Humanist Association, religious leaders say it’s a trend that’s been growing for years Every 10 years, Statistics Canada asks Canadians whether they belong to a religious organization or group. And every 10 years, more and more people in British Columbia say no. According to the 2021 population census, 34.6 per cent of people in Canada claimed no religious affiliation, while in B.C. that number jumped to 52.4 per cent — the highest it’s ever been. Ian Bushfield, executive director of the British Columbia Humanist Association, says his organization is “thrilled.” “It’s monumental to see this threshold crossedRead more

Dozens of new mayors have former provincial or federal political experience Poke your head into any city hall across the country, and there’s a chance you’ll find a former MP or member of the provincial legislature sitting in the mayor’s chair. Recent municipal elections in B.C., Ontario and Manitoba saw scores of seasoned politicians making the jump — or the return — to the local level. Andrea Horwath is among them. The former Ontario NDP leader is the newly elected mayor of Hamilton, Ont. ­”Certainly I had accomplishments that reallyRead more

Strong-starting Shapovalov denied 1st title of 2022 by top seed Medvedev in Vienna Felix Auger-Aliassime of Montreal defeated Denmark’s Holger Rune 6-3, 7-5 in the Swiss Indoors final on Sunday for his third consecutive ATP Tour title. Auger-Aliassime, the third seed in the Basel, Switzerland, tournament and ninth in the world, fired 11 aces and won 78 per cent of his first-serve points. He also saved all three of Rune’s break point chances while converting on two out of his own five opportunities. The Montreal native went all five matches inRead more

Disorder can permanently disfigure waterfowl and lead to horrific deaths: wildlife rehabilitation manager Manitoba bird experts are warning the public to think twice about feeding bread to wild birds after two mallards were seen at Winnipeg’s St. Vital Park with signs of a condition known as angel wing — a syndrome that affects aquatic birds like ducks and geese and can permanently deform their wings. Angel wing is caused by a nutritional deficiency that comes from humans feeding wild birds foods high in carbohydrates and sugar, such as bread. “As a result,Read more

CUPE gave 5-day notice of potential provincewide strike Sunday The Ontario government will table legislation Monday to prevent a strike by education workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). Earlier on Sunday CUPE gave the required five days’ notice for job action, positioning 55,000 workers — including educational assistants, custodians and early childhood educators — to go on full strike as soon as Friday. The government and education workers returned to the bargaining table Sunday afternoon but Education Minister Stephen Lecce issued a statement Sunday night saying the unionRead more