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Ontario Teen Missing in Northern Saskatchewan, Mother Seeks Answers

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The mother of a missing Ontario teenager is pleading for answers after learning her 16-year-old son disappeared in northern Saskatchewan.

Shenice Long, from Brampton, Ont., says she never knew her son, Jaysiiah Webb-Long, had travelled to Pelican Narrows, a remote community about 400 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. The teen was last seen earlier this month, sparking concern among both his family and local residents.

“Somebody knows something,” Long told CBC News. “He’s only 16. I need to know what happened to my child.”

According to RCMP, Jaysiiah was reported missing after failing to return home, and officers are working with local searchers to locate him. Police say his disappearance is being treated as a high-priority case, and they are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Pelican Narrows, home to the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, has launched community searches and distributed posters with Jaysiiah’s photo. Family and friends describe him as a kind and outgoing teen, and say his sudden disappearance is out of character.

Long says she feels helpless being so far away from the search efforts. “It breaks me that I’m here in Ontario and he’s out there. I just want answers,” she said.

RCMP confirmed that they continue to investigate, but no foul play has been determined at this stage. Authorities are urging residents of Pelican Narrows and surrounding areas to share any information that might help bring Jaysiiah home.

The case has drawn widespread attention, with advocates stressing the vulnerability of missing Indigenous and racialized youth in remote communities. Long says she will not stop pushing until she learns what happened to her son.

B.C. Ostrich Farm Harassment Escalates Amid Controversial Cull

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Businesses tied to a British Columbia ostrich farm are reporting a wave of harassment and threats as tensions rise over a government-ordered ostrich cull.

According to a CBC News report, owners and workers say they have faced online abuse, phone calls, and even death threats after provincial officials confirmed that ostriches from a Vancouver Island farm were being culled due to disease control measures.

The farm, located north of Victoria, came under scrutiny after provincial authorities ordered the destruction of its flock, citing biosecurity concerns. While details of the exact disease risk have not been made public, the order was issued under B.C.’s Animal Health Act.

Farmers and businesses linked to the ostrich industry say they are being unfairly targeted. Some report being labelled “murderers” on social media, while others have received direct threats. They argue that they are following government directives and that their livelihoods are now at risk due to both the cull and the backlash.

One farm operator said the level of hostility has been overwhelming: “We’re losing animals, our business is suffering, and on top of that we’re being harassed day and night.”

Animal rights activists have been vocal in opposing the cull, demanding more transparency from the province and calling for alternatives. But industry representatives insist that compliance with animal health rules is essential to protect other farms and food safety.

The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture has not disclosed the total number of ostriches culled but confirmed inspections and enforcement are ongoing. Officials say their priority is to prevent the spread of disease and ensure compliance with provincial and federal health standards.

The controversy has left ostrich farmers and associated businesses caught between government orders and growing public anger, raising broader questions about transparency, animal welfare, and the economic toll of disease-control culls.

NordSpace Eyes 3rd Attempt at Historic Rocket Launch in Newfoundland

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NordSpace is set to make another attempt at Canada’s first commercial rocket launch this week, scheduling a Wednesday afternoon window in St. Lawrence, Newfoundland.

The aerospace startup is working to launch its six-metre Taiga rocket, designed using 3D-printed metal, in what would be a milestone for Canadian spaceflight. The mission will be live streamed for the public.

The company had originally prepared for a Wednesday morning attempt but later shifted the window to the afternoon due to weather restrictions. “Minimum ceiling is about 5,000 feet,” NordSpace said during its livestream, noting that future orbital vehicles will be less constrained by such conditions.

Tuesday’s launch efforts ended with two separate delays. The first was due to a small boat straying into the restricted launch zone. The second was stopped just 30 seconds before ignition when smoke and flames appeared near the base of the rocket. CEO Rahul Goel later explained that the fire was caused by residual propellant on the launch pad and stressed that such incidents are not uncommon in rocket testing.

NordSpace has faced multiple setbacks in recent weeks. In late August, the company came within a minute of launch before scrubbing the mission due to an ignition problem. Despite the challenges, the team remains optimistic that this week’s attempt will mark a historic breakthrough.

If successful, the suborbital launch will send the Taiga briefly into flight before it splashes down in the Atlantic Ocean — lasting about one minute in total.

The launch represents a pivotal step for Canada’s entry into the commercial space race, with Newfoundland’s south coast emerging as a new hub for private aerospace innovation.

RBC CEO Says U.S. H-1B Fee Creates Big Opportunity for Canada

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Royal Bank of Canada CEO Dave McKay says the U.S. government’s new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas could open the door for Canada to attract top global talent.

