It was supposed to be a joyful family reunion, but instead a British Columbia grandmother is stranded in China in a coma, her family unable to pay the hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring her home via air ambulance.

Her family says Lilia Avoutova, 78, who is of mixed Chinese and Ukrainian heritage, arrived in Kunming on March 4.

But she and her 79-year-old husband, Savout, both from Burnaby, B.C., never made it to Avoutova’s birthplace of Xinjiang, an autonomous territory in northwest China, after she suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and stroke two days later.

Daughter Elena Lanteigne said her mother has been in an induced coma in a Kunming hospital since March 8.

“It was really tough, so the reunion never happened,” said a tearful Lanteigne, speaking from Kunming where she and her brother have been for about three weeks.

“It’s really tough to see your loved one in a hospital bed and intubated with all these instruments around them, and not knowing how they’re doing and if they’re going to survive and if they’re going to do well,” said Lanteigne, wiping away tears on a video call.

She said her mother had lived in China until she was about 10 when Avoutova’s father’s farm was confiscated by the government.

The family moved to Kazakhstan, where Avoutova married and had her children, before the family moved to Canada about 30 years ago.

Lanteigne said her mother had reconnected with her relatives in China in the past 10 years and was hoping to see them on what she expected to be her last visit to her hometown.

Communicating with doctors has been “extremely challenging” in China due to the language barriers, Lanteigne said, forcing them to rely on Google Translate to understand her mom’s conditions.

She said her parents didn’t buy any travel medical insurance, and now the ICU in China costs about $1,000 per day, which has become a “heavy burden” for her.

Her retired parents live a “very frugal” life, and they are pretty much out of the money at this point, she said.

“My brother and I have had some savings, and we’ve been able to dip into those, but that’s also started to run out,” she added.

Lanteigne said it’s “extremely stressful” to think about finances, and they still need to figure out the big expense of bringing her mom home.

Lanteigne said they had got some quotes for getting a medical transport flight, which basically functions as an air ambulance equipped with a medical crew, so that they can bring her mom home right away, but the costs are about $400,000, which they can’t afford.

There is another option available — transporting her mom to Vancouver from Kunming by using stretcher service on a commercial airline, and the costs would be around $108,800.

But it’s riskier since Avoutova has a cerebral hemorrhage, and when the plane goes up to a high altitude, it can place pressure on the brain, making it “quite dangerous,” said Lanteigne.

Lanteigne said her mom’s family doctor suggested the best option right now is to wait at least a month or two, allowing the bleeding inside the body to reabsorb, which would make it safer for her to travel.

Lanteigne said she is clinging to the hope that her mom can leave the ICU soon and move to the rehabilitation unit, allowing them to prepare to take her home in the next couple of months.

She said her mom is one of those people who can make friends with anyone, and wherever she goes, people are naturally drawn to her.

“People want to talk to her, get to know her. She’s just extremely friendly,” said Lanteigne, adding that her grandchildren fondly called her babushka, meaning grandmother in Ukrainian.

When people would visit Avoutova at her home, she would serve tea and feed them.

“If she doesn’t have anything in her house, which is very rare, she will run to the store, and she will find something in her cupboards,” said Lanteigne.

Although the past three weeks have been tough, Lanteigne said they did have some promising news days ago — her mom briefly opened her eyes and was able to move her hand a little bit.

“Lately, I’ve been talking to her about people who’ve been reaching out, and just so that she knows that people are thinking about her. People are aware of who she is, and there are people who want to help,” said Lanteigne.

Avoutova is also a grandmother of four grandchildren, and Lanteigne said she has been playing audio and video recordings sent by her grandkids next to her bed, telling her that they can’t wait to see their beloved “babushka.”

Lanteigne said her mom showed her what kindness and compassion are, spending her life caring for others, and now she must find a way to bring her home, no matter how difficult the process would be.

The journey isn’t easy, but Lanteigne said she was touched by the overwhelming response she got from Canadians through an online fundraising page.

“My friend suggested it, and I was like, it seems really awkward, asking people for money, asking strangers for help.”

But the GoFundMe page has raised more than $16,000 as of Saturday, almost 70 per cent of the goal.

“I’m just blown away. I’m really shocked, so surprised by the sheer volume of the people who have come out to help,” said Lanteigne.

