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Police arrest 13 over Quebec gang killing that mistakenly targeted drug dealer’s mother

Sarah
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Police arrest 13 over Quebec gang killing that mistakenly targeted drug dealer’s mother

A sweeping police operation across Quebec and Ontario has led to the arrest of 13 people in connection with the killing of a 45-year-old Quebec City woman, mistakenly targeted in a gang hit meant for her son.

Jennifer Morin was gunned down in December 2024 at her home. On Tuesday, Quebec City police confirmed her murder was a tragic case of mistaken identity — her killers had been hunting her son, Jeffrey Morin, a convicted drug trafficker linked to the violent Blood Family Mafia.

Major operation

The arrests involved suspects aged 18 to 51. Six appeared in court Tuesday facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Capt. Marie-Manon Savard said more than 200 officers from Quebec police, Ontario Provincial Police, and local departments carried out raids at 14 locations, including an apartment building in Montreal’s Lachine borough.

“It’s an extremely vast police operation, an investigation that included an enormous amount of analysis,” Savard said.

One of those arrested was already detained at the Quebec City detention centre on unrelated charges.

Gang turf wars

Police believe the hit was part of an escalating turf war. The Blood Family Mafia, a rising street gang, has been battling the Hells Angels for control of Quebec’s drug markets, leading to a series of killings.

Jeffrey Morin himself pleaded guilty in July to drug and weapons trafficking charges. Court records revealed he was selling cocaine and semi-automatic assault weapons to an undercover officer. Days after his mother’s death, Morin told the officer he would be late with a shipment because of the killing. He was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison.

Mistaken tragedy

Investigators say Jennifer Morin had no ties to organized crime. She was targeted only because of her son’s gang involvement.

The case highlights the collateral damage of Quebec’s gang wars — where family members and bystanders are increasingly caught in the crossfire.

Saskatoon police identify ‘woman in the well’ as Alice Spence, killed over a century ago

Sarah
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Saskatoon police identify ‘woman in the well’ as Alice Spence, killed over a century ago

After nearly two decades of investigation — and more than a century of mystery — Saskatoon police have finally identified the remains of the “woman in the well.”

The body, discovered in 2006 inside a barrel at a former hotel site in the Sutherland neighbourhood, has now been confirmed as Alice Spence (née Burke), a woman of Irish ancestry who lived in Sutherland in the 1910s. Police believe Alice was murdered between 1916 and 1918, at around the age of 35.

A breakthrough through DNA

For years, the case sat cold. But advances in genetic genealogy changed that. Working with Toronto police and forensic firm Othram, investigators built a family tree that connected Alice to descendants in Alberta, the U.S., and Ireland.

Her great-granddaughter, Cindy Camp, spoke at a police news conference Monday.

“The whole thing was a total shock… We are so grateful to the many individuals who worked tirelessly over the years to give the ‘woman in the well’ her name back.”

Camp said her grandmother, Idella — Alice’s daughter — never spoke of her mother and died in 1995 without answers.

Life and death of Alice Spence

Alice moved to Sutherland in 1913 with her husband Charles Spence and daughter Idella after living in Minnesota. She worked as a seamstress and clerk before tragedy struck. Police say injuries on her body indicate she was assaulted before being stuffed into a barrel, placed in a burlap sack, and dumped about two metres down a water well once used by the Shore Hotel.

Forensic anthropologist Ernie Walker, who examined the site in 2006, recalled how the mixture of water and gasoline preserved the body:

“My colleagues and I… took the well apart board by board. Unknown to the individual who dropped it, a piece of cribbing had blocked the barrel from sinking to the bottom.”

Alice’s remains were buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in 2009. With her identity now restored, Camp’s family plans to place a headstone.

A family shattered

Records show Alice and Charles lost an infant daughter in 1916. In 1918, a fire destroyed their home. By the 1921 census, Charles was raising Idella with the help of a housekeeper. Charles died in 1923, leaving Idella orphaned at 17.

Despite having a suspect in the case, police say the individual is long deceased. The case is considered closed.

