At the World Juniors sexual assault trial, the complainant defends her testimony amid tough cross-examination over her word choices and past statements.

Complainant Faces Intense Cross-Examination in Hockey Trial

In a courtroom packed with tension and public scrutiny, the woman at the center of the World Juniors sexual assault trial returned to the stand Thursday, fiercely defending her choice of words and her account of events.

The 27-year-old woman, whose identity is shielded by a publication ban, has now testified for five days against five former junior hockey players accused of sexual assault during a 2018 incident in London, Ontario.

“I Am Saying My Truth”: Pushback Against Defense Challenges

Throughout cross-examination, the complainant — identified in court as E.M. — was pressed hard over the precise language she used in her testimony. Defense lawyer Megan Savard zeroed in on a key moment, pointing out that the phrase “don’t let her leave” only surfaced during cross-examination earlier in the week, while in her original 2018 police statement, E.M. had simply recalled the men saying “don’t leave.”

Savard argued that the new phrasing sounded “more criminal,” but E.M. pushed back, explaining that while the words came out differently, the underlying feeling had been constant since the night of the alleged assault.

“I am saying my truth, my story,” E.M. told the court. “I have no reason to come up with a worse version.”

Memory, Language, and Trauma Under the Microscope

Savard continued to probe for inconsistencies in E.M.’s past statements, pointing to interviews with police and Hockey Canada. E.M. acknowledged difficulty recalling specific moments but said the trauma and exhaustion of repeatedly recounting her experience made details blur over time.

“It was about getting through it,” she said, visibly emotional, “not reliving it.”

Savard challenged the credibility of these explanations, suggesting they were “false,” a claim E.M. firmly denied.

Coping Mechanisms and Power Dynamics in the Room

Under questioning, E.M. agreed she had adopted what she called a “porn star persona” that night as a coping mechanism. Tearfully, she explained she believed this was the only way to manage the situation and avoid escalation, saying she felt pressured to stay and comply, even though the men did not physically restrain her.

Background: A Night That Shook Canadian Hockey

The accused — Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote — were all members of Canada’s celebrated 2018 World Juniors team. They were in London for events celebrating their gold-medal victory when the alleged assault occurred.

E.M. had consensual sex with McLeod earlier that night after meeting the group at a downtown bar. What followed in the early hours of June 19, she claims, turned into a non-consensual group encounter.

Next Steps: More Cross-Examinations to Come

After Savard concluded her questioning, Dan Brown, representing Alex Formenton, began his cross-examination — marking the next phase in a trial that has captivated and divided public opinion.

As the trial continues, E.M.’s testimony remains a flashpoint, highlighting not only legal challenges but also the emotional and psychological toll such cases inflict on complainants.

This case has become more than a courtroom battle; it’s a window into the power dynamics, trauma, and scrutiny survivors face when they come forward — and a test of how justice handles the most sensitive allegations.

Canada’s financial progress faces rising risks as the U.S. trade war intensifies, warns the Bank of Canada in its latest stability report.

U.S. Trade War Threatens Canada’s Financial Gains

Canada’s financial outlook was improving — until the U.S. launched a trade war that now clouds the country’s economic future, the Bank of Canada warns.

Canadian Households Showed Progress Before Trade Tensions

At the start of the year, Canadian households and businesses were on a stronger footing. Debt-to-income ratios had improved, and business insolvencies were declining. According to the Bank of Canada’s latest Financial Stability Report, proactive efforts by households and lower interest rates had boosted resilience heading into 2025.

But Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem now warns that rising trade tensions are reversing those gains.

U.S. Protectionism Pushes New Risks

“The Canadian economy and financial system face a new threat,” Macklem stated. He cited the U.S.’s sharp shift toward protectionist policies, tariffs, and global economic uncertainty as major challenges.

“A prolonged trade war poses the greatest threat to Canada,” Macklem emphasized, pointing to possible short-term market shocks and medium-term threats like slower growth and job losses.

Mortgage Arrears Could Hit Highest Level in a Generation

If tariffs persist, Canadians may fall behind on mortgage payments at rates not seen since the 1990s. While the Bank stresses this is not a forecast, its scenario shows mortgage arrears potentially topping 0.5% — higher than the 2008-09 financial crisis levels.

