In 2025 Wabasca Santas Anonymous assisted over 250 families and delivered gifts to about 560 children; in 2024 the program provided hampers to 199 families, 26 singles and 70 elders.
British Columbia has ended its three-year drug decriminalization pilot and will not seek a federal renewal; officials said the pilot did not deliver the results hoped for and that other approaches will continue to address the toxic-drug crisis.
Iranian officials announced plans for rapid trials and possible executions of people detained in nationwide protests and warned of a “decisive response” if the U.S. or Israel intervene; authorities have detained more than 18,000 people amid restricted communications and reported heavy casualties.
The Keewatin branch is reopening after an 18-month closure for roof repairs and new windows; a grand reopening is planned for February though the exact date is still being set.
The article profiles Emera, a Halifax-based regulated utility reporting a 4.3% dividend yield and a $20 billion capital plan for 2026–2030.
A survey of 1,055 family physicians in Ontario found female family doctors spend about 15–20% more time per patient—nearly four minutes longer per appointment—than male colleagues, and study authors say this contributes to extra work and a pay gap.
Alan Warner died on January 5, 2026 at age 91. A celebration of life is scheduled for January 30, 2026 at 12 noon at 9325 Main Street Church in Chilliwack.
Richard Stanley Vanier, 84, died December 29, 2025, in Kelowna, B.C.; he worked as a steamfitter and vocational instructor and was active in Alcoholics Anonymous.
Many planners use a 70% pre-retirement income replacement rule; with Statistics Canada reporting a $64,900 median employment income for ages 45–54 in 2023, that equates to about $45,430 per year. The article notes CPP and OAS can cover a meaningful portion and that compounding over the next 20 years is a major factor.
Pierre Verhelst died peacefully in his sleep on January 10, 2026, at age 70; he was a founding member of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and a longtime aircraft maintenance engineer.
