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Good morning, Langley!
With partly cloudy skies and temperatures reaching 18°C today, it's a perfect September day to catch up on the stories shaping our community and beyond.
Today's r0undup covers significant local developments, from a Langley athlete finding new purpose after a cancer diagnosis derailed his police career to the record-breaking Aldergrove Cruise-in that drew massive crowds without incident.
We're also highlighting this weekend's fourth annual stɑl'əw̓ Pow Wow at Langley Events Centre and Options Community Services' upcoming elegant high tea fundraiser.
On the regional front, we examine Vancouver's new dedicated Downtown Eastside policing district and the concerning emergence of the far-right OneBC party in Abbotsford. Nationally, we dive deep into Air Canada flight attendants' overwhelming rejection of poverty wages that wouldn't even cover rent in major cities, plus environmental news from the Innu Nation's bold river protection declaration.
Whether you're planning to attend today's drop-in activities at local libraries or keeping tabs on the 55+ B.C. Games in Nanaimo, we've got the stories that matter to working families in Langley and the Fraser Valley.
Local Langley News
Local Athlete Finds New Purpose After Cancer Diagnosis Derails Police Career
A Langley athlete has found new meaning in the Terry Fox Run after his own cancer diagnosis changed his life trajectory completely.
The diagnosis forced him to abandon his plans to become a police officer, but he's discovered a passion for teaching instead.
His personal experience with the disease has given him a deeper understanding of Terry Fox's mission and the importance of cancer research funding.
The annual run now represents more than just a community event for him – it's become a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of life-altering challenges.
Aldergrove Cruise-in Draws Record Crowds Without a Hitch
The biggest Langley Good Times Cruise-in on record rolled through downtown Aldergrove with impressive success and zero major incidents.
Organizers were thrilled with the record turnout that filled the streets with classic cars, hot rods, and vintage vehicles. The event showcased the strong automotive community in the Fraser Valley while bringing together families and car enthusiasts for a day of nostalgia. Despite the larger crowds than ever before, the event maintained its friendly, community-focused atmosphere that has made it a local favorite.
Fourth Annual stɑl'əw̓ Pow Wow Returns to Langley Events Centre
Metro Vancouver's largest Indigenous celebration brings three days of traditional drumming, singing, and dancing to Langley this weekend.
The fourth annual stɑl'əw̓ Pow Wow at Langley Events Centre from September 12-14 represents a significant cultural milestone, with the number four holding deep spiritual meaning for Indigenous communities.
This women-led celebration will honor residential school survivors and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women with special ceremonies, while showcasing traditional regalia, foods, and artistic traditions from the four host First Nations.
Tickets are $10 per day or $20 for the weekend, with Juno winner Fawn Wood headlining Saturday evening's performances.
Options Community Services Plans Elegant High Tea Fundraiser
An October fundraiser promises to blend sophistication with purpose as Options Community Services hosts a high tea featuring local fashion designers.
The event will showcase local designers while raising funds for new supportive family housing initiatives in the community. Guests can expect live entertainment, a live auction with unique items, and an elegant afternoon tea service. The fundraiser represents Options' commitment to providing essential housing support while engaging the community in creative and enjoyable ways.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Vancouver Establishes Dedicated Downtown Eastside Policing District
Vancouver is creating a new dedicated policing district for the Downtown Eastside following the success of the temporary Task Force Barrage initiative.
The task force's six-month deployment showed measurable crime reduction in the neighborhood, leading officials to make the enhanced policing presence permanent.
The new district will have its own management structure and dedicated beat officers focused specifically on the unique challenges of the area.
Mayor Ken Sim and VPD officials say the approach represents a long-term commitment to addressing public safety concerns while working with community services and health organizations.
Far-Right OneBC Party, Rooted in Residential School Denialism, Holding Inaugural Gathering in Abbotsford
Dallas Brodie's fringe OneBC party will hold its inaugural gathering in Abbotsford on September 13, representing a dangerous descent into historical revisionism that has no place in British Columbia politics.
Brodie was rightfully expelled from the BC Conservative caucus after promoting harmful conspiracy theories that deny the documented evidence of Indigenous children's unmarked graves at residential school sites across Canada.
Her formation of OneBC with fellow Conservative rejects signals an alarming attempt to legitimize residential school denialism and Indigenous genocide denial within BC's political discourse.
The party's rhetoric about "betrayal" by mainstream conservatives reveals their frustration that even the Conservative Party of BC recognized their views as beyond acceptable political boundaries, making OneBC a haven for those who traffic in dangerous historical revisionism that actively harms Indigenous communities and undermines truth and reconciliation.
National Canadian News
Air Canada Flight Attendants Overwhelmingly Reject Corporate Wage Suppression Deal
CUPE flight attendants delivered a resounding message to Air Canada's exploitative management by rejecting their insulting contract offer with a 99 percent "no" vote.