Speaking with Bloomberg, McKay described the move as a “material opportunity” for Canada, particularly in technology and finance. He noted that foreign students from India, South Asia and Europe may now prefer Canada over the U.S. “They’ll say, ‘Well, I can’t get into the U.S., but I want to move to North America — I’ll come to Canada,’” McKay explained.

The H-1B visa program has long been a key entry point for skilled international workers into U.S. tech hubs. But President Donald Trump’s new executive order, announced September 19, 2025, makes recruitment more costly and difficult for American companies.

McKay said this shift could help Canada retain foreign graduates who typically leave for Silicon Valley after studying at Canadian universities. He urged Ottawa to seize the moment by lowering taxes for entrepreneurs and cutting regulatory barriers to scaling businesses.

“We have a secular moment where talent’s going to stay and more talent might arrive here,” McKay said. “So we need a tax system and we need to scale with capital.”

RBC, which employs more than 70,000 people in Canada and another 17,000 in the U.S., could also rethink relocating staff south of the border. McKay said that while some high-earning roles could justify the new fee, others may no longer make financial sense.

Analysts estimate the $100,000 fee could reduce U.S. work authorizations by 5,500 a month, particularly affecting Indian workers and the tech sector. For Canada, the change could represent a rare opportunity to strengthen its position as a global hub for skilled professionals.

TikTok Collected Children’s Data in Canada, Investigation Reveals

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A Canadian investigation has revealed that TikTok collected “vast amounts” of personal data from children, sparking fresh concerns over the platform’s safeguards and practices.

The joint probe, led by Canada’s privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne alongside authorities in Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta, found that despite TikTok’s age restriction of 13 years, hundreds of thousands of children accessed the platform annually. The investigation concluded that TikTok not only gathered sensitive personal data from these underage users but also used it for targeted advertising and content recommendations.

Commissioner Dufresne emphasized the risks, stating the collection and use of children’s data for marketing could have harmful impacts on youth. Privacy advocates have echoed concerns, pointing to gaps in age verification and transparency.

TikTok has pledged to strengthen protections for young users, promising improvements in age verification and greater transparency around data usage. However, the company disagreed with some findings of the investigation.

The report underscores Ottawa’s growing scrutiny of tech platforms and their compliance with Canadian privacy laws, especially when children’s data and safety are involved.

Canada Super 60 honours Mel Jones with inaugural women’s cricket trophy

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Canada’s pioneering cricket league, Canada Super 60, has announced that the inaugural women’s trophy will be named in honour of Australian cricket legend Mel Jones.

The league, set to debut under the roof of BC Place in Vancouver, is the world’s first 10-over-a-side competition to launch with both men’s and women’s events from the very first season. International stars will compete alongside Canadian players, marking a milestone moment for cricket in the country.

As part of its long-term vision, Canada Super 60 will dedicate its women’s trophy each year to a trailblazer in the women’s game, highlighting legends whose achievements have shaped cricket’s global journey.

This year’s honouree, Mel Jones, was chosen for her outstanding career as a cricketer and broadcaster, as well as her leadership off the field. Beyond her commentary and cricket development work, Jones played a key humanitarian role after the Taliban’s 2021 takeover in Afghanistan. She helped Afghan women cricketers escape persecution, coordinated their resettlement in Australia, and co-founded the Pitch Our Future initiative to support their education and sporting careers.

By naming the inaugural trophy after Jones, Canada Super 60 says it aims to celebrate not just cricketing skill, but the broader impact of leaders who have advanced equality and opportunity in the game.

The tournament promises to showcase exciting fast-paced cricket while also sending a powerful message about representation and recognition for women in sport.

B.C. Ostrich Farm Arrests Amid Avian Flu Cull Fight

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Tense Standoff at Ostrich Farm

The fight between B.C. ostrich farm owners and federal officials over an avian flu cull reached a breaking point this week. On Tuesday, RCMP arrested and later released farm co-owners Karen Espersen and her daughter Katie Pasitney after they refused to leave their birds in Edgewood, a small community east of Kelowna.

The pair, who operate Universal Ostrich, have been locked in a ten-month battle with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which ordered the destruction of roughly 400 ostriches following an outbreak last year.

Why the Arrests Happened

RCMP confirmed that two individuals were taken into custody for obstructing CFIA officers from carrying out their duties. Videos posted online show tense exchanges as officers warned Espersen and Pasitney they would be removed if they stayed inside the birds’ enclosure.

