Tag: canada

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Publishers: please hold more gaming events in Canada

Fan Expo Canada 2022

Every year, I put together a round-up of all the gaming-related programming at Fan Expo Canada.

When I did this last year, the list ended up being pretty empty outside of a few prominent voice actors — no demo-filled exhibitor booths in sight. At the time, I chalked this up to COVID; after all, it was a scaled-back show and there were a bunch of restrictions. I expected 2022 would be different.

Narrator: it was not.

 

Ubisoft had an admittedly nifty Assassin’s Creed booth with a few demo stations to showcase some of the series’ games on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, but not a single publisher was present last week with a booth to let you try upcoming games. Moreover, PlayStation and Xbox completely skipped the show, while Nintendo was present only for a Splatoon 3 photo op wall and arts and crafts station. I’ll confess that I was quite disappointed.

Even before COVID, gaming events in Canada have been few and far between. Fan Expo Canada 2019, the last pre-COVID show, had a really solid lineup of game demos, including Final Fantasy VII Remake (PlayStation), Gears 5 (Xbox) and Luigi’s Mansion 3 (Nintendo). Also that year was the Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo (EGLX), which had a huge Nintendo booth. However, that pretty much covers it in terms of major events, and even then, EGLX also quietly went away the following year.

By comparison, the U.S. has historically had so many gaming events. The massive PAX West is happening this weekend in Seattle, and it’s just one of multiple PAX events across the country. E3 shifted to a public-media hybrid show before COVID, and it aims to do that once more in 2023. Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest is also set to have a physical event next year, and that’s to say nothing of The Game Awards that he hosts in Los Angeles, or even Gamescom, Europe’s largest gaming show that he partners with. Before COVID, Xbox also held its own ‘XO’ events in countries like England and Mexico.

Xbox XO19 London

Xbox’s XO19 fan event in London, England.

Now, if you’ve followed our gaming coverage here on MobileSyrup, you may know that Canada is a gaming industry powerhouse. We’re talking third-largest producer of games in the world. Assassin’s Creed, Mass Effect, FIFA, NHL, Rainbow Six Siege, Cuphead, Gotham Knights, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Dead by Daylight, PGA Tour 2K23… these are just some of the many games made in the Great White North. You would think, then, that publishers would do a better job promoting that here in Canada.

Sure, digital demos have been making a big return, and that’s certainly a wonderful way to bring games to people at home. But there’s something special about getting to try them out in person — that communal experience with friends and complete strangers alike. One of my fondest memories of previewing a game was playing Sea of Thieves with a bunch of people I hadn’t met before. Besides, other countries benefit from getting demos at home as well as in-person shows, so why can’t Canada?

And it’s not even just about demos. Take PAX West — you can attend panels with legends like ex-Nintendo boss Reggie Fils-Aime, Monkey Island creator Ron Gilbert and adventure game pioneer Roberta Williams or even meet The Last of Us‘ Neil Druckmann and Troy Baker, among other cool opportunities. Of course, I’m not expecting that such big names would routinely come to hypothetical Canadian events, but even if we’re looking at our homegrown gaming talent, there’s so much to choose from.

To be clear, some publishers have done some really cool things in that regard. At this past Fan Expo, developers from Quebec City’s Beenox and Sledgehammer Toronto held a panel to talk about what it’s like to work on Call of Duty in Canada. At the last-ever (?) EGLX, Ubisoft Toronto hosted demos and meet and greets for Watch Dogs: Legion. And for this year’s Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, the Halo maker held a rad ‘FanFest’ event in Toronto, years after its awesome “Media Showcases” in the city. Game companies are notoriously secretive, so it’s always nice to let the public put a face to the people who make the games they love, and to give developers and others in the industry the chance to engage with their fans. Shoutout to the companies who have been doing this in Canada!

And hey, I’ve never put together a big event. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to organize. A lot of time and money and planning goes into this sort of thing. It can’t be done overnight. I get all of that! But I keep looking at everything that happens in the U.S. and abroad and lament the fact that we don’t really have anything like that here. Moreover, it feels like a missed opportunity to not capitalize on Canada’s immense developer pool. Celebrate the fact that we have some of the best game makers in the world! Even if we don’t have dedicated events on the scale of PAX or E3, something smaller like EGLX or even one-offs like Xbox FanFest would be great! Ideally, these would be held across the country, too, and not just in Toronto.

