As May unfolds across the Fraser Valley, our community finds itself at the intersection of local concerns and national tensions.
While the spring sunshine beckons us outdoors to farmers markets and cultural celebrations, the reality of pressing social issues continues to demand our attention.
This week's Red Dress Day memorials throughout the region serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls - a crisis that touches communities like ours while revealing systemic failures that require urgent collective action.
Here in Langley, our community spirit remains resilient even as we navigate these challenging times.
From search efforts for vulnerable seniors to vibrant cultural events celebrating our diverse heritage, Langley continues to demonstrate the working-class values of mutual support and solidarity that define us.
As national politics and international trade tensions swirl around us, our focus remains steadfast on building a more equitable, sustainable community where every resident's voice is heard and valued.
Local Langley News
VIDEO: Missing and Murdered Remembered in Langley City
Over 300 people gathered in Langley City for a Red Dress Day memorial service to honor and remember missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
The solemn event featured traditional ceremonies, speeches from community leaders, and moving tributes to those lost.
Red dresses, symbolizing the lives taken too soon, were displayed prominently throughout the gathering.
Missing Langley Senior Needs Medical Help
Search and Rescue crews have been mobilized to locate an elderly Langley resident who requires urgent medical attention.
The senior was last seen in their neighborhood, prompting authorities to issue a public alert.
Police are asking community members to check outbuildings and surrounding areas as the individual may be disoriented and seeking shelter.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Indigenous Families Demand Inquest into Unexplained Deaths of Three Young Women
Three years after the deaths of Indigenous women Tatyanna Harrison, Noelle O'Soup and Chelsea Poorman in Metro Vancouver, their families are demanding a coroner's inquest as they continue to hit roadblocks with authorities.
The families have uncovered disturbing information challenging previous official findings, including an independent pathologist who rejected the BC Coroners Service conclusion about Harrison's cause of death, stating it should have been ruled "undetermined" rather than sepsis.
Despite Poorman's remains being found with her skull missing and Harrison's body discovered partially unclothed, police have maintained that their deaths were not suspicious, while family members report being denied access to investigation documents and facing barriers from child welfare authorities in O'Soup's case.
The advocacy group Justice for Girls argues an inquest is now "required to find answers for the families and restore public confidence" in both the coroner's service and police investigations.
Eby Dismisses Trump's Film Tariff Threat as "Unworkable"
Premier David Eby has urged BC's film industry workers not to panic over Donald Trump's recent threat to impose 100% tariffs on foreign-made films and TV shows entering the US market.
Calling the proposal "ludicrous and unworkable," Eby questioned how such tariffs could be implemented in the streaming era, suggesting Americans might face absurd choices between limited content or paying "$50 or $100 a month" for full access to global productions.
Vancouver, North America's third-largest production center behind only LA and New York, has a thriving industry that generated $2.7 billion in GDP in 2022 and employs approximately 37,000 workers.
B.C. Conservative MLA Condemns Party for Hosting 'Homophobic' Group
Tension has erupted within the BC Conservative Party after an MLA publicly criticized the party leadership for hosting a group with anti-LGBTQ+ views.
The MLA, along with members of the NDP, called out the Association for Reformed Political Action (ARPA) for its "anti-abortion, homophobic and anti-trans" positions.
This internal conflict highlights growing divisions within the party over social issues and inclusivity policies.
Victoria Hotels Clinch Top 2 Positions in Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Best'
Victoria's hospitality industry is celebrating a remarkable achievement with two of its hotels securing the top spots in Tripadvisor's prestigious "Best of the Best" rankings.
The recognition highlights the exceptional service, amenities, and guest experiences offered by these establishments. Additional hotels in Vancouver and Summerland also made the coveted top 10 list, showcasing British Columbia's strength in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
National Canadian News
On Red Dress Day, Assembly of First Nations Calls on Government to Urgently Address Calls for Justice
The Assembly of First Nations issued a powerful statement on Red Dress Day, urging Prime Minister Mark Carney's government to implement the 231 Calls for Justice from the 2019 National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak revealed that only two of the Calls for Justice have been fully implemented, with most showing minimal or no progress.
The AFN is calling for a ministerial-level First Nations-Federal-Provincial-Territorial table to address this urgent issue.
