logo
Waterloo Catholic school board meeting relocated to accommodate federal election

Waterloo Catholic school board meeting relocated to accommodate federal election

CBC16-04-2025

Social Sharing
A high-profile meeting of the Waterloo Catholic school board is being relocated to avoid getting in the way of voters heading to the polls on election night.
The meeting of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) was set to take place on Monday, April 28, at the Catholic Education Centre at 35 Weber St. W. in Kitchener, but that location is adjacent to a polling station.
The meeting, which takes place the same day voters head to the polls in the federal election, is now being moved to Resurrection Catholic Secondary School at 455 University Ave. W. in Kitchener.
"The relocation has been made in the spirit of being good neighbours and to help ensure unimpeded access for voters," a notice on WCDSB's website said.
The last two meetings by trustees at the WCDSB have drawn protestors on both sides of an issue involving the board's flag policy. The trustees are debating whether to ban all flags except for the Canadian, Ontario and school board flag from being flown or displayed at schools across the region. If passed, it would mean the Pride flag could not be flown at local Catholic schools.
WATCH | 2nd rally held to protest Catholic school board's motion to ban Pride flags:
2nd rally held to protest Catholic school board's motion to ban Pride flags
2 days ago
Duration 0:52
A handful of protestors attended a rally on Monday afternoon ahead of a meeting by trustees of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) to address its flag policy. There were people there demonstrating on both sides of the issue. The trustees are debating whether to ban all flags except for the Canadian, Ontario and school board flag from being flown or displayed at schools across the region. If passed, it would mean the Pride flag could not be flown at local Catholic schools. Trustees are set to discuss the motion at a meeting scheduled for April 28.
New board of trustees chair announced
The WCDSB has faced upheaval recently after the board of trustees chair, Robert Sikora, abruptly resigned back in March. No reason was provided for Sikora's sudden resignation.
On Monday, the board announced that a new board of trustees chair was appointed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Cloudy skies can't dim joy as thousands fill nation's capital for World Pride parade
Cloudy skies can't dim joy as thousands fill nation's capital for World Pride parade

Winnipeg Free Press

time4 hours ago

  • Winnipeg Free Press

Cloudy skies can't dim joy as thousands fill nation's capital for World Pride parade

WASHINGTON (AP) — Gray skies and drizzle gave way to sunshine, multicolored flags and celebrations as the nation's capital held the World Pride parade Saturday. Tens of thousands of people participated in parades and other festivities, in defiance of what activists say is an unprecedented assault on the LGBTQ+ community that challenges the rights many have fought for over the years. A rainbow flag the length of three football fields flowed through the streets, carried by 500 members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., to kick off the parade. Behind them, people waved Pride flags and flags representing the transgender, asexual and bisexual communities from atop a bus. Singer-songwriter and actor Reneé Rapp laughed and blew kisses from the back of a pickup truck draped with a transgender flag while Laverne Cox, a transgender actress and activist known for her role in Netflix's 'Orange is the New Black,' waved from an open convertible. 'Pride means us looking out for each other no matter what,' she declared to the crowd as the convertible rolled to a stop. 'We know how to be there for each other.' Many LGBTQ+ travelers have expressed concerns or decided to skip World Pride due to anxieties about safety, border policies and a hostile political climate that they say hearkens back to another time. But that did not keep international travelers and other participants away, with groups visible from Iran, Namibia, Kenya and Russia. Along the parade route, hundreds gathered outside the National City Christian Church as rainbow flags and balloons lined its steps and columns. A child with rainbow face paint blew bubbles at the base of the steps while Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' blared from loudspeakers.' 'D.C. is already one of the biggest cities in the country for celebrating Pride,' said Cheo White, 33, from Annapolis, Maryland, 'But we are all collectively more united and turning out more because of what's happening in the White House.' Many have said the gathering has taken on a new meaning amid the Trump administration's aggressive policies against protections for transgender Americans and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. White's partner, Nick Kerver, 26, who was visiting from Toledo, Ohio, said Pride has 'always been a political tool' but has taken on more importance this year amid mounting threats to the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender and nonbinary Americans.' 'It feels more important than ever,' Kerver said while wearing a rainbow hat, sunglasses and a T-shirt. 'But we also have to get involved in our local communities too.' David Begler, a 58-year-old gay man from Philadelphia, expressed disappointment that many international travelers felt unsafe visiting D.C. for World Pride but said he appreciates its presence in the city during this political climate. 'It's the perfect time to have World Pride in D.C.,' Begler said. 'We need it right now. I want us to send a message to the White House to focus on uplifting each other instead of dividing.' Stay DeRoux, 36, usually plans a day trip to D.C. Pride from her home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. But this year, she and her wife, Deenie DeRoux, planned a full weekend. ''This is a really big year,' Stay DeRoux said. 'There's been a lot of turmoil. So it's an amazing thing to be among allies, among people who love because we've experienced so much hate on a daily basis.' Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. For the day, the idea of threats and opposition took a backseat to the celebration. Streets were closed, but filled with floats, and impromptu parties broke out with music and food in streets adjoining the parade route. Johnny Cervantes Jr., dressed in a black suit and top hat, headed to a grandstand at a church themed float to marry his partner of 28 years, Freddie Lutz, owner of Freddie's Beach Bar and Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia. Events culminate tomorrow with a rally and protest March Sunday and a giant street party and concert covering a multi-block stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue. 'This is World Pride in the best city in the world,' Mayor Muriel Bowser declared as she walked the parade hand-in-hand with her daughter, Miranda. ___