I say all of this because I’m very fortunate to have been able to travel to international events for work. I’ve seen how exciting they can be, and I don’t take that for granted. If anything, it makes me want to share some of those experiences with others! Who knows what the future of gaming events will be in Canada, but hopefully, we start to see more of them in the coming years.

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Saskatoon and Regina hold events advocating for more harm reduction supports | Globalnews.ca

Saskatoon and Regina hold events advocating for more harm reduction supports | Globalnews.ca

The number of overdose deaths in Saskatchewan has more than tripled over the past six years.

That’s according to the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service, who said 366 deaths were reported in 2021, compared to 92 in 2016.

Wednesday is International Overdose Awareness Day, and people gathered at the Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre to get the point across that this was a growing issue, and supports are needed.

Jocelyn Trotchie works with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan, and said the province needs to know.

Read more:

Sask. advocates paint chairs purple for those lost to overdose

Read More

“We need to keep reminding the government, the health officials, that this is a crisis right now,” said Trotchie.

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Jade Creelman is the harm reduction coordinator at Choke Cherry Studios, and said these deaths could be stopped.

“It’s all preventable, and I think that’s what upsets me most. If funding were going into harm reduction, and if there were a safe supply these deaths would not be happening,” said Creelman.

The province said they’ve invested $470 million into mental health and addictions services for  2022-23, but organizations like Prairie Harm Reduction have said they’ve been denied provincial funding for the third year in a row, have had to work limited hours, and had to fight to keep the lights on.

Elizabeth Plishka is the director of support services for Prairie Harm Reduction, and echoed the sentiment that more help was needed.

“More funding. More support for people who are transient, who do use substances,” said Plishka.

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‘We are literally seeing people die before our eyes’: Toxic drugs continue to take toll on Okanagan

She listed things like housing supports, support for safe consumption sites, more wrap-around services, and more help for healthcare as things that needed to be focused on.

Daniel Hern was an addict for 23 years, but got clean five and a half years ago. He started a podcast called Hard Knox Talks to advocate for change and to give a voice from the perspective of someone who has used drugs.

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Hern said we needed to do more than just talk to the government about this crisis.

“Education. More advocacy. We live in a democracy, don’t we? So, instead of just advocating the government, I think the voice towards the general public needs to be amplified so that we can bring education to people who think differently than we do,” said Hern.

An event also took place at the mâmawêyatitân centre in Regina, and event organizer Ronnie Nordal said education was made available for anyone who wanted it.


Event held in Regina for International Overdose Awareness Day.

Global News/ Derek Putz

“We can each take naloxone training, carry naloxone kits. Training is available today, naloxone kits are here for the taking. Each one of us has the ability to save a life,” said Nordal.

Medavie Health Services West noted at the beginning of August that over the past two years, they’ve seen an increased potency in illicit drugs, and have had to increase the amount of Narcan given to patients while they were being transported to the hospital.

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Carissa Issac’s mother died from an overdose back in 2020, and she said events like the ones held in Regina and Saskatoon are important.

“My mom had written in her diary, ‘I just want my daughters to be proud of me again,’ and she never got that opportunity to get better because it took her. Events like this I feel are very important because it allows for reality to kind of be seen,” said Isaac.

— with files from Montana Getty

© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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Canada 55-plus Games goes Into the Wild for wrap-up event

Canada 55-plus Games goes Into the Wild for wrap-up event

The event — Into the Wild — will feature music from Barney Bentall, along with dancing, food trucks and a beer garden

Participants are encouraged to celebrate their experience at the Canada 55-plus Games at a wrap-up event on Thursday at the BC Wildlife Park.

The event — Into the Wild — will feature music from Barney Bentall, along with dancing, food trucks and a beer garden.

Doors open at 5 p.m., with Bentall slated to hit the stage at 6:30 p.m.

“This is just a great opportunity for athletes to come out after a long day of playing games and hang out with each other and meet other people,” said Morgan Yeomans, director of sponsorship, special events and protocol for the Games.

