Ongoing History Daily: The phrase "Elvis has left the building"

I’m sure you’ve heard someone use the phrase “Elvis has left the building” in some kind of humorous or ironic way, or maybe even as some kind of catchphrase. But what does it mean and where did the phrase come from?

Yes, the “Elvis” is Elvis Presley, and the phrase itself dates to December 1956, when Elvis appeared in front of an audience for a radio show called Louisiana Hayride at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport. Elvis did his thing and then left the stage. But the crowd wanted more, and things started getting a little tense. People wouldn’t stop cheering, which made it impossible for the next act to perform.

To calm things down, concert promoter Horace Logan got on the mic and said, “All right, Elvis has left the building. I’ve told you absolutely straight up to this point. You know he has. He has left the building. He left the stage and went out the back with the policemen, and he is now gone from the building.” A portion of that plea is now an evergreen rock’n’roll meme.

How? Because Elvis heard about it and began using the phrase for all his shows.

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Ongoing History Daily: Playing a song at the wrong speed

Back in the days when radio stations played vinyl, the DJ was always switching between records that played at different speeds. One of the most embarrassing things that could happen to you—and I speak from experience here—is to launch a record at the wrong speed, resulting in music that is too slow or too fast. Cringey stuff. But sometimes there are unintended consequences.

In 1978, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, a Southern rock band, released a single called “Imaginary Lover.” A DJ played the song at 45 instead of 33 and didn’t pay attention. The listening audience did, though. To them, it sounded like Stevie Nicks was singing and that this was a brand-new Fleetwood Mac song.

For a while, the song was considered to be a “lost” Stevie Nicks track before everything was sorted out.

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Zelenskyy arrives in Calgary ahead of Carney meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he's on his way to Canada as diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia intensify. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump says Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to reach a deal and claims there's a new peace proposal on the table — though he has not provided details. As Touria Izri reports, it's the latest push for a settlement in a war where promises of a breakthrough have yet to deliver lasting peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy landed in Calgary on Wednesday night ahead of a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

They are set to meet in the city Thursday morning, and Zelenskyy is to later address a cabinet meeting in the nearby mountain resort town of Banff, Alta.

Carney said the visit will focus on the countries’ shared priorities, including deepening defence, economic and energy co-operation.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena Zelenska follow the coffin carrying Norway's King Harald V as it is taken in a procession from Oslo Cathedral to the palace chapel at Akershus Castle in Oslo, Norway, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. (Christoffer Andersen/Pool Photo via AP)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena Zelenska follow the coffin carrying Norway's King Harald V as it is taken in a procession from Oslo Cathedral to the palace chapel at Akershus Castle in Oslo, Norway, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. (Christoffer Andersen/Pool Photo via AP)

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“It will also address the human cost of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and build on the strong people-to-people ties that connect our countries,” Carney said in a statement.

“Canada remains steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine’s defence, recovery and reconstruction.”

Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, are also set to visit Toronto and North Bay, Ont., before leaving Friday.

It’s Zelenskyy’s first visit to Canada this year. He was in Halifax in December amid efforts to end the war that Russia started in 2014.

Carney visited Kyiv in August 2025, and his predecessor Justin Trudeau visited Ukraine each year after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Kyiv has suffered a barrage of Russian airstrikes in recent months, and Ukraine has pleaded for more air defence support from its allies.

Since 2022, Canada has pledged $6.5 billion in military assistance for Ukraine running through to 2029.

Members of Parliament across party lines have put Ukraine at the centre of their foreign policy platforms. In May, Canada joined an agreement to learn from Ukrainian drone producers.

Ottawa has made no new funding announcements for Ukraine since then.

The Kiel Institute, which measures global contributions to Ukraine, pegs Canada as the fourth most generous in raw dollars and in 12th place based on gross domestic product. Canada’s donations include military aid, government financing and humanitarian support.

Ukraine has managed in recent months to hold back Russian advances and strike targets within Russia, including oil refineries and warehouses owned by Russia’s biggest online retailer.

Moscow has at times hinted at an end to the conflict. But Ukrainian and European officials have said the war should only end on terms that prevent Russia from rearming and attacking elsewhere.

Zelenskyy’s visit comes as European leaders argue Russia is widening its war through acts of sabotage, including paying youths to vandalize railways. European airports have had to halt operations several times due to drones attributed to Russia.