“And I really appreciate that. I think it’s just been incredible, and it just shows the incredible human spirit that people have for each other. That’s so heartwarming, I can’t even put it into words. It’s been amazing to see that.”

© 2026 The Canadian Press

The two candidates vying to replace François Legault as Coalition Avenir Québec leader and Quebec premier are meeting today in a second and final debate.

Bernard Drainville and Christine Fréchette exchanged friendly greetings ahead of the start of the debate in Laval, north of Montreal.

Both candidates indicated during an early exchange that they were open to more private involvement in the health system, although Fréchette suggested Drainville had changed his mind on the subject.

The debate topics include health and social services, education, security, housing and homelessness, and immigration and identity.

Fréchette, a former economy minister, and Drainville, a former environment minister, are the only two candidates running to replace Legault, who announced in January he was stepping down as leader.

The winner of the leadership contest will be announced April 12.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis confirmed on ​Saturday that they had ‌launched an attack on Israel for the first ​time during the current ​Israeli-U.S. war against Iran, ⁠marking their entry ​to the conflict and raising ​the prospects of a broader regional confrontation.

According to reports from Reuters, missiles launched from Yemen have been detected for the first time since this conflict, Israel’s military said on Saturday.

The ‌group ⁠said the attack was a barrage of missiles that came after continued ​targeting ​of ⁠infrastructure in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq and ​the Palestinian territories.

Yemeni officials  added ⁠that their operations would continue until the “aggression” on ⁠all ​fronts ends.

Experts say that any involvement in the conflict by the Houthis could cause major disruption to maritime navigation around the Arabian Peninsula.

The Houthis’ entry could further hurt global shipping if they again target vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off the Red Sea, through which about 12% of the world’s trade typically passes.

This comes as global trade and the oil industry face uncertainty from the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, has given Iran until April 6 to reopen the strait.

– With files from The Canadian Press and Reuters Timour Azhari and Nayera Abdallah

© 2026 Reuters

The NDP leadership candidates are making their last pitch to party members before voting in the six-month campaign concludes later today.

Each of the five candidates will have time at the convention this morning to outline their vision for party leadership.

While there is a voting booth at the Winnipeg convention, voting opened earlier this month and many members have already cast their ballots.

The party’s roughly 100,000 members will pick the new leader through a ranked ballot system, where the first candidate to get more than 50 per cent support is the winner.

The next NDP leader will be announced Sunday.

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles is scheduled to address the convention today, after Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew opened the gathering on Friday.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Don Bourassa says a proposed wind farm near his home in southeast Saskatchewan has ruined relationships in his community — to the point where he feels he has been bullied.

A resident of the Rural Municipality of Weyburn, Bourassa said one of his neighbours approached him about buying his property to keep him quiet on Enbridge’s Seven Stars Energy Project.

“He wants me out of there, to shut up,” Bourassa said in an interview. “That’s bullying and I’m not falling for that.

“It’s neighbours hating each other.”

Enbridge is planning to build the 200-megawatt facility near Weyburn, Sask., southeast of Regina, by late 2027. It would be one of the province’s largest wind facilities, featuring 46 turbines capable of powering about 100,000 homes.

It’s also eight kilometres from Bourassa’s acreage.

He said lines have been drawn between those who are getting money from the project and those who aren’t. If it goes ahead, the wind farm would occupy some private property.

“We didn’t buy these acreages to have these monsters come beside us,” he said. “I didn’t live here for 35 years to have a project like that dumped on us.”

Residents have recently packed town halls in the municipality, urging elected officials not to approve it. They argue it will harm their livelihoods and the surrounding environment.

Kim Brady, another resident, said the project has pitted neighbours and relatives against one another.

“People don’t talk, they won’t talk. It’s not ever going to go away,” he said. “I hope (the province) sees how unhappy residents are and, hopefully, they are going to listen and stop this project.”

Half of the turbines are to be located in the Rural Municipality of Weyburn, while the other half are to be in the Rural Municipality of Griffin. Weyburn has approved the project’s development permit, but Griffin has not.

Griffin has said it needs to receive documents on the project’s environmental effects before it makes a decision.

Both municipalities declined interview requests on the project.

Enbridge said in a statement it’s continuing to address Griffin’s questions. It has also filed its environmental impact statement, the company said.

Bourassa said there’s concern the turbines will be noisy, affect wildlife, become an eyesore and bring down property values. He also argues they’re not as environmentally friendly as advertised, as they’d require loads of raw material in order to be built.