“Lots of these people have actually met before at past Games.”

Tickets are $30 and available online at ykanow.ca.

The price includes admission for a tour of the park (9077 Dallas Dr.) between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

“It’s an opportunity for everyone to have a fun time,” Yeomans said.

Tourism Kamloops notes the Games — the first of their kind to be held in B.C. — are expected to have an economic impact of about $3.5 million on the city, with about 5,000 people coming to town for the three-day event that got underway on Tuesday.

Games media contact Elsa Poppleton told KTW on Tuesday that Kamloopsians have stepped up to fill required volunteer positions. More than 600 helpers are needed, according to a Games press release.

The Canada 55-plus Games is a multi-sport event open to adults ages 55 and over, with focus on the social, physical and psychological wellbeing of the participants.

Nearly 3,000 participants are expected to compete in 26 events at 28 venues across the city, many of them contributing to about 6,000 room nights in local hotels.

“We are encouraging all of our local restaurants and attractions to staff up and be prepared for a major influx of visitors throughout the week,” Lisa Strachan of Tourism Kamloops said in a Kamloops Sports Council press release.

“This is going to be a fun-filled week of competitions, socialization and special events.”

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This Oktoberfest Event Near Toronto Is The Largest In Canada & It’s Like A Trip To Munich

This Oktoberfest Event Near Toronto Is The Largest In Canada & It's Like A Trip To Munich

If a trip to Germany is on your bucket list but you can’t make it over the ocean, this massive Oktoberfest event in Ontario can satisfy that itch.

Bingemans Oktoberfest is a celebration over three weekends full of craft beer, Bavarian eats and live entertainment. The festival weekends start on September 23 and you can enjoy different themed bars and games that will make you think you’re in Munich.

Map including bars, lounges, stages and game areas at Bingemans Oktoberfest. Map including bars, lounges, stages and game areas at Bingemans Oktoberfest. Bingemans

This annual festival has added a third weekend this year and it’s bigger than ever. The outdoor patio space and stage have expanded so there’s easy access to food and games and more entertainment than in past years.

The Bavarian Feast takes place on Saturdays during the festival where you can indulge in Oktoberfest sausage, German schnitzel, spaetzle noodles, and other traditional meals along with craft beer. You can preorder some menu items this year such as the Oktoberfest Platter that comes with four large pretzels, eight pierogies and more.

You should show up hungry, there are four tasting food stations full of different tasty options as well as pretzels trees (with dip) on the tables. There will be entertainment lined up as you stuff your face. There will be a large selection of local craft beer and German brews to sip away on. Tickets are $45 per person.

In keeping with tradition, the Golden Keys band will be playing each weekend of the Oktoberfest Koolhaus performances. Kim Mitchell is one of the festival headliners as well as Dorfrocker, coming straight from Germany.

There are three VIP lounge areas if you want to level up your experience. You can enjoy the festival in comfortable seating, VIP washrooms, private bars, and unique vibes depending on which package upgrade you choose.

If you have little ones, there is a Kinderfest children’s event on October 1 and 2. There will be entertainment for kids, cookie decorating, carnival rides, fall treats and more. Besides this specific kids event, the festival is for those 19 years of age and older.

Bingemans Oktoberfest

Bingemans Oktoberfest poster of Bavarian food, live music and craft beer.

Bingemans Oktoberfest poster of Bavarian food, live music and craft beer.

Bingemans

Price: $15+ per ticket depending on the event

When: Fridays and Saturdays, September 23 to October 8, 2022

Address: 425 Bingemans Centre Dr., Kitchener, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can transport yourself to Germany at this massive Oktoberfest in Ontario. Prost!

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Narcity does not condone the overconsumption of alcohol or other legal substances. If you are going to drink alcohol or consume cannabis, please do so responsibly and only if you’re of legal age.

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India asks Canada to ensure security at Independence Day celebration events

India asks Canada to ensure security at Independence Day celebration events

TORONTO: For the first time ever, the Indian government has called upon Canada to ensure adequate security during Independence Day celebrations at missions in the country but to also prevent the disruption of events organised by the Indo-Canadian community.