Germany last week blamed Russia for what it called an attempted explosive drone attack near a Ukrainian cargo plane at the Leipzig airport.

Carney called it “an egregious attempt by Russia to weaken our resolve and our collective defence.”

Across Europe, political parties once considered fringe over their support for Russia have seen their popularity increase as the continent tackles economic, environmental and migration crises.

Zelenskyy’s visit also comes at a time of rising domestic pressure on his own government, which was elected in 2019 and cannot call elections due to a constitutional ban on votes during martial law.

In July, Zelenskyy fired both his defence minister and military chief after days of protests. Opponents have accused him in various corruption scandals.

Ukraine has increasingly relied on Canada to advocate for its sovereignty and a just end to the war in various international forums.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host world leaders in Miami for the G20 summit in December. There are signs he might allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend, despite Putin being subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.

The warrant is based on Russia’s abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children in what the court says is a probable war crime.

Anita Anand, Canada’s foreign affairs minister, is to co-host a summit later this month in Toronto about the return of Ukrainian children and prisoners of war.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

5 simple resets to start September feeling organized

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

September places an enormous focus on kids: new backpack, new shoes, stocked pencil case, done. And once the kids go off to school (or even if you live in a kid-free home), September is still arguably the best month to restart their routines. Summer fun has come to an end, and we now gear up for the fall, cooler weather and before we know it – yup – the holidays. So a little extra preparedness is definitely called for this month. Here are 5 resets that will make September (and beyond) feel calm, fresh, and organized.

 

Run a Tablet Through Every Machine That Cleans Things

Your washing machine, dishwasher and coffee maker all push water through parts you cannot see or reach like the pump, the valve, the hoses and the seal. Residue, hard water minerals and biofilm build up in there, and the first sign is almost always smell: laundry that comes out not quite fresh, or a dishwasher that opens with a sour note.

 

Yes, you can wipe things down, but what about the parts you can’t see? Take 10 seconds and drop a cleaning tablet into an empty dishwasher or washing machine . Once it’s in, set the cycle and let the machine do the work. [/product_listing]

 

For coffee, use the right descaler for drip and pod machines, or espresso machines. Put it on your calendar for the first Sunday of the month and execute accordingly. [/product_listing]

 

A must-have for keeping your espresso machine fresh and clean, this powder cleaner helps tackle buildup, while the descaler keeps things running smoothly. It can also be used to soak metal filters.[/product_listing]

 

Get the Family Schedule Off Paper

Paper calendars can be great…so long as somebody is standing in front of them with a pen and can keep track of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (etc!) people’s schedules, appointments, special events, and more. Yikes.  And really, has someone in your house gladly appointed themselves to be the calendar master and has agreed to data entry for everyone else, forever? Doubtful.  Things are bound to be forgotten.

 

There’s a really cool fix for this and it comes in the form of a digital calendar. It syncs the phone calendars your family already uses onto one screen in the kitchen. Nobody transcribes anything anymore. People absolutely rave about this system and how well it works! Someone books a dentist appointment from the parking lot, and it is on the wall before they get home. It also runs chore charts, which helps get everyone in the house back on track.[/product_listing]

 

Audit the Bag You Carry Every Single Day

We spend weeks fussing over kids and their backpacks while our own gear ages badly. A tangle of cords, three external batteries, a flash drive from 2019. A soggy lunch bag that only works if you remember the ice pack, which you do not.

 

First, contain the tech with a simple cable organizer bag. Think of it like a toiletries bag for your tech gear. [/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Sunrise Alarm Clock – $43.66

Wireless Charging Stand – $47.99

Mini Desk Vacuum Cleaner – $32.99

 

Then fix lunch with this super cool freezable lunch bag, which has the cooling gel built into the liner, so you fold the whole bag into the freezer overnight, and there is no ice pack to lose.[/product_listing]

 

Reset the Kitchen Zone That Makes or Breaks a Weeknight

Restarting weeknight dinners is overwhelming, especially if you are cooking out of your pantry again. Two questions: is it stocked, and is it full of loose sugar, flour, and crumbs from a summer of nobody paying attention to it?

