Latest news with #Tofino
CTV News
16-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
B.C. tsunami risk ‘being evaluated' after earthquake near Alaska
A tsunami hazard sign is seen in Tofino, B.C., in this undated file photo. The potential tsunami risk to B.C. is being evaluated after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake rattled off the coast of Alaska Wednesday, according to officials. EmergencyInfoBC posted to social media just before 2 p.m. telling people to 'stand by for B.C.-specific info.' A tsunami warning is in effect for portions of Alaska. The quake was located roughly 80 kilometres south of Sandspit, measured at a depth of approximately 35 kilometres, according to U.S. officials. This is a developing story more to come.
National Post
13-07-2025
- Health
- National Post
Letters — On boycotting the U.S.: 'It's about us, not about them'
Article content Before inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7, Carney could have asked Trudeau to conduct a ceremonial cremation of the costumes he and his family wore in India in 2018. He could then have formally apologized to Canadians and Indians past, present and future for his silliness and invited Carney to set things straight with Modi. Article content Come September this year, Trudeau could also apologize for having taken off to Tofino in 2021 for the first Truth and Reconciliation Day. He could also introduce legislation to repeal the EV targets just before Carney announces Canada's new policies respecting automobile manufacturing. The list of blunders is long so Minister Trudeau would provide a constant reminder to Prime Minister Carney to avoid doing things that later he would have to undo as the next Minister of Contrition, Apology and Undoing. But there must be one important restriction on Minister Trudeau's activities: he should be forbidden from apologizing for deeds other than his own. Article content As a physician who worked throughout the pandemic, I am appalled when doctors and/or nurses voice anti-vaccine statements as fact. Nurse Amy Hamm writes, 'Henry clung to her illiberal and unnecessary vaccine mandate for health-care workers long after it was obvious that the vaccine was not stopping the spread of the virus.' Drs. Theresa Tam and Bonnie Henry tried their best when we did not yet have all the facts about COVID-19, and in return they received death threats. What is true is that COVID vaccines and their mandate for health-care workers saved lives and reduced suffering. Article content Dr. Robert D. Wagman, Toronto Article content Article content Amy Hamm takes issue with the appointments of Theresa Tam and Bonnie Henry to the Order of Canada because of the 'repeat controversies and scandals that plagued both public-health officers.' Indeed, there was controversy over their orders of vaccine mandates, limitations of gatherings and closure of schools and businesses, many of which had harmful consequences. They are far from perfect. Article content Article content But to claim these actions were politically motivated or a conflict of interest without supporting evidence is as irresponsible as the alleged motivations of Drs. Tam and Henry. Do Drs. Tam and Henry not deserve the Order for consistently being the face of keeping calm and carrying on during a chaotic and polarizing two and a half years as well as leading Canada's response that resulted in one third the death rate of the U.S.? Article content Dr. Brian Schwartz, Toronto Article content Amy Hamm must be praised for identifying valid reasons why Drs. Tam and Henry do not deserve the Order of Canada. However, a more damning rejection is found in the teachings of Dr. Donald Henderson (1928-2016), who eradicated smallpox and is considered by many to be among the world's most experienced and influential public health epidemiologists. Article content In 2006 he co-authored a seminal paper on how to control influenza-type pandemics. In it he demonstrated why such measures as indiscriminate quarantining, travel restrictions, the prohibition of social gatherings, school closures, maintaining social distance and the use of masks and personal protective equipment are of unproven value in limiting viral respiratory pandemics.
