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Global News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
Meet the 10-year-old B.C. opera singer taking the arts world by storm
Jake Apricity Hetherington is only 10 years old, but there's nothing little about her voice — or her ambitions. The young, classically trained singer is taking the performing arts world by storm and has already stacked up an impressive resume. That includes singing the national anthem to kick off Vancouver Canadians and Vancouver Whitecaps games earlier this year. 'I don't have stage fright, I never have, and I like performing in front of crowds, so I wasn't really that nervous, but I was a bit just because I had never performed for that many people,' she said of her anthem performance in front of a crowd of 20,000 at BC Place last month. 'I felt happy, overwhelmed, so nervous. I felt like every emotion at the exact same time.' 2:06 Global BC Arts & Culture Scene: 65 years of Vancouver Opera Despite her young age, Hetherington already has plenty of experience: her debut performance came in a production at her grandmother's church at just two years old, when she played a shepherd. Story continues below advertisement Her mother, Melissa Mercier, told Global News her daughter started singing before she even started talking. 'She announced to mom and dad that she was going to be an opera singer at three years old, which we didn't quite take seriously at first, but she started singing it, so we got her a vocal coach,' she said. 'And she never stopped being interested. She's never stopped loving it. And she loves it even more than before. And now she's learning German and Italian. Sure, why not?' Mercier said there are plenty of singers on Hetherington's paternal side of the family, and that performance might just be in her DNA. But she said it's her daughter's work ethic, being willing to 'do whatever it takes,' that has underpinned her successes. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy At age seven, Hetherington handled her first lead role in an operatic performance of Amahl and the Night. Opera, Hetherington said, is an experience like no other. 'It's just the feeling that it gives me, it just feels so inspirational and so beautiful to me because you only have one shot and there's no microphone so you have to sing your entire heart out and I think that feeling is just one of the best feelings in the world,' she said. Story continues below advertisement Mercier said it was this production that made it clear her daughter was a true performer. 2:16 This is BC: Vancouver woman uses latest technology to create opera 'I guess I was nervous because we didn't know. Can she? Can she not? We knew she could sing, but that's different to be on stage for 95 minutes. And she just nailed it. And I think since that moment, nervousness went away. I'm not nervous. I know she's got this.' Hetherington recently made history as the youngest performer to ever star in the titular role of The Little Prince with the Pacific Opera Victoria. When the show premiered, she was only nine years old. 'It makes me feel really proud that I actually accomplished that, and it makes me feel a bit overwhelmed. Like, at first, when I realized that, I was like, 'Oh my God, I did that!'' Story continues below advertisement 'I learned that (being) in a gigantic role is really hard, but also not that hard at the same time. It was kind of just the perfect mix, so I learned that even if it seems like the biggest thing in the entire world, sometimes if you just really focus on it, it's not that big.' On top of the singing, Hetherington has also landed screen credits with a recurring role in the Netflix series Virgin River. While Hetherington's exploits on stage might set her apart from other kids her age, offstage, she's a lot like other B.C. girls her age. She enjoys having sleepovers with her friends, fashion and working on art and science projects. 'Like the ones where you mix a bunch of things and it foams,' she said. 'I love those things. I love foam, that's one of my favourite things in the world.' 1:07 Inaugural Opera in the Park at Burnaby's Deer Lake The little singer has big plans for the future. Story continues below advertisement When she's old enough, she hopes to play the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute. The queen's aria, she said, is what inspired her as a three-year-old to want to become an opera singer. 'I was like, 'Mom, Dad, I'm going to be an opera singer. I have to do this.' And I haven't changed my mind. I'm not going to.' She also has advice for other young artists who might be hesitant about getting up onstage. 'If they have stage fright, it's always better to try and maybe not do that good,' she said. 'It's better to just try and see that, 'Oh, maybe this isn't right for me,' instead of not trying and then missing out on a super great opportunity, whether you're scared or not, and whether it seems like a gigantic thing or not.'
