Dalhousie University Launches 'Food Prescribing' Study

HALIFAX – Researchers at Dalhousie University have launched a study examining the potential benefits of “food prescribing” for elderly patients. The study focuses on providing personalized workouts three times a week, alongside a daily intake of blueberries and 30 grams of protein, to improve frailty and heart health. Jim Grove, a participant in the three-month assessment, was observed receiving his two-week supply of blueberries.

Researchers are investigating whether this combined approach – exercise and specific dietary components – will demonstrably improve the health of older individuals. The ultimate goal, researchers stated, is to build a case for doctors to formally prescribe foods like blueberries as part of patient care. This is part of a larger trend known as food prescribing, according to experts.

University of Victoria professor, whose name was not given, has studied food prescribing and noted that clinicians in Ontario and Alberta are already prescribing fresh food, but only in limited areas. Early results suggest it decreases food insecurity, but the professor cautioned that it could potentially exacerbate existing health inequities if access is limited to those with primary care providers. Further research is needed to determine the cost-effectiveness and long-term impact of such programs. Grove, who has diabetes and arthritis, reported feeling stronger as a result of the study, stating, “It’s tough, but it’s getting better. You can feel it getting better.”

Ontario Announces Sweeping Education Changes

TORONTO – The Ontario government has announced legislation to overhaul the province’s school board operations and significantly alter the education system. The changes include linking high school grades to student attendance and reinstating mandatory written exams. The legislation will affect students and their final grades.

Under the new rules, 15% of a grade 9 and 10 student’s final mark will be based on attendance, increasing to 18% for grades 11 and 12. This measure is intended to address rising student absenteeism since the pandemic. One student stated, “Sometimes I get family responsibilities so I have to skip the second period or the first period and come at lunch.” Another student expressed concern, saying, “I have a couple of people who is like literally I see him them like once in a month and I don't understand that because you're like grade 12 students like what's your problem.”

Mandatory written exams are also being reintroduced for high school students, a move welcomed by an unnamed education expert. The expert stated, “Bringing back exams used to be old school, but now it may be part of the future because it's one of the few ways you can judge how students are doing is a time-limited assessment under close supervision.” The government has expressed frustration with elected school board trustees, alleging they spend taxpayer money inefficiently and mismanage school boards. Eight boards are already under provincial supervision for one year.

The legislation proposes a salary cap for trustees, reducing the number of elected trustees to a maximum of 12 per board, and eliminating most expense accounts. The Toronto District School Board, the country’s largest, would see its number of trustees halved. The Ontario Public School Boards Association released a statement arguing that removing responsibilities from trustees removes accountability to the community. A new role, Chief Executive Officer, responsible for financial and operational oversight, will also be introduced, raising concerns about the appointment process.

Toronto Cobbler Receives Community Support for New Sewing Machine

TORONTO – Alzar Bayonai, a shoe cobbler in Toronto, has received a new sewing machine thanks to a community fundraising effort. After his old machine broke, customer Marsha Chandor initiated a fundraiser that raised over $11,000. Bayonai, a second-generation shoe cobbler operating in the Dufferin Mall, expressed initial reluctance to accept the support, questioning its legality.

Chandor explained that she suggested the fundraiser after learning a new machine would cost $11,000. Within three weeks, the full amount was raised. Chandor described being “knocked sideways” by the community’s generosity, noting that even people who hadn’t met Bayonai contributed. A local city councillor participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch the new machine. Bayonai stated, “Shoe repair is like a dying art, but people, they need the service. And I am back in business, with full force, to serve the community, which gave me this support.”

Update

According to the latest broadcast, the Liberal party has secured a majority government in Canada with 174 seats in Parliament, following recent by-election wins in Toronto’s University Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest, and in Quebec’s Terrebonne. Dolly Begum won in Scarborough Southwest, Danielle Martin in University Rosedale, and Tatyana Auguste secured Terrebonne with a margin of less than 2%. This outcome follows the defection of five opposition MPs – four Conservatives and one NDP member – to the Liberal caucus.

Political analyst Rosie Barton noted the shift “changes some things quite substantially,” particularly regarding parliamentary committees, granting the Liberals the ability to expedite their legislative agenda. Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the situation, calling it a “majority…secured using what he called backroom deals with floor-crossers.” Prime Minister Mark Carney, however, emphasized a commitment to collaboration, stating he intends for the Liberal Party to “work collaboratively with other parties.”

Sources indicate Prime Minister Carney is expected to address affordability and fuel prices at a press conference at 10 a.m. today. Political insiders suggest Carney’s appeal stems from a perceived detachment from traditional party politics, allowing voters to support him despite previous affiliations.