Alberta buying U.S. alcohol again, months after pause meant to fight tariffs
Alberta buying U.S. alcohol again, months after pause meant to fight tariffs

Global News

time7 hours ago

  • Global News

Alberta buying U.S. alcohol again, months after pause meant to fight tariffs

See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Alberta is buying American alcohol and gambling machines again, three months after Premier Danielle Smith announced restrictions aimed at fighting back against U.S. tariffs. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said Friday that the move signals a 'renewed commitment to open and fair trade' with the United States. Smith said in March that the province would no longer buy U.S. alcohol and video lottery terminals, or sign contracts with American companies. Alberta's liquor stores are privately owned but must order stock through the provincial government. That came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump slapped heavy tariffs on Canadian goods and energy. 2:34 Alberta bans future US liquor purchases Other premiers also announced bans on U.S. liquor along with other proposed penalties. Story continues below advertisement Nally said in a statement that the decision to resume buying U.S. alcohol and gambling machines 'sets the stage for more constructive negotiations' ahead of a renewal of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The agreement, known as CUSMA, was negotiated during the first Trump administration and is up for a mandatory review in 2026. 'Prime Minister Mark Carney has made a clear effort to reset the relationship with the U.S. administration, and Alberta's government supports this approach,' Nally said. 'We are focused on highlighting Alberta's role as a responsible and collaborative trading partner and will continue working alongside other provinces to advocate for a tariff-free relationship.' The minister said Albertans are encouraged to continue supporting local producers, even as more U.S. options return to store shelves. In April, the province paused its policy around procurement from U.S. companies in what Nally called 'the spirit of diplomacy.'

Alberta gives U.S. liquor imports thumbs-up
Alberta gives U.S. liquor imports thumbs-up

Calgary Herald

time7 hours ago

  • Calgary Herald

Alberta gives U.S. liquor imports thumbs-up

Stores in Alberta can now sell newer American liquor products after a provincial agency ended a three-month pause ignited by a tariff dispute between Canada and the U.S. Article content The directive came from the province as Canada shifts its approach from retaliating to negotiating with its southern neighbour on economic policies. Article content Article content Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally, in a statement on Friday night, said the government's decision heralds a 'renewed commitment to open and fair trade with our largest partner.' Article content Article content 'The decision sets the stage for more constructive negotiations ahead of a Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement renewal, potentially leading to increased trade opportunities and economic growth for Alberta,' Nally added. Article content Article content The decision concerns liquor products registered with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis agency (AGLC) and declared to the Canada Border Services Agency. A 25 per cent surtax will continue to be levied on those items shipped from the U.S. after March 4 and will be collected by the provincial agency. Article content Article content Ravinder Singh, a manager at ACE Liquor Discounters Edmonton Trail, said the decision likely won't affect the store's sales, as the shop's inventory still holds enough stock of older American products. Article content The move to ban the sale of American liquor was made in early March amid escalating trade tensions. Article content Article content 'If the Americans aren't going to buy products from our Canadian companies, we have to,' Premier Danielle Smith said at the time. Article content 'That means we should be buying more Canadian beer, more Canadian spirits and more Canadian wine. And so that's the reality of what we're facing.' Article content The ban was lifted March 18, but the sales were confined to AGLC's central locations. Article content Singh said the demand for American products dropped after March owing to a wave of patriotism across the country. Whereas the store sold them daily, the products are now being bought twice or thrice a week, even three months after the pause.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store