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Montreal School Bus Service Resumes Monday After Safety Fix

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EMSB and LBPSB confirm Lion buses cleared after inspections. Students in Montreal return to normal bus service Monday.

Service set to resume

School bus transportation will return Monday morning for students in the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) and the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB). Both boards confirmed their Lion bus fleets are now fully cleared after being sidelined for inspections.

Cause of the disruption

The fleets were pulled from service earlier this month after a Lion electric bus caught fire, prompting the manufacturer to recommend fuse replacements across about 1,200 buses in Quebec. The precautionary move grounded both electric and diesel buses.

Steps taken by officials

EMSB chair Joe Ortona announced Sunday that all buses were “repaired, inspected, and ready to roll.” The LBPSB issued a similar statement, emphasizing that all required safety checks had been completed. Both boards thanked families for their patience during the disruption.

Return of daily routes

Beginning Monday, regular school bus routes will be available again to students served by EMSB and LBPSB across the Montreal area. The service restoration applies to both electric and diesel Lion buses.

Focus on safety

First Student, the parent company of Transco—the operator of the bus involved in the fire—said the pace of inspections was slowed by limited access to replacement parts. As of last week, about 30 per cent of the company’s fleet had been repaired, with the remainder undergoing final checks.

Looking ahead

The incident has highlighted both the challenges and the importance of maintaining safety standards in Quebec’s transition toward electric school transportation. Officials have reassured families that all buses returning to service meet the required safety benchmarks.

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Pembroke blaze displaces family of 10, injures three

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A Sunday morning house fire in Pembroke, Ont., displaced a family of 10 and sent one person to hospital. Fire officials are investigating.

Family loses home in weekend fire

A family of 10 has been left without a home after a fire tore through their residence in Pembroke, Ont., on Sunday morning. The Pembroke Fire Department confirmed the blaze broke out on Wallace Street shortly after 10 a.m.

Flames spread quickly through structure

When firefighters arrived, flames had already broken through a bedroom window and were spreading toward the roof and attic. Crews worked swiftly to contain the blaze, but the home sustained significant smoke and heat damage, Chief Scott Selle said in a statement.

Residents accounted for after scare

Initial reports indicated someone might still be inside the home. Firefighters conducted a search before confirming all family members had escaped. One person was taken to a local hospital, and two others were treated on scene for minor injuries.

Ongoing investigation into cause

While the fire was brought under control quickly, the damage rendered the home uninhabitable. The displaced family is now receiving assistance. The Pembroke Fire Department is continuing its investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.

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Man Critically Injured, Suspect Arrested in London Stabbing

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A man was critically injured in a stabbing near St. George and Mill Streets in downtown London. Police arrested a 20-year-old suspect Sunday.

Stabbing Reported Overnight

London police responded to an emergency call just before 1 a.m. Sunday after reports of a stabbing near St. George Street and Mill Street in the city’s downtown core.

Victim Rushed to Hospital

When officers arrived, they found a man with multiple stab wounds. Police said bystanders had already started first aid before paramedics transported the victim to hospital, where he remains in life-threatening condition.

Suspect Quickly Apprehended

Police said witnesses at the scene provided a description of the suspect. Officers located and arrested a 20-year-old man nearby. He has been charged with aggravated assault.

Scene Close to Nightlife District

The stabbing took place in a residential neighbourhood just steps from Richmond Row, London’s busy bar and entertainment strip. The proximity to the nightlife area has drawn attention to safety concerns in the downtown.

Call for Public Assistance

The investigation remains active, and police are urging anyone with information to contact investigators at 519-661-5670 or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Ryan Reynolds Receives Vancouver’s Highest Honour

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Vancouver Honours Its Star

Actor Ryan Reynolds has been awarded Vancouver’s Freedom of the City, the municipality’s highest civic honour, during a private ceremony on Thursday.

Recognizing Philanthropy and Impact

The city cited Reynolds’ philanthropic work with charities such as Covenant House Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, as well as his donations after the 2021 B.C. floods, as reasons for the award.

Reynolds, who rose to international fame through roles including Marvel’s Deadpool, has previously been recognized with both the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada.

