Good morning!
Today is Wednesday and we've got a packed edition with local news from across the Fraser Valley, regional updates from Greater Vancouver, national Canadian stories, and the latest in sports.
From Victoria's winning 2026 FIFA World Cup poster design to the Professional Women's Hockey League expanding to Vancouver, there's plenty to catch up on!
Local Langley News
Extradition Appeal Delayed for Hells Angel Accused in $35M Fraud
A Hells Angel and former mortgage executive facing serious fraud charges has had their extradition appeal delayed. The accused is wanted by the FBI in connection with a $35 million fraud case that spans international borders. The delay will provide additional time for legal teams to prepare their arguments in this complex cross-border financial crimes case.
Abbotsford-South Langley's Mike de Jong Supports Conservative Party, Despite Rejection
Former provincial cabinet minister Mike de Jong is throwing his support behind the Conservative Party in the federal election, despite not being selected as their candidate. The veteran politician, now running as an independent in the Abbotsford-South Langley riding, has maintained his conservative values and principles while forging his own path in this election campaign.
Longtime Langley Disability Advocate Zosia Ettenberg Mourned
The Langley community is mourning the loss of Zosia Ettenberg, a passionate advocate for disability rights and accessibility. Ettenberg made significant contributions to local wheelchair sports programs and accessibility initiatives late in her life. Her tireless work has left a lasting impact on the disability community in Langley and beyond, creating opportunities for people of all abilities.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Victoria Artist Scores Winning Poster Design for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Jamin Zuroski's stunning design has been selected as the official Vancouver poster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Victoria-based artist's work was chosen from among 57 submissions and is now prominently displayed on BC Place. Zuroski's design will represent Vancouver on the international stage as the city prepares to host several matches during the global sporting event.
Liberal Candidates' Signs Targeted in Abbotsford Vandalism
Liberal candidates Jeff Howe and Kevin Gillies report targeted vandalism of their election signs across Abbotsford.
One of Howe's signs was defaced with racist graffiti suggesting that voting Liberal would "Make Canada India," revealing the undercurrent of xenophobia that continues to plague our political discourse.
This incident represents not just property damage but an attack on democratic processes and multicultural values that many in our Langley community hold dear.
Professional Women's Hockey League Officially Expanding to Vancouver
The Professional Women's Hockey League is officially coming to Vancouver for the 2025-26 season. The team will make the Pacific Coliseum its home, bringing professional women's hockey back to the historic venue.
This expansion marks a significant milestone for women's sports in British Columbia and gives young female hockey players a professional team to aspire to join.
Mother Rescues Infant Thrown from Boat, Man Still Missing off Vancouver Island
A dramatic water rescue has ended with a mother and infant safe, but a man remains missing following a boating incident off Vancouver Island.
West Shore RCMP confirms that search operations continue for the missing boater after the mother managed to rescue her infant who had been thrown from their vessel.
Coast Guard teams are conducting extensive search operations in challenging conditions.
National Canadian News
Youth Climate Corps Gains Momentum in Party Platforms
Three major political parties have now included the Youth Climate Corps (YCC) in their election platforms.
The NDP has committed the most substantial funding at $500 million, while the Liberals propose a modest $28 million yearly pilot program and the Greens advocate for an ambitious plan to employ "tens of thousands."
This represents a potential victory for labor and environmental justice advocates who have long fought for well-paid, unionized jobs that address both climate crisis and youth unemployment, though the Conservative Party remains notably absent from these commitments.
Where Federal Parties and Leaders Stand on 2SLGBTQIA+ Rights
With the federal election just days away, the positions of political parties on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights have come into sharper focus.
The Liberal Party's platform includes commitments to protect Pride festivals, make IVF more affordable for queer Canadians, and increase international support for persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals. Meanwhile, the NDP has called for sustained federal funding for 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, particularly those supporting Two-Spirit and Indigenous identities.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has raised concerns with his statements on gender identity and trans rights, including comments that "female spaces should be exclusively for females."
The Green Party offers the most comprehensive LGBTQ+ policies, including mandating gender-neutral bathrooms in federal buildings and strengthening employment equity for 2SLGBTQIA+ workers.
OPINION: Canada Needs a New Bereavement Policy
Canada's current bereavement policy offers just three days of paid leave, failing to recognize the reality that grief is a lifelong, messy, and unpredictable process.
This limited approach stands in stark contrast to cultures that embrace extended mourning periods—like India's 13-day family gathering tradition or the loud, communal grieving practiced in many societies. The author argues for a minimum of one month of paid leave that could be taken flexibly over two years.
The piece highlights how our societal denial of death isolates the grieving and calls for normalizing grief beyond the workplace.
Ultimately, a more humane bereavement policy would acknowledge that death is a fundamental human experience deserving of time, space, and compassion.
Sports News
🍁"We Are All Team Canada" Slogan Revealed for 2026 Olympics and Paralympics Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Canada has revealed its 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic slogan "We Are All Team Canada," marking the first time both committees have launched a joint campaign.
COC CEO David Shoemaker explained the slogan, originally created during COVID-19, now carries renewed significance amid current U.S.-Canada trade tensions affecting jobs and businesses.
Despite economic challenges, Olympic preparations continue for the Milano-Cortina Games beginning February 26, while the committees await a decision on their requested $144 million funding increase for national sports organizations following the upcoming federal election.
🏒 Fraser Valley Thunderbirds Drop First Two Games at Telus Cup
The Fraser Valley Thunderbirds have fallen into a difficult position at the Telus Cup after losing their first two games against Regina and Okanagan.
These early defeats have put the team in a must-win situation for their remaining games. The Thunderbirds will need to regroup quickly and find their scoring touch if they hope to advance in the prestigious national minor hockey championship tournament.
🤸♂️ PHOTOS: Langley Gymnasts Do Well at Provincial Championships
Athletes from Langley Gymnastics and Flip City made multiple podium appearances at the recent provincial gymnastics championships.
The local gymnasts displayed impressive skills across various apparatus competitions, bringing home medals and recognition for their technical precision and artistic execution. These strong performances showcase the depth of gymnastics talent being developed in Langley's training facilities.
⚽ Whitecaps' Challenge: How Do You Stop Lionel Messi?
As the Vancouver Whitecaps prepare for Thursday's CONCACAF semifinal against Inter Miami, they face the daunting task of containing soccer legend Lionel Messi. Despite facing one of the greatest players in history, the Whitecaps remain confident in their defensive strategy. The team has been studying Messi's tendencies and developing plans to limit his impact, though they acknowledge that completely shutting down a player of his caliber is nearly impossible.
The Whitecaps will rely on a disciplined team defense approach rather than assigning one player to mark Messi, understanding that opportunities will come from maintaining their tactical shape even when facing soccer royalty.
Please let us know what you thought of this article!