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Good morning! It's Wednesday, and the forecast calls for a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 18°C today. Get ready for a pleasant spring day as we bring you the latest news from around the region.
Local Langley News
Major Transit Expansion Coming to Langley
TransLink has unveiled an ambitious plan to enhance bus services in Langley, including new routes to Gloucester and the development of a significant park.
This expansion aims to improve connectivity in the rapidly growing community, with multiple new transit options intended to serve areas that have historically had limited public transportation access.
Abbotsford-South Langley Campaign Drama: Missing Candidate and Split Conservative Support
A petition is gaining momentum calling out Conservative candidate Sukhman Gill in Abbotsford-South Langley for his apparent absence from the election campaign trail.
Critics argue that Gill has been avoiding media inquiries and voter engagement events, raising questions about transparency during this critical election period.
In even worse news for Mr. Gill, retiring Conservative MP Ed Fast has endorsed independent candidate Mike de Jong over his own party's nominee.
The unusual move highlights growing internal tensions within the Conservative Party as the federal election approaches, potentially splitting the right-leaning vote in this key battleground.
Read More (Petition Story)
Read More (MP Ed Fast Endorsement)
Langley City Offers Free Activity Pass for BC Youth Week
Langley City is celebrating BC Youth Week (May 1-7, 2025) by offering free activity passes to youth aged 12-18.
The initiative, organized in partnership with Encompass Support Services Society and Fraser Valley Regional Library, provides access to a variety of events including Dodgeball & Pizza Night, Girls' Social, Comic Book Day Party, and Youth Night BBQ.
Young people can obtain their free pass by phone, in person at Timms Community Center, or online, giving them unlimited access to drop-in activities, sports, fitness classes, and more throughout the celebration week.
Langley Community Shows Support for Women and Girls
The Soroptimists service club is making a difference in Langley through their initiatives aimed at supporting women and girls in the community.
Their recent "in the bag" campaign has collected essential items for vulnerable community members, highlighting the ongoing need for gender-focused support services in the region.
Langley Fastball Kicks Off New Season with Upgraded Facilities
Langley Fastball has officially begun its new season with significantly improved playing fields nearly complete.
The upgraded ball diamonds represent a major investment in local sporting infrastructure, providing enhanced facilities for players of all ages and generating excitement among the local softball community.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
No More Doctor's Notes Required for Short-Term Sick Leave in BC
The British Columbia government has tabled groundbreaking legislation to eliminate the requirement for doctor's notes for short-term workplace absences.
This progressive change is designed to reduce unnecessary paperwork for healthcare providers while acknowledging that sick employees shouldn't need to visit doctors solely for documentation, potentially making life easier for thousands of workers across the province.
BC Minister Urges Locals to Resist US Travel Despite California's Invitation
A provincial minister is asking British Columbians to "hold the line" on traveling to the United States, despite California actively encouraging Canadian visitors.
The request comes amid ongoing trade tensions and tariff disputes between the two countries, placing BC residents in the awkward position of weighing tourism desires against national economic interests.
Surrey Man Charged With Multiple Transit Sexual Assaults
Transit Police have charged a Surrey resident with three counts of sexual assault that allegedly occurred while the accused was traveling on SkyTrain.
Authorities report that all incidents took place within the transit system, underscoring ongoing concerns about passenger safety and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior on public transportation.
First Nations Health Authority Advocates for Harm Reduction on B.C. Overdose Crisis Anniversary
Nine years after B.C. declared a public health emergency for toxic drugs, First Nations Health Authority chief medical officer Dr. Nel Wieman emphasizes the continued need for harm reduction services as Indigenous people face disproportionate death rates.
Despite a 6.8% decrease in Indigenous overdose deaths last year, First Nations people still die at rates 6.7 times higher than other residents—the largest gap since 2016.
Dr. Wieman called for maintaining decriminalization efforts and fighting misinformation about harm reduction programs, which her team estimates prevented over 1,000 deaths between 2018 and 2022, while working with B.C.'s Health Ministry to develop Indigenous-specific solutions to the crisis.
BC Communities Urged to Address Growing Abandoned Rabbit Problem
British Columbia municipalities are being urged to take action on the proliferating problem of abandoned rabbits throughout the province. A resolution addressing the issue will be forwarded to the next Union of BC Municipalities convention, seeking coordinated efforts to manage populations that "breed like themselves" and cause environmental and property damage when released into the wild.
National Canadian News
French-Language Leaders' Debate Moves Earlier to Avoid Clash with Habs' Playoff-Deciding Game
The French-language federal leaders' debate was moved from 8 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday after requests from the NDP and Bloc Québécois to avoid conflict with a potentially decisive Montreal Canadiens hockey game.
