Oshawa mayor reignites call for support from Ontario government after declaring public health crisis
Oshawa's mayor declared a public health crisis in his city on Friday, stating violence and unlawful behaviour linked to mental health and addiction issues are hitting a breaking point. As CBC's Naama Weingarten reports, Oshawa is now looking to the provincial government for support.
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National Post
26 minutes ago
- National Post
Why is the air quality so bad? What to know about the health dangers of wildfire smoke
In addition to hearts and lungs, wildfire smoke may mess with the human brain, emerging research suggests. Article content Fine particulate matter carried in wildfire smoke can enter the brain via the bloodstream, causing inflammation and oxidative stress, a condition resulting from too many cell-damaging molecules called free radicals and not enough antioxidants to mop them up, one theory holds. Article content Article content Article content Recently, scientists have linked exposure to wildfire smoke to increased risks for impaired cognitive function, memory loss, greater odds of being diagnosed with dementia and an increase in emergency department visits for anxiety, depression, psychotic episodes and other mental-health problems. Article content Article content Plumes of smoke from Prairie wildfires that have forced the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes led to air quality advisories issued for large swaths of the country Friday, with Environment Canada messages covering British Columbia, the Prairies and most of Ontario and Quebec, the Montreal Gazette reported. Article content More toxic than other sources of pollution, wildfire smoke can cause a range of health effects, from mild coughs, itchy eyes and headaches to dizziness, wheezing, chest pains, asthma attacks, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Article content And when heat and poor air quality combine, the health impacts are reached that much sooner, said Dr. Anna Gunz, a pediatric intensive care doctor at Children's Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre and associate professor at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Article content Article content While those at the doorstep of fires are most vulnerable, the fine particulates in wildfire smoke can travel 1,000 kilometres or more. Article content Article content The National Post spoke to Gunz to help unpack how wildfire smoke can impact physical and mental health. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity and length. Article content We have over 40 years of air pollution health data and so some of this is grounded in the same principles. Article content We love the smell of campfires. But even the smoke that we breathe by a campfire contains lots of particulates that are actually really bad for us. It's not stuff that we're supposed to be breathing. Article content When we think about wildfires, it's not just wood that's been cut from trees that you maybe know. It's everything else that's burning — pesticides, herbicides, metals. Even allergens and fungus. Article content Because it moves so far, you don't need to be right next to a wildfire to be affected. It's high concentrations for shorter periods of time, but it is ubiquitous. Part of the problem with being away from the wildfire is that people don't necessarily realize the air might be bad. It can be really deceiving.
CTV News
28 minutes ago
- CTV News
Ticats GM says he has been diagnosed with ‘a serious form of cancer'
Hamilton Tiger-Cats general manager Ted Goveia says he has been diagnosed with "a serious form of cancer that's spread." In a story posted on the club's website Friday, Goveia, 55, said the diagnosis was made in April. Although there was no specific mention as to the form of the disease, two league sources said Goveia is battling esophageal cancer. "I wanted to keep my health condition in house until we had a chance to build our team and pick our final roster," he said. "I am grateful that we were able to focus on fielding the best team possible for 2025 and not have my health become a distraction. "I let the players know that I'm not going to be here (at team facilities) every minute of the day, and I'm going to be in treatment and need to focus on my health. I'm still the general manager, but I'll not always be in the building. But in today's day and age, everything's downloaded to my laptop and there's always the phone." Goveia, of Burlington, Ont., was named Hamilton's GM on Dec. 5, 2024, following 11 years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The appointment was a homecoming for Goveia, who played high school football at Assumption Secondary School and later coached there as well as other local organizations. Goveia's early days as Ticats' GM were long and busy as he put together a staff while looking to improve a roster that last year missed the CFL playoffs. All the while getting to know the people in his new workplace. But in March, Goveia told The Canadian Press he never had to look far to gain a sense of perspective or appreciation that he'd landed his dream job. 