“They knew this was going to be the next stage,” one RCMP officer is heard saying in a Facebook video. Both women were released after signing conditions that prevent them from returning to the farm.

CFIA Takes Control of Property

With RCMP backing, the CFIA served a warrant Monday, officially taking control of the property. The agency argues the surviving ostriches still pose a risk because the strain of avian influenza detected in December 2024 was lethal. That outbreak killed 69 birds.

Supporters gathered at the site pleaded with officers to “have a heart,” while some shouted that “the world is watching.” Videos show hay bales stacked three metres high around the property, though officials have not confirmed why the barrier was built or when the cull will begin.

Legal Battles and Scientific Questions

Espersen and Pasitney have fought the cull in multiple courts, insisting their birds are healthy and potentially valuable for scientific research. They argue the CFIA should allow new testing, but the agency maintains its policy does not permit further checks.

Court filings from CFIA state that immunity in ostriches is poorly understood and that environmental sources of reinfection remain possible long after birds recover. Despite this, the farmers say they will push the case to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Mounting Pressure on Businesses

The conflict has spilled beyond the farm. Businesses linked to CFIA’s operation have faced public backlash, with one rental company pulling vehicles after learning they were contracted for the cull. Pasitney has urged supporters online to call hotels, fuel suppliers, and other companies to withdraw support.

RCMP say local businesses have reported harassment and threats connected to the controversy. “We will take steps to ensure those who unlawfully interfere with or threaten safety are held accountable,” police said in a statement.

What Happens Next

For now, the 400 ostriches remain alive inside the farm’s enclosures, surrounded by officials in protective suits. The CFIA has not revealed how or when the cull will take place, nor how the birds’ remains will be disposed of, after local landfills rejected the possibility.

The situation remains tense, with supporters calling the birds’ destruction unnecessary while federal officials insist the cull is essential to protect public health and Canada’s food supply chain.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for ongoing updates on the B.C. ostrich farm standoff and avian flu response.

Trump Assassination Attempt: Routh Found Guilty

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Guilty Verdict Sparks Courtroom Chaos

In a dramatic turn, Ryan Routh, the man accused in the Trump assassination attempt, was found guilty on all charges Tuesday. Moments after the verdict, Routh grabbed a pen and tried to stab himself in the neck before officers swarmed and restrained him.

The jury of five men and seven women deliberated for just two hours before delivering their unanimous decision. Routh, 59, now faces life in prison when he is sentenced on December 18.

Emotional Outburst From Family

As marshals dragged Routh from the courtroom, his daughter cried out: “Dad, I love you, don’t do anything. I’ll get you out.” Outside, she and her brother waited at the courthouse gates, insisting the trial was rigged.

When Routh was returned before the judge, shackled and without his jacket or tie, he showed no visible injuries.

The Charges Against Routh

Routh faced a long list of charges, including:

  • Attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate

  • Assaulting a federal officer

  • Possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon

  • Using a firearm in furtherance of violence

  • Possessing a weapon with an obliterated serial number

He had pleaded not guilty and chose to represent himself during trial.

Prosecutors Detail Plot

Prosecutors argued Routh spent weeks planning to kill Trump, stalking him at a Florida golf course on September 15, 2024. They said he aimed a rifle from shrubbery as Trump neared the sixth hole, but dropped his weapon when confronted by a Secret Service agent who opened fire.

A witness testified that he saw Routh fleeing after the gunfire, later confirming his identity during the arrest.

Routh’s Defense Strategy

Representing himself, Routh insisted he never intended to fire his weapon. “It’s hard for me to believe that a crime occurred if the trigger was never pulled,” he told jurors. He called only three witnesses, compared to 38 called by prosecutors.

Attorney General Pam Bondi later praised the guilty verdict, calling the attempted assassination “an affront to our very nation.”

A Troubled Past

Routh’s background paints a picture of volatility. Once a North Carolina construction worker, he reinvented himself as a self-styled mercenary leader, trying to recruit fighters for conflicts in Ukraine.

His criminal record includes weapons charges, stolen goods, and a bizarre 2002 standoff where police found him with an automatic weapon and an explosive device. Despite these cases, he largely avoided long prison terms.

Larger Context

The assassination plot came just nine weeks after another attempt on Trump’s life in Pennsylvania, where he survived with only a graze to his ear. That attack ended when a Secret Service sniper fatally shot the gunman.

Routh, however, never fired a shot. Still, prosecutors convinced jurors that his intent and preparation proved his guilt beyond doubt.

What Comes Next

Routh remains in custody and will be sentenced on December 18. Beyond his federal conviction, he also faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder.