Historic first

Police say this is believed to be the oldest investigation in Canada to be solved through investigative genetic genealogy. For Camp, three generations of her family standing together at the news conference marked more than closure:

“Now that we know we are genetic matches, it’s important for Alice to have her place.”

Premier Smith’s Alberta Next Panel ends tour with tense Calgary town hall

Sarah
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Premier Smith’s Alberta Next Panel ends tour with tense Calgary town hall

Premier Danielle Smith’s Alberta Next Panel wrapped up its cross-province tour Monday night in Calgary with a mix of ovations, dissent, and heated exchanges that underscored Alberta’s charged political climate.

More than 1,100 people filled Spruce Meadows for the final in-person event before the panel convenes to decide the fate of six proposals that would reshape Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa — from pursuing an Alberta-run pension plan to creating a provincial police service.

Smith, who has framed the tour as a chance to “put ideas back in Albertans’ hands” following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s federal election win, suggested some proposals may advance directly, while others could go to referendum.

“There are some issues where I feel like we are getting enough of a consensus… others will have to be put to the people,” she said.

Strong support, sharp tension

Despite moments of pushback, the crowd overwhelmingly voted in favour of all six proposals in straw polls — echoing results from earlier town halls across the province.

But tensions were never far from the surface. A Calgary high-school student criticizing the government after teachers rejected a tentative deal had his microphone cut off after 14 seconds. Moderator Bruce McAllister snapped back: “Your parents should turn you over your knee.” Audience members quickly rebuked him, calling the remark “rude” and “disgraceful.”

At times, arguments broke out among attendees, with lines of up to 15 people waiting at microphones to confront or applaud the panel. When one speaker denounced separatism, the crowd spontaneously sang O Canada. In other moments, however, cheers erupted at suggestions of Alberta breaking from Canada.

Beyond separatism

Panel member Stephen Buffalo, CEO of the Indian Resource Council, pushed back on separatist narratives, framing the six proposals as constitutional reform rather than a breakaway plan.

“To talk anymore about separation, Alberta walking away, it’s like looking for a Tootsie Roll in a septic tank. It’s just not good work.”

The province is also gathering input through surveys, though results have yet to be released. A telephone town hall scheduled for Wednesday will mark the last round of consultations before the panel meets to recommend which proposals should move forward.

For Smith, the night closed with both validation and volatility: a standing ovation at the start, and a reminder that Alberta’s path forward will remain contested.

UBCIC urges firing of B.C. Conservative staffer over Survivors’ flag remarks

Sarah
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UBCIC urges firing of B.C. Conservative staffer over Survivors’ flag remarks

Calls for accountability are mounting in British Columbia after a senior Indigenous leader demanded that B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad dismiss a caucus staffer who disparaged the Survivors’ flag — a banner honouring residential school survivors — as a “fake flag” and a “disgrace.”

The controversy erupted after a flag-raising ceremony last Thursday at the legislature in Victoria, held ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. MLAs from across parties, including NDP, Green, and Conservatives, joined the event.

The following day, Lindsay Shepherd, a communications staffer with the Conservative caucus, posted on social media:

“The Orange Shirt and the Orange Flag perpetuate untruths about Canadian history… It is a disgrace that this fake flag flies in front of the provincial parliament buildings.”

Shepherd deleted the post soon after, but not before a screenshot was shared publicly by NDP MLA Rohini Arora.

Arora condemned the remarks as harmful denialism:

“Denying the horrific realities of residential schools is perpetuating anti-Indigenous sentiment. B.C. Conservative MLAs need to stand up and denounce this.”

Leaders, survivors respond

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) went further. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip described the comments as “shocking” and “absolutely disgusting,” calling on Rustad to act decisively:

“Residential school denial is a terrible, racist sickness… It’s astonishing that there can be that level of ignorance in this modern day.”

Former B.C. Green MLA Adam Olsen, a negotiator for the Tsartlip First Nation, also condemned the remarks as “vile” and “toxic,” saying they reopen wounds for survivors and families:

“I feel for all our relatives who have to confront these kinds of messages and have their entire history questioned in such a mean-spirited way.”