The proposed deal would have kept full-time flight attendants' wages below the federal minimum, with Air Canada Rouge workers earning just $2,219 monthly and mainline attendants making $2,522 -per month despite performing safety-critical work.
For context, here are the median costs of rent for 2-bedroom apartments in Air Canada's hub cities:
Montreal
| Worker Classification | Average Cost of Rent | Percentage Spent on Rent | Remaining Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada Rouge ($2,219 income) | $2,195 | 98.9% | $24 |
| Mainline Air Canada ($2,522 income) | $2,195 | 87% | $327 |
Toronto
| Worker Classification | Average Cost of Rent | Percentage Spent on Rent | Remaining Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada Rouge ($2,219 income) | $2,800 | 126.2% | -$581 |
| Mainline Air Canada ($2,522 income) | $2,800 | 111% | -$278 |
Vancouver
| Worker Classification | Average Cost of Rent | Percentage Spent on Rent | Remaining Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada Rouge ($2,219 income) | $3,490 | 157.3% | -$1,271 |
| Mainline Air Canada ($2,522 income) | $3,490 | 138.4% | -$968 |
Air Canada's strategy of relying on government intervention to crush workers' strike leverage was exposed when Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu waited only 11 hours to order workers back, proving that corporate Canada can count on Liberal politicians to suppress working-class power.
While CUPE secured partial pay for previously unpaid ground work, this rejection shows flight attendants refuse to accept poverty wages from a profitable airline that enriches executives while forcing workers to subsidize corporate profits with unpaid labor.
Innu Nation Declares Entire Moisie River as Protected Area
The Innu Council of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam has established the entire Moisie River system as a protected area on Chief Jonathan Shetush's 100th day in office.
This declaration represents a significant assertion of Indigenous sovereignty and environmental stewardship over traditional territories. The protection covers the entire watershed, which has cultural and spiritual significance for the Innu people and supports important wildlife populations.
The move highlights the growing trend of Indigenous nations taking direct action to protect their ancestral lands and waters, often going beyond what provincial or federal governments have been willing to commit to in terms of conservation.
Carney Government Stays Vague on 2030 Climate Commitments
Prime Minister Mark Carney declined to provide a clear commitment on whether Canada will meet its 2030 climate goals during a recent public appearance.
The non-committal response raises questions about Canada's progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030.
Environmental groups have long criticized the government for setting ambitious targets without matching them with sufficient action or policy changes.
Carney's hesitation suggests the government may be acknowledging privately that the current trajectory won't achieve the stated goals, though officials continue to emphasize ongoing climate initiatives and investments in clean technology.
Sports News
🏒 BCHL Showcase Returns to Fraser Valley Ice Rinks
The British Columbia Hockey League Showcase is making its return to the Fraser Valley with Abbotsford and Chilliwack hosting the premier junior hockey event.
Abbotsford will host four of the five days during the 2025 showcase, giving local hockey fans extensive access to top-level junior talent. The event serves as a critical scouting opportunity for college recruiters and professional scouts looking at the next generation of hockey players.
Teams from across the BCHL will compete in the tournament format, showcasing the league's depth and the development of players who often go on to NCAA Division I programs and professional hockey careers.
🏃♀️ B.C. Games Welcome 55+ Athletes to Nanaimo Competition
The 55+ B.C. Games are set to begin this week in Nanaimo with opening ceremonies scheduled for September 10.
Sports and games competitions will run from September 10-13, bringing together older athletes from across British Columbia for friendly competition. The games celebrate active aging and provide opportunities for seniors to compete in various sports and recreational activities.
Participants will compete in events ranging from traditional sports to games specifically designed for older adults, emphasizing participation, fitness, and social connection over purely competitive outcomes.
Events Happening Today
Close Knit (Drop-In)
- Time: 2:00 to 5:00pm
- Location: City of Langley Library
- Description: Join knitters, crocheters, and yarn enthusiasts of all ages and abilities for our warm, welcoming drop-in group. Children and beginners are welcome. Yarn crafts are fun, relaxing, and a great way to connect across the generations.
The group offers opportunities to donate completed projects to local organizations in need.
Build with Magformers (Drop-In)
- Time: 3:30 to 4:30pm
- Location: City of Langley Library
- Description: Calling all engineers! Join us after school to build cool things with magnetic Magformers. Use the power of science to build whatever you can imagine!
Program best suited for children ages 5+. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
LEGO® & KEVA Club (Drop-In)
- Time: 3:30 to 4:30pm
- Location: Aldergrove Library
- Description: Love LEGO® and KEVA? We provide the LEGO® and KEVA Planks, you bring your imagination. Come play, create, and experiment!
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