is at risk.

“If the bridge isn’t fixed or replaced soon, we can’t financially survive another year,” Gerrard warned. “There’s no future for us.”

Regional Impacts Could Be Severe

Seed producer Derek Mitchell echoed the urgency. “If we can’t ship our orders, it will affect farms across the Pacific Northwest and California,” he said. Mitchell criticized the lack of provincial communication so far, adding, “Maybe they’ll notice when a $5 potato hits the grocery store.”

Both farmers stressed that Westham Island has hosted multiple family-run farms for nearly a century. Losing them would not only impact food production but also erase a legacy that spans generations.

Community Awaits Answers

Gerrard, a former commercial fisherman, questioned how the barge accident was allowed in the first place. “I don’t understand why anyone thought it could pass safely. Families are being ruined here,” he said.

With the meeting scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, farmers hope officials will provide a timeline and actionable plan. “Just some answers would be good,” Mitchell said, emphasizing the urgency for clarity as planting season approaches.

B.C. Warns Businesses: Think Twice Before Deals with ICE

Henry
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0
B.C. Warns Businesses: Think Twice Before Deals with ICE

B.C. Attorney General urges businesses to consider consequences as ICE eyes Pattison building for U.S. detention use.

B.C. Attorney General Sounds Alarm on ICE Deals

British Columbia’s Attorney General, Niki Sharma, is sending a clear warning to Canadian businesses: pause before doing deals that could fuel a U.S. immigration crackdown.

Sharma spoke out amid news that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to buy a warehouse owned by the Jim Pattison Group. The property, located in Virginia, is slated to become an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding and processing facility.

“This isn’t just about business—it’s about the consequences of our actions,” Sharma said, urging B.C. and Canadian business leaders to carefully weigh their role in what she described as a troubling escalation in the U.S.

Violence and Protests Highlight the Stakes

The warning comes as tensions rise in the U.S., where two people were recently killed during a crackdown in Minneapolis, sparking widespread protests.

Sharma emphasized that while the situation in the U.S. is separate from Canadian business, executives must ensure their decisions do not inadvertently contribute to outcomes like these.

ICE Eyes Pattison Property

According to a letter sent last Wednesday to Hanover County, Virginia, DHS plans to “purchase, occupy, and rehabilitate” the warehouse owned by Jim Pattison Developments.

Property records show the building was acquired for about C$10.4 million in 2022. After improvements, its value is projected to reach roughly C$69 million this year.

Requests for comment from Jim Pattison Group and Jim Pattison Developments were not immediately returned.

Canadian Businesses Urged to Act Responsibly

Sharma’s message is clear: Canadian businesses must consider the ethical and social impact of cross-border deals, particularly when U.S. immigration enforcement is involved. Decisions made today could have far-reaching consequences tomorrow.

Over 22,000+ Guns Declared in First Week of Canada’s Firearms Amnesty

Olivia Willson
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0
Over 22,000+ Guns Declared in First Week of Canada’s Firearms Amnesty

More Than 22,000 Firearms Reported in First Week of Compensation Program

OTTAWA — More than 22,000 firearms were reported to the federal government in the first week of Canada’s new firearms compensation program. Public Safety Canada released the figures on Monday, showing 22,251 guns were declared. The program offers compensation for banned firearms that owners turn in or deactivate.

The announcement came as Ottawa continues efforts to reduce the number of prohibited weapons in circulation. Since May 2020, the federal government has outlawed about 2,500 types of firearms, including widely known models such as the AR‑15.

Details of the Program

The compensation program runs until the end of March and allows gun owners to declare interest in turning in or permanently deactivating banned firearms. Once declared, participants may receive payment from a federal fund.

Officials said the government has set aside nearly $250 million for the program. They expect the funds to cover compensation for about 136,000 firearms if owners participate.

Prohibited firearms and devices must be disposed of or rendered unusable before the amnesty period ends on October 30. Owners who fail to comply face legal consequences under current federal law.

Government Goals and Reactions

Public Safety Canada aims to remove as many banned guns as possible from civilian possession. Officials argue that reducing access to these weapons will improve public safety over time.