While Rustad has not publicly addressed Shepherd’s post, caucus spokesperson Ryan Painter declined comment Monday and would not confirm if Shepherd remains employed.

Political context

The uproar highlights ongoing tensions around reconciliation and Indigenous rights in the province. Just last week, Rustad pledged to repeal B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and argued that Indigenous title cannot coexist with private property rights — a stance critics say politicizes reconciliation.

The party has faced similar controversies. In March, Rustad expelled caucus member Dallas Brodie after she used a “mocking, child-like voice” to describe survivor testimony on a podcast. Brodie had also faced backlash for posting online that “the number of confirmed child burials at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School site is zero.”

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission documented more than 4,100 children who died in residential schools, many from malnutrition and disease, based on testimony from more than 6,000 former students. In 2021, the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation announced ground-penetrating radar results at Kamloops that identified 215 potential burial sites, later described as anomalies but still widely recognized as evidence of children’s remains.

As Grand Chief Phillip warned, Shepherd’s post is more than an ill-considered remark:

“It gives public expression to denialism with impunity… and that is simply unacceptable.”

Opaskwayak Cree Nation revives language through immersive school program

Sarah
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0
Opaskwayak Cree Nation revives language through immersive school program

The sound of children singing O Canada in Cree greets the halls of Joe A. Ross School each morning — a melody once thought to be fading, now rising again.

At the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, located 520 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, a bold experiment in language revival is underway. Nearly 200 of the school’s 500 students are enrolled in Cree immersion classes, spanning nursery to Grade 6. The rest still touch the language daily with a half-hour Cree lesson.

For Principal Karon McGillivary, who grew up discouraged from speaking Cree, the program feels like a dream realized.

“That’s what our goal was — to hear our children speak the language again,” she says.

The program, launched two decades ago, is more than vocabulary drills. It includes land-based learning, an apprenticeship pipeline for future teachers, and lessons that link language to identity. McGillivary insists Cree is not just words, but culture, history, and belonging: “No matter what happened in the past … you’re here today, learning your way of life to move on to Mino Pimâtisiwin, the good life.”

Generations reconnecting
Statistics Canada counts just over 13,000 Cree speakers in Manitoba, making it the most widely spoken Indigenous language in the province. But numbers alone don’t capture what it means for eight-year-old Ronin Hall, a Grade 3 student who proudly uses Cree at home. His favourite lessons so far include colours, the seven teachings, and the alphabet. “I want to speak Cree every day — to my friends, my mom, my dad, my brothers,” he says.

For Grade 5 student Kiefer Pelly, the lessons are a bridge to his grandparents, both fluent speakers. “It’s important to learn Cree so we can pass it on generation to generation,” he adds.

A path of reconciliation
The timing is poignant. On the eve of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, students in orange shirts filled hallways decorated with Every Child Matters artwork — reminders of the painful history that stripped Indigenous children of their languages in residential schools.

Teacher Linda Constant, guiding Cree classes for 17 years, has seen the change firsthand. Some of her students grow up to use Cree in their workplaces and families. Even if fluency is a longer journey, she says, the values carried in Cree words prepare them for strength:
“We need to be out there and make people aware that we haven’t lost our language. We are going to rebuild it, and we are going to become strong again.”

For Opaskwayak, every word spoken in Cree by a child is not just language learned — it’s heritage reclaimed, resilience remembered, and reconciliation in action.

Nova Scotia Ocean Floor Warming Twice as Fast as Surface

James
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Nova Scotia Ocean Floor Warming Twice as Fast as Surface

EU report finds Scotian Shelf bottom ocean floor warming twice as fast as surface, threatening marine life and fisheries over 30 years.

Decades of Warming Beneath Nova Scotia’s Waves

A new European Union marine report reveals that the waters off Nova Scotia are warming at alarming rates, with ocean floor temperatures rising twice as fast as surface waters. Over the last 30 years, surface waters on the Scotian Shelf increased by about 1.5°C, while bottom waters rose roughly 3°C, driven largely by longer and more intense marine heat waves.