 

This one takes real work but it’s totally worth it. Pull everything out of the dry goods zone and vacuum the bottom with a handheld vacuum and brush attachment. [/product_listing]

 

Then decant anything living in a plastic or paper bag into airtight containers like these ones, which I’ve had for over a year now and am completely in love with. [/product_listing]

 

And if you’re feeling extra fancy, think about using a label maker to label these containers and wow, you’re thriving! Full disclosure: I have a label maker, and when I use it, I really do feel better about my organizing jobs. I can’t explain why; you’ll just have to try and see for yourself. Remember that you aren’t doing this to get a perfect Instagram or Pinterest pantry, you’re doing it so you can see exactly what you have and how much, so you stop buying a fourth bag of rice while running out of oats. As you decant, restock and replace items, note what expired and what is missing and restock your pantry accordingly. [/product_listing]

 

Pack Summer Items Away Before You Need the Space

Beach towels, pool toys, and flip flops are still holding prime real estate in the linen closet will quickly become the space you need for jackets and boots.

 

Use bags rather than rigid bins. I find them easier to carry around and they collapse to nothing when empty. Plus, these have handles and backpack straps, which is especially handy when storage is down a flight of stairs.[/product_listing]

 

For bulky soft goods, vacuum compression bags come with a hand pump and shrink a stack of beach towels and summer clothes into to something that slides onto a storage shelf. [/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Kitchen Sink Faucet Organizer – $25.76

Blackout Curtains for Bedroom – $18.82

Over the Door Shoe Organizer – $15.47

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

‘Discarded for what?’ Sentencing hearing for couple convicted in filmmaker’s killing

As Catherine McDonald reports, friends and family of Reeyaz Habib are struggling to understand why the filmmaker was killed and disposed of like garbage.

Reeyaz Habib’s family, friends and neighbours expressed grief and confusion in a downtown Toronto courtroom Wednesday at the sentencing hearing for a Liberty Village couple convicted in the killing of the 53-year-old filmmaker.

“Discarded for what? It’s shameful that a life so rich in texture, meaning, teaching, exploration, storytelling and love must now be looked at through the shroud of murder,” Habib’s brother-in-law, Roberto Cabrera, said in a victim impact statement.

The 53-year-old’s decomposing body was found in a garbage compactor in the underground parkade of the condominium complex where he lived on June 8, 2023.

The following day, Habib was reported missing. Police had not yet identified the body found in the dumpster.

In June, Khoa Tran, 36, was convicted of second-degree murder. His wife, Quynh (Isabelle) Nguyen, 30, was convicted of being an accessory after the fact to manslaughter and of committing an indignity to a body following a jury trial.

Tran and Nguyen lived in a condo on the main floor of a multi-level townhouse at 26 Western Battery Rd. Habib lived in a two-storey townhouse directly above them.

At trial, the jury heard there was tension in the weeks before the discovery of the body between Habib and Tran over Tran’s use of a barbecue. Habib had complained that smoke from Tran’s barbecue was drifting onto his balcony.

The Crown told court it believes Tran went upstairs and killed his neighbour in the early morning hours of June 6, 2023.

“A life was taken. For what?” said Salima Habib, the victim’s sister, in her victim impact statement. She remembered her brother as a citizen of the world and a successful investment banker who left the business world to pursue filmmaking.

Habib obtained an MBA at the University of Toronto and later attended the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts before moving back to Toronto, where his sister said he was signed by an agent.

“He was finally beginning to make his dream a reality. He decided to direct his first feature film, ‘Fat Lady Sriracha,'” Salima said.

She said her brother was in the final stages of bringing the film to life when he was murdered and his body discarded.

“I cannot comprehend it. I cannot understand how a human life could be treated this way. My faith in society and in the human spirit has been deeply shaken. How does this happen?” she said.

“How does a person like Reeyaz, someone whose life was dedicated to creating, helping, teaching, caring for his family and giving back, have his life taken from him in this way?” she wrote.

Patrick Smith told court through tears that he met Habib in Los Angeles in 2019 and the two became close friends.

Smith said he suggested Habib return to Canada to attend the Canadian Film Centre, where Smith was an alumnus and mentor.

“In my darkest days, I tell myself that he’d still be alive had I not encouraged him to move back to Toronto for the CFC.”

Second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence. The judge must decide a period of parole ineligibility of between 10 and 25 years.

Crown attorneys Nathaniel Smith and Ana Tenhouse told Superior Court Justice Philip Campbell that although Tran was convicted of second-degree murder, there was evidence of planning. They are seeking an 18-year period of parole ineligibility.

The Crown is also seeking a prison sentence of four to six years for Nguyen.

