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Good morning, Langley!
Today's noticeably chillier weather brings partly cloudy skies with a high of 12°C and a chance of showers later this evening, making it a perfect day to go out for a walk and appreciate the beautiful fall colours!
This morning's roundup features everything from earthquake preparedness drills to political controversy, plus opportunities to enjoy Halloween festivities and celebrate local hockey talent.
We're also diving into critical issues affecting Canadians nationwide, from the housing debt crisis to healthcare workforce challenges and youth mental health concerns.
Get Ready to Duck and Cover - Earthquake Drill Today at 10:16am
Thousands of Langley residents, students, and workers are expected to participate in the annual ShakeOut BC earthquake drill scheduled for this morning.
The province-wide exercise is designed to help British Columbians practice the essential "drop, cover, and hold" response that could save lives during a real earthquake.
Given that B.C. sits in an active seismic zone, this annual drill serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness. Participants will practice dropping to hands and knees, taking cover under sturdy furniture or against interior walls, and holding on until the shaking stops.
The drill represents just one part of a broader earthquake preparedness strategy that residents should embrace year-round.
Rich Coleman denies wrongdoing, says lawsuit aims to damage reputation ahead of next election
Former Langley MLA and cabinet minister Rich Coleman denies involvement with videos accusing Mayor Eric Woodward of a corrupt fire truck deal.
Coleman's lawyers argue the lawsuit is retaliation for his 2022 mayoral run.
They claim he severed ties with the Langley Township Watch Facebook group before the controversial videos appeared and that any concerns raised were matters of legitimate public interest.
The defamation suit also names several other defendants, including Councillor Kim Richter and political operative Micah Haince, though Coleman is the only defendant so far to file a formal court response.
Halloween in the Township offers free movies and affordable seasonal activities
The Township is hosting a free double-feature movie night on Friday, October 24 at McLeod Athletic Park, with Hotel Transylvania at 6pm (includes pumpkin painting at 5pm) and Hocus Pocus at 8pm.
Registration is required for each movie separately due to limited capacity in the covered sports box.
From October 25 to 31, residents can enjoy low-cost Halloween activities at recreation and arts facilities, including a Halloween Hockey Bash with the Langley Rivermen featuring a public skate, games, and an evening hockey game at 7:15pm.
Events at a glance:
- October 24: Spooky Movie Night at McLeod Athletic Park (free, registration required)
- October 25-31: Halloween activities at recreation facilities (low-cost, most require registration)
- Halloween Hockey Bash with Langley Rivermen (date within Oct 25-31 range, includes public skate and 7:15pm game)
Langley City Film Festival showcases BC filmmakers this Saturday
The Langley City Film Festival takes place Saturday, October 18 from 11am to 3pm at the Langley Community Music School, featuring 18 short films by BC filmmakers under the theme "The Emotion of Sound + The Natural Environment."
The event includes an awards presentation and panel discussion following the screenings, with tickets priced at $15 for adults and $5 for those 18 and under.
With rain in the forecast, it's an ideal indoor activity for a Saturday afternoon.
Hockey Excellence: Local Giant Heading to Team Canada
Vancouver Giants forward Blake Chorney from Nipawin, Saskatchewan has earned a coveted spot on Hockey Canada's Team Red roster for the 2025 U17 World Challenge.
The tournament, set for November 2-8 in Truro, Nova Scotia, represents a significant milestone in the young player's hockey career and his first opportunity to represent Canada internationally.
Chorney has been one of the standout performers for the Giants this season, contributing three goals and two assists in nine games, with all three goals coming in his last five outings. His selection recognizes both his individual skill development and his potential to contribute at the highest levels of junior hockey.
The U17 World Challenge serves as an important stepping stone for players aspiring to represent Canada at higher levels, including the World Junior Championship.
Surrey vs. Vancouver: Battle for South Asian Canadian Museum
Two of B.C.'s largest cities are locked in a competitive bid to host a new museum celebrating the rich history and contributions of South Asian Canadians.
An engagement report indicated that Surrey was the most frequently suggested location for the proposed museum, reflecting the city's large and vibrant South Asian community. However, Vancouver is making its own compelling pitch, arguing that its status as the province's largest city and major tourist destination would provide greater visibility and accessibility for the museum. The museum would serve as an important cultural institution, preserving and sharing the stories of South Asian immigration, settlement, and community building in British Columbia.
Both cities have strong arguments for hosting the facility, making this a genuinely competitive process that will ultimately benefit the entire South Asian Canadian community.
Health Ministers Gather in Calgary for Critical Talks
Federal, provincial, and territorial health ministers are convening in Calgary for two crucial days of meetings focused on healthcare funding and workforce challenges.
A key item on the agenda is interprovincial credential recognition, which could help address Canada's ongoing healthcare worker shortage by making it easier for qualified professionals to work across provincial boundaries. The meetings come at a time when healthcare systems across the country are under tremendous pressure from staffing shortages, increased demand, and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ministers will be discussing strategies to improve healthcare delivery, expand access to services, and ensure sustainable funding for the future.
The outcomes of these discussions could have significant impacts on healthcare access and quality for Canadians from coast to coast.
Canadians trapped in three-year 'people's recession' as debt payments devour economic growth
While economists project modest GDP growth and celebrate Canada's economic resilience, Canadians are experiencing a hidden crisis.
Rising interest payments on household debt have outpaced economic growth since 2022, creating what experts call "debt deflation."
Last year's $40 billion in economic growth was eclipsed by a $64 billion increase in interest payments. This means the real economy of production and consumption is shrinking even as official indicators suggest prosperity.
Canada's household debt sits at 150 percent of GDP, well above the 80-100 percent threshold that international financial institutions identify as harmful. Banks and landlords drive 35 percent of GDP growth through real estate speculation rather than productive investment.
This disconnect explains why 30 percent of Canadians are cutting back on essentials and lining up at food banks despite politicians insisting the economy is fundamentally sound.
B.C. Tackles Youth Suicide Crisis Head-On
A comprehensive review panel has delivered sobering findings about youth suicide in British Columbia, revealing that rates have remained unchanged despite ongoing efforts to address this critical public health issue.
The panel examined suicide deaths among young people between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, a period that encompassed both pre-pandemic conditions and the challenging "trying times" of COVID-19 and its aftermath.
The unchanged rates suggest that current prevention strategies may need to be re-evaluated and enhanced to better serve young people facing mental health challenges.
The report calls for more comprehensive approaches to youth mental health support, including better access to services, improved early intervention programs, and enhanced support systems in schools and communities.
The findings underscore the urgent need for continued investment in youth mental health resources and innovative approaches to suicide prevention across the province.
B.C. Modernizes Consumer Protection Laws
British Columbia is taking significant steps to strengthen consumer protection with new legislation aimed at bringing the province up to par with the stronger protections already available in Quebec and Ontario.
The new bill represents a comprehensive modernization of consumer protection laws that haven't kept pace with evolving business practices and digital commerce challenges.
Consumers in B.C. have long faced weaker protections compared to their counterparts in central Canada, particularly when dealing with issues like credit card fraud, online purchases, and unfair business practices.
The updated legislation is expected to provide clearer rights for consumers, better dispute resolution mechanisms, and stronger penalties for businesses that engage in deceptive or harmful practices.
This modernization effort reflects the government's recognition that consumer protection is essential for maintaining public confidence in the marketplace and ensuring fair treatment for all British Columbians.
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