He said he also worries the oil used to lubricate the turbines’ moving parts could leak into groundwater. “I don’t want to take that chance,” Bourassa said.

Brady said he’s concerned about the light the turbines will emit at night when planes fly over. “These things are heavily subsidized … which is taxpayers’ money,” he said.

The province is providing a $100-million loan guarantee to the project through the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation. Six First Nations communities and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan are to receive the loan to acquire 30 per cent equity in the project.

Saskatchewan’s government says it supports the farm.

“(It) will increase Indigenous participation in the economy, create jobs and add generation capacity to our power grid,” it said in a statement.

The City of Weyburn, which is surrounded by the Rural Municipality of Weyburn, also supports it.

Mayor Jeff Richards said the project could be transformative.

“The overwhelming majority of residents that I’ve spoken with are in favour of the project,” he said. “They’re excited to see the investment in our area.”

Enbridge said the project will bring in $4 million each year to the Weyburn area for 30 years. This includes tax revenues for rural municipalities, road upgrades and lease payments to landowners.

The company said lubricants for generators would be contained in oil-tight platforms. It also said no turbines would be built within permanent or semi-permanent wetlands or waterways.

About 40 landowners are to receive payments from the project, but the compensation terms are confidential, the company said.

In responding to residents’ concerns, Enbridge said it plans to move turbines further away from homes. It’s also to install lights that only turn on at night when aircraft are nearby. Noise levels also wouldn’t exceed 40 decibels, or that of a “quiet library,” it added.

“As for property value, please note that based on the current body of literature, our view is wind projects do not have a measurable negative effect on rural property prices,” Enbridge said.

Saskatchewan has recently seen two other large wind farms built over the past four years.

A 200-megawatt Bekevar Wind Facility near Kipling, southeast of Regina, began operating two years ago. Southwest of Regina is a 200-megawatt farm built in 2022.

James Husband, reeve of the Rural Municipality of Hazelwood, where the Bekevar project operates, said public opinion on the facility has been divisive.

“My opinion is all of the arguments against them are mostly just excuses for the fact that people don’t like them politically,” he said. “As far as the energy being renewable and clean energy, I think that’s irrelevant.”

He said council chose to support the project because it would bring in large tax revenues.

The facility is to provide $300,000 this year and about $600,000 in two years once the municipality starts collecting 100 per cent of the share, he said.

The money will go toward better roads and improving recreation facilities, Husband added.

“With these turbines comes federal money. Any way we can get the federal government to spend money in Saskatchewan is a positive,” he said.

The Canada Infrastructure Bank, a federal Crown corporation, spent $173 million on the facility and Ottawa has invested $50 million.

As for light and noise issues, Husband said it’s minimal.

“When I go out to check cows in the middle of the night, I’ll see all the red lights blinking. I don’t think that’s a big deal,” he said. “If you stand right underneath them, there’s a bit of noise, but not any more than the wind on a windy day.”

He added, “Birds aren’t dying.”

Patricia Jackson, mayor of Kipling, said the facility hasn’t changed the way her community lives.

“Truthfully, I think what’s happened is we’ve got two sides that have become polarized,” she said. “Nobody is prepared to sit down and listen.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

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.

Spring has sprung, and so have the savings! Amazon Canada’s Big Spring Sale is here, bringing deep discounts on must-have items–but not for long. Whether you’ve been eyeing a high-performance Dyson hair tool, a sleek Apple upgrade or a design-forward kitchen essential from Our Place, now’s the time to snap up these premium picks at add-to-cart-worthy prices.

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Bring home adventure with this cuddly Skye plush, dressed in her signature aviator uniform. Made with super-soft materials and charming details, it’s perfect for snuggles, imaginative play, or gifting to any little PAW Patrol fan.[/product_listing]

 

10% off

Skip the mess and keep the fun with this interactive Egg Toss game. Smart sensors detect gentle catches versus “cracks,” while 40+ silly sounds keep kids laughing. It’s an active, screen-free game perfect for parties, playdates, or backyard fun.[/product_listing]

 

38% off

The LEGO Super Mario: Mario Kart – Wario & King Boo Building Toy lets kids race and drift with their favourite characters, bringing the excitement of Mario Kart to life. With 512 pieces and fun features like drifting karts and a detachable glider, it’s ideal for creative play and racing adventures.[/product_listing]