Reynolds’ Reaction

“This means the world to me. Vancouver shaped who I am, and I carry it with me in everything I do,” Reynolds said. “To now be part of its history in this way is both humbling and surreal.”

Freedom of the City Award

The award is reserved for “exceptional cases” where recipients achieve national and international acclaim while bringing recognition to Vancouver.

Quebec Daycare Bus Attacker Could Be Declared High-Risk Offender

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Crown Seeks High-Risk Status

A Crown prosecutor has argued that Pierre Ny St-Amand, who killed two children and injured six others when he drove a city bus into a Laval daycare in February 2023, should be declared a high-risk offender.

Prosecutor Simon Blais told Superior Court that St-Amand’s actions were “cruel, savage, and inhumane,” and that there is a significant likelihood he could be violent again.

Stricter Oversight

Although St-Amand was found not criminally responsible due to mental disorder, the Crown wants the high-risk designation to impose stricter oversight. This would mean that any changes to his treatment or movement outside hospital care would require approval from both the mental health review board and the Superior Court.

Defence Pushback

Defence lawyer Véronique Talbot opposed the move, calling the designation “discriminatory” and harmful to St-Amand’s mental health treatment. She argued that the existing oversight by Quebec’s mental health board is already rigorous.

Background and Risk

St-Amand, a former bus driver, has a traumatic personal history and was declared likely in psychosis during the attack that killed Jacob Gauthier and a five-year-old girl. Psychiatrists testified that his risk to reoffend is moderate to high, with a more than 50% chance of another psychotic episode.

Next Steps

Justice Éric Downs will decide on the high-risk status after hearing a constitutional challenge from the defence in November. St-Amand remains detained at Montreal’s Philippe Pinel Institute under strict supervision.

Toronto Police ID 2 Suspects in Death of 8-Year-Old JahVai Roy

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Toronto police have named two suspects wanted for first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of eight-year-old JahVai Roy, following the expiry of an earlier judicial authorization.

Suspects Identified

The suspects are 17-year-old Ibrahim Ibrahim and 18-year-old Amarii Lindner, who was 17 at the time of the shooting on Aug. 16. Both remain at large and are believed to be in the Toronto area.

Police said they obtained a new judicial authorization to release their names and images. “The world is now looking for you. It is time to turn yourself in,” said Det.-Sgt. Jason Davis.

The Shooting

Roy was struck by a stray bullet while lying in bed with his mother at their Martha Eaton Way apartment. He was rushed to hospital but died shortly after.

Investigators say the shooting was a planned and premeditated act, though the child may not have been the intended target.

Other Arrests

Police already have one suspect in custody — a 16-year-old boy facing six charges, including first-degree murder. The charges have not yet been proven in court.

Police Statement

“What happened on Aug. 16 was a senseless, cowardly act that extinguished the life of a little boy,” Davis said. “Those responsible will be held accountable.”

B.C. Civic Leaders Press Province on Homelessness, Street Disorder

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Homelessness, addiction, mental health struggles, and street disorder are set to dominate discussions when B.C. municipal leaders gather in Victoria next week for the annual Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention.

Cities at Breaking Point

Local officials say that despite some recent funding, the province’s support has not kept pace with the crisis. Prince George Councillor Cori Ramsay called the repeated downtown fires and visible disorder “heartbreaking,” echoing concerns across B.C.

Regional Approaches Demanded

Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield argued larger cities are unfairly burdened with homeless services for entire regions. His city, with 120 shelter beds and dozens more unhoused residents, is pushing for regional funding models.

Other cities – including Castlegar, Nelson, and Trail – will press for more comprehensive rehabilitation and safety strategies. Revelstoke is asking the province to take responsibility for homeless encampments outside city limits.

Public Frustration Growing

Vancouver Councillor Lisa Dominato, who will speak at a panel on “disordered downtowns,” noted over 300 people are already registered, underscoring public frustration. “Cities feel they’re using every tool available, but the province must step up,” she said.

