logo
Vancouver attack 'heartbreaking for all of us' says Winnipeg Filipino priest mourning street festival deaths

Vancouver attack 'heartbreaking for all of us' says Winnipeg Filipino priest mourning street festival deaths

CBC27-04-2025

Social Sharing
Junie Josue woke up Sunday morning in Winnipeg, like much of the country, to the news of a deadly attack that wrenched his heart and those of many in the Filipino community.
"In my 26 years [in this country], this is the saddest and the worst thing that happened to us, this is [very] much devastating," the Filipino-Canadian and senior pastor at the International Worship Centre told CBC News.
The night before, more than 1,800 kilometres west of his church, a driver slammed a black SUV into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens more at the Filipino street festival, in what local police are referring to as the "darkest day" in the city's history.
"What started as a celebration became a tragedy," Josue said. "[It's] heartbreaking for all of us."
The deadly car-ramming is not being investigated as an act of terrorism by Vancouver police, who said the suspect, a 30-year-old man resident of the city, has a history of mental health-related interactions with authorities.
The attack upended the last day of the federal election campaign and sent shock waves throughout Canada, with an outpouring of support and condolences coming from across the country.
During Sunday's mass, Josue thought about the family of those mourning the death of a loved one killed. He also prayed for those who were injured during the attack for their prompt recovery.
But in the wake of a devastating event, he also knows the Filipino community will stand up to help one another move past this calamity — bringing a close-knit community that already sees itself as a big family even closer.
"Everybody's linking arms and, you know, just encouraging and supporting those who have been affected," Josue said.
Similar cultural events are held in Winnipeg to celebrate the Filipino community and its heritage. Josue is hoping those celebrations will go on this year because, despite what happened in Vancouver, "we don't want to live in fear; we want to live with optimism and hope," he said.
In light of the car-ramming, the chairman of the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival said the organization might need to reconsider whether to hold its annual parade on the streets of Winnipeg or at an indoor venue out of a concern for safety.
"This is not a regular incident. This is an isolated incident … we just have to be careful," chairman Ley Navarro said.
Parishioners at his church also prayed for those who were killed in the attack and their families.
"Prayer actually makes it easier for us to really understand all of this," he said.
Mayor Scott Gillingham referred to the attack as "appalling," offering his condolences on behalf of the city on social media. Premier Wab Kinew shared a similar message, saying Manitobans are mourning and standing with the Filipino community.
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson condemned the attack on a statement saying there is no excuse, and no justification for violence "that tears apart families and communities."
"Every life is sacred, and no individual or community should have to endure such pain," she said in her statement while also offering her condolences on behalf of AMC.
Garrison Settee, grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, extended his support to the Filipino community on behalf of the organization that represents 26 First Nation communities in Manitoba's North.
"In our ways, life is a sacred gift. When that gift is taken from us unjustly, we grieve together, we heal together, and we pray together," Settee said in a statement.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Largest fentanyl bust in OPP history part of two drug trafficking probes
Largest fentanyl bust in OPP history part of two drug trafficking probes