This was conveyed by India’s high commission in Ottawa to Global Affairs Canada, the country’s foreign ministry, in a diplomatic communique. It came as the community prepares to observe August 15 with public in-person events for the first time since 2019 as Covid-19 related restrictions ease.

A senior Indian official confirmed that this was the first time India has broadened its security request for Independence Day from enhanced measures at its diplomatic premises in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver, to guarding “Indian interests” related to community events across the country.

The official clarified that such celebrations were organised by Canadian citizens but the “broader” concern was due to the large presence of Indian citizens including students and children. “We recognise this is an internal matter for Canada, but we encourage Canadian authorities to ensure their safety as well,” the official said.

Indian officials said there was information that pro-Khalistan and pro-Pakistan Kashmiri outfits were “planning to disrupt” such events.

Last year, the non-profit Panorama India organised an event for August 15 in the Toronto suburb of Mississauga but there were disturbances caused by protesters reported at the time.

Similarly, organisers of a Tiranga Rally in Vancouver to mark Republic Day in 2021 faced protesters at their workplaces following the event. That came after India’s consulate in Vancouver was blockaded by protesters on January 26 that year, amid pro-Khalistan speeches and slogans.

The showpiece event this year will be the India Day parade in Toronto, organised by Panorama India, which will include floats from various states and community groups. It will culminate at a public celebration in downtown Toronto. In 2019, this event had attracted over 50,000 people of Indian origin. In British Columbia, Indo-Canadian groups are planning a large car rally from the town of Surrey in the Metro Vancouver region.


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Barber outlasts fellow Aussie to win as HUGE line-up of events loom: Comm Games LIVE

Barber outlasts fellow Aussie to win as HUGE line-up of events loom: Comm Games LIVE

Australia took home a stunning nine gold medals on Saturday and there are plenty more chances to add to the tally on Day 10 of the Commonwealth Games.

Foxsports.com.au has you covered with live updates from all the key events, which you can follow below!

DAY 9 WRAP: Aussies claim nine gold in staggering Commonwealth Games blitz

MEDAL TALLY: Aussies’ gold rush after Poms turn up heat in Comm Games race

JAMAICAN STAR KEEPS AUSSIES OFF PODIUM

Australia was a whisker away of earning a podium finish in the women’s 4 x 100m women’s relay, but it sadly wasn’t to be.

Ella Connolly ran a blistering opening leg and the Aussies were in the lead at the halfway mark, but sadly fell away as Jamaica crept ahead on the final stretch thanks to a blistering leg from Elaine Thompson-Herah.

The race was won by Nigeria.

BARBER SURVIVES AUSSIE’S ONSLAUGHT IN THRILLING JAVELIN FINAL

Despite throwing two personal bests, Mackenzie Little could not dethrone Kelsey-Lee Barber as she secured her first Commonwealth Games gold medal.

Barber took the lead with her first throw of 63.52m, but Little quickly surged ahead and set a new personal best of 64.03m.

Little then extended the gap at the top even more with a throw of 64.27m as she smashed her personal best yet again.

But under enormous pressue, Barber pulled out a throw of 64.43m to oust Little and win the gold.

AUSSIE STAR CRUELLY ROBBED OF GOLD

Callum Peters can count himself extremely unlucky as he lost the gold medal fight in the men’s middleweight to Scotland’s Sam Hickey.

READ MORE

TINGAY OUSTED IN GRUELLING RACE

Australia’s Declan Tingay led for most of the men’s 10km walk but was unfortunately pipped to the gold medal as Canada’s Evan Dunfee won the event.

NO LUCK FOR SCOTT IN BOXING BATTLE

Kaye Scott’s tilt at a gold medal has unfortunately ended at the hands of Wales’ Rosie Eccles.

Eccles outclassed Scott throughout the fight as both women showed they were willing to trade early in the first round.

But it was the Welsh star who got the better of the exchanges and forced the referee into a standing count for Scott with a minute left in the first round.

Scott survived and finished with flurries of punches, but was almost certainly behind on the judges’ scorecards.

