First Nations Challenge Alberta Separation Referendum

EDMONTON – A rally was held in Edmonton to support three First Nation groups seeking to halt a referendum on Alberta’s separation, a process they argue threatens treaty rights. Speakers at the rally emphasized the importance of upholding treaties and recognizing First Nations governance. One speaker stated, “It was never about surrender. It was always about partnership.”

The controversy stems from the historical context of the Indian Act of 1876, which controlled almost every aspect of First Nations people’s lives, aiming for assimilation. Speakers at the rally asserted that the Act was created through “genocide, starvation, force,” and that First Nations had their own governance prior to colonization, which they continue to uphold. They called on both provincial and federal governments to honor treaties and recognize First Nations as the first peoples of the land.

Last week, an Alberta judge temporarily paused the separation petition validation process for one month. First Nations groups have vowed to continue their efforts to protect their treaty rights. Emily Fitzpatrick of CBC News reported from Edmonton. A speaker at the rally urged all Canadians, especially Albertans, to stand with Indigenous leadership, stating, “They’re signing up for treaty. They’re signing against separatism. They’re signing up for all of Canada right now.” Another speaker emphasized that treaties are meant to protect all people in Alberta and Canada, particularly regarding resource extraction and responsible governance.

British Columbia Grapples with Opioid Crisis Anniversary

VANCOUVER – Thirty-seven bell tolls at Vancouver’s Christchurch Cathedral each represented 500 people who have died from opioid-related deaths since 2016, totaling over 18,000 deaths. A service was held Sunday to mark the 10th anniversary of British Columbia declaring a toxic drug crisis. Trevor Toblotny organized a community gathering in Richmond to commemorate the milestone, as his brother Curtis died of an overdose four years ago.

Toblotny described his brother as “full of energy” and “eccentric,” and has since founded the Curtis Dream Society, centered around restoring Curtis’s car to raise awareness about harm reduction and destigmatize substance use. He stated, “They just need supports that make sense, you know, and they need a follow-up and a continuum of care to actually make sure that they're supported and elevated instead of punched down on.” Jackson Pohl, in recovery for three years after two decades of addiction, shared his experience, stating, “I overdosed eight times myself. I got three little girls at home that need me and I didn't want to let them down.”

Deb Bailey, part of the MomStop the Harm network, spoke about the loss of her daughter Ola in 2015. She criticized government policies, stating, “If you talk to government people, they'll tell you, yeah, we did this, we did that and they did. But it's not reflected in the numbers.” According to the B.C. Coroner Service, 150 unregulated drug deaths occurred in January, averaging almost five deaths per day. Troy Charles reported from Vancouver.

Pharmacy Errors Lead to ER Visit for Alberta Woman

TORONTO – Marissa Dawson experienced a months-long ordeal after her local pharmacy dispensed blood pressure pills instead of her allergy medication, leading to a visit to the emergency room. She unknowingly took the incorrect medication for six months before the error was discovered by a nurse. Dawson stated, “I was scared.” She noted that no pharmacist spoke to her when she picked up the prescription, a counseling step that could have prevented the error.

Melissa Sheldrick, whose 8-year-old son Andrew died in 2016 after receiving the wrong medication from a pharmacy, is now a medication safety advocate. She stated, “It's really frightening to know and to think about how… powerful medications are and the impact that they have on our bodies.” More than 800 million prescriptions are dispensed annually in Canada, but the number of errors is unclear due to incomplete reporting from all provinces.

Sheldrick believes pharmacist workload and fatigue contribute to the problem, advocating for strengthened support systems. Dawson has switched pharmacies and now double-checks all prescriptions. Loblaw Companies Limited, owner of Shopper’s Drug Mart, acknowledged the error in Dawson’s case as “avoidable human error” and stated they have reviewed safety protocols with staff. Rosa Marcatelli reported from Toronto.

Cancer Rates on the Rise in Canada, Despite Progress

TORONTO – Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada, according to a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The study indicates that multiple types of cancer are increasing, although some progress is being made. Researchers estimate approximately 254,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026, with almost half of those cases being lung, breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer.

The report also projects nearly 88,000 cancer-related deaths this year, and estimates that about 42% of Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Despite these numbers, researchers note that the individual risk of getting or dying from cancer is decreasing, largely due to advancements in prevention, early detection, and treatment. A sharp decline has been observed in smoking-related cancers due to tobacco control policies, and colorectal cancer deaths are down by over 30% thanks to screening programs.

However, the report also highlights concerning trends, including rising rates of pancreatic and uterine cancer. Despite the availability of a vaccine, cancers linked to the HPV virus are also increasing. Researchers emphasize the need for continued investment in prevention, early screening, and equitable access to healthcare. Christine Burak reported from Toronto.

Deepfake Scam Targets Prime Minister Mark Carney

A deepfake video featuring Prime Minister Mark Carney promoting a cryptocurrency scheme has surfaced on YouTube, including a QR code linking to a fraudulent CBC News article. The fake article, promoting the platform Canarivex, uses AI-generated images of Carney and even includes a fabricated comment section with fake CBC replies. The URL is not the official CBC News website.

The fake article features a countdown timer for registration, which restarts upon page refresh. Similar videos reviewing the fake platform are also circulating on YouTube, attempting to legitimize the scam. The deepfake utilizes the face and byline of real CBC News journalist Kyle Bax without his knowledge or consent.

CBC News advises viewers to be cautious of such ads and to report them to ask@cbc.ca. Real CBC News stories will never endorse investments, goods, or services.

Debate Over Potential Military Action in Iran

Discussion has emerged regarding potential military action in Iran, specifically targeting Karg Island, a key transshipment point for 90% of Iran’s oil. Senator Lindsey Graham advocated for taking Karg Island on Fox News Sunday, stating, “Take Karg Island, where all of the resources they have to produce oil. Control that island. Let this regime die on a vine.”

This recommendation sparked debate among U.S. military veterans, with Alan Fraser, a U.S. Army veteran and military affairs journalist, warning that taking an island is often the first step towards a larger conflict. Graham compared the potential operation to the World War II battle of Iwo Jima, noting the islands’ similar size. The island is 21 square kilometers in size.