NATIONAL STORIES
Why Global Figures and Leaders Are Speaking Out Over Mockery of B.C. Military Cadets
George Clooney, Prime Minister Mark Carney, and B.C. Premier David Eby criticize U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over a post targeting Canadian cadets.

Widespread Condemnation Follows Defense Secretary’s Post
A social media post by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth featuring two female military cadets at a British Columbia training centre has drawn sharp criticism from international figures and Canadian leaders.
Actor George Clooney addressed the post on Wednesday at the Venice Film Festival, where he was awarded a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. Clooney described feeling “ashamed” of the post, questioning the lack of decency and criticizing the notion that cruelty has become acceptable. Despite his concerns regarding current politics and leadership under U.S. President Donald Trump, Clooney expressed optimism that upcoming November midterm elections could help restore balance.
Canadian Political and Community Responses
Canadian leaders also denounced the post. Prime Minister Mark Carney noted the message was “beneath their office” and urged U.S. officials to focus on serious trade discussions rather than social media commentary. British Columbia Premier David Eby labeled Hegseth’s post an embarrassment and an attack on volunteer cadets who serve an allied nation, describing the situation as “amateur hour.” Defence Minister David McGuinty similarly stated the post was “below the dignity of the office he holds.”
When asked on Tuesday about the growing backlash, Pentagon deputy press secretary Jacob Bliss offered a brief response to The Canadian Press, stating, “The X post speaks for itself.”
The Army Cadet League of Canada issued a statement on Facebook strongly condemning online harassment and mockery directed at youth. The organization emphasized that its programs offer leadership and training to young Canadians free of barriers, reaffirming its support for cadets, staff, and volunteers across the country.
NATIONAL STORIES
Search Continues After Ontario-Based Medical Flight Vanishes Near Massachusetts Coast
U.S. Coast Guard crews are searching near Nantucket for a missing Latitude Air Ambulance jet carrying four Canadians and two passengers from Bermuda.
Emergency Search Underway Off Nantucket
Air and ground search teams are scanning waters approximately 150 kilometres southeast of Boston after a medical transport aircraft vanished early Saturday morning. Contact with the Gulfstream G100 jet was lost around 1:30 a.m. as it made its approach toward Boston from Bermuda, prompting a response from the U.S. Coast Guard following notification by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Flight Carrying Crew and Patients
The aircraft is operated by Hamilton-based Latitude Air Ambulance. According to Clarence Togeretz, operations manager for the company, six individuals were aboard the flight. The crew consists of two Canadian pilots and two Canadian medical staff members. They were transporting two Bermuda nationals, identified as a patient and a family member.
Response and Ongoing Inquiries
Togeretz confirmed that the company contacted American authorities after the plane failed to land on the tarmac as scheduled. He noted that this marks the first instance where the operator has lost contact with one of its aircraft, adding that the team is holding onto optimism while praying for a safe resolution. Latitude Air Ambulance has reached out to Transport Canada regarding the incident. Meanwhile, provincial air ambulance provider Ornge expressed support via social media, stating it hopes the aircraft and everyone on board are located safely and quickly.
NATIONAL STORIES
Why Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Questions Mark Carney’s New Pipeline Stance
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticizes Mark Carney’s pipeline proposal, calling him an illusion and questioning his shift on oil and gas.
Poilievre Dismisses Carney’s Fast-Track Pipeline Proposal
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has expressed strong skepticism regarding Mark Carney, describing him as an “illusion” ahead of an upcoming major announcement. Poilievre questioned Carney’s recent backing of a proposal to fast-track and construct a West Coast pipeline project.
Contrasting Past Record with Recent Statements
Poilievre highlighted Carney’s history over the past decade, pointing out that the former banker worked to defund oil and gas, established an alliance aimed at shutting down the sector, opposed a Pacific pipeline, and advocated for higher carbon taxes.
“I don’t know how you can go in three years from believing oil and gas is going to end the world to believing you support oil and gas,” Poilievre stated. “I guess miracles are possible. He claims to have changed his mind but he hasn’t really changed the results. There’s been a lot of talk.”
Comparisons to Foreign Project Delivery
In assessing the situation, the Conservative leader observed that large-scale infrastructure projects are completed rapidly in nations like Germany and the United States.
NATIONAL STORIES
Michael J. Fox Earns Canada’s Highest Civilian Distinction for Parkinson’s Work
Michael J. Fox was elevated to companion of the Order of Canada alongside 50 other honourees, including UBC engineering professor Yusuf Altintas.
National Honours Presented at Rideau Hall
During an investiture ceremony on Friday morning at Rideau Hall, Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour formally elevated celebrated actor and advocate Michael J. Fox to the companion level of the Order of Canada, drawing a standing ovation from attendees. Rideau Hall cited his unflinching honesty and powerful global advocacy concerning Parkinson’s disease for the elevation. Fox, who publicly disclosed his diagnosis in 1998, has helped generate $2.5 billion for research into the progressive nervous system disorder, which causes tremors, slowness, stiffness, memory difficulties, and depression.
Distinguished Inductees Recognized Across Fields
A total of 51 individuals joined or advanced within the Order of Canada during the Friday event. Arbour praised the group in French for directing their skills, influence, and effort toward the public good rather than personal gain alone, noting that Fox serves as a shining example of using courage, imagination, and determination to foster lasting progress.
The newly honoured members and officers include noteworthy figures across various disciplines. University of British Columbia mechanical engineering professor Yusuf Altintas was inducted as an officer alongside McGill University professor Nada Jabado, who was recognized for her contributions to pediatric neuro-oncology. Former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz became an officer for his efforts supporting international trade and economic stability. Sculptor Ruth Elsie Abernethy entered as a member for her worldwide bronze statues exploring heritage, gender, and nation-building, while Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Susanne Craig was named a member for her impactful reporting across major American and Canadian news outlets.
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