There are variations of the origin story of the NORAD/Santa tradition (just like with all other long-standing traditions) but we all agree it started 70 years ago this Christmas. I’ll tell you what I know. It started in 1955 when a child called CONAD (Continental Air Defense Command) looking to talk to Santa Claus. Now, […]

Many of us are getting in the swing of the holiday season, It’s an exciting time, and one I’m so happy to be back in Fruitvale with my family, friends and loved ones to celebrate. We should keep safe and celebrate with care and concern for others. Recently many of us have been reminded of treacherous weather […]

The province says quicker permitting and stronger partnerships for wildfire salvage means protecting forestry jobs. Working with the forestry sector, First Nations and local governments, the Ministry of Forests cut red tape in 2025, making it easier to harvest burned timber and get the wood into local mills. Heading into 2026, that work continues, turning the […]

“Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.” — Desiderata Come mothers and fathers Throughout the land And don’t criticize What you can’t understand Your sons and your daughters Are beyond your command Your old road is rapidly agin’ — Please get out of the new one If you can’t […]

B.C.’s independent Human Rights Commissioner is expressing serious concerns about recently released General Guidance for Physicians on Treatment of Children and Youth with Substance Use Disorders Under the Mental Health Act(opens in a new window). Commissioner Kasari Govender is concerned the guidance runs contrary to the government’s human rights obligations by ignoring important evidence on the ineffectiveness of involuntary […]

Last week marked part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. Monday before last, we observed the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and on Dec. 6, we marked the anniversary of the Polytechnique Montréal massacre, before closing with UN Human Rights Day on Dec. 10. Each of us knows […]

Ed. Note: the author of this letter has asked to remain anonymous, which is not our usual policy. Howerver, they have disclosed their identity/address/rationale for requesting privacy with this editor, and I am satisfied both that they are who they say they are and that their reason for wanting anonymity is 100 per cent valid. […]

‘I read fiction for the story, and find a novel at its best when it’s pure storytelling. Not to say that I don’t care about politics, but that I can get my fill of current thought through non-fiction books, podcasts, radio shows, and all the rest.’  — Tara Thorne Burns ‘I may forget what this […]

By Tandeep Sidhu and Lacee O’Neill, University of Manitoba Highly publicized grizzly bear attacks have ignited calls to reopen grizzly trophy hunts across Western Canada. The most recent push came from the B.C. Wildlife Federation, a conservation and hunting advocacy organization that called for a hunting season on grizzlies after a bear attacked a group […]

Economic reporting could mislead one into believing that budget deficits are the most important challenge governments face. They’re used as an excuse to curtail spending on necessary benefits, including health care, education, social security, climate action and more. Is it true that countries such as Canada and the United States can’t afford these services? A […]