Tracking the Heat Below the Surface

Scientists from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) contributed to the Copernicus Marine Service’s 2025 Ocean State Report, using a combination of satellite data, Bedford Institute of Oceanography measurements, and ocean model simulations. Lead scientist Li Zhai noted that while surface temperatures are easier to track, subsurface measurements are scarce. “We now have a four-dimensional view of extreme ocean events, from surface to depth,” she said.

Warm Intrusions and Lingering Effects

Unlike the surface, which experiences seasonal swings, deeper waters are influenced by incoming currents from the Scotian Slope and the Gulf Stream. These warm intrusions tend to persist longer at depth, while cold spells have become less frequent since 2012, preventing temperatures from resetting between heat waves. According to the report, the Scotian Shelf’s deep layers have seen about four additional heat wave days per year, totaling roughly 120 extra heat wave days over three decades.

Impacts on Marine Life and Fisheries

Rising bottom temperatures are already affecting species that inhabit the ocean floor. Adam Cook, a DFO research scientist specializing in lobster stocks, said warmer waters increase lobster activity and appetite, potentially boosting growth and short-term catches. However, he warned that prolonged warming could exceed lobsters’ tolerance limits, as seen in southern New England, posing long-term risks to the fishery.

Threat of Invasive Species

The report also highlighted that warming waters could favor invasive species, similar to disruptions observed in the Mediterranean. Atlantic blue crabs and fireworms have previously devastated ecosystems abroad, and Canadian waters may face similar threats if warming continues.

Short-Term Cooling Not a Reversal

A slight cooling trend observed in 2023 raised questions about whether the Scotian Shelf might be returning to historical norms. Zhai emphasized that short-term dips are likely temporary, noting, “Some years you get warmer than the long-term trend. Some years temperature dips down. We have to keep that in mind.”

A Call for Vigilance

The study underscores the need for continued monitoring of Canada’s marine environments as climate change accelerates warming. With deeper waters heating faster than the surface, scientists warn that both ecosystems and fisheries may face unprecedented challenges in the decades ahead.

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Hogan Promises Health-Care Crown Corp Amid Campaign Heat

James
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Hogan Promises Health-Care Crown Corp Amid Campaign Heat

Liberal Leader John Hogan tours Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula, promising new health-care Crown corporation amid mixed reactions from locals.

Liberals Hit the Northern Peninsula with Campaign Stops

Newfoundland and Labrador’s ongoing provincial election entered its third week on Monday as Liberal Leader John Hogan and incumbent Krista Lynn Howell visited communities on the Northern Peninsula. Residents in Plum Point and Brig Bay greeted the party with reactions ranging from curiosity to outright hostility.

During door-to-door visits, some residents criticized the Liberals’ handling of the tentative Churchill Falls deal with Quebec, while others expressed disinterest in voting. A tense confrontation arose when a driver accused Howell of using his photo without consent in campaign materials, prompting intervention from a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer. Liberal spokesperson Ben Murphy later clarified that the photo, taken three years ago in a public setting, was part of an old MHA newsletter.

Health Care Remains Top Local Concern

Despite the friction, some constituents engaged positively. Emmanuel Ford, a retired teacher in Brig Bay, emphasized that health-care availability is the community’s most pressing issue. “We’re hearing every day that there’s doctors, nurses leaving,” he told Hogan and Howell. Ford expressed appreciation for the visit but said he had yet to decide whom he would vote for.

Howell faces off against Progressive Conservative candidate Andrea Barbour and NDP contender Beth Ryan in St. Barbe – L’Anse aux Meadows.

New Crown Corporation for Health-Care Recruitment Announced

Addressing the province’s longstanding health-care staffing challenges, Hogan announced plans for a dedicated Crown corporation to manage recruitment, retention, and workforce planning. The new organization would take over these functions from Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS) and the provincial health department, aiming to streamline efforts and better address vacancies.

“I think NLHS should focus on delivering health care,” Hogan said at Port Saunders’ town centre. “Working out recruitment and retention should be separated from that.” The corporation would collaborate with provincial and federal agencies, licensing bodies, and labor organizations. Current HR staff from NLHS and the health department could be transferred to the new entity.