'The other morning I went into the office at 6:30 a.m.,' Goveia said. 'Got up, grabbed my coffee and drove over the (Burlington Skyway) bridge and I'm looking out and the sun was coming up. 'I just sat there smiling as I drove thinking, 'Man, I'm 17 minutes from home.' I do love southern Ontario and appreciate the opportunity to work back at home, for sure.' Hamilton (7-11) missed the 2024 CFL playoffs and last won the Grey Cup in 1999. "Our CFL family and the entire CFL community sends its best wishes to Ted Goveia after learning of his cancer diagnosis," CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said in a statement. "Fans from coast to coast to coast send their strength to you and your family. "Your journey through the game has been an incredible inspiration to us all, and we're here now to support you every step of the way throughout this courageous fight." Goveia began his tenure in Winnipeg as the club's assistant GM/player-personnel director before being promoted to senior assistant GM in 2019 following the franchise's 33-12 Grey Cup win over Hamilton. Goveia said being away from the team while undergoing treatment will only serve to motivate him in his fight. "I enjoy being around our players and I will miss the daily interaction — it motivates me to kick this and get back with the team," he said. "I feel like we're in good shape, but I did have to meet with everybody in the building because I thought they had the right to know. "As difficult a conversation as it is to have, I owe that to the players and to the people who are working here.' And Goveia said the Ticats are in very good hands at this time. "I'm not at all concerned that we're going to be able to function well throughout this,' he said. "I don't have one worry about that. "I feel like we're in good shape, and I think we've got a bunch of rising stars (in football operations)." Goveia began his CFL career with the Toronto Argonauts in 2010, serving as running backs coach and director of Canadian scouting before being promoted to player-personnel director. Over his four seasons with the club (2010-13), it reached the playoffs three times and captured the 100th Grey Cup in 2012 under then-head coach Scott Milanovich, who's entering his second season as Hamilton's head coach/offensive co-ordinator. Goveia would later be on two Grey Cup-winning squads in Winnipeg (2019, 2021). Before making the move to the CFL, Goveia spent 15 years coaching Canadian university football, including stops at his alma mater, Mount Allison, McMaster, and the University of British Columbia. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025. Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press
CTV News
28 minutes ago
- CTV News
‘It's smoky out': Londoners cope with poor air quality
A haze is present in the air across much of southwestern Ontario as forest fire smoke from the west continues to affect air quality. 'It's been poor for the past few days, particularly earlier this morning,' said David Pavletic, Manager of Health Hazards at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. At 7 a.m. Friday, Environment Canada reported the air quality index had almost reached 10, the maximum score. That's when Pavletic states things get serious. 060625 - smoky air David Pavletic, Manager of Health Hazards, Middlesex-London Health Unit. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) 'The recommendation at that point would be to the general population to reduce activities outdoors and strenuous activities, for sure.' But air quality fluctuates with wind patterns. The unpredictability led some Londoners to be proactive, including senior Pauline Salisbury, who opted to wear a mask on a visit to Cherryhill Village Mall. 'I have a cough, and it's smoky out,' she explained. Another not taking many chances was parent Kiki Charles. She took her son, Elijah, to a city playground while the index was low. 'I wanted to kind of beat the bad weather.' As the pair had fun, she was mindful of advisories warning that children, seniors and those with compromised health face the greatest risk from the smoky air. 'I pay attention to whether or not he's exhausted or dehydrated,' Charles said. Even while indoors, there are safety precautions health officials recommend. They include closing all windows and doors and considering the purchase of a good quality air filter for heating and cooling systems. Not everyone heeds the advice, including Sandy Kirby. 'I read it. I'm careful, but I don't get all frantic about it.' Still, health officials advise that the poor air is expected to linger through the weekend. 060625 - smoky air Pauline Salisbury, opted to wear a mask on Friday. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) That's why Pauline plans to keep her mask on. 'Well, like, I know some friends of mine who have a chronic cough. So, if they see me wearing a mask, then hopefully they will too, and protect themselves.'
