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Langley News Roundup: April 29th, 2025

By Rainer Fehrenbacher
7 min read

Well, the election is over, and we have a good understanding of what our next federal government will look like. Some people are happy with the outcome, some not so much.

Regardless of how the results are landing for you this morning, let's all take a moment for a deep breath and some gratitude that election season is officially behind us.

Having said that, let's check out what's happening in the world.

Local Langley News

Conservative Jansen Leads by Slim Margin in Tight Cloverdale-Langley City Race

Conservative incumbent Tamara Jansen holds a narrow lead of fewer than 900 votes over Liberal Kyle Latchford with 85% of polls reporting in the historically contested Cloverdale-Langley City riding.

The back-and-forth battle between Conservatives and Liberals continues in this riding, which has changed hands multiple times since 2015.

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Conservative Van Popta Secures Victory in Langley Township-Fraser Heights

Incumbent Conservative MP Tako Van Popta has won re-election in the Langley Township-Fraser Heights riding with 51.5% of votes counted from 191 of 193 polls, defeating Liberal John Aldag who received 42.3%.

Van Popta expressed relief at the win while acknowledging challenges faced during the campaign, including riding redistribution and external political factors like Liberal leadership changes.

The riding saw high voter engagement with over 31,000 advance ballots cast, making it one of the largest early turnouts in the province.

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Conservative Gill Projected to Win in Abbotsford—South Langley

With nearly all polls reporting, Conservative candidate Sukhman Gill has secured victory in the newly renamed Abbotsford—South Langley riding with 43.08% of votes.

Liberal Kevin Gillies finished second with 33.75%, while independent candidate Mike de Jong took 17.56% in a riding previously held by Conservative Ed Fast, who did not seek re-election.

The riding, formerly known as Abbotsford, had its boundaries updated for the 2025 federal election and saw strong advance voting participation with 21,975 ballots cast before election day.

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Small But Mighty: Aldergrove U14 Makes Coastal Cup Finals

The Aldergrove U14 soccer team has demonstrated impressive determination and grit by securing a spot in the upcoming Coastal Cup finals. This underdog squad overcame significant challenges, including fielding a smaller roster than many of their competitors, to claim their place in the championship match.

The team's success comes after a hard-fought semi-final victory where their tactical discipline and team cohesion proved decisive factors. Their coach highlighted the players' extraordinary work ethic and resilience as key elements in their surprising cup run.

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Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News

Filipino Community Holds Surrey Vigil After Lapu Lapu Festival Tragedy

The Filipino community gathered at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Surrey on Sunday for a deeply moving vigil to honor the victims of Saturday's devastating attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver. The solemn ceremony brought together hundreds of community members who placed candles and flowers in memory of those lost.

Leaders from various Filipino organizations spoke about the importance of unity and resilience during this difficult time. The vigil provided a space for collective grieving as the community begins to process the shocking tragedy that claimed eleven lives when a driver deliberately plowed through festival attendees.

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More Charges Expected in Lapu Lapu Festival Attack

Vancouver police announced that additional charges are anticipated in the coming days against 30-year-old suspect Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who has already been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder following Saturday's devastating vehicle attack at the Lapu Lapu Filipino festival. The death toll has now risen to eleven, with multiple victims still in critical condition.

Investigators are conducting a thorough examination of evidence collected from the scene and working closely with Crown prosecutors as they build their case. Police have indicated that the suspect had previous interactions with law enforcement and medical professionals related to mental health concerns.

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Premier Eby Addresses Repeat Offender Concerns in Nelson Visit

During a recent visit to Nelson, B.C., Premier David Eby engaged with local residents and officials about growing concerns regarding repeat offenders in the community. Eby acknowledged the frustration many residents feel about individuals cycling through the justice system without meaningful intervention or consequences.

The premier indicated that his government is actively considering expanding its repeat violent offenders program to include certain property crime offenses that significantly impact communities. The potential policy shift comes in response to mounting pressure from municipalities dealing with persistent property crime issues.

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National Canadian News

Alberta Separatism Grows as Liberals Near Election Victory

Recent polling shows 30% of Albertans and 33% of Saskatchewanians would vote to separate from Canada if the Liberals win re-election, matching Quebec's separatist sentiment levels.

Support is particularly strong in rural areas, where 67-71% of residents believe their provinces are treated unfairly by the federal government, with many expressing frustration over environmental policies affecting the petroleum industry and equalization payments.

Premier Danielle Smith has amplified these concerns, suggesting she might establish a panel to consider Alberta's options if Liberals form government, though political analysts note the movement faces significant challenges including Indigenous treaty rights and demographic shifts that make actual separation unlikely.

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Despite Success, Tenant Unions Face Uphill Battle in Housing Struggle

Recent tenant union victories across Canada demonstrate the effectiveness of collective action against landlords, yet the movement remains fragmented despite one-third of Canadians being renters.