 

20% off

The Owala Kids FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle is perfect for kids, with a leakproof design and a fun FreeSip spout that makes drinking easy on the go. Its double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours, making it great for school, sports, or travel.[/product_listing]

 

30% off

The Liberry Baby Balance Bike with Adjustable Seat is excellent for toddlers just learning to walk, helping them build balance, coordination, and confidence. Its safe, lightweight design and adjustable seat grow with your child, making it a fun ride for both indoor and outdoor adventures.[/product_listing]

 

More Amazon kids & family deals:

15% off: LEGO Technic Ferrari SF-24 F1 Model Car Kit – $254.99

33% off: The EggMazing Easter Egg Mini Decorator Kit Arts and Crafts Set – $23.39

44% off: BlueWood Pikler Triangle Set with Cushion – $134.99

 

Best fitness deals

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Stay on top of your health and fitness with the Fitbit Versa 4, featuring built-in GPS, 24/7 heart rate tracking, and over 40 exercise modes to support every workout. It also helps you recover and improve with tools like sleep tracking, daily readiness scores, and stress management insights, all in a sleek, everyday smartwatch design.[/product_listing]

29% off

These Yes4All Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Sets are durable, non-slip hand weights designed for comfortable and safe strength training at home or on the go. With a hexagon anti-roll design and color-coded weight options, they’re perfect for everything from light toning and cardio to full-body workouts.[/product_listing]

41% off

Stay hydrated through every workout and on the go with this viral, fan-favourite tumbler, designed with double-wall insulation to keep drinks cold for hours. The handle and straw lid make it perfect for workouts, errands or daily sipping.[/product_listing]

 

39% off

Level up your workouts with this versatile set of five resistance bands, ideal for strength training, stretching and rehab exercises. Lightweight and portable, they offer varying resistance levels to suit beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts alike.[/product_listing]

 

54% off

The EvoSpark Vibration Plate Exercise Machine gives you a full-body workout at home, helping tone muscles, burn calories, and improve circulation with powerful, adjustable vibrations. Its quiet, sturdy design and easy-to-use remote make it simple to turn any space into a personal gym.[/product_listing]

 

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Sports Research Collagen Peptides powder helps support healthy skin, nails, joints, and bones with easy-to-use hydrolyzed type 1 & 3 collagen. Just one scoop a day mixes effortlessly into drinks or smoothies, giving your body essential amino acids for overall wellness.[/product_listing]

 

30% off

The Finer Form Multi-Functional FID Weight Bench is a versatile home gym bench that adjusts to flat, incline, or decline positions and includes a hyperextension and Roman chair for full-body workouts. Built with reinforced alloy steel, it supports up to 1,000 lbs and features multiple seat and hip pad adjustments, making it ideal for strength training and core exercises.[/product_listing]

 

More Amazon fitness deals:

50% off: Sperax 4 in 1 Walking Vibration Pad – $199.99

23% off: Gyrocopters Electric Scooters – $269.95

16% off: Garmin Approach S50 – $489.99

39% off: Gritin Resistance Bands – $13.49

 

Best outdoor deals

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The Napoleon Rogue 425 Propane Gas Grill delivers powerful, precise heat control with durable cast iron grates for even cooking and perfect sear marks. Its integrated range-style side burner adds extra convenience, letting you prepare sauces and side dishes while grilling outdoors.[/product_listing]

48% off

Without the hassle of gas or oil, this string trimmer makes lawn care quick and easy with a powerful 40V battery and 13-inch cutting path. The adjustable head and low-maintenance design let you tackle weeds and edges efficiently for a neat, polished yard.[/product_listing]

 

55% off

The Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 is a portable power station that can charge quickly and keep your appliances running during power outages or camping trips. it’s lightweight, compact, and packs enough power to run multiple devices, including fridges and air conditioners, all at the same time.[/product_listing]

 

20% off

Built to keep ice for days, this cooler is tough enough for camping, beach trips, or any outdoor adventure with its rotomolded construction and PermaFrost insulation. The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler also features bear-resistant latches and sturdy handles, making it easy to carry and virtually indestructible.[/product_listing]

 

60% off

This portable power station delivers reliable, high-capacity energy for home backup, outdoor adventures, and emergencies, with fast USB-C charging and a massive 2042Wh battery. The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is lightweight, compact, and ultra-quiet, making it easy to carry and use anywhere without disturbing your surroundings.[/product_listing]