Financial and Indigenous Pressures

UBCM president Trish Mandewo warned the convention comes “at a time of crisis,” with B.C.’s debt and weak economy adding strain. Cities also fear the province’s recent borrowing law change signals fewer grants ahead.

At the same time, municipalities are grappling with reconciliation pressures. The Tla’amin First Nation and UBCM have jointly asked for more financial help to meet new obligations under Indigenous rights frameworks.

Conclusion

With dozens of resolutions expected, leaders say the convention is an opportunity to press Victoria for stronger, coordinated solutions to homelessness, public safety, and the broader economic challenges affecting communities across B.C.

Swatting Calls in Haldimand Linked to Online Group

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Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say they have identified the person behind a series of swatting calls in Haldimand County earlier this month, linking the incidents to a dangerous online group known as “The Com” or “764.”

The Swatting Incidents

Police said multiple false threats were made over two days.

  • On Sept. 2, a bomb threat was called in to a home near Jarvis.

  • On Sept. 3, another threat targeted a school, forcing a lockdown.

Both threats were later found to be unfounded.

On Sept. 19, investigators confirmed the caller was under 18. They determined the individual was coerced into making the calls and will not face charges.

Connection to “The Com”

The OPP said the swatting calls were linked to “The Com,” a group that exploits youth online. Unlike traditional cybercrime, its members are motivated by peer recognition rather than money.

Tactics include:

  • Swatting and doxing (sharing personal data)

  • Threats and intimidation

  • Coercing victims into harmful or illegal acts

Police warned these actions can escalate quickly, causing severe emotional, physical, and psychological harm.

Police Warnings

“Swatting is not a prank – it’s a crime that puts lives at risk,” said Insp. Andrew Fox of Haldimand OPP. He urged parents to talk with their children and recognize the risks.

The RCMP describes “The Com” as violent, manipulating victims through platforms such as Discord, Telegram, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch, and Steam. The group pressures youth into acts ranging from self-harm to creating exploitation material.

Resources

Police encourage families to review the RCMP’s online safety resources to learn warning signs and help protect children from coercive online groups.

RCMP Pacific Commander Charged With Assault in B.C.

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One of British Columbia’s top RCMP officers has been charged with multiple counts of assault following an incident in Abbotsford on July 2. Assistant Commissioner David Teboul, who oversees RCMP federal policing in the Pacific Region, now faces court proceedings.

Charges and Court Details

According to the BC Prosecution Service, Teboul has been charged with assault, assault by choking against one person, and a separate count of assault against another. His first appearance is scheduled for October 9 in Abbotsford Provincial Court.

A special prosecutor, Vancouver lawyer Andi MacKay, was appointed on August 20 to ensure there is no perception of improper influence.

Incident and Police Response

The Abbotsford Police Department confirmed the charges relate to an incident at a public facility on McMillan Road. The court has ordered a publication ban on the victims’ identities, and no additional information will be released as the matter is before the courts.

Career Background

Teboul has been with the RCMP since 1997, serving in homicide investigations, the Anti-Corruption Unit, and the National Security Counter-Terrorism Program. In March 2024, he was appointed Assistant Commissioner and federal policing regional commander for B.C. and Yukon.

He has received several RCMP awards, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal in June 2024, just weeks before the alleged offences.

Broader Context

As regional commander, Teboul leads RCMP programs in national security, organized crime, border integrity, financial crime, and protective services. His charges raise significant concerns given his leadership role in sensitive policing areas.

Jewish Groups Urge Politicians: Stop Exploiting Antisemitism

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Jewish leaders across Canada are urging politicians to stop exploiting antisemitism for political advantage. The call comes after Deborah Lyons, Canada’s outgoing envoy on Holocaust remembrance and antisemitism, criticized parties for using the issue as a “partisan prop.”

Calls for Respect in Commemoration

Lyons’ final report argued that Holocaust Remembrance Day has become politicized. She warned that using antisemitism to score political points dishonours victims and undermines the fight against hate.

Jewish organizations echoed her concerns. Richard Robertson of B’nai Brith said linking Holocaust ceremonies to political agendas feels like “tokenization.”