The tough times continued into the second round, as Scott faced a standing count with two minutes to go before a third and final standing count arrived with 90 seconds remaining.

Despite the unfortunate ending, it is an improvement on Scott’s previous Commonwealth Games performance in which she won the bronze medal.

BAKER WINS GOLD!

Georgia Baker has won Australia’s first gold medal of the day after taking out the women’s road race in the cycling.

It was a gruelling race that pushed the six-strong Australian contingent to the brink, but Baker finished first over the line in what was her third gold medal in Birmingham.

Baker is joined on the podium by fellow Aussie Sarah Roy, who came third.

Georgia Baker wins the gold medal. Picture: Channel 7
Georgia Baker wins the gold medal. Picture: Channel 7Source: Supplied

AUSSIE WINS SILVER IN FIRST-EVER GAMES

In his first Commonwealth Games, Lin Ma has secured a silver medal for Australia in the men’s table tennis singles Classes 8-10.

Ma sadly lost to Wales’ Joshua Stacey, who won by three sets to two.

JUMPING JENNEKE JUST SHY OF PB IN HURDLES FINAL

Michelle Jenneke was unfortunately outclassed in the women’s 100m hurdles final, as Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan took home the gold medal.

Jenneke was right in the mix at the very start, but the heavy hitters eventually pulled away.

READ MORE

HEARTBREAK AS AUSSIE STAR HOSPITALISED

Australian cycling star Rohan Dennis has unfortunately been forced to withdraw from the men’s road race, joining Caleb Ewan on the sidelines.

An Aus Cycling statement read: “Rohan Dennis will take no further part in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games following medical advice.

Dennis, who took gold in the Men’s Individual Time Trial on Thursday, woke up on Saturday morning in discomfort and was taken to a local hospital to undergo tests and observations.

As a precaution, Dennis was advised to withdraw from today’s road race, but remains comfortable and under observation.”

Australia’s six-man team for the event is now down to four, with Luke Durbridge, Luke Plapp, Miles Scotson and Sam Fox set to compete.

Australian Michelle Jenneke came fifth in the 100m hurdles final. Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia

ATHLETICS

All eyes will no doubt be on Peter Bol, who is competing in the men’s 800m final at around 4.35am.

Jessica Hull is also a strong chance at a medal when she competes in the women’s 1500m final alongside fellow Australians Abbey Caldwell and Linden Hall.

Caldwell and Hall progressed to the final after finishing inside the top four of their race with times of 4:13.59 and 4:14.08 respectively while Hull had a time of 4:16.13.

CRICKET

Australia won a thriller in the opening pool game against India but will they be able to get past their fierce rivals when it matters most?

The two will face off for the gold medal in the T20 final, with that game scheduled for around 2am.

Hot favourites Australia toppled New Zealand by five wickets in their semi-final while India edged England by four runs in a thrilling contest.

Ash Gardner was the hero when these two sides met in the pool stages, striking an unbeaten 52 from 35 balls to help the gold medal favourites chase down a 155-run target.

Australia struggled early in that game, with Indian seamer Renuka Singh recording 4-18 in just four overs as the top-order fell apart before Gardner’s heroics saved the day.

NETBALL

It all comes down to this for our Aussie Diamonds, who will take on Jamaica in the gold medal match at 5.30am.

Australia gave up a six-goal lead in a stunning 57-55 loss to Jamaica in the pool stages, with international superstar Jhaniele Fowler starring in the upset win.

The West Coast Fever sensation scored 47 goals and backed it up with a perfect 54 from just as many attempts as a perfect shooting night saw Jamaica take down the Silver Ferns in the semis.

Australia booked its spot in the final with a 60-51 win over England in a spiteful game in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Gretel Bueta was the standout in that victory, with 43 goals at 98 per cent accuracy.

Gretel Bueta in action. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

HOCKEYROOS

And as if the cricket and netball finals were not enough, the Hockeyroos will also be in action against England in the women’s gold medal match.

That final is scheduled for midnight, with Australia booking its spot in the decider after defeating New Zealand and India.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

There are two chances for Australia to claim gold in beach volleyball, with the first final at 1am as Paul Burnett and Chris McHugh take on Canada.