CBC
11-07-2025
- CBC
Why a First Nation in B.C. moved a courthouse to the site of a former residential school
WARNING: This story contains details of experiences at residential schools. As Tofino provincial court Judge Alexander Wolf sentenced a man to jail for assaulting his girlfriend while intoxicated, he made sure to acknowledge the man's intergenerational trauma. His father and grandfather were residential school survivors, and many of his family members have struggled with alcohol use. "You've got a lot of trauma and some of that trauma is not your fault," Wolf told the man on Monday. "When I send an Indigenous person to jail, I'm mindful there are too many Indigenous people in jail." The sentencing didn't happen in a typical courtroom, but at the site of a former residential school. An Indigenous elder opened the session with a prayer. Wolf wasn't seated on an elevated judge's bench, but rather on a stackable banquet chair, at eye level with everyone else in the room. Anyone present in the gallery, including victims' family members, could stand up and share their thoughts during the proceedings. The Tofino provincial court was relocated to the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, in an effort to indigenize the criminal justice system. All cases, not just involving Indigenous people, will be heard there for years to come. The First Nation says it's seeing positive progress from the move, as it incorporates Indigenous values into a colonial system. "We are changing the court systems so that they fit our needs instead of us having to adapt and work with their systems," said Dezerae Joseph, Tla-o-qui-aht's women and girls project co-ordinator. Court housed in former residential school The space that houses the new courthouse has seen several iterations. It used to be the gymnasium of the Christie Indian Residential School, which closed in 1983. The school originally opened in 1900 on Meares Island near Tofino. At least 23 students died at the school, according to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, before it was relocated to Tofino in 1971. Years later, the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation turned the school gym into a conference centre as part of a tourism resort that the nation still owns and operates today. The space has seen positive events, including weddings and potlatches. The First Nation says, despite its troubled past, the building has become comforting for community members. Thomas George, who was forced to attend the school in Tofino when he was 13, said it still feels eerie at times for him to be back in the building. "Lots of bad things happened there, and it's hard to talk about that," he said in an interview with CBC News. Justice committee Now 63, George is one of nine members of the Tla-o-qui-aht justice committee, which supports victims and alleged offenders through the court process. The committee members, who've taken an oath of confidentiality, update victims on cases and help them present victim impact statements. During court, committee members greet those involved in cases and offer them coffee or tea to let them know that they're not alone. "Knowing that you have support in your family, in your community, I think that makes a big difference," George said. For minor offences, the committee also works to arrange alternative ways for families to resolve disputes outside the justice system, including through peacemaking circles. WATCH | How the courthouse in Tofino is different from mainstream court: First Nation says Tofino provincial court is becoming a safer space for Indigenous people 2 days ago Duration 0:58 The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation says the relocation of the Tofino provincial circuit court to its territory will help make the justice system less intimidating to Indigenous people. Dezerae Joseph, Tla-o-qui-aht's women and girls project co-ordinator, says it's more of a safe space where people show up and feel like their voices can be heard. Joseph, who's also on the committee, said she's noticed some community members are now less intimidated by the court process. She says she believes the changes could lead to more people reporting crimes. "It's all about relationship building and teaching our community that we can report things and that we can put an end to certain things like violence and sexual assault," she said. No one-size-fits-all approach approach Kory Wilson, chair of the B.C. First Nations Justice Council, said it's great to see a First Nation incorporate traditional forms of justice into the mainstream court system. "I think it's fantastic that the Tla-o-qui-aht has an opportunity because it's a community-based opportunity, a community desire to do this," she said. With about 200 First Nations in B.C., she said every community's approach to the justice system will be different. "It's not going to be a one-size-fits-all approach," she said. This year, the federal government released an Indigenous Justice Strategy, which lays out 26 priority actions aimed at addressing systemic discrimination and overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system, through reforming the existing system and revitalizing First Nations laws and traditional justice systems. "We know what the answers are. We just have to work together to make the actual systemic differences that are required," Wilson said. Tla-o-qui-aht said it has reached an agreement with the provincial government to hold court on its territory until 2028, though the First Nation hopes it can be there permanently. In a statement to CBC News, the Ministry of Attorney General said, "It is committed to working respectfully with partners in the region to ensure continued court access in Tofino." Ultimately, Tla-o-qui-aht says its goal is to see fewer Indigenous people in the criminal justice system. Indigenous people are overrepresented in the Canadian criminal justice system as both victims and offenders, despite making up only about five per cent of the total population. On an average day in 2020-2021, there were 42.6 Indigenous people in provincial custody per 10,000 population compared to four non-Indigenous people, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada. It's a sentiment that Judge Wolf echoed as he sentenced the man for assaulting his partner. "I don't want to sit here in 10 years sentencing a person who beat up your daughter," Wolf said. "I need you to step up." A national 24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available at 1-866-925-4419 for emotional and crisis referral services for survivors and those affected.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Yahoo