The program’s initial response exceeded some expectations, with tens of thousands of firearms declared in its first week alone. However, the total number of prohibited firearms in Canada is much higher, and many owners have not yet participated.

Critics of the program argue that compensation levels and enforcement details remain unclear. Some law enforcement and advocacy groups say the program must balance public safety with fairness for lawful firearm owners.

What’s Next

Officials plan outreach efforts to encourage continued participation. They say the early weeks are critical to building momentum. As the March deadline approaches, authorities will monitor participation rates and adjust messaging to maximize compliance.

Ontario Advisor Permanently Banned After $18 M Fraud Case

Nicole
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0
Ontario Advisor Permanently Banned After $18 M Fraud Case

Ontario Regulator Bars Advisor After Major Fraud Guilty Plea

A financial adviser in Ontario has been permanently banned from working in Canada’s securities industry after admitting to defrauding clients of investment funds exceeding $18 million. A hearing panel with the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) imposed the lifetime prohibition following the adviser’s guilty plea, underscoring regulators’ commitment to investor protection and market integrity.

Misappropriation of Client Funds Led to Permanent Ban

The adviser, previously registered in the Orillia, Ont. area, acknowledged misconduct that involved misusing client cheques intended for registered investment accounts and depositing those payments into personal accounts instead. The panel found that he failed to properly account for these funds and did not cooperate with CIRO investigators during the enforcement process.

Fines and Costs Added to Sanctions

As part of the sanctions, the adjudicators ordered the adviser to pay roughly $530,000 in fines plus $30,000 in investigation costs. Those penalties were combined with the permanent prohibition, meaning he cannot work with any CIRO dealer member in any securities-related role going forward.

Regulator Emphasizes Investor Protection

CIRO’s decision reflects broader efforts by financial regulators in Canada to crack down on fraud and misconduct that harm everyday investors. By issuing a lifetime ban and financial penalties, enforcement officials aim to deter similar conduct and reinforce expectations of professional standards within capital markets.

Clients and Industry Impact

Many of the victims of the fraudulent activity were clients who believed they were making standard registered investments, highlighting how trust can be exploited in financial relationships. The regulator’s sanctions aim to send a clear message about the consequences of violating rules designed to protect consumers and uphold confidence in financial services.

Victoria Selected to Pilot Hockey Canada Development Hub

Nicole
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0
Victoria Selected to Pilot Hockey Canada Development Hub

Victoria to Host Hockey Canada’s First Development Hub Pilot

Victoria has been chosen as the site for a new national pilot program designed to reshape youth hockey development across Canada, Hockey Canada announced this week. The initiative, starting this spring, marks a major step in how young players will train on and off the ice over consistent, structured sessions.

Pilot Program Aims to Standardize Development

Beginning March 31 and running through May 28, the Hockey Canada Development Hub will offer twice-weekly on-ice and off-ice training for competitive athletes in age categories from U9 to U18. The pilot, created in partnership with BC Hockey and the Western Hockey League’s Victoria Royals, will be led by experienced Royals coaching staff with help from certified Hockey Canada skills coaches.

The goal of the hub is to ensure that young players across the country benefit from a unified development experience that teaches both athletic skills and personal growth, giving youth a clear pathway in hockey from entry levels up to higher competition.

Program Growth and Future Plans

In addition to the spring session, additional programming will expand starting August 10 to include players as young as U7 and junior/U20 athletes. Registration for each age group is capped to maintain a focus on individual attention and high-quality instruction.

Officials say the Victoria hub is only the beginning: if the pilot proves successful, similar development hubs could be launched in other Canadian communities as early as 2027. Hockey Canada will evaluate outcomes and input from participating athletes and coaches before expanding the model.

Partner Support Highlights Commitment to Growth

The Victoria Royals and BC Hockey have expressed strong support for the program, noting that it gives local athletes access to top-tier coaching and a consistent training framework. Leaders from both partners described the hub as a timely opportunity to enhance skills development and strengthen pathways for future hockey success.