As the courtroom chaos shows, the case has left emotions raw for both his family and the wider public.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest updates on the Trump assassination attempt trial and sentencing.

Tylenol Stock Rebounds After Trump Autism Claims

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Tylenol Stock Recovers Despite Trump Autism Remarks

Tylenol stock rallied Tuesday morning after U.S. President Donald Trump made controversial autism claims linking the drug to vaccines. Shares of Kenvue, Tylenol’s parent company, dropped 7.5% Monday but quickly regained most losses in premarket trading.

The president repeatedly urged pregnant women not to use Tylenol during a White House briefing. He also discouraged mothers from giving infants acetaminophen, the generic name for Tylenol in the U.S. and paracetamol elsewhere.

Kenvue Pushes Back Against Autism Concerns

Kenvue swiftly rejected the claims, stressing there is no proven link between Tylenol and autism. The company warned that avoiding acetaminophen during pregnancy could force mothers into risky alternatives or untreated fevers, both of which pose health dangers.

Kenvue, spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023, also makes Band-Aids, Listerine, and several other household staples.

Investors Weigh Lawsuits and Market Risks

Despite Trump’s remarks, analysts see limited risk of fresh lawsuits. Citi’s Filippo Falorni noted that while negative headlines may influence consumer behavior, the lack of new scientific evidence likely cushions Kenvue from long-term damage.

The company has already defended against hundreds of lawsuits alleging ties to autism, with most cases dismissed in court.

Stock Rallies After Sharp Dip

By early Tuesday, shares of Kenvue had rebounded over 7%, signaling investor confidence in the company’s resilience. Falorni added that, without credible new research, markets were likely to stabilize quickly.

Broader Health Debate Continues

Trump’s remarks surfaced alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which highlights potential autism causes. Critics, however, stress the initiative leans on outdated or disputed research.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more updates on Tylenol stock performance and the ongoing debate over health policy and consumer trust.

Trump UN Speech Sparks Global Uncertainty

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Trump’s Rant Leaves Allies Uneasy

The latest Trump UN speech stirred intense debate, but instead of reassurance, the president doubled down on brash claims. Declaring he was “right about everything,” Trump delivered more rants than solutions. Meanwhile, allies faced mounting crises: Russian aircraft over Europe, unrest in the West Bank, and global inflation worries.

Yet Trump offered little clarity. He dismissed democratic traditions, mocked the UN itself, and complained about an escalator malfunction. For many leaders, the display highlighted not strength, but unpredictability.

Climate Confusion and Bizarre Claims

The president wandered into baffling takes on climate change, suggesting clean U.S. air was undermined by pollution “blowing in” from abroad. He even warned of environmentalists supposedly plotting to “kill all the cows.” Such remarks raised questions about his grasp of scientific issues and reinforced global unease.

Britain, NATO, and Shifting Positions

Britain, despite hosting Trump with royal honors days earlier, found itself criticized. Trump accused London of leaning toward sharia law and mocked Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s renewable energy strategy.

On NATO, Trump’s words created new confusion. He said Russian jets violating allied airspace “should” be shot down, only to backtrack later. That contradiction left Europe guessing about U.S. commitments to mutual defense.

Ukraine Stuck in the Middle

On Ukraine, Trump first offered no new peace strategy. Later, on social media, he claimed Ukraine could reclaim all territory with NATO’s help. He even labeled Russia a “paper tiger.” Still, Trump’s history of shifting positions leaves allies unsure whether to trust his pledges.

Allies Brace for a Difficult Term

Tuesday’s address painted a sobering picture. The U.S., once the UN’s strongest defender, is now its loudest critic. Trump questioned why the world body even exists while signaling his willingness to take unilateral military action elsewhere.

Allies now face a new challenge: not just flattering the American president, but containing the damage his unpredictable approach may cause. His attacks on liberal governments, climate policies, and migration have emboldened far-right movements across Europe.

What Comes Next

Trump’s insistence that he has been “right about everything” resonated with his supporters but alarmed much of the world. His speech underscored a reality: global leaders can no longer count on consistent U.S. leadership.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for continuing coverage on Trump’s UN speech, U.S. foreign policy, and its impact on world affairs.

Ottawa Faces Pressure to Ban SKS Rifle

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Gun-Control Advocates Push for Change

The national debate over Ottawa’s buyback program and assault-style weapons intensified this week as a leading gun-control group demanded action on the semi-automatic SKS rifle. Advocates argue the government’s plan to compensate firearm owners will fail unless this widely available rifle is included on the banned list.