Toronto Sun

time33 minutes ago

  • Toronto Sun

Largest fentanyl bust in OPP history part of two drug trafficking probes

"I don't want us to be distracted by the narrative of fentanyl going from Canada into the U.S. and take away from the public safety concern around fentanyl.' Some of the drug seized during the largest fentanyl bust - 38 kg - in OPP history Photo by HANDOUT / OPP An 11-month multi-jurisdictional investigation into a drug trafficking network based in southwestern Ontario has resulted in the largest fentanyl seizure — 38 kilograms — in Ontario Provincial Police history. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Launched in July 2024, Project Golden saw search warrants executed on 16 residences and businesses and eight vehicles in Oxford County, Norfolk County, Hamilton, Mississauga, York Region, Burlington and Toronto by May 2025. As a result, 38 kg of suspected fentanyl, 19.5 kg of suspected methamphetamine, 5.5 kg of suspected cocaine, 34 g of psilocybin, 14 g of suspected MDMA, three firearms, including two handguns and a rifle, a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles), $121,600 in Canadian currency and three vehicles as offence-related property were seized. The estimated street-value of the drugs seized is $5.4 million and a total of 15 individuals are facing 140 charges. 'Drug trafficking networks are knowingly distributing drugs that cause harm and often kill,' said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique at a Tuesday morning news conference at OPP headquarters in Orillia, Ont. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Between January 2016 and September 2024, there has been more than 50,000 apparent opiate-related deaths in Canada. At this time there is no indication that the fentanyl seized through these investigations was destined for exportation to the United States or any other country.' During the question-and-answer session that followed, Carrique emphasized the major fentanyl bust is still important despite no cross-border distribution given U.S. President Donald Trump's previous claims it's an issue. 'We are not seeing fentanyl being trafficked from Canada into the United States,' he said. 'That is not a trend that we have observed through Canadian law enforcement. I don't want us to be distracted by the narrative of fentanyl going from Canada into the U.S. and take away from the public safety concern around fentanyl.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Emphasized OPP Acting Det.-Supt. Andy Bradford with the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau: 'Some of the accused were identified as wholesale suppliers of fentanyl, methamphitamine, and cocaine. The fentanyl seized in Project Golden was enough for approximately 380,000 street level doses.' Hamilton Police Service Supt. Marty Schulenberg with the Investigative Services Division said in April 2023 the city 'declared a state of emergency in relation to homelessness, opioid addiction and mental health,' saying there is a link to violent crime. 'In fact, last year alone, Hamilton saw the highest number of shootings that we have experienced annually with 60 shootings in one calendar year,' he said. Meanwhile, a second multi-jurisdictional investigation called Project Bionic, which began in November 2024, dismantled a dark-web drug trafficking operation that was shipping illegal drugs across Canada. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The probe resulted in the seizure of more than 27 kilos and 64,000 tablets of 37 various illegal drugs and prescription medications, including fentanyl, hydromorphone, methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA, destined to be shipped across Canada through various courier services and Canada Post. Some of the drugs seized during Project Bionic which saw the OPP investigate the dark web as a drug trafficking tool for the first time. (OPP) Photo by OPP 'This investigation into the use of dark web for trafficking is the first of its kind for the OPP,' Carrique said. On March 10, 2025, two individuals at a Canada Post location in Ottawa were arrested and 86 packages containing various drugs ready to be shipped to addresses across Canada were seized. On the same day, four search warrants were executed at one vehicle and three residences in Gloucester, Ont., and Nepean, Ont.. Among the item seized were a handgun, an extended magazine and ammunition, about $95,000 in Canadian currency, electronic devices, a stolen 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider convertible valued at more than $400,000, fraudulent license plates, reprogrammable key fobs and a diagnostic and programmer tool. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Also seized were about 5.5 kg of suspected fentanyl, 7.6 kg of suspected methamphetamine, 3.7 kg of suspected MDMA powder, two kg of suspected heroin, 1.8 kg of suspected cocaine, 1.4 kg of suspected ketamine, 5.8 kg of cannabis resin (hash), more than 47,955 hydromorphone tablets, 6,580 methylphenidate tablets, 3,175 morphine tablets, 2,395 suspected MDMA tablets, 1,785 oxycodone tablets, 40 fentanyl patches, 35 g of suspected black tar heroin, 40 steroid liquid vials, 715 pregabalin tablets, 590 g of dried cannabis and a large quantity of other prescription medications. Read More This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is more than $2.5 million. On March 27, 2025, another search warrant was executed 'at a location on the outskirts of Ottawa' where 11 stolen vehicles were recovered including two Toyota Highlanders, three Toyota Sequoias, five Toyota Tundras and One Lexus RX with the estimated value of $730,000. Four individuals have been charged with a combined 85 offences. Anyone with any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, diversion of prescription medication or auto theft should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or RECOMMENDED VIDEO Toronto Blue Jays NHL Columnists Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists

Kevin Carmichael sentenced to four years for defrauding Strike Holdings investors
Kevin Carmichael sentenced to four years for defrauding Strike Holdings investors

Cision Canada

timean hour ago

  • Cision Canada

Kevin Carmichael sentenced to four years for defrauding Strike Holdings investors