Canadian Interest in NEXUS Drops Nearly 50% Amid Political Tensions

Olivia Willson
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0
Canadian Interest in NEXUS Drops Nearly 50% Amid Political Tensions

NEXUS Applications Plunge as Canadians Shun U.S. Travel

The number of Canadian applications for the NEXUS trusted-traveller program has fallen sharply since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office. New data from the Canada Border Services Agency shows applications were nearly half in 2025 compared to 2024.

In 2025, under 350,000 Canadians applied for NEXUS, down from about 700,000 the year before. The drop comes as many Canadians rethink travel and border crossings to the United States amid political tensions and economic concerns.

What NEXUS Is and Why It Matters

The NEXUS program allows pre-approved travellers to speed through border crossings and airport security between Canada and the U.S. It is administered jointly by Canadian and U.S. authorities and includes strict background checks.

Most NEXUS members are Canadian. The sharp decrease marks a significant shift in cross-border travel interest.

Signs Canadians Are Avoiding the U.S.

The drop in NEXUS applications adds to broader evidence that Canadians are avoiding the U.S. Travel data shows cross-border visits fell sharply in 2025. Statistics Canada reported a 30.9 per cent drop in Canadian vehicles crossing into the U.S. in 2025 versus 2024.

Polls also show many Canadians plan to avoid travel south for at least the next year. Political tensions, tariffs, and heated rhetoric appear to have shaped these decisions.

Political and Social Factors at Play

Observers link the trend to strained Canada–U.S. relations since Trump’s return to the presidency. Some Canadians have expressed discomfort with U.S. policy changes, border practices, and broader political shifts in Washington.

Critics have also noted changes such as the U.S. no longer accepting the “X” gender marker on NEXUS applications, forcing applicants to choose “M” or “F.” This may have discouraged some travellers.

Impact on Travel and Tourism

The decline in NEXUS interest highlights how travel habits have shifted. Many Canadians now choose alternative destinations for vacations.

Airlines and travel agencies have reported fewer bookings to U.S. cities. The drop in travel may also affect tourism revenue on both sides of the border.

As tensions continue, Canadian travel patterns could further change, with long-term effects on cross-border ties and economic activity.

Pedro Pascal, Billie Eilish Condemn Deadly Minneapolis Shootings During ICE Surge

Olivia Willson
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0
Pedro Pascal, Billie Eilish Condemn Deadly Minneapolis Shootings During ICE Surge

Celebrities Condemn Deaths During Minnesota ICE Surge

A growing list of celebrities has spoken out after two deadly shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis. Actors and musicians publicly condemned the violence and urged action.

“The Last of Us” star Pedro Pascal and singer Billie Eilish were among the most vocal. Their statements came as protests and national outrage gained momentum over the incidents in Minnesota.

Social Media Outrage and Calls for Justice

Pascal shared multiple social media posts about the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both killed in confrontations with immigration agents. He posted artwork and messages calling for truth and accountability. He wrote that Americans deserved to know what happened.

Billie Eilish also posted several stories online. She called Pretti “a real American hero” and challenged other high-profile figures to speak up about the events. Eilish highlighted perceived silence among celebrities who had not yet condemned the shootings.

Singer Katy Perry urged her followers to contact U.S. senators and oppose continued funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Several stars encouraged fans to take civic action and demand accountability from leaders.

Broader Hollywood Response

The wave of celebrity comments expanded over the weekend. Jamie Lee Curtis and Edward Norton echoed concerns and called for a general strike against the federal response. Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde appeared at the Sundance Film Festival with “ICE Out” pins to show solidarity with protesters.

Other entertainers, including Mark Ruffalo and Glenn Close, condemned the actions of federal agents. Ruffalo called Pretti’s death “cold-blooded murder” and criticized how authorities portrayed the situation.

Public Reaction and Impact

The celebrity involvement has amplified national attention on the Minnesota shootings and the federal immigration enforcement surge. Their statements have prompted broader discussions about law enforcement conduct and civil liberties.

Many public figures used their platforms to encourage followers to engage with lawmakers and support community groups advocating for reform and accountability.

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