Smith said aggravating factors include the fact that Habib was killed in his own home and was vulnerable because he was attacked between 3 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., when he would likely have been disoriented and defenceless.

Smith said Habib was killed in a sustained and violent beating.

“Your Honour heard evidence there were at least 34 injuries on his body, both pre- and post-death,” Smith said.

Because Habib’s body was already decomposed when it was discovered, the forensic pathologist was unable to determine a cause of death, he said.

The Crown also argued there was evidence of planning, including that Lin Hua, a friend of the couple visiting from Vietnam, was moved into the marital bedroom on the night of the killing while Tran said he would be working in the living room.

“Tran had exclusive access to Habib. This was an unprovoked attack,” Smith said.

He also described Tran’s post-offence conduct as “extraordinary and calculated,” saying it unfolded over several days.

Smith said Tran disposed of Habib’s personal belongings to suggest he had fled and cleaned his home over two days.

The Crown alleged Tran also pressured Hua to interact with police in ways favourable to him and used deceptive notes attached to the body.

“In the Crown’s submission, it was a failed attempt to have another neighbour put their fingerprints on the dead body,” Smith said.

The Crown also argued Tran used Habib’s key fob to create the impression that he was still alive.

Smith said Tran attempted to frustrate the police investigation and denigrated Habib by telling police, and later testifying, that a “pimp” and “crack whores” had allegedly entered Habib’s home that night.

“He dumped him in a compactor in an attempt to have him sent to the landfill. In the Crown’s submission, it was an inhumane, callous act,” Smith said.

Tran’s lawyer, Liam O’Connor, argued that 12 to 13 years of parole ineligibility would be more appropriate, saying his client is educated and has a pro-social history.

As for Nguyen, the Crown said her actions amounted to “a sustained and persistent accessoryship.”

“She was complicit in the creation of a false alibi to an unlawful killing. She deceived police and Ms. Hua,” Smith said, adding there was no evidence Nguyen was coerced.

“She disposed of Mr. Habib’s body like it was garbage. It was a horrific treatment of a human being in an effort to protect someone she knew had killed him.”

Smith said the evidence supported the jury’s finding that Nguyen committed an indignity to a body by helping dispose of Habib’s remains.

“The location of Ms. Nguyen’s DNA on the makeshift handle on the items surrounding Mr. Habib points to the fact Nguyen assisted in lifting Habib,” he said, adding it would have been impossible for one person to move the body alone.

One of the notes left on the body read: “Please do not open. Lots of sharp metal and glass for renovations. Don’t worry, we wrapped it in fabric.”

Smith said the note was evidence that both Tran and Nguyen participated in wrapping and disposing of Habib’s body.

The Crown also argued Nguyen took advantage of Hua’s trust and vulnerability after she arrived from Vietnam to visit her close friend.

“This all started on the night of the killing when she told Hua to go back to sleep after she heard screams for help and noises,” Smith said.

According to the Crown, the couple told Hua that Habib was a filmmaker and that loud noises and screaming often came from his unit.

Smith said Nguyen also attempted to interfere with the investigation by telling Hua not to speak to police and by misleading officers who came to her door on June 9, 2023, after Habib had been reported missing.

He said Nguyen instructed Hua to tell police they had been sleeping together in the same bedroom, creating a false alibi for her husband.

“Hua was effectively silenced in the immediate aftermath and the month that followed,” Smith said.

He added that if Hua had spoken to police sooner about the screams she heard, Habib’s body may have been discovered inside his residence before significant decomposition occurred.

“Ms. Nguyen’s conduct was deliberate and sustained. It wasn’t a panicked attempt to help her husband. Her actions were calculated. There is no evidence she was coerced,” Smith said.

Nguyen’s lawyer, Tyler Smith, argued that an appropriate sentence for his client, a first-time offender, would be a conditional sentence of two years less a day to be served in the community under house arrest, followed by probation.

He said Nguyen could also face immigration consequences because she is a permanent resident of Canada.

When given an opportunity to address the court, Tran said he had nothing to say while an appeal is pending.

“I feel sorry for the family’s loss. This great loss will also impact us for the rest of our lives,” Nguyen said. She did not testify at trial.

Campbell is scheduled to deliver his sentence on Oct. 26.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Winnipeg Goldeyes face elimination after playoff-opening loss

The Winnipeg Goldeyes are facing elimination just one game into the American Association playoffs.