Divisions Among Political Parties

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) accused the NDP of weakening its stance on antisemitism through calls for Palestinian statehood without stronger safeguards for Canadian Jews. Robertson added that both Liberals and Conservatives have politicized remembrance ceremonies, either by boasting of funding or attacking rivals over hate crimes.

Broader Concerns

Advocates say such rhetoric fuels antisemitism and risks alienating Jewish Canadians at a time when hate crimes are rising. A 2024 Leger poll found nearly 1 in 5 young Canadians believe the Holocaust was exaggerated, underscoring the need for unity and education.

Need for Responsible Leadership

Community leaders stressed that politicians can still express solidarity, but without turning remembrance events into partisan platforms.

“If our rights are being threatened, every Canadian’s rights are being threatened,” said Noah Shack of CIJA.

Advocates urged leaders to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Jewish Canadians, focusing on combating hate rather than politicizing it.

Rising Vet Costs Lead Nearly Half of Canadian Pet Owners to Skip Visits

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A growing number of Canadian pet owners are skipping veterinary visits due to rising costs, according to a new report from PetSmart Charities of Canada in partnership with Gallup. Experts say inflation, tariffs, and a shortage of veterinarians are compounding the affordability crisis for families with pets.

Rising Cost of Pet Care

Veterinary critical care specialist Dr. Marie Holowaychuk explained that the costs of pet ownership extend far beyond adoption fees.

  • Routine expenses include spaying, neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.

  • Annual care now ranges between $1,418 and $4,480, according to a 2025 survey.

  • Over a pet’s lifetime, families could spend $17,343 to $53,935.

Pandemic Impact and Growing Demand

Holowaychuk noted that the pandemic spurred a surge in pet ownership, further straining veterinary services. With pets increasingly viewed as family members, demand for advanced care has only grown.

Industry Struggles and Shortages

Canada is also facing a shortage of veterinarians, adding to wait times and higher service fees. Inflation and tariffs on goods like food, supplies, and equipment have pushed pet-related costs even higher.

“There are some pet families that have had to not go forward with veterinary care that they wish they could, just because they can’t afford it,” Holowaychuk said.

Insurance and Wellness Plans as Solutions

Experts emphasize the role of pet insurance and wellness plans to ease financial stress. These packages, available monthly or annually, cover essentials such as vaccinations and treatment for common illnesses.

Outlook

While more veterinary practices are adjusting to offer flexible payment options, experts warn affordability remains a barrier for many households. For now, pet owners are urged to plan ahead and budget carefully for lifetime pet care.

Illegal Magic Mushroom Shops Keep Reappearing Across Ontario

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Police in Ontario continue to raid illegal psilocybin dispensaries, but the shops keep reappearing across the province. Despite being banned under federal law, so-called magic mushroom stores are operating openly in several cities, raising questions about enforcement and the future of drug policy in Canada.

Recent Raids Across Ontario

On Sept. 5, Hamilton police raided a Shroomyz location on Main Street, seizing $12,000 worth of psilocybin products and arresting an employee.
This follows other recent crackdowns:

  • Aug. 19: Toronto police raided a Fun Guyz store in Kensington Market.

  • Aug. 11 & 21: Vehicles crashed into two separate Shroomyz dispensaries in Toronto, one following a suspected arson.

Despite closures, many stores reopen within days under the same or new names.

Law Enforcement’s Response

Toronto police say enforcement is largely complaint-driven:

“As soon as these shops are closed, they often reopen shortly after under the same or different names.”

This pattern mirrors the pre-legalization cannabis era, when dispensaries were raided but continued operating until federal law changed.

Experts Weigh In

Andrew Hathaway, a University of Guelph professor specializing in Canadian drug policy, says police appear to be taking a “consistent blind eye” approach:

“Perhaps there’s a sense the envelope has been pushed, has become a little too visible, a little too out there.”

He noted that enforcement often comes after local complaints, not as part of a coordinated provincial strategy.

The Bigger Picture

Psilocybin mushrooms remain illegal under Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, though limited medical exemptions exist. As debate over drug decriminalization grows, mushroom shops could follow the same trajectory as cannabis dispensaries — illegal until public and political pressure force regulatory change.