Danielle Smith's Referendum Changes Force Poilievre to Choose Between National Unity and Alberta Base
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's retreat to a safe Alberta seat after losing his Ottawa riding brings him directly into a political minefield created by Premier Danielle Smith.
Smith has introduced legislation amendments making it significantly easier to trigger referenda by reducing required petition signatures from 600,000 to approximately 177,000 – a move critics say deliberately facilitates potential separation votes.
This puts Poilievre in a difficult position: supporting Alberta separatism would destroy Conservative support across Canada, while remaining silent could be interpreted as tacit approval of a movement former Premier Jason Kenney described as "never a serious enterprise" but rather "a fringe movement that's counterproductive."
Smith's promotion of potential separation referenda comes at a particularly questionable time as Canada faces sovereignty threats from Trump's administration, leading critics to demand both Smith and Poilievre clarify "which side they are on."
Critics Call for Scrapping China EV Tariffs as Carney Government Faces New Trade Challenges
As Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to meet with Donald Trump, experts are urging Canada to reconsider its 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles.
Critics argue the policy made sense when following Biden's lead but now seems misguided given strained US relations and Canada's climate commitments. The tariffs have triggered Chinese retaliation against Canadian canola exports, hurting farmers who view eliminating these trade barriers as "job one" for the new government.
With affordable EVs crucial to meeting Canada's zero-emission vehicle targets, some experts suggest more nuanced approaches like time-limited tariffs or targeted subsidies for domestic manufacturing, while auto industry representatives warn against undermining Canada's industrial base with "dumped vehicles from China."
Trump Admin Targets Canadian Trans Care Providers Through "Whistleblower" Form
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services created a "whistleblower" form allowing people to report Canadian doctors providing gender-affirming care to minors, before quietly removing Canadian jurisdictions after media inquiries from Pivot and The Breach.
The form, which echoed language from Trump's executive order against "Chemical and Surgical Mutilation of Children," initially included all Canadian provinces and territories in its drop-down menu, raising concerns about potential watch lists, border detentions, or legal action against Canadian healthcare providers despite gender-affirming care being legal in Canada.
This cross-border targeting comes as trans Americans increasingly seek care in Canada to circumvent U.S. bans, with activist Celeste Trianon calling the form "a covert threat to trans people in Canada" and "the first time the United States has infringed on the sovereignty of Canadian doctors."
Mark Carney Shows Grace and Calculation with Decision to Call Quick By-election for Pierre Poilievre
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced he will call a prompt by-election to allow Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to regain a seat in Parliament after losing his Carleton riding in the general election.
Alberta MP Damien Kurek will step aside in the safe Conservative riding of Battle River-Crowfoot to make way for Poilievre.
While some see Carney's move as gracious, others view it as strategically allowing Poilievre to remain Conservative leader, potentially benefiting the Liberals in the long run.
Sports News
🥍 Undefeated Langley Thunder Make It Three in a Row
The Langley Thunder continue their impressive winning streak, bringing their record to 3-0 for the season.
The team's strong defense and dynamic offensive play have established them as early contenders in the league.
Fans can catch the Thunder's next home game on May 11, where they'll look to extend their perfect record against tough competition.
🏉 B.C. Rugby Stars Finish Season with Bronze Medal Hat Trick
The Canadian women's national rugby team has secured their third consecutive bronze medal, capping off an impressive season at the HSBC SVNS playoffs.
The British Columbia athletes on the squad played crucial roles in the team's success, demonstrating exceptional skill and tenacity throughout the tournament.
This achievement highlights Canada's consistent presence among the world's rugby elite and showcases the development of the sport within British Columbia.
🏒 VIDEO: Giants Get Gold with Canada at U18 World Championships
Vancouver Giants players have returned with gold medals after representing Canada at the U18 World Hockey Championships.
The team delivered a shutout victory against Sweden in the final, with the Giants' prospects playing significant roles throughout the tournament.
Their international success bodes well for the WHL team's future, as these young talents continue to develop and bring their championship experience back to Vancouver.
🏈 Buck Pierce Poised for First Training Camp as B.C. Lions Head Coach
Former quarterback Buck Pierce is preparing for his debut as head coach of the BC Lions, with training camp set to begin this week.
After a successful playing career and coaching stint with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Pierce aims to establish a winning culture and strong team identity.
With quarterback Nathan Rourke confirmed as the team's starter, Pierce is focused on competition for remaining roster spots and building a championship-caliber squad.
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