The Goldeyes lost Game 1 of the best-of-three West Division Semifinal 5-1 to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks on Wednesday at Newman Outdoor Field in North Dakota.

The Fish were held to just six hits in the series opening loss. Fargo starter Kyle Crigger went eight-plus innings and struck out nine Goldeyes’ batters to earn the win.

Eric Filia bashed a three-run home run in the third inning and the RedHawks never looked back in taking a 1-0 series lead. They tacked on two more runs in the seventh inning and held on for the victory. The Goldeyes only run came with two outs in the ninth inning.

Goldeyes starter Landen Bourassa took the loss after giving up five runs on 11 hits in six and two-thirds innings of work.

The Goldeyes also lost Game 1 in the 2024 playoffs, but bounced back to win the series, eventually losing in the Miles Wolff Cup Final.

The final two games of the series, if necessary, will be played in Winnipeg with games two and three scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Blue Cross Park.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Step into fall with these must-have boots

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

There’s something about the arrival of fall that makes us want to refresh our wardrobes from the ground up–and a new pair of boots is a pretty good place to start. From knee-high silhouettes to everyday Chelsea boots, the right pair can instantly make your favourite jeans and sweaters feel ready for the season. Ahead, seven must-have fall boots from brands including Coach, UGG and Quince, plus a few more styles worth stepping into this season.

 

The perfect knee-high

If you love the look of a knee-high boot but don’t want to spend the day teetering around in towering heels, this pair is promising. The two-inch kitten heel adds a little height, while the cushioned latex insole, soft lining and wide calf make these a comfortable pick for everything from the office to weekend plans.[/product_listing]

 

The hiking boot

A reliable all-rounder for everything from beginner hikes to more rugged adventures, this waterproof Columbia boot delivers comfort, durability and traction at a wallet-friendly price point. The lightweight TechLite midsole cushions every step, while the Omni-Grip outsole keeps you steady on slippery or uneven terrain.[/product_listing]

 

The western-inspired boot

Western-inspired style is having a moment this fall, but you don’t have to go full cowboy to tap into the trend. Quince’s Italian leather ankle boots take subtle western cues and pair them with the versatility of a classic Chelsea. The supple leather, low-key detailing and comfortable cushioning make these an easy everyday pair to wear with everything from denim to dresses.[/product_listing]

 

The cool-girl favourite

UGG’s Tazz has become a cold-weather staple, and the Tazz II brings the same laid-back appeal with a little extra height. The suede upper is lined with plush sheepskin for that signature cosy feel, while the lightweight sugarcane EVA platform outsole features an enhanced rocker shape designed for easy movement. Pair them with straight-leg jeans, leggings or your favourite fall sweats.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Slouchy Suede Shoulder Bag – $15.08

PrettyGarden Women Fall Oversized Sweater – $54.99

Coach Cherry Bag Charm – $120

 

The everyday classic

A classic tall boot is one of those fall wardrobe staples you’ll reach for year after year. This Coach style keeps things polished with smooth leather, contrast stitching and a tonal Signature detail at the back. The walkable block heel gives you a little lift without sacrificing wearability, while the slip-on silhouette makes getting dressed that much easier.[/product_listing]

 

The forever Chelsea for men

When it comes to fall boots for men, it’s hard to beat a classic Chelsea. Blundstone’s 558 is made with tough oiled leather, side elastics and a durable thermo-urethane outsole designed to stand up to whatever the season brings. The removable footbed adds cushioning and arch support, while the minimalist silhouette pairs easily with jeans, chinos or a casual fall jacket.[/product_listing]

 

The kid-proof pick

These Native Shoes Chelsea boots are designed to keep up with puddle-jumping, playground adventures and everything else a busy fall day brings. A water-resistant design, rubber outsole and added traction help protect little feet from the elements, while the elastic panel and heel loop make them easy for kids to pull on themselves.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Gold Polished Chunky Twisted Waterdrop Bangle – $19.98

Dream Pairs Women’s Chelsea Ankle Boots – $65.99

Mejuri Letter Bracelet – $268

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Calgary's mayor says 'fiscal discipline' will guide council through tough budget decisions

The state of the city is that Calgary is building and growing, according to Mayor Jeromy Farkas. Although Farkas is optimistic about the future, he does admit challenges are ahead. The mayor's address to local Rotarians comes ahead of the upcoming four-year budget, and after confidential documents were made public. Adam MacVicar reports.