The Canadiens' final regular season game, which starts at 7 p.m. ET, could determine whether the team clinches their first playoff spot since 2021. Radio-Canada and the Leaders' Debates Commission agreed to the change so viewers wouldn't have to choose between "this crucial moment of the election campaign" and an important hockey match.
This follows a similar situation in 2011 when then-Bloc leader Gilles Duceppe successfully advocated for rescheduling a debate to avoid conflict with a Canadiens playoff game.
Honda Production Shift May Impact Canadian Operations
Reports suggest Honda may be planning to shift some production out of Canada in response to recent US tariffs, though Ontario's premier disputes these claims.
Federal Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney has indicated he's been speaking with automobile executives about the situation, raising concerns about the potential economic impact on Canadian manufacturing communities.
Alberta Government's Lawyer Faces Conflict in Health Services Investigation
Legal experts are raising serious concerns about the Alberta government's attempt to have their lawyer represent public employees in the ongoing health services investigation.
The move has been criticized as a potential conflict of interest that could impede the independent investigation, and possibly violates the Law Society of Alberta's Code of Conduct regarding legal representation.
NDP Veteran Charlie Angus Rallies Progressive Forces in Edmonton
Former NDP MP Charlie Angus brought his national "Resistance" tour to a packed house in Edmonton, delivering a fiery speech criticizing politicians who "badmouth our country" and cozying up to the Trump Administration.
Though leaving federal politics, Angus is clearly not abandoning public life, energizing supporters with calls to defend Canadian interests against those who he says seek to divide citizens.
Sports News
Tyler Myers Highlights Rick Tocchet's Importance to Canucks' Future
Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers has emphasized the vital role coach Rick Tocchet plays in the team's ongoing development.
Myers suggests that Tocchet's potential contract extension is about more than just salary, but rather ensuring continuity for a squad that remains a work in progress, noting that the coach's familiarity with the team breeds competition, consistency, and comfort among players.
Top Canucks Prospects Could Soon Join Abbotsford Team
Promising Vancouver Canucks prospects Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Tom Willander currently top the organization's prospect rankings, with speculation swirling about their potential arrival in Abbotsford. Despite rumors that Willander would leave NCAA hockey to join the Canucks organization after his college season ended Saturday, no formal announcement has been made, leaving fans eager for updates about these future stars.
Historic First Game for New Women's Soccer League in Vancouver Tonight at 7:00pm
Vancouver Rise and Calgary Wild are set to make history as they compete in the first-ever game of Canada's new women's professional soccer league at BC Place tonight at 7:00pm.
The game can be watched on CBC Gem. This momentous occasion represents years of advocacy for professional women's soccer in Canada, with Vancouver's club boasting deep connections to the Canadian national women's team that has achieved international success.
Vancouver FC: Youth Development Shines Despite Early Losses
Despite a 4-1 loss to Atlético Ottawa, Vancouver FC continues to prioritize youth development with 16-year-old Dominic Joseph making his professional debut and 17-year-old TJ Tahid earning a call-up to Ghana's U-20 squad.
The Eagles recorded their first goal of the season when Terran Campbell—now the CPL's all-time leading scorer with 40 goals—converted a perfect pass from Elage Bah in the 66th minute.
Coach Afshin Ghotbi remained optimistic despite the defeat, noting that the team has already logged 608 U-21 minutes (over 25% of their season requirement) while looking forward to integrating new international signings and midfielder Nicolas Mezquida to strengthen the squad.
Former BC Lions Coach Larry Donovan Dies at 84
Larry Donovan, who guided the BC Lions to a 10-8 record and an appearance in the 1988 Grey Cup, has died at age 84. Under his leadership, the Lions reached the championship game against Winnipeg, narrowly losing a heartbreaker 22-21, in what would become one of the most memorable Grey Cup contests of that era.
Four Giants Players Named in NHL's Final Draft Rankings for 2025
The Vancouver Giants have four current players listed in NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft, highlighting the team's strong development program.
Cameron Schmidt ranks 43rd among North American skaters after becoming just the sixth Giant ever to score 40+ goals in a season, while defenseman Mazden Leslie jumped from 196th to 133rd after finishing second in scoring among WHL defensemen with 72 points. Goaltender Burke Hood improved ten spots to rank 15th among North American goalies, and forward Aaron Obobaifo received recognition in the "limited viewing" category despite playing only 13 games due to injury.
Additionally, two American prospects in the Giants system, Mason West (27th) and Cooper Simpson (74th), were ranked among the top North American skaters.
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