5 best Canadian travel swaps for U.S. destinations — Canada Day, summer vacations and more
Whether you're concerned about Canada-U.S. border crossing, how far your dollar goes in the States or just feel like spending more time here at home, there are plenty of reasons to consider swapping a U.S. summer trip for a Canadian vacation. From inspired landscapes to rich cultural experiences — and with an abundance of vast nature to explore — a trip right here in Canada might just surprise you. "It's always been a good time to travel domestically, but there are a couple of reasons to plan a summer trip in Canada this year,' says David Webb, editor at Explore Magazine. 'The new Canada Strong Pass is removing entry fees to national parks and historic sites and offering discounts on camping. Plus exploring Canada rather than crossing the border means your dollar will go a lot further.' If you're looking for inspiration, read on for Canadian swaps for popular U.S. destinations. California's Big Sur may be known for its rugged terrain and ocean views, but Tofino, B.C. — 'Canada's no. 1 one surf capital' — boasts spectacular coastline and island vibes. You can stroll along white sandy beaches, hike through misty rainforest and watch stunning sunsets at Long Beach. Delve into deep Indigenous heritage and embrace the opportunity to catch a glimpse at some of the local wildlife, like grey whales, sea otters and even sea wolves — which are unique to the Pacific Northwest. Las Vegas may be glitz, bright lights and 24-hour nightlife energy, but Montreal, Que. blends European charm and a French flare with fabulous live music and a nightlife scene. This historic city, built in 1642, is known for its cobblestone charm, historic architecture and artistic culture. Montreal also hosts an array of festivals throughout the year, like Osheaga, one of Canada's largest music festivals, which is held in early August. Don't forget to indulge in poutine, and enjoy a world-famous Montreal bagel. Maine has lighthouses, fresh seafood and the Atlantic coast — but Nova Scotia offers all this and more right here in Canada. Where else can you see the iconic Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, the most photographed spot in Canada, on the edge of the rugged Atlantic Ocean? You can also enjoy a lively music scene with a strong Celtic heritage — get ready to stomp your feet to the sound of the fiddle. If it's seafood you are after, there's no shortage. Dine on fresh lobster rolls, or pick your own lobster from pot to plate. Be sure to head to Halifax, and hop on the short ferry ride — the oldest saltwater ferry service in North America — across the harbour to downtown Dartmouth. Colorado might be known for its mountainous scenery, however Canada's Rocky Mountains offer majestic wilderness and awe-inspiring vistas. It's the perfect road trip for anyone looking for a great adventure in the midst of truly dramatic nature. Be sure to take a snap shot at Lake Louise, famed for its turquoise water, and don't forget a stop at glacier-fed Peyto Lake. The Canadian Rockies are also home to an array of wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled. From grizzly bears to elk, which are often spotted strolling around the town of Banff, as well as bighorn sheep, it's bound to be an epic trip. If the appeal of Chicago's big city buzz and lake-front location is what you are after, you'll feel right at home in Toronto. Canada's largest city is a cosmopolitan hub and a multicultural metropolis. Explore the revitalized waterfront with views of the CN Tower. Enjoy world class entertainment and visit the many museums like the ROM, home to dinosaurs and ancient relics. If it's food you are after, you won't find a better selection of global flavours than here. One of the best ways to see the city is on foot, where you can get a sense of the diverse neighbourhoods, from Little Italy (for a tasty bite), to Kensington Market, known for its vintage finds and street art. It borders the city's Chinatown neighbourhood, which was established in the late 1800s. Toronto is truly a vibrant mix of food and culture.
CTV News
15-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Boa constrictor Bailey, reported missing at B.C. beach, turns up in owner's kayak
This photo posted to Facebook by the Coastal Animal Rescue & Education Network shows Bailey, a boa constrictor that briefly went missing. (Credit: Facebook//coastalanimalrescue) Bailey the boa constrictor has turned up safe in its owner's kayak after being reported missing at a beach in Tofino, B.C., this week. James Rodgers, co-founder of the Coastal Animal Rescue and Education Network, says the owner who reported the six-foot reptile missing on Sunday found it on Wednesday. Rodgers says it's likely the snake slipped into the kayak, which its owner also brought to a beach, on the day it was thought to have gone missing. He says it is not clear how someone could miss a six-foot-long snake inside a kayak. The network says in a social media post that Bailey had been 'snoozing' in the kayak. It says the snake is 13 years old and 'a little small' for its age. This report by Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press, was first published June 13, 2025.