A more extreme stress test from the International Monetary Fund paints an even darker picture: a potential 5.1% GDP drop, 9.2% peak unemployment, a 26% decline in home prices, and a 36% plunge in equities.

A Stronger Start to 2025 Blunted the Shock

Despite these looming risks, the financial picture at the start of the year was surprisingly stable. Falling interest rates in 2024 reduced the pressure of mortgage renewals, with payment increases now expected to average 8% in 2025 and 5% in 2026 — far less than feared.

Homeowners have also benefited from rising incomes and property values, bringing household debt-to-income ratios down to 173% from 179% a year earlier.

Non-Mortgage Households Show Signs of Strain

While homeowners are faring better, non-mortgage households are facing mounting stress. The Bank’s report highlights a troubling rise in overdue credit card and auto loan payments, now above pre-pandemic levels.

Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers noted that while mortgage holders remain below historical arrears averages, non-mortgage households are increasingly falling behind.

Businesses Hold Steady, But Trade-Exposed Sectors Vulnerable

Canada’s non-financial businesses remain in good health, and the sharp rise in insolvencies after pandemic support ended was short-lived. Still, around 15% of bank loans are tied to trade-sensitive sectors, making them vulnerable to prolonged economic disruptions.

Canadian banks, however, are well-positioned with robust capital buffers and provisions for potential credit losses.

A Call for Vigilance Amid Uncertainty

Macklem emphasized the uncertainty ahead: “We don’t know what tariffs will remain, whether they’ll be reduced or escalated, or how long this will last.”

While Canada’s financial system has shown resilience, the Bank of Canada stresses the need for continued vigilance as global tensions rise.

As Russia marks Victory Day, the Kremlin reframes WWII history to justify its Ukraine war, fueling patriotism and reshaping public sentiment.

Russia’s Victory Day: A Stage for War and Patriotism

Russia’s annual Victory Day parade, once a symbol of shared sacrifice and global standing, has transformed into a showcase of military might and nationalistic fervor — now intertwined with the war in Ukraine.

From Global Unity to Western Boycotts

In 2005, the world watched as U.S. President George W. Bush sat alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin to honor the 60th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s surrender. Back then, the event symbolized Russia’s place among the world’s powers.

Fast forward to today, and the picture has shifted dramatically. While Western leaders boycott the celebration, Putin is joined by allies from China, Brazil, and Venezuela. The event now serves not as a bridge to the world but as a platform for Moscow’s current geopolitical narrative.

Recasting the Past to Justify the Present

Victory Day, once a solemn commemoration of sacrifice, has been reframed by the Kremlin to rally support for its invasion of Ukraine. Billboards across Russia show nostalgic images of WWII reunions, intertwined with military recruitment ads for the “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine.

In state media, young Russian soldiers are likened to Red Army veterans, reinforcing the message that today’s war is a continuation of yesterday’s righteous fight. As Sam Greene, a Russian politics expert, explains, “It’s a deliberate effort to frame Ukraine as a just war and quell public frustration.”

Public Opinion: Pride, Patriotism, and Censorship

Inside Russia, open criticism is rare. Social media discussions reveal a mix of pride and impatience — some call for a stronger push in Ukraine, while dissenting voices are quickly drowned out or silenced. Under Russia’s strict laws, even questioning the war can lead to punishment.

Historically, Victory Day was marked by the phrase “Let there be no war.” Today, bumper stickers read “We can do it again,” signaling a more aggressive posture, even a warning to Europe and the U.S.

The Survivors: Witnessing History Repeat

For those who endured WWII, the transformation of Victory Day is deeply personal. In Kyiv, 98-year-old Ludmyla Varska, a veteran of the Leningrad siege, now hears air raid sirens in a city under Russian attack.

“This is just awful,” Varska says. “Why is this happening? It’s very bad.”

In a nearby village, 99-year-old Kuzma Samchenko, who fought against Nazi Germany, fears the world is heading toward another global conflict. “Innocent people are dying,” he says, placing blame on politicians, not soldiers.

A Day of Reflection or a Tool for War?

Victory Day has shifted from remembrance to justification. As Russia amplifies its militaristic message, the world watches closely — and the few living veterans hope their hard-won lessons are not forgotten.