TORONTO, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) announces that Mr. Kevin Carmichael has been sentenced to four years in jail for defrauding investors in Strike Holdings Inc., as well as making misleading statements to investors and trading securities without registration. In addition to the jail term, Mr. Carmichael was also ordered to pay restitution to harmed investors totaling $22.7 million. Mr. Carmichael was a director and officer of both Strike Holdings and a related company, KM Strike Management (KMSM). He entered a guilty plea in the Ontario Court of Justice on January 8, 2025. "Mr. Carmichael's actions had a profound impact on investors, creating stress and hardship in the lives of hard-working people who put their trust in him," said Bonnie Lysyk, Executive Vice President, Enforcement, at the OSC. "Misleading investors through falsified reports is illegal, and the OSC will continue to take action to protect investors, and the integrity of our capital markets. We also want to thank the Halton Region Police Service for their support on this case." Mr. Carmichael was co-accused with Michael Aonso, the other director and officer of Strike Holdings and KMSM. Mr. Carmichael and Mr. Aonso were charged in March 2022. Mr. Aonso pleaded guilty in November 2024 to unregistered trading and illegal distribution of securities. Mr. Aonso will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on September 23, 2025, for sentencing. This case was brought by the OSC's Criminal Investigations & Prosecutions team, which is part of the Enforcement Division of the OSC. They investigate securities-related frauds, market manipulation, and related misconduct, including the investigation of repeat offenders and those who breach Capital Markets Tribunal or court orders and bans. Their primary objective is to protect investors and further enhance confidence in the Canadian capital markets through effective enforcement. To do this, they often partner and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies and police forces. The OSC gratefully acknowledges the investigative support of the Halton Regional Police Service in this matter. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. Investors are urged to check the registration of any persons or company offering an investment opportunity and to review the OSC investor materials available at

Lawyer couple 'steal back' their stolen car after tracking it with Apple AirTag
Lawyer couple 'steal back' their stolen car after tracking it with Apple AirTag

Vancouver Sun

time3 hours ago

  • Vancouver Sun

Lawyer couple 'steal back' their stolen car after tracking it with Apple AirTag

A couple in London, U.K., stole back their car after they experienced a lack of police support in recovering the stolen vehicle, the wife said in a post on LinkedIn . 'I have to confess … it was kind of fun stealing back our own car… ,' Mia Forbes Pirie , 48, wrote. An international mediator, facilitator and coach, Forbes Pirie referred to her husband Mark Simpson , 62, as her partner in 'un-crime.' The husband, as per his LinkedIn profile, is a commercial barrister in Greater London. Couple Travel to Chiswick to Steal Back Their Own Car Jaguar E-Pace was taken from near their home in Brook Green 'But it does make me wonder whether we should have had to do that,' she continued in the LinkedIn post. 'And not whether it's normal, but whether it's right that the police seem to have no interest in investigating what is likely to have been a reasonably sophisticated operation involving a flat bed truck… if there are no consequences, what is the incentive for people not to do more of this?' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Their car, a Jaguar and reportedly worth over $85,000 , was stolen from near their residence in Brook Green, West London. According to The Times , the lawyer couple, after contacting the police, were told that the Metropolitan Police reportedly wouldn't be able to investigate. 'Instead, the couple suggested they could find the vehicle themselves and were told to call 101 if they found it,' The Independent reports. The couple noticed the car missing a week ago, with the AirTag locating it to their road on their road, in what may have been a 'cooling-off period' for the stolen car that one Canadian car owner was made aware of in May last year. CAA Quebec spokesperson and former police commander André Durocher told CTV News that after a vehicle is stolen, thieves will often leave the stolen vehicle nearby. 'They want to see if there's going to be police surveillance to check the vehicle, if there was a tag [to track it], so it's very standard procedure for car theft rings to function that way,' Durocher told CTV. The AirTag for the car in London later pinged from Chiswick, which is where the couple eventually found it with interior and carpets ripped off. The Metropolitan Police, in a statement to The Independent, confirmed that they were alerted to a car theft on June 3. 'Officers spoke to the victim, who shared his intention to recover the vehicle himself. An Apple AirTag was inside, allowing the victim to view its location and trace it. The victim was reminded by officers to contact police again as needed or if police assistance was necessary at the vehicle's location. At 11:23hrs the victim confirmed with police that he had found the vehicle and that it was being recovered by a truck back to the victim's home address.' 'The police are under-resourced and it's a shame,' The Independent reports Forbes Pirie as saying. 'Since we've found it, lots of people have touched the car and the police say that they're going to look underneath the carpets and at the fuse box to see if there are prints there. But it wouldn't have cost very much for them to tell us not to touch anything. That's the one criticism I have.' The police said the investigation is ongoing and that no arrests have been made at this stage. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .

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