Cision Canada
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Announcing the 2025 Bruce Hutchison Lifetime Achievement, Bill Good & Shelley Fralic Award Recipients
Jack Webster Foundation presents 2025 Lifetime Achievement, Good & Fralic Award Recipients Post this There are few constants in public life. But for more than four decades, British Columbians have turned to Keith Baldrey for something rare and essential: a clear, principled, and steady voice guiding us through the shifting landscape of provincial politics. Keith started his career in 1982, moved to the Vancouver Sun in 1984, and in 1995 went on to what is now known as Global BC. He's also been a CKNW commentator and Glacier media columnist. Over the course of his 40 years of political coverage, Keith has reported on 11 premiers and ten provincial elections. During the COVID pandemic, Keith covered every one of Dr. Bonnie Henry's 250 news conferences, winning the B.C. Association of Broadcasters' Performer of the Year for his coverage of the pandemic. Keith has evolved with the times. He was one of the first journalists in the province to embrace the reality of social media and Twitter, becoming one of the first reporters in the province to compile over 75-thousand followers. He's also become a political ambassador. Through countless public tours of the Legislature, Keith has shared his knowledge of B.C.'s political history and deepened public understanding of the functions and decision-making processes of government. Equally important, he has invested in the future of journalism through his generous mentorship of young reporters. As Janet Austin, former Lieutenant Governor of B.C. notes, "His principled approach has earned him something few in the public eye achieve—that is, cross-partisan respect. Politicians may not always agree with his analysis, but they trust that it comes from a place of integrity. . .. To call Keith Baldrey an icon is not hyperbole. It is simply an acknowledgment of what he has become: a trusted and enduring presence in British Columbia's public life." Over a diverse, 25-year span, Sean has dedicated his career to serving the public interest through journalism. He's an award-winning investigative journalist, documentary filmmaker, and most recently, an inspiring journalism professor helping to launch the careers of hundreds of students. Currently at the University of Victoria, he is the director of the Climate Disaster Project, tackling what many consider to be the defining problem of our times. The project involves students from post-secondary institutions around the world. Journalism students are documenting firsthand accounts of people who have survived climate disasters, drawing attention to the human cost of climate change and investigating the problems and solutions survivors identify. When the Climate Disaster Project won a National Newspapers Award in 2023, judges applauded the trauma-informed approach to journalism, as well as the structure of the project and its many partnerships. They said it was a model of cooperation that can be replicated in other newsrooms as they shrink. Previously, Sean was best known as the founder of the online news service Public Eye, an investigative journalism site that regularly exposed political and financial scandals in B.C. He filed mountains of Freedom of Information requests and closely examined government contracts to sniff out anything fishy. Holman's investigative reporting resulted in the departures of eight officials, as well as major policy and legislative changes, including securing additional funds for B.C. wildfire preparation and contributing to the reform of the B.C. Lobbyists Registration Act. He also played an advocacy role while vice-president for the Canadian Association of Journalists, leading a national campaign to promote freedom of information and to raise awareness about government secrecy in Canada. Laura's career in B.C. journalism is a masterclass in leadership of people, ideas and new forms of storytelling. Laura began her journalistic career at the CBC 34 years ago. She rose through the ranks and led the Early Edition before becoming Executive Producer of Current Affairs at CBC in B.C. Along the way, she had an enormous influence on inclusive programming and on the careers of young journalists. Since she left her career as a senior news executive at CBC, Laura has pioneered victim-centred and trauma-informed reporting with her podcast Island Crime. The series is now in its seventh season and consistently highly rated among crime podcasts in Canada. Laura has re-ignited the dormant Michael Dunahee and Lisa Marie Young cases, and she has provided hope and comfort to the families of missing and murdered people on Vancouver Island. Reference letters from the Nanaimo mayor and a victim's advocate attest to her strong relationships with communities on Vancouver Island and to her dogged pursuit of stories focused on social justice – in the true spirit of Shelley Fralic. Laura's approach to journalism resonates with small towns, rural communities and working people. She doesn't seek podiums or accolades. She just quietly does excellent work, without leaving a trail of harm behind her. Find out more and see/hear from this year's recipients at the 2025 Webster Awards gala awards dinner and evening on Monday, November 3rd, at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. Tickets will go on sale later this summer. This year's Webster Awards are made possible by Presenting Sponsors: BCGEU, BCIT, Beedie, Concord Pacific, FortisBC, Global Container Terminals Inc., Langara, Resource Works, Uber, Urban Development Institute, Pacific Region and West Coast Reduction; Supporting Sponsors: Angus Reid, Falkirk Environmental Consultants, Goodman Commercial Inc., Ledcor, Jim Pattison Group, Port of Vancouver, RBC, RedFM, Seaspan, YVR, and ZLC Financial. Webster Award partners are Oh Boy Productions, Glacier Media, and the Vancouver Sun and Province. Cision is the exclusive distribution partner of the Jack Webster Foundation. The Jack Webster Foundation was established in 1986, upon the retirement of its namesake, who was Western Canada's best-known and most influential reporter, in order to foster and celebrate excellence in journalism, protect the public interest for British Columbians, and create a community where trusted outstanding journalism thrives.