Tenant organizer Bruno Dobrusin identifies key barriers preventing widespread organizing: the lack of legal recognition for tenant unions, no right to collectively bargain with landlords, and the absence of legal protection for rent strikes, which remain powerful but technically constitute lease breaches under current law.

Landlords exploit these legal frameworks by using retaliatory evictions and deliberate tenant cycling to maximize profits through vacancy decontrol, while housing activists call for policy reforms including rent freezes, universal rent control, and formal recognition of tenant organizations to help balance the power dynamic.

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Organizations Reflect on Workplace Injuries During National Day of Mourning

Workers across Canada gathered today to observe the National Day of Mourning, honoring those who have lost their lives, been injured, or become ill due to workplace incidents. Recent analysis of national data shows alarming increases in workplace injury fatality rates, with Saskatchewan and Manitoba experiencing the most significant percentage increases in 2023.

Labor organizations, including Unifor and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, emphasized that workplace injuries remain significantly underreported and called for increased awareness, stronger air quality standards, improved chemical safety training, and better coverage for work-related injuries including chronic and psychological conditions.

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Five Unreported Election Stories Revealed

PressProgress has highlighted stories they couldn't fully report before election day.

Pierre Poilievre's leadership campaign claimed $16,000 for home renovations as a "personal expense."

Conservative candidates were found defending graphic anti-abortion imagery.

The People's Party of Canada ran a handgun giveaway contest to encourage donations.

A True North media personality used a pseudonym while questioning the Prime Minister.

A controversial Ottawa festival with past ties to far-right speakers rebranded after sponsors withdrew following negative publicity.

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Injured Skier Survives Polar Bear Attack in Nunavut

A harrowing incident in Auyuittuq National Park in Nunavut ended with an injured skier surviving a polar bear attack, though the predator was killed during the encounter. Wildlife officials have launched an investigation into the circumstances that led to the rare confrontation between the recreational skier and the apex predator.

The skier received immediate medical attention and is expected to recover from their injuries. The remains of the polar bear have been turned over to the Pangnirtung Hunters and Trappers Organization for proper handling, in accordance with traditional protocols and conservation regulations regarding protected wildlife species.

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Sports News

🏒 Canucks Off-Season: Five Things About the Tom Willander Stalemate

Vancouver Canucks fans are closely watching the ongoing contract situation with promising defensive prospect Tom Willander. The talented young defenseman could potentially contribute to Abbotsford's AHL playoff run, but without a deal from Vancouver, he's currently trying to secure a spot on Sweden's world championship team.

Hockey analysts point out that this standoff highlights the complex negotiations that often surround top prospects as they transition to professional hockey. Both Willander's camp and Canucks management are carefully considering the optimal development path for the highly-regarded blueliner whose skill set has drawn favorable comparisons to current NHL standouts.

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⚽ Vancouver FC Strengthens Roster with International Talent

Vancouver Football Club's roster is being bolstered by incoming international players as final visas get approved.

Coach Afshin Ghotbi praised the team's performance during their recent 1-1 tie against Cavalry FC in Calgary, calling it "the best 45 minutes we've ever played." Brazilian attacking midfielder Juan Batista is the latest addition, joining in time for last weekend's Salish Sea Derby against Pacific FC.

Despite currently ranking seventh out of eight teams, Ghotbi believes VFC has reached a "tipping point" and is confident about the club's future.

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🏒 Another Option for Rick Tocchet as Mike Sullivan Exits Penguins Bench

The Vancouver Canucks may face increased competition to retain head coach Rick Tocchet following the Pittsburgh Penguins' decision to part ways with Mike Sullivan.

Tocchet, who guided the Canucks to the league's best regular season record but remains without a contract extension, now has potentially another enticing opportunity with the organization where he previously served as an assistant coach.

This development comes as Tocchet recently met with Canucks management regarding his future with the club. With seven NHL teams currently searching for head coaches, Tocchet's stock has never been higher after his impressive performance leading Vancouver this season.

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🏒 Jets Goalie Hellebuyck Expects to Bounce Back in Game 5

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is showing unwavering confidence despite being pulled during his team's last two playoff losses against St. Louis. The recently announced Vezina Trophy finalist emphasized that his mental preparation remains strong heading into Wednesday's crucial Game 5 with the series tied 2-2.

"Am I going to be better? I am going to be better," declared Hellebuyck, who posted career bests in wins, shutouts, goals-against average and save percentage during the regular season. His teammates have acknowledged the need to provide better defensive support, including blocking more shots and limiting high-danger scoring chances.

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news, Morning Roundup

Last Update: April 29, 2025

About the Author

Rainer Fehrenbacher Langley, BC

Rainer and his family live in the Nicomekl area of Langley City. During his free time, he enjoys going for bike rides with his amazing partner and laughing with his 2 year old son.

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