Financial Commitments and No Cuts Pledge

Hogan also pledged that a re-elected Liberal government would maintain the health-care budget without reductions, despite recent reports highlighting potential cost-cutting measures. The party plans to spend $2 million covering practicum tuition for nursing students and an additional $2 million to expand the travel locum program.

Port Saunders nurse Kimberly Ryan, who attended the announcement during a short-staffed shift, expressed optimism. “If we can get more people here, it doesn’t really matter how they get here — it would just be great to have help,” she said. Ryan, however, remains undecided on her vote.

Election Campaign Continues Amid Mixed Reactions

As the provincial election progresses, Hogan and the Liberals are attempting to address both local frustrations and systemic challenges in Newfoundland and Labrador’s health-care system. While some residents remain skeptical or disengaged, campaign promises such as the new health-care Crown corporation are central to the party’s strategy to win voter support across the Northern Peninsula.

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Regina Hosts Honour Walk for Truth and Reconciliation

James
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Regina Hosts Honour Walk for Truth and Reconciliation

Regina marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with an Honour Walk and community events reflecting on Indigenous experiences.

Community Walk Commemorates Indigenous Experiences

Regina residents gathered Tuesday for the fifth annual Honour Walk for Truth and Reconciliation, a moment to remember the experiences of Indigenous people sent to residential schools. Organized by the Circle Project, the walk emphasizes reflection, remembrance, and the importance of reconciliation within the community.

Ann Perry, executive director of the Circle Project, explained that the event is “recognizing the experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the history of Canada with Indigenous people, specifically around the residential schools.” She encouraged community participation, noting that the day is intended for quiet reflection and communal support.

Collaborative Efforts Highlight Reconciliation

This year’s Honour Walk was organized in collaboration with the Co-operators, reflecting a broader community effort to acknowledge the day’s significance. Perry highlighted that while the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not a statutory holiday, the growing turnout signals increased public commitment to understanding Indigenous history and supporting reconciliation efforts locally.

Cultural and Educational Activities Across Regina

In addition to the Honour Walk, several other events took place in Regina. The McKenzie Art Gallery hosted Indian Theater: Native Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969, offering hourly guided tours from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST. The Regina Public Library presented a noon session on media and reconciliation, featuring journalist Nelson Bird and cultural performances to encourage reflection and dialogue.

The mâmawêyatitân centre organized a full day of activities beginning with a pipe ceremony at 9 a.m. CST, while the City of Regina encouraged employees to participate in Orange Shirt Day by wearing orange and raised Every Child Matters and Treaty 4 flags at city hall and the Albert Street bridge through Sept. 30. City hall was also illuminated in orange to mark the occasion.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Observes the Day

Just north of Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park hosted a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Gathering. Activities began at 9 a.m. CST and included musical performances, cultural dances, hide-making, and a round dance at 3 p.m. Doug Hyndford, co-executive director of operations at Wanuskewin, emphasized the day’s importance for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to listen, understand, and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of residential schools.

Events Extend Beyond Regina

Commemorative events were also held in Prince Albert. The Prince Albert Historical Museum welcomed visitors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST with free admission, and the Prince Albert Grand Council hosted programming from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST at the PAGC Cultural Centre. Participants were encouraged to wear orange to honor Indigenous children and their communities.

A Moment for Reflection and Action

Across Saskatchewan, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation provided opportunities to reflect on the past while fostering community understanding. Organizers and participants alike emphasized that recognition of historical trauma is a first step toward reconciliation, urging all Canadians to listen, learn, and act in support of Indigenous peoples.

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Dolly Parton Postpones Vegas Shows Due to Health Issues

James
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Dolly Parton Postpones Vegas Shows Due to Health Issues

Dolly Parton delays her first Las Vegas residency due to health challenges; shows rescheduled for September 2026.

Country Legend Delays Vegas Residency

Dolly Parton, the iconic country music star, has postponed her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency, originally set for December at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The announcement came via Parton’s social media on Sunday night, citing health challenges as the reason for the delay.