 

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These Govee Outdoor UpDown Wall Lights add vibrant, customizable lighting to your porch or patio with 16 million colours and smooth up/down transitions. With smart controls, 1200lm brightness, and IP66 waterproofing, they’re perfect for creating ambiance in any weather while working with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Matter.[/product_listing]

 

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This wireless smart camera gives you peace of mind with 1080p HD live view, infrared night vision, and two-way talk right from the Blink app. The Blink Outdoor 4 also boasts a two-year battery life and works with Alexa, making it easy to monitor your home anytime, day or night.[/product_listing]

 

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Bring the sizzle anywhere with this compact grill that delivers 11,000 BTUs and precise heat control from two adjustable burners. The Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Tabletop Propane Grill makes outdoor cooking a breeze with its Instastart ignition and easy-clean removable water pan.[/product_listing]

 

More Amazon outdoor deals:

45% off: Blink Outdoor 4 Wireless Smart Security Camera – $51.99

27% off: Govee Outdoor UpDown Wall Light – $189.99

5% off: Kasa Smart Outdoor Dimmer Plug – $18.99

15% off: Set of 8 Acrylic Drinking Glasses – $21.99

15% off: DEXI Door Mat Outdoor Entrance – $93.49

 

Best travel deals

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Every traveller and commuter needs a study backpack and this extra large option truly fits it all. Made from water resistant lightweight material, this bag has adjustable shoulder straps, padded handles and all the compartments you need. Grab it while its 29 per cent off![/product_listing]

 

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These bestselling packing cubes are a customer favourite, trusted by thousands of travellers for their smart design and reliable durability. Made from premium water-repellent nylon.[/product_listing]

 

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The Amazon Basics 30-Inch Hardside Checked Luggage features a durable, scratch-resistant ABS shell, four multi-directional spinner wheels, and a fully lined interior with multiple pockets for organized packing. Its expandable design adds up to 15% more space, making it ideal for vacations, work trips, or weekend getaways.[/product_listing]

 

53% off

This contoured, light-blocking eye mask has breathable memory foam and adjustable straps, designed for comfortable sleep anywhere, from flights to naps at home. It comes with earplugs and a travel pouch, making it a perfect travel essential for men and women seeking uninterrupted rest.[/product_listing]

 

29% off

This Travel Inspira Digital Luggage Scale is a compact, easy-to-use hanging scale with a backlit LCD display, data lock function, and overload alert to help you avoid overweight baggage fees. Its comfortable rubber handle, temperature sensor, and auto-off feature make it a reliable and travel-friendly tool for frequent flyers and travelers.[/product_listing]

 

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Print your favourite memories anytime, anywhere with this pocket-sized photo printer. Using ink-free ZINK technology, it produces vibrant, smudge-proof photos with a peel-and-stick backing—perfect for decorating journals, phone cases, laptops or travel keepsakes on the go.[/product_listing]

 

More Amazon travel deals:

22% off: Portable Electronics Travel Organizer – $10.97

10% off: Compression Packing Cubes – $26.99

29% off: 2 Pack European Travel Plug Adapter – $25.51

10% off: Neck Travel Pillow – $25.41

 

Best everyday essentials deals

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Power your everyday devices with these long-lasting AA batteries, designed for reliable performance in everything from remotes to toys. With a shelf life you can count on, they’re a practical staple to keep on hand at home.[/product_listing]

 

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Support muscle function and hydration with this magnesium plus electrolytes formula. Each tablet helps replenish essential minerals, making it a convenient addition to your daily wellness routine, especially after workouts or during busy, active days.[/product_listing]

 

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Stock up on this bathroom essential featuring soft and absorbent sheets for a comfortable clean. The mega rolls last longer–no need for frequent replacements.[/product_listing]

 

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Protect and hydrate your skin in one step with this lightweight SPF 50 sunscreen. Infused with white truffle extract, it delivers moisture and a subtle glow while shielding against harmful UV rays for everyday wear.[/product_listing]

 

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Keep your clothes fresh and clean with this powerful liquid detergent, designed to lift away dirt while leaving behind a long-lasting, uplifting scent. A little goes a long way.[/product_listing]

 

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Soothe aches and unwind with this ultra-soft heating pad, featuring six heat settings and four timer options for customized comfort. The machine-washable design and auto shut-off ensure safe, easy everyday use.[/product_listing]

 

More Amazon everyday essentials deals:

39% off: Aquasonic Black Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush – $41.32

31% off: Lysol Disinfecting Wipes – $26.91

21% off: Liquid I.V. – $29.99

20% off: BEEKEEPER’S NATURALS Propolis Throat Spray – $13.59

19% off: OLLY Women’s Multi Gummy – $16.17

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

TORONTO – Scottie Barnes is, theoretically, a power forward. But 73 games into the Toronto Raptors season, he’s played extended time at every position.