Despite his optimism about the city’s future, Calgary’s mayor isn’t shying away from tough decisions in the upcoming city budget, including the need for a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investment.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas said Wednesday that the “bill is now coming due” for decades of deferred decisions from all orders of government in the form of a $50-billion infrastructure deficit over the next 10 years.

“Right now, we face incredibly serious challenges,” Farkas said during a State of the City address to the Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown. “Affordability, public safety, economic uncertainty, rapid growth, and infrastructure that hasn’t kept pace with the city that we have become.”

The mayor said the city must invest in its transportation network, water system and recreation facilities to meet population growth, as well as the needs of the city when it reaches two million people.

Farkas told the luncheon crowd that the issue is evidenced by the Dec. 30 rupture of the Bearspaw feeder main as well as the fast-tracked project in the city’s northwest to replace the failing water line by the end of this year.

The $50-billion deficit “won’t disappear” in a single budget or council term, Farkas said, but council “can stop making it worse” by chipping away at the issue in the upcoming four-year budget in November.

However, Farkas said the situation doesn’t give city hall permission “to spend without discipline.”

“Fiscal discipline does not mean refusing to invest, it means knowing the difference between what we need and what we want,” the mayor said. “It means finding savings before asking taxpayers for more.”

How much of an increase Calgarians could see on their property tax bills has been top of mind at city hall after Global News obtained confidential preliminary budget documents showing property tax revenue would need to increase by 20.2 per cent in 2027 to fund all the funding requests in front of council.

Those documents also show city administration has begun whittling down those requests to prepare a preliminary budget scenario with a potential 15 per cent property tax increase for consideration during a closed-door session later this month.

Farkas made no mention of the confidential documents during Wednesday’s address, or the special meeting of council held Tuesday to discuss potential ramifications for Ward 14 Coun. Landon Johnston; the councillor who claimed to have leaked confidential documents.

“I think he’s trying to shift the narrative or change the channel away from controversy towards forward thinking and planning,” said Lori Williams, an associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University. “One of the things that’s relatively new in municipal budgeting is trying to plan for infrastructure failure; in other words, investing in something that’s been left off the list.”

Farkas’ address came on the same day a pair of funding requests were in front of the city’s Infrastructure and Planning Committee for consideration during the upcoming four-year budget.

Those requests, which will require a final say from council as a whole, include $37 million annually for sidewalk renewal as well as $13.5 million per year for the public tree canopy.

Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot said questioned how council is expected to fund everything over the next four years.

“Is it millrate support like as in property taxes? Or is there other funding mechanisms we can look at to minimize a tax increase,” Chabot said. “We could look at debt financing some of the capital infrastructure that has a long life expectancy, which would lessen the burden today on immediate taxpayers.”

Farkas said just because something falls on the “city hall wishlist,” doesn’t mean it will receive funding.

He told the crowd of Rotarians that council must demand value from city administration and have the “discipline to say no.”

“We have to choose water before wants, safety before nice-to-haves, and core infrastructure before projects that can wait,” Farkas said. “That is how we protect taxpayers, while still preparing Calgary for the future.”

The four-year budget will be made public in early November, three weeks ahead of deliberations.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Okanagan wine producers brace for U.S. ban on Canadian alcohol imports

The Okanagan will be one region that will particularly feel the impact of the U.S. president's ban on certain Canadian products -namely wine. As Klaudia Van Emmerik reports, it seems B.C. growers have been put at the forefront of the growing trade war between our two countries.

B.C. wine producers are bracing for the latest blow to cross-border alcohol sales, with the United States set to ban most Canadian alcohol imports later this month.

At Lightning Rock Winery in Summerland, the impact is expected to be significant.

“It seems that wine and booze in general in Canada and the U.S. is the punching bag for everything,” said Ron Kubek, owner of Lightning Rock Winery. “If I had known this, I wouldn’t have gone into the business.”

Kubek is bracing for the looming U.S. ban and the potential loss of roughly 500 cases of his wine sold in the United States each year.

“That’s about $120,000 to $150,000 a year,” he said.

At Painted Rock Estate Winery in Penticton, the direct financial hit is expected to be less significant, but the winery says losing access to the U.S. market could still have an important impact.

“It’s really important in terms of brand building. It’s something that we use to be able to get in front of important reviewers, in front of important influencers, and competitions,” said Lauren Skinner-Buksevics, the winery’s managing director.