Global News
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
Celebrate Canada Day 2025 at Global BC sponsored events
Celebrate Canada Day with a number of events happening in the Lower Mainland! Canada Together at Canada Place Canada Day Drumming Together at Canada Place Surrey Canada Day Salmon Day Festival in Richmond Abbotsford Canada Day Canada Day at Canada Place View image in full screen Join the festivities on Canada Day at Canada Place!. Global News Global BC is a proud partner of this year's Canada Together celebration on July 1, featuring a full day of festivities, multiple activity zones, food trucks, a diverse lineup of performances, including headliner Dear Rouge and more! Story continues below advertisement For more information, check out Surrey Canada Day View image in full screen Surrey Canada Day is BACK and bigger than ever on July 1 at Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.!. Get ready for an unforgettable day of Canadian pride, packed with live music, cultural showcases, and family fun. Headlining this year's massive celebration are none other than The Reklaws, Goldie Boutilier, and Garret T. Willie—lighting up the main stage with Canadian talent you won't want to miss! Story continues below advertisement Global BC is a proud sponsor of the event. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Welcome | Surrey Canada Day Salmon Day Festival in Richmond View image in full screen Come out this July 1 for the Steveston Salmon Festival!. Get ready for a full day of fun starting with a show-stopping parade, the captivating Japanese cultural show, and interactive games and activities for the little ones. You also can't miss out on iconic eats like the salmon bake and chow mein, as well as a variety of food trucks serving up global-inspired dishes. Sing and dance along to live music from 10+ local musicians, including an energetic headliner performance from the Ten Souljers. Story continues below advertisement Admission is free. For more information, visit: Global BC is a proud sponsor of the Steveston Salmon Festival. Abbotsford Canada Day View image in full screen Celebrate Canada Day in Abbotsford on Tuesday, July 1, 2025!. The day kicks off with the 'Lights, Camera, Canada Day!' Parade along South Fraser Way, then continues at Exhibition Park with a fun-filled Family Festival featuring interactive zones, local showcases, food trucks, a handmade marketplace, and live entertainment. The festivities wrap up with a dazzling fireworks finale (weather permitting) presented by Fraser Valley Auto Mall! Story continues below advertisement Global BC is a proud sponsor. Location: Abbotsford Exhibition Park
Global News
05-06-2025
- Climate
- Global News
First blast of summer heat headed for southern B.C.
Southern British Columbia is bracing for its first serious bout of hot weather of the season. Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for most of southern B.C., stretching from southern and eastern Vancouver Island through to Revelstoke, the Okanagan Valley and Grand Forks. 'A ridge of high pressure is bringing high temperatures to the region. Daytime highs are expected to be in the high 20s to low 30s with overnight lows in the low- to mid-teens,' on the South Coast, the weather and climate agency warned. 4:16 Children's summer safety The high temperatures are forecast to persist into next week, with the latest forecasts showing the heat peaking on Sunday and Monday. Story continues below advertisement 'This will be the first prolonged heat event of the year,' Global BC senior meteorologist Kristi Gordon said. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Temperatures will be five to 10 degrees above average across the South Coast for six days, through Tuesday. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, many areas away from the water in Metro Vancouver and through the Fraser Valley will be approaching 30 C.' Gordon said the Southern Interior will also see hot weather through next Wednesday, with daytime highs int eh 29 C to 35 C range. That's about seven to 12 degrees above the seasonal average. While the temperatures won't come close to the deadly peaks British Columbia has seen in serious heat events like the 2021 Heat Dome, Environment Canada said they can still be dangerous. 'Early season heat can be significant due to the lack of acclimatization to elevated temperatures,' the agency warned. 'Keep your house cool. Block the sun by closing curtains or blinds. Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions.' Gordon said the coming hot weather isn't expected to be extremely dangerous, but it is a good time to begin thinking about ways to prepare for more extreme heat that's expected later in the summer. Story continues below advertisement You can find out more about heat-related illnesses and risks to vulnerable groups here.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
News Anchor Remembers How Joyous Attendees Were Before Vancouver Attack That Killed 11: 'Shattered by this Horrific, Horrific Act'
A news anchor who helped to emcee the Vancouver festival where 11 people were killed over the weekend remembers how joyous the attendees were before tragedy struck. "An event that was not innocent, but peaceful and fun, loving and unifying was just shattered by this horrific, horrific act," Jason Pires, Global BC anchor, tells PEOPLE. On Saturday, April 26, a man drove an SUV at high speed into a crowd of people celebrating the Lapu Lapu Day festival. Eleven people, ages 5 to 65, were killed, and more than two dozen others were injured, Vancouver police said on social media. The event — honoring Lapu Lapu Day, a Filipino holiday, per NPR — was attended by "up to 100,000 people," according to the BBC. Pires, 51, says the day started off as a family-friendly celebration filled with laughter, food and great weather. He left for a birthday party before the attack took place, but returned to the festival grounds when he heard what happened. 'It's really gut wrenching to come back to the scene and see the aftermath and talk to survivors and family,' he tells PEOPLE, adding that because of his connection to the Filipino community, 'it's obviously deeply personal.' (Pires is half-Filipino.) Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Though a motive for the attack remains unclear, police do not believe the violence was an act of terror. Pires says that despite the tragedy, Filipino pride is what's allowing everyone to push through and come together. 'That sense of unity is growing,' he tells PEOPLE. 'We got to get through this and we won't be deterred by this random act of violence.' Police said the suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was arrested at the scene after bystanders detained him. Related: 5-Year-Old Girl Among Victims of Vancouver Car Attack That Killed 11 as Suspect Is Named and Charged with Murder: Police He has since been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder and authorities said further charges are anticipated. It's unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Rai said at a press conference on April 27 that Lo was "known to police" and had "a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals, related to mental health." Read the original article on People