Against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday it was time to play point guard with regular starter Immanuel Quickley out with plantar facitiis in his right foot. Barnes excelled in the role with 23 points, 12 assists and six rebounds as Toronto rolled to a 119-106 victory.

“I’m just waiting for the day when Scottie is gonna tell me, ‘Coach, this is too much I’ve been asking you to do,'” joked Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic. “Play three, play four, play point guard, play five.

“Go guard the point guard, go guard the five. He’s just going to do everything that he needs to do to help our team and to win the game.”

Barnes had more than 10 assists for a third consecutive game, a career high. It was also his career-best 27th double-double of the season, surpassing the 26 he had last campaign.

“It doesn’t matter where I need to be on the floor, I’m just going to try and do what I can to try and win the game,” said Barnes. “Whatever it is, starting point guard, guarding the five, playing point, playing forward.”

The two-time all star also had two steals and three blocks in 36:29 of playing time as Rajakovic rested all of his starters with a little over two minutes left to play.

Rajakovic said that although the six-foot-eight Barnes’s size makes him a forward, he’s got a playmaker’s instincts.

“He’s a pass-first player. He likes to move, to pass, he likes to find his teammates. He is exceptional in transition,” said Rajakovic. “We were getting stops early in the game, and he was really pushing the ball in transition and all he does is scanning the floor.

“It really allows him, with his size and his athletic ability, to play over the top of the defence.”

Second-year player Ja’Kobe Walter started in Quickley’s place. He was one of four Raptors who scored 18 points, and he doled out four assists with Barnes bearing the playmaking load.

Both Barnes and Rajakovic had high praise for Walter’s efforts.

“His shooting is just something that we need on our team,” said Barnes of Walter, who went 6-for-14 on field-goal attempts and 4-for-10 on three-pointers. “He’s been on fire. Every shot he takes it looks like it’s going in.

“Sometimes we get in these situations where we’re not making shots, but we can count on him to be able to play defence and make shots.”

Rajakovic said that Walter has been making an impact for the Raptors in two ways.

“He did a really good job defensively, pressuring the ball. He really set a tone on (Pelicans guard) Jeremiah Fears tonight and he’s shooting the ball really well,” said Rajakovic. “He’s good out there for us and the whole team trusts him.

“He plays so hard so there is not much you can object to when he plays that hard.”

Rookie centre Collin Murray-Boyles left the game early with back spasms. He finished with nine points and two rebounds.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

One year after the Ford government tabled its first “Protect Ontario” budget, the province is offering a conflicting view of the impact of United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

On one hand, the finance minister insists Ontario is bracing for the worst, telling MPPs that “geopolitical forces that may have once felt distant have now reached our shores.”

But with the numbers now in on the first year of Trump, and its impact on the provincial economy, Ontario, it seems, has weathered the turbulence.

The government says Ontario is in the same trade position as it was before Trump entered the White House, despite preparing to be battered by tariffs.

The lack of impact on the economy appears to be reflected in how the supports Ontario set up have — or have not — been used.

Small businesses were offered $9 billion in provincial tax deferrals, but they only used $2 billion of that fund. Larger industries could tap into a $5 billion Protect Ontario Account; they only used $1 billion of the money available.

The latter fund, it appears, was deemed so unnecessary that the government is now redirecting it, creating an investment fund for new sectors the province wants to chase.

“The economists thought we would grow at 0.8 per cent last year, and were rightfully worried about what the tariffs might be; it could have been a lot worse, they thought,” Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said in an interview on Focus Ontario.

“It didn’t materialize. Still a lot of challenges like Section 232 steel and auto (tariffs), but our economy actually grew at 1.2 per cent. So, better than expected in 2025.”

Critics claim the “Protect Ontario” messaging from the government was a smokescreen.