Rescheduled Shows Set for 2026

Parton was slated to perform six shows from December 4 to 13, coinciding with the National Finals Rodeo. Fans will now have to wait until September 2026 to see Dolly: Live in Las Vegas. Tickets purchased for the original dates remain valid, with refunds available for those unable to attend the new schedule.

Health Challenges Behind the Decision

While Parton did not disclose specific details, she shared that medical procedures are necessary. “I must have a few procedures… it must be time for my 100,000-mile checkup,” she wrote. The singer emphasized that she wants to deliver the full experience for her audience, not a compromised show.

Life and Career Updates Amid Delay

Parton, 79, has not toured since her 2016 Pure & Simple Tour but continues to maintain an active career. Her new memoir, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage, is set for release on November 11, and a Broadway musical inspired by her life story is slated for 2026.

Recent Health and Personal Struggles

Earlier this month, Parton missed the unveiling of a new Dollywood attraction due to a kidney stone infection. This year has also been personally challenging, following the death of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, in March at age 82.

Assurance for Fans and Future Plans

Despite the setbacks, Parton reassured fans she is not retiring. “God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” she said, adding that she is taking time to “slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures.”

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Regina Pet Experts Urge Delay on Animal Bylaw Changes

James
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Regina Pet Experts Urge Delay on Animal Bylaw Changes

Regina pet professionals call for more time on animal bylaw review, cautioning against rushed decisions on dog breed bans and aggressive pet regulations.

Regina Weighs Animal Bylaw Updates

Regina is reviewing its animal bylaw for the first time in over a decade, and local pet industry professionals are urging the city to proceed with caution. A public consultation meeting on Friday drew veterinarians, pet service providers, and residents to share their perspectives, particularly on rules surrounding aggressive dogs and potential breed bans.

Gathering Insight from the Pet Industry

The city held the two-hour consultation at the Glencairn Neighbourhood Recreation Centre to gather feedback on Phase 1 of its bylaw review, which focuses largely on aggressive dogs. Pet industry experts highlighted the need for more time and research before implementing any regulatory changes. Carly Patryluk, owner of House of Paws Pet Boutique, said the meeting was intense but underscored the passion of professionals advocating for animals.

Concerns Over Breed-Specific Restrictions

Several pet experts voiced strong concerns about the possibility of a breed ban. Tanya Wilde, a dog photographer and long-time rescue volunteer, described such measures as “archaic and antiquated” and warned that fear-driven policies could unfairly stigmatize certain breeds. Experts emphasized that aggressive incidents represent a very small fraction of Regina’s dog population, and that responsible ownership and education are more effective than sweeping restrictions.

City Responds to Feedback

Dawn Schikowski, Regina’s manager of licensing and parking services, said the city values input from both residents and pet professionals. She confirmed no decisions on breed-specific regulations have been made and stressed that the bylaw review is being conducted in phases to ensure thorough consideration. Schikowski noted that future updates will include not only enforcement measures but also educational programs and clear standards for defining aggressive behaviour.

Next Steps in the Bylaw Review

The city launched a public survey earlier this month, which has already received more than 12,000 responses and will remain open until Oct. 3. Feedback from this survey, combined with insights from other Canadian cities such as Calgary, Winnipeg, and Edmonton, will inform recommendations to council in November. While Phase 1 focuses on aggressive dogs, future phases may explore cat and livestock regulations.

Experts Call for Thoughtful Approach

Pet professionals are urging council to take additional time to consult stakeholders and study best practices. Patryluk said, “Animals don’t have a voice. That means we have to have a really loud voice.” Wilde added that careful planning is critical to creating a sustainable bylaw that keeps the city safe while supporting responsible pet ownership.

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Alberta Teachers Reject Deal, Strike Set for Oct. 6

James
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Alberta Teachers Reject Deal, Strike Set for Oct. 6

Alberta teachers vote down tentative deal, setting stage for largest provincewide strike in history starting Oct. 6.

Provincewide Strike Looms After Contract Rejection

Alberta faces the possibility of its first-ever provincewide teacher strike after members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) overwhelmingly voted against a tentative contract agreement. The strike is expected to begin on October 6, potentially affecting more than 700,000 K-12 students across the province.

