Good morning, Langley! Happy Hump Day!
Today's top stories highlight national tensions and local resilience.
From Carney’s message to Trump to BC Ferries’ accessibility failures, pressing issues are unfolding across the country.
Meanwhile in Langley, community support leads the day. A new LAPS pet boarding program and a '70s-themed fibromyalgia fundraiser show how locals are stepping up for one another.
Local Langley News
LAPS Launches Pet Boarding Program for Residents in Crisis
The Langley Animal Protection Society has introduced a new boarding program to help pet owners facing difficult circumstances.
This initiative aims to provide temporary housing for animals whose owners are experiencing emergencies, housing instability, or other challenging situations.
By offering safe accommodation for pets during crisis periods, LAPS hopes to prevent unnecessary surrenders and keep beloved animals with their families long-term. The program represents an important safety net for both pets and people during their most vulnerable moments.
Well Spring Event Brings Support for Fibromyalgia Sufferers
An upcoming '70s-themed fundraiser is set to provide vital support for people living with fibromyalgia in the Langley community.
The Well Spring event will raise funds for programs that assist individuals like Sarah Aragones who navigate the challenges of this often debilitating chronic condition.
Fibromyalgia, characterized by widespread pain and fatigue, remains misunderstood despite affecting thousands. The event organizers hope to not only generate financial support but also increase awareness about the realities faced by those living with invisible disabilities.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
BC Ferries Accessibility Failures Spark North Coast Outrage
Residents along BC's North Coast are expressing growing frustration with BC Ferries' ongoing accessibility failures that have persisted for more than two months.
Eric McNeely, president of the BC Ferry & Marine Workers' Union, has condemned the situation as "a clear human rights failure" that has left disabled passengers unable to access essential transportation services.
The accessibility issues have created significant barriers for those with mobility challenges and have effectively isolated vulnerable community members who rely on ferry services for medical appointments, family visits, and other essential travel. Despite repeated complaints, solutions have been slow to materialize.
Surrey Mayor and Firefighters Donate $10K in Paper to Struggling Schools
In response to resource shortages in local schools, Surrey's mayor and firefighters have teamed up to donate $10,000 worth of paper supplies to classrooms facing severe budget constraints.
The generous contribution comes just weeks after a concerned parent publicly exposed the lack of basic supplies like paper and paper towels in numerous Surrey schools.
This donation highlights the broader funding challenges within the education system that have left schools scrambling for essential materials. While the gift provides temporary relief, it also raises questions about sustainable solutions to ongoing resource gaps in public education.
Kelowna and Kamloops Top National Wildfire Risk Rankings for 2025
A new report has identified Kelowna and Kamloops as the Canadian cities facing the highest wildfire risk in 2025.
Kelowna's threat level has remained consistently elevated, with analysis showing no improvement in the city's vulnerability despite increased awareness and mitigation efforts in recent years.
The assessment considers factors including historical fire patterns, climate conditions, and surrounding vegetation to calculate risk levels. With climate change intensifying wildfire conditions across western Canada, communities are racing to improve preparedness for what could be another challenging fire season.
National Canadian News
Carney Meets Trump: "Canada Won't Be For Sale"
Prime Minister Mark Carney has completed his first meeting with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing that "Canada won't be for sale" amid escalating trade tensions and concerning rhetoric about Canadian sovereignty.
The diplomatic encounter marks the beginning of what Carney described as a reset in the increasingly strained relationship between the two nations.
When questioned about his previous comment that Canada might become the 51st state, Trump responded with an ambiguous "never say never," further stoking concerns about his administration's intentions toward its northern neighbor.
The meeting comes as Canadian officials work frantically to address punishing tariffs and protect crucial cross-border economic relationships.
Carney will brief Canada's premiers about the discussion during the first ministers' meeting scheduled for tomorrow, highlighting the federal government's efforts to coordinate a unified national response to the growing crisis.
BC MP Don Davies Selected as Interim NDP Leader
The federal NDP caucus has selected Don Davies, MP for Vancouver Kingsway, as their interim leader following the party's disappointing election results.
Davies, who has held his seat continuously since 2008, brings significant parliamentary experience to the role as the party regroups and prepares for its leadership contest.
The decision comes at a challenging moment for the New Democrats, who must now navigate their role in a Liberal minority government while addressing internal questions about their electoral strategy and policy platform. As interim leader, Davies will be tasked with maintaining the party's effectiveness in Parliament while setting the stage for renewal.
Andrew Scheer Returns as Interim Opposition Leader While Seatless Poilievre Regroups
Andrew Scheer will lead the Conservatives in Parliament this spring because Pierre Poilievre lost his seat despite the party winning 41% of the vote.
Poilievre plans to run in an Alberta byelection where MP Damien Kurek offered to resign.
Conservative caucus adopted the Reform Act but members continue supporting Poilievre's leadership despite the electoral defeat.
Canadian Pharmacist Exposed as Key Figure Behind Notorious Deepfake Porn Site
The world's most notorious deepfake porn website has been shut down after an investigation revealed its key operator is a Toronto-area hospital pharmacist with a respectable public image.
David Do, who makes $121,000 annually as an in-patient pharmacist, secretly ran MrDeepFakes.com which hosted tens of thousands of non-consensual AI-generated pornographic videos viewed over two billion times.
The site went offline permanently after journalists confronted Do about his double life, which was uncovered through digital forensics that linked his personal information to the site's administration.
Sports News
🏒 Canucks Coach Search: Could Adam Foote Be the Right Fit?
Adam Foote is emerging as an intriguing candidate to replace Rick Tocchet as the Vancouver Canucks' head coach, bringing a calm and constructive approach that could resonate with the current roster. His existing connections with the team and potential for a more modest contract make him an attractive option as management weighs various candidates for the position.
Former Canucks coach Marc Crawford once advised that when there's a parade, one should make sure to be at the front of the procession – wisdom that seems particularly relevant as the team considers its leadership options following a promising season. Foote's player-centered coaching philosophy and strong communication skills could provide the steady hand needed to guide the team's continued development.
⚽ Rise Edge Out Tides in Northern Super League Showdown
The Vancouver Rise secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Halifax Tides in a historic first-ever cross-coast battle in the Northern Super League. Defender Jasmyne Spencer proved to be the difference-maker, scoring the match's only goal in the 53rd minute at Swangard Stadium on Monday night.
With this result, the Rise improve their record to 2-1, with both victories coming at their home venue. The match showcased the growing quality and competitiveness of Canada's professional women's soccer league as both coastal powers demonstrated skill and tactical discipline throughout the contest.
🏒 NHL Draft Lottery: Five Prospects Canucks Could Target with 15th Pick
As the Vancouver Canucks prepare for the upcoming NHL Draft with the 15th overall selection, management faces critical decisions about whether to select a prospect or package the pick in a trade for established talent. The organization has historically made just one draft selection from this position, creating an opportunity to buck that trend with a shrewd selection from this year's promising talent pool.
The Canucks' most pressing need appears to be at center, where adding depth could address a position of concern for the team's immediate future. Whether through the draft or a subsequent trade, the 15th pick represents a valuable asset that could significantly impact the team's competitive trajectory in the coming seasons.
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