“They’re not protecting, they’re pretending,” Liberal MPP John Fraser said on Thursday. “‘I’m going to spend this much money.’ Then they don’t.”

Bethlenfalvy insisted that uncertainty remains.

“We have the CUSMA renegotiation coming up. We have some of the impact on industries like steel still impacted. And we have, of course, now, global conflict driving up the price of oil.”

The budget itself reflects a relatively grim reality, even though the effects of tariffs were lighter than expected.

In its 2026 financial plan, the government is telegraphing that there are fears for the future.

Its budget is worth a total of $244 billion, which includes an increased deficit of $13.8 billion for this year, and $6.1 billion for next year. It is delaying its plans to balance the budget until 2028.

The total deficit is also hurtling toward half a trillion dollars by next year.

Focus Ontario airs at 5:30 p.m. Saturday on Global TV.

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

Sitting in the heart of Saskatoon’s downtown, Gather Local Market has always been a community staple, home to crafty small businesses with flair.

They’re welcoming a new anchor tenant to the building.

“When we gather, we invite people to stay longer. They spend more money, and we connect deeply — it’s impactful. It’s growth, and growth is beautiful,” said Discovery Saskatoon CEO Stephanie Pocha, welcoming the bar to the city.

Rebellion was started in Regina by Mark Heise and his business partners, where they have their own brewery. The success they found in the warehouse district has prompted them to expand to Saskatoon, driven by their passion for beer.

“Beer is meant to be social. That’s what so special about beer. It’s a gathering, you make friends, you sit at the bar,” said Heise.

Rebellion started in Regina in the warehouse district where their brewery is located. They’ve made the decision to expand to Saskatoon in the face of mounting pressures on the service industry.

“No money, living at home, no jobs, living at home, it’s expensive to go out, health concerns, changing habits, video games, just many overall — that drinking culture has changed so much when it comes to Gen Z,” said David Williams, an associate professor with the Edwards School of Business.

For Rebellion, finding the right location was key. With all the surrounding foot traffic and the community atmosphere, Williams says they may beat the trend.

“Good ambience, clustering of similar businesses, good vibe, part of the hipster part of town so it seems good,” said Williams

Rebellion is now open for customers at Gather Local Market.

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

TORONTO – Scottie Barnes had a double-double as the Toronto Raptors routed the New Orleans Pelicans 119-106 on Friday.

Barnes had 23 points, 12 assists and six rebounds for Toronto (41-32). Jakob Poeltl also had a double-double with 18 points and 11 boards.

Raptors point guard Immanuel Quickley missed the game as he recovers from plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Ja’Kobe Walter started in his stead but Barnes was Toronto’s de facto playmaker. Walter was one of four Toronto players to finish with 18 points.

Zion Williamson had 22 points and added seven rebounds as New Orleans (25-50) lost its fourth straight.

Dejounte Murray (injury management) and Trey Murphy (ankle) sat out for the Pelicans. Murray had drawn the ire of Toronto fans on March 11 when he crossed up Jamal Shead and stood over the prone Raptors guard, shouting and flexing.

The game’s tipoff was at 8:30 p.m. local time, an hour later than most Toronto home games as the Raptors had just returned from a lengthy West Coast road trip that ended with a 119-94 loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles.

“The trip from L.A., it’s really hard to do it right after the game,” said head coach Darko Rajakovic pre-game. “It would bring you home around 5, 6 in the morning, which is pretty late.

“So we decided to stay over to get some extra rest. (…) We just wanted to push a little bit to give our guys another hour of rest and sleep.”

Takeaways

Pelicans: Both teams struggled to shoot the three ball, but New Orleans was especially bad from beyond the arc. The Pelicans went 7-for-28 from with forward Saddiq Bey responsible for three of those threes.

Raptors: Barnes — who had played every position this season — had more than 10 assists for a third consecutive game, a career high. It was also his 27th double-double of the season, a career best, surpassing the 26 he had last campaign.

Key moment

Barnes stole the ball from Williamson with 2:17 left in the second, feeding Poeltl for a layup to cap a 12-0 Toronto run and a 21-point lead.

Key stat

The win, coupled with Atlanta’s 109-102 loss to the Boston Celtics, moved the Raptors into sole possession of fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks were half a game back of Toronto.

Up next

Toronto: Hosts the Orlando Magic on Sunday in a critical game for both teams vying for a playoff berth.

New Orleans: Hosts the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press