Later in the early hours of the morning, attention will turn towards the women’s doubles final. Mariafe Artacho del Solar and Taliqua Clancy took home silver for Australia at Tokyo and will be looking to make it gold at Birmingham when they face defending champions Canada at 6am.

CYCLING

Four men will be representing Australia in the men’s road race at 9:30pm.

BADMINTON & TABLE TENNIS

Hsuan-Yu Wendy Chen and Gronya Somerville will be looking to progress through to the gold medal match when they play England in the women’s doubles semi-final.

Meanwhile, Yangzi Liu will be going for bronze in the women’s singles table tennis at 8.05pm before Finn Luu and Nicholas Lum do the same in the men’s doubles event at 10.05pm.

Gronya Somerville of Team Australia celebrates winning a point. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

DIVING

14-year-old starlet Charli Petrov and veteran Melissa Wu took gold in the women’s 10m synchronised dive and there are more opportunities for medals on Sunday.

All eyes will be on Brittany O’Brien, Maddison Keeney and Georgia Sheehan as they compete for a medal in the women’s 3m springboard prelims at 8.44pm.

Follow all the action live below! Can’t see the updates? Click here!

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Camping event in Montreal goes ahead as Parks Canada, homeless advocates strike deal

Camping event in Montreal goes ahead as Parks Canada, homeless advocates strike deal

By Canadian Press

Jul 23, 2022 | 5:33 PM

MONTREAL — A Montreal camping event that generated backlash from homeless advocates is going ahead after Parks Canada and its critics agreed to work together.

The urban camping event will take place tonight along the Lachine Canal in the heart of Montreal, with protesters’ tents pitched alongside those of paying customers.

The series of events, dubbed learn-to-camp, are described as an opportunity to learn basic camping skills for the price of over $100 per tent.

The events drew backlash from advocates who pointed out that homeless people who try to camp on public lands often see their tents dismantled by authorities.

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Camping event in Montreal goes ahead as Parks Canada, homeless advocates strike deal

Camping event in Montreal goes ahead as Parks Canada, homeless advocates strike deal

MONTREAL — A Montreal camping event that generated backlash from homeless advocates is going ahead after Parks Canada and its critics agreed to work together.

The urban camping event will take place tonight along the Lachine Canal in the heart of Montreal, with protesters’ tents pitched alongside those of paying customers.

The series of events, dubbed learn-to-camp, are described as an opportunity to learn basic camping skills for the price of over $100 per tent.

The events drew backlash from advocates who pointed out that homeless people who try to camp on public lands often see their tents dismantled by authorities.

Parks Canada spokesman Simon Saint-Germain said the federal agency wanted to work with community advocates to create dialogue and education around homelessness.

A representative of the homeless advocates says Parks Canada agreed to provide water and bathroom access to protesters, and to allow them to hold an event this evening to raise awareness about what the most vulnerable Montrealers are facing. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2022. 

The Canadian Press

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Large crowds, road closures and heavy security expected for Pope Francis’ visit to Alberta | Globalnews.ca

Large crowds, road closures and heavy security expected for Pope Francis’ visit to Alberta | Globalnews.ca

Organizers of the Pope’s upcoming visit to Alberta are asking people to arrive early to events and follow the rules so Indigenous residential school survivors, elders and youth can attend them with dignity in the spirit of reconciliation and healing.

On July 25 and July 26, people from across the country and around the world are expected to flock to the Edmonton area, where 85-year-old Pope Francis is to meet and apologize to residential school survivors, say a mass and participate in a pilgrimage. After that, the Pope will make stops in the Quebec City area and Iqaluit.

READ MORE: Ottawa to provide over $35M in supports to Indigenous communities during Pope Francis visit

Representatives from the province, the City of Edmonton, two police services and coordinators of the papal visit said during a news conference Thursday that co-operation from the public will be needed. There will be multiple road closures, no parking at some events and no overnight camping permitted at event spaces.

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“This is a really emotional event as well as solemn,” said Anne Wildcat, who is co-ordinating the Pope’s visit to the former site of one of Canada’s largest residential school in Maskwacis, south of Edmonton.

