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Happy Friday, Langley!
It's been a relatively cool Friday morning in Langley, with temperatures rising later today to around 22°C, and this week's roundup brings some sobering investigations into local governance alongside promising developments in regional labour organizing.
The controversies keep piling up for Township Mayor Eric Woodward as broken charity promises continue to unravel under scrutiny, while Strong Towns Langley's analysis reveals the Township's funding strategy for major facilities has seemingly collapsed, potentially leaving taxpayers on the hook for hundreds of millions in debt.
On a brighter note, our local Vancouver FC made history by becoming the first CPL club to reach the Canadian Championship final, and workers across the region are standing up for fair wages and basic rights.
Local Langley News
Township Mayor Eric Woodward's $55M Charity Promise Under Investigation
Township of Langley Mayor Eric Woodward promised in 2018 to transfer $55 million in real estate to charity, but a new analysis claims that seven years later he has failed to follow through, while also ignoring government orders to open his foundation's books.
The developer-turned-politician created the Eric Woodward Foundation but never registered it as a charity, admitted to preparing no financial statements for six years, and transferred his properties to a for-profit corporation instead.
Despite selling nearly $10 million in real estate since 2023, Woodward refuses to say whether any proceeds went to charitable causes, raising serious questions about accountability and whether his charitable promises were simply election-year theatrics.
Former councillor Angie Quaale summed up community frustration: "What is going on? Where is all this money going?"
Analysis: Provincial Official Confirms Langley Township's ACC Strategy Cannot Pay Down Existing $400M+ Debt
An investigation by Strong Towns Langley has uncovered a devastating blow to the Township's facility funding strategy after a provincial official confirmed that the new Amenity Cost Charges (ACC) program cannot be used to pay down existing debt from already-financed projects.
Following a BC Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the Township's Community Amenity Contributions program, Strong Towns directly contacted the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, where Director Joshua Craig confirmed that "if a project has already received financing from borrowing then it is too late for it to be included in an ACC bylaw."
This means the Township's nearly $500 million in facilities like ice arenas and athletic parks lack a viable funding mechanism, potentially leaving taxpayers responsible for the debt.
The grassroots advocacy group's analysis reveals that while expensive facilities have been preserved in the proposed ACC bylaw, crucial initiatives like affordable housing and climate action reserves have been quietly eliminated.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
South Surrey-White Rock MP Takes Principled Stand Against Hate Speech Tribute
South Surrey-White Rock Liberal MP Ernie Klassen refused to join a standing ovation for slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, citing concerns about platforming hate speech disguised as free speech advocacy.
While Klassen condemned political violence, he argued that opposing assassination shouldn't require abandoning principles against discrimination and hateful rhetoric.
The MP's position has sparked significant community discussion, with constituents responding 20-to-1 in support of his decision to remain seated during what was billed by Conservatives as a freedom of speech tribute but was met with public outcry due to the late Kirk's many blatantly hateful messages.
Rogers Technicians in Abbotsford Launch Video Campaign for Pay Equity
United Steelworkers Local 1944 has released a new video highlighting the pay disparity faced by Abbotsford Rogers technicians, who earn less than colleagues performing identical work in Vancouver and Langley.
Union President Michael Phillips emphasizes that workers are simply demanding "equal pay for equal work" from the multi-billion-dollar telecommunications giant, which has no justification for geographic wage discrimination within the same region.
The campaign portrays technicians who have been "bullied, ignored and forced into striking" after exhausting other avenues to address the inequality.
Local MPs Brad Vis and Sukhman Gill have shown solidarity by joining workers on the picket line, underscoring the community support (even from conservativate politicians who belong to traditionally anit-labour parties) for this basic labour rights issue.
Abbotsford Police Shooting Ruled Justified
The Independent Investigations Office has concluded that Abbotsford police were justified in a 2023 fatal shooting incident.
The IIO investigation focused on an encounter involving a man who was reportedly suffering from drug-induced psychosis at the time.
After a thorough review of the circumstances, investigators determined that the officers' actions were appropriate given the threat posed and the rapidly evolving nature of the dangerous situation.
Historic Transit Strike Finally Ends on Vancouver Island
After nearly eight months of disruption, workers in the Cowichan Valley have voted to end what became the longest transit strike in British Columbia's history.
Union members accepted a mediator's recommendations by an overwhelming 92% margin, bringing relief to commuters who have been without public transit service since the strike began.
The dispute centered on wages, working conditions, and service levels, affecting thousands of residents who rely on public transportation for daily commuting.
National Canadian News
First Nations Chief Raises Concerns About Mining Merger
A First Nations leader in southern British Columbia is voicing concerns about the proposed Teck-Anglo American merger and its potential impact on Indigenous communities.
The chief warns that the massive mining deal could affect traditional territories and resource-sharing agreements without adequate consultation with affected First Nations.
The concerns highlight ongoing tensions between resource extraction companies and Indigenous communities over land rights, environmental protection, and meaningful participation in decisions affecting their territories.
Canada-Mexico Trade Partnership Deepens
Canada and Mexico have signed a comprehensive agreement to strengthen economic ties and build critical infrastructure partnerships.
The pact focuses on developing ports, rail networks, and energy corridors while addressing shared challenges including crime and environmental protection.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum formalized the agreement during high-level talks, marking a significant step in bilateral relations as both countries seek to diversify their trade relationships and reduce economic dependencies.
Sports News
Vancouver FC Makes History, Reaches Canadian Championship Final
The Langley-based Vancouver FC became the first Canadian Premier League club ever to reach a TELUS Canadian Championship final, defeating Atlético Ottawa 3-2 on aggregate despite losing Thursday's second leg 1-0.
After withstanding relentless pressure from Ottawa, who dominated possession but struggled to break down Vancouver's defensive structure, the Eagles held onto their first-leg advantage to secure a historic victory.
Vancouver FC will now face MLS rivals Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place on October 1st, guaranteeing the Voyageurs' Cup stays in British Columbia.
The remarkable achievement caps an extraordinary cup run for a club that had never won a single Canadian Championship round before this season.
Note: Due to technical issues with our systems, there is no listing of weekend events today. Many apologies - the issue is being worked on, but likely won't be resolved today (hence the no events).
Please consider supporting the journalists risking their lives to document genocide by donating to the Gaza Journalist Fund. Every dollar helps cover evacuation costs, shelter, and basic survival needs for those bearing witness to history.
When we fund their survival, we preserve the truth and ensure these critical voices aren't silenced by displacement and deprivation.
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