Since May 2020, Ottawa has prohibited more than 2,500 models of firearms, claiming they belong on battlefields, not in the hands of hunters or sport shooters. Yet the SKS, despite its controversial record, remains legal.

Why the SKS Sparks Controversy

While the SKS is often used in Indigenous communities for traditional hunting, it has also been linked to tragic incidents, including police killings and high-profile shootings. That history fuels the push by PolySeSouvient, a group formed after the 1989 École Polytechnique tragedy, to see the rifle outlawed.

The organization argues that leaving the SKS untouched undermines Ottawa’s broader effort to curb gun violence. In their words, not banning it would be “a public safety failure.”

Advocates Outline Demands

PolySeSouvient is urging the federal government to act on three key fronts:

  • Ban new sales of the SKS immediately.

  • Remove modern versions of the rifle from circulation.

  • Introduce a voluntary buyback for older models.

According to the group, excluding the SKS would allow new models to flood the market and undo the progress made by banning other firearms.

Ottawa’s Response

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has acknowledged concerns and confirmed that details of the next buyback phase will be unveiled soon. A pilot program in Nova Scotia will serve as the launch point, with broader rollout expected later.

The minister is scheduled to speak at a press conference on Parliament Hill Tuesday afternoon, where more details on compensation and implementation are expected.

Critics Warn of Long-Term Consequences

PolySeSouvient’s statement emphasized the financial and social risks of excluding the SKS. Without a ban, they argue, the buyback will funnel taxpayer dollars into the gun industry while strengthening firearm manufacturers and lobbyists.

“Nothing will change in the long run,” the group warned, “other than a waste of hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ dollars.”

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest on Ottawa’s firearm policies and the ongoing debate over the SKS rifle.

Alberta Fast-Tracks Teacher Training, Renegotiates Child Care

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Smith Calls for Faster Teacher Training

Premier Danielle Smith wants Alberta to accelerate teacher training by creating a shorter path to certification for professionals with post-secondary credentials. Her new mandate directs Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides and Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall to design a program that allows experts in specific fields to bring their knowledge into classrooms without completing a traditional education degree.

Nicolaides said the plan aims to connect real-world expertise with teaching. “The goal is to help individuals qualify faster and share their skills with students,” he explained.

Currently, Alberta teachers must complete at least four years of university, including a formal preparation program. The province already offers a bridge-to-teacher route, but Nicolaides argued it takes too long and has low uptake, with only 113 participants receiving grants over five years.

Pushback From Alberta Teachers’ Association

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) raised strong concerns. President Jason Schilling warned that shortcuts could undermine professional standards. “We don’t want an expedited certificate that weakens teacher quality,” he said.

Schilling emphasized that training goes beyond subject knowledge. Teachers must learn how to interpret curriculum, manage classrooms, assess students, and support those with special needs. He added that legal changes would likely be required to create new certification categories, raising further questions about pay, bargaining rights, and long-term recognition in other provinces.

Bradley Lafortune of Public Interest Alberta echoed those concerns, saying the plan risks devaluing teaching as a profession. “It’s a slap in the face to educators,” he said, warning Alberta could drift toward an American-style system with lower pay.

Renewed Focus on Trades and Student Support

Smith also reaffirmed her commitment to expanding skilled trades opportunities. Nicolaides has been asked to build a high-school apprenticeship system, promote trades careers, and expand mobile career and technology studies labs.

At the same time, he will review how schools support students with complex needs. With more students facing disabilities, medical challenges, mental health issues, or learning English, Nicolaides said he wants to explore partnerships with health and social services to improve support.

Alberta’s Child-Care Deal at a Crossroads

Smith’s letter also tasked Nicolaides with renegotiating Alberta’s $3.8-billion child-care deal with Ottawa. The agreement, set to expire in March 2026, aims to reduce child-care costs to $10 a day by 2026 and create nearly 69,000 new spaces by 2027.

Alberta has added about 67% of those spaces so far, but many are concentrated in for-profit centres. Smith wants a new deal that funds both non-profit and for-profit providers equally.

However, critics see risks. Susan Cake, chair of Child Care Now Alberta, said Alberta’s stance resembles earlier battles with Ottawa for “no strings attached” funding. She warned that families could lose out if negotiations stall.

Cake also urged the province to expand spaces in underserved regions, train more early childhood educators, and collect better data on child-care demand.

What Comes Next

With teacher training reforms, expanded trades programs, and high-stakes child-care negotiations on the agenda, Alberta’s education system is poised for major change. Whether these shifts strengthen or weaken schools remains hotly debated.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more updates on Alberta’s evolving education and child-care landscape.