“Incredible amount of logistics have gone into this event. When we’re meeting, we have to keep reminding ourselves there are emotions involved here. It’s not just a visit .. and a few words. There’s a lot of prayer, a lot of hope. This will assist many survivors to move forward.”

Marion Haggarty-France, the Alberta sites co-ordinator for the papal visit, said papal visits normally happen after years of planning.

“We’ve had about four months,” she said.

The Pope is to participate in four events in Alberta after he arrives at Edmonton International Airport in 10 days. The Queen Elizabeth II Highway will be closed temporarily before, during and after the Pope’s motorcade takes him from the airport to where he is staying.

“As is customary with visits of all foreign dignitaries, Pope Francis’ security is being managed by the RCMP in close collaboration with the Vatican,” said an email from Laryssa Waler,a spokesperson for the papal visit.

“Given the nature of this work, it would be inappropriate to speak to any specifics.”

The day after his arrival, organizers anticipate a crowd of about 15,000 people at the first event in Maskwacis, where the Pope is to apologize to survivors. Organizers said no parking is available. Overnight camping is only available in nearby communities offering a space and those needing to do so must register in advance.

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READ MORE: Maskwacis, Alta., prepares emotional support ahead of Pope Francis’ visit

Some roads leading the Pope back-and-forth from Maskwacis and Edmonton will temporarily closed again for his motorcade.


Click to play video: 'Emotional support workers preparing for Pope Francis’ visit to Maskwacis'







Emotional support workers preparing for Pope Francis’ visit to Maskwacis
Emotional support workers preparing for Pope Francis’ visit to Maskwacis

Later that day, he is to meet the parishioners of a inner-city church in Edmonton that practices Catholicism with Indigenous rituals and symbols. This event is invitation-only.

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On the second day of his visit in Alberta, the Pope is to participate in a mass at the Commonwealth Stadium with about 64,000 people.

READ MORE: More tickets to Pope Francis’ mass at Commonwealth Stadium available


Click to play video: 'Initial set of tickets for Pope’s mass in Edmonton booked within minutes'







Initial set of tickets for Pope’s mass in Edmonton booked within minutes
Initial set of tickets for Pope’s mass in Edmonton booked within minutes – Jul 6, 2022

The last event, a pilgrimage, is to take place that afternoon in Lac Ste. Anne, Alta., where 25,000 people are anticipated. Many are expected to walk to the county in accordance with pilgrim tradition. Some have also been asked to register with nearby communities that have made space for overnight camping.

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Organizers said there will be shuttle buses for attendees to travel to and from different communities. Attendees can register for the services online.

“We need people to register so we can figure out how many buses (there are) so we can get people there in a timely fashion,” said Shane Schreiber, assistant deputy minister of parks.

“Many people coming to the pilgrimage are coming from the North, from northern Manitoba, and they will bring their own buses. We’re asking for those individuals to register their buses as well,” added Haggarty-France.

“We require registration and that’s simply to manage capacity.”

READ MORE: Lac Ste. Anne prepares for Pope Francis’ visit


Click to play video: 'Small community of Lac Ste. Anne prepares for papal visit'







Small community of Lac Ste. Anne prepares for papal visit
Small community of Lac Ste. Anne prepares for papal visit

The city said people can use their registration tickets to ride on public transit for free to events within the city.

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“A number of road closures, traffic detours, parking restrictions, transit adjustments will also be in effect during the papal visit,” said Nicole Poirier, the director of civic events and festivals for the City of Edmonton.

Schreiber said during the news conference the government has invested up to $20 million to pave roads and upgrade infrastructure in the various communities the Pope will visit.

This move has been criticized by many, including the Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller while he was in Washington Thursday.

“It’s important that as part of investing in infrastructures in Indigenous communities that provinces are stepping up,” said Miller.

“It shouldn’t take the visit (from the) Pope to actually get the road paved. That’s a reactionary approach to things.”

Schreiber said the province is hoping to share the cost of the upgrades with others.

Haggarty-France said the archdiocese is fundraising up to $18 million for the Pope’s visit.

She said organizers worry day and night about making sure the events run smoothly.