The ATA represents 51,000 public, Catholic, and francophone teachers. Of 43,362 votes cast, 89.5 per cent rejected the deal, while only 10.5 per cent approved it.

Teachers Cite Burnout and Classroom Challenges

ATA President Jason Schilling said the vote reflects widespread frustration among educators. “The proposed agreement failed to meet the needs of teachers, failed to improve student classroom conditions in a concrete and meaningful way, and failed to show teachers the respect they deserve,” he told reporters.

Teachers have expressed concerns over burnout, overcrowded classrooms, and insufficient support for students with complex needs. Many educators report feeling unable to meet student needs effectively, despite years of experience.

Details of the Rejected Offer

The rejected contract included a 12 per cent wage increase over four years and a plan to move most teachers to a single pay grid by September 2026, which could have given some teachers an additional 5 per cent raise.

The ATA has noted that teacher wages have increased 3.8 per cent over the last six years, while Alberta’s cost of living has risen nearly 21 per cent.

The offer also included a government pledge to create 3,000 new teaching positions and 1,500 educational assistant positions by 2028, as well as covering the $100 COVID-19 vaccine cost for teachers who want it.

Government Responds to Rejection

Finance Minister Nate Horner expressed disappointment over the vote, suggesting the ATA may not fully understand member priorities. “With two failed ratification votes, I am left questioning whether the union fully understands what their members are seeking,” Horner said.

Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged that more educational assistants and new schools are needed, but emphasized these investments will take time to implement.

Teachers and Parents Voice Frustration

Teachers like Janelle Melenchuk, a Grade 7 teacher in Red Deer, see the vote as a last resort. “We just feel like we have to do it because it’s like the last straw,” she said. She criticized promises of additional staff as insufficient when spread across Alberta’s roughly 2,500 schools.

Music teacher Marshall Tindall of Camrose echoed concerns about inadequate student support and past unfulfilled wage promises. Edmonton parent Greta Gerstner praised teachers for taking a stand despite the financial sacrifice, citing unsustainable classroom conditions.

Next Steps for Schools and Families

Smith, Horner, and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides are scheduled to hold a news conference in Calgary at noon Tuesday to provide updates on financial and educational supports during a potential strike.

School divisions across Alberta have warned they may cancel classes if teachers walk out, while educational assistants have been instructed not to perform teacher duties during a strike.

Stay connected with Canada’s latest headlines — follow Maple News Wire on Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn.

WestJet Cybersecurity Breach Exposes Passenger Information

Henry
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WestJet Cybersecurity Breach Exposes Passenger Information

WestJet Confirms Passenger Data Breach

WestJet has revealed a cybersecurity breach that exposed some passenger information, raising concerns about airline data security. The Canadian carrier emphasized that no payment details were compromised.

The airline said the breach involved unauthorized access by a “sophisticated, criminal third party” and was detected on June 13. WestJet has since investigated the incident and worked with authorities to contain the threat.

Type of Data Exposed

According to WestJet, the breached information may include passenger names, contact details, travel itineraries, and reservation documents. Importantly, the airline confirmed that credit card and debit card numbers, CVV codes, and expiration dates were not accessed.

This distinction highlights that, while personal data may have been exposed, financial information remains secure.

Context: Rising Cybersecurity Risks in Aviation

The incident underscores the growing vulnerability of the aviation industry to cyberattacks. Airlines increasingly rely on complex digital systems and vast stores of passenger data, making them attractive targets for criminals.

Earlier this month, Collins Aerospace, a unit of RTX, experienced a ransomware attack that disrupted check-in and baggage systems at major European airports, including London’s Heathrow and Berlin. WestJet’s breach adds to industry-wide concerns about data security.

Collaboration With Authorities

WestJet has engaged law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. U.S. residents affected by the breach were notified, along with state attorneys general in relevant jurisdictions.

The airline continues to monitor its systems and work with experts to prevent further incidents and protect passenger information.

Moving Forward

WestJet reassured passengers that their financial information remains safe and that proactive measures are in place to strengthen cybersecurity.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for updates on airline security and digital safety.

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