B.C. wine producers were first hit with a 50 per cent tariff.

Now, the U.S. is going a step further by moving to ban most Canadian alcohol imports entirely.

Jeff Guignard, president and CEO of the Wine Growers of British Columbia, says the consequences will be felt on both sides of the border.

“It’s going to hurt businesses on both sides of the border,” Guignard said. “When this ban comes in, it’s going to be Canadian producers, American importers, distributors, retailers, hospitality businesses who are going to be hurt by this.”

But Guignard says the broader implications of what he describes as a form of prohibition could be even more significant.

“I think it’s a really dangerous precedent that’s being set right here. It is showing us that the United States is a completely unreliable trading partner,” he said.

The latest development is prompting renewed calls for Canada to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers that make it difficult for Canadian wineries to sell across the country.

“This is the time to solve interprovincial trade barriers and this is the time to allow Canadian businesses to build their brand here at home,” Skinner-Buksevics said.

Kubek agrees, saying governments need to do more to support Canadian-made wine, including prioritizing domestic products in government-run liquor stores.

“The B.C. LDB (B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch) is promoting a South African winery, ‘win a car.’ They’re promoting an Italian winery, wine region, ‘win a trip in France.’ You know, the Penticton liquor store, the Penticton B.C. liquor store has 12 rows devoted to foreign wines and only two to B.C.,” Kubek said.

“We need to look in the mirror and fix our own problems first. Then we can deal with the U.S.,” he added.

The ban is set to take effect on Sept. 29.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Dawson families urge Ottawa to strengthen gun laws ahead of 20th anniversary of college shooting

Families and survivors of the Dawson College shooting are calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to strengthen firearms laws, saying key gun-control measures promised in the wake of mass shootings remain unfinished nearly 20 years after the deadly attack.

In an open letter released Wednesday, the advocacy group Dawson Families for Gun Control urged the federal government to take action on what it describes as three outstanding priorities: completing the ban on assault-style firearms, closing loopholes involving large-capacity magazines and strengthening oversight of exemptions to Canada’s handgun freeze.

The letter comes ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 13, 2006 shooting at Montreal’s Dawson College, when a gunman opened fire with legally acquired firearms, killing 18-year-old Anastasia De Sousa and wounding 19 others.

“Since that terrible day, survivors and families of Anastasia and those injured or traumatized have urged successive governments to fix the laws that enabled a troubled and angry young man to legally obtain firearms and accessories capable of causing mass casualties,” the letter states.

While acknowledging progress, including the prohibition of many assault-style firearms and the federal handgun freeze, the families argue significant gaps remain.

They say many prohibited firearms are still in civilian hands because of an ongoing amnesty period tied to the federal buyback program. The group is also calling for regulations to ban magazines that can be modified to hold more rounds than legally permitted and wants stricter national standards governing exemptions for Olympic and Paralympic sport shooters.

The families say Ottawa should move forward on those measures without further consultation.

The letter is signed by relatives of victims and survivors connected to the Dawson College shooting.

Louise Hevey De Sousa, whose daughter Anastasia was killed in the attack, said families have been waiting too long for governments to act.

“I think action really needs to be taken now. It’s enough,” she told Global News. “It’s been 20 years since Dawson and even longer since Polytechnique, so I don’t think it’s really acceptable.”

Hevey De Sousa also pointed to Montreal’s recent incident of gun violence this past June as evidence that stronger measures are needed.

In a statement to Global News, a spokesperson for Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the upcoming anniversary is “a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and of our shared responsibility to keep communities safe.”

The federal government said it remains committed to its firearm-control agenda, including the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program.

According to the minister’s office, more than 142,000 assault-style firearms have been declared, collected or destroyed through the program to date.

The government also highlighted broader efforts to combat gun violence, including investments in border security, additional Canada Border Services Agency and RCMP personnel, and funding aimed at disrupting organized crime networks involved in firearms trafficking.

“Altogether, these measures reflect our comprehensive approach: removing dangerous firearms from communities, strengthening our borders, supporting law enforcement, and disrupting the organized criminal networks that fuel gun violence,” the statement said.

Dawson College will hold a commemorative ceremony Friday to mark the 20th anniversary of the shooting.

On Sunday, the anniversary of the attack, members of Anastasia De Sousa’s family will gather at her gravesite, continuing a tradition they have observed each year since her death to honour the life she never had the chance to complete.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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