“The Holy Father… is determined to get here but we also have to keep him safe and able to do the whole trip,” she said. “There’s lots of plans. Everything’s down to the 30-second increment about how we get there.”

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“We’re hoping to get it roughly right versus precisely wrong.”

© 2022 The Canadian Press

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B.C. powwow organizers apologize after identity-based event rules spark outrage | Globalnews.ca

B.C. powwow organizers apologize after identity-based event rules spark outrage | Globalnews.ca

Organizers of a popular powwow in Kamloops, B.C. have issued their “sincerest apologies” after the event rules posted to their Facebook page sparked significant public outrage.

According to a Tuesday post, contestants in the 41st Annual Kamloopa Powwow must be “at least (1/4) Native Blood,” and proof of “tribal identification/status may be required.” The rules also stated that dancers must wear full regalia and “be of the correct gender for that category.”

The rules sparked immediate backlash, with some social media users accusing the Kamloopa Powwow Society (KPS) of enforcing colonial blood quantum, excluding gender diverse and two-spirit people, and upholding transphobia.

“My deepest sympathy to those who have been hurt and harmed in that posting,” said an organizer in a video posted to the group’s Facebook page on Wednesday. “The KPS board has been able to meet to discuss how we’re going to move forward and looking at those rules and making our wrong right.”

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Global News has reached out to the KPS for comment on this story.

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The term “blood quantum” refers to a colonial blood measurement practice used to determine who can obtain government-issued Indigenous status and who can pass it onto to their children. While not specifically referenced in Canadian legislation, the Indian Act lays out such criteria.

In a video viewed more than 154,000 times as of Wednesday, two-spirit Nakota Sioux TikToker Kairyn Potts said the Kamloopa Powwow is “enacting literal colonization tactics.” He further described the gender limitations as “heartbreaking” and a “step backwards for our community.”

“It is actively undoing a lot of the work that myself, and many, many, many other advocates for the two-spirit and Indigenous queer community are putting in so much work, and love and energy into,” he said.


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On Twitter, Cree lawyer and activist Tanya Kappo described the “blood quantum” and “correct gender” stipulations as “shameful.”

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Stellat’en First Nation actor and model Shannon Baker tweeted, “Kamloopa powwow you should be ashamed of yourself! Blood quantum and being anti LGBTQ2S+ is colonial thinking.”

On Facebook, the Kamloops Pride Society said it has reached out to the Kamloopa Powwow Society to encourage a change in rules that intentionally includes two-spirit, trans and non-binary folks.

“Two-spirit people were historically celebrated and valued in Indigenous culture, and these decisions don’t align with that,” it wrote.

“Many of the voices we are hearing are echoing the sentiments of how these rules and decisions stem from the white colonialism, patriarchy, and systemic issues that still oppress these communities.”

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In its own Facebook post, C&T Tabulating, a business that tabulates and measures powwow outcomes through a point system, said it was withdrawing its services from the Kamloops event.

“We support peoples choices, we support inclusivity and cannot in good conscious put ourselves in a situation where our two spirit youth within our family see us enforcing any of these rules (sic),” it wrote.

It was clear in the event organizers’ Wednesday apology that other dancers and individuals had withdrawn as well.

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“I do not know how we’re going to recover from this,” the event organizer said in their video. “We respect your decisions and just know that we are here to relook at how we’ve been operating and how we can move forward in a good way so there is no room for hurt and harm to anyone.”


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According to the KPS, the now-controversial rules stemmed from a German participant in the powwow who won an event one year, upsetting some participants, and from an elder who once spoke about the need for the jingle dress category to be a women-only event.

“Today we’re more open to acknowledge our two-spirited,” the organizer said, “and even … Indigenous communities that it includes First Nations, Métis and the Inuit people.”

She herself was “hurting” as a result of the pain caused by the rules, she added. In its Facebook post, the KPS said the rules posted this week don’t reflect how it has run the last 19 powwows.

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The Kamloopa Powwow takes place on Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc territory, but the First Nation does not organize the event. Global News has reached out to its chief, Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir, for comment.

The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers culturally competent counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples experience trauma, distress, strong emotions and painful memories. The line can be reached anytime toll-free at 1-855-242-3310.

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