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CBC
12 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
Former Wabana mayor Gary Gosine dies at 67
Bell Island has lost a longtime municipal politician who many now hail as a legend. Gary Gosine served on the Wabana town council for 35 years — 29 of them as the mayor — before retiring in 2024. He died Saturday at the age of 67. Philip Tobin, the current Wabana mayor and Gosine's nephew, says Gosine was a role model. "I grew up looking up to him, he was a mentor to me," he said Sunday. Tobin said the former mayor achieved many things for his community, but made a large impact by fighting for improved ferry services connecting Bell Island to Portugal Cove- St. Philip's. Gosine also advocated for better roads and water infrastructure. "He pushed in many ways and held the officials accountable for their actions," said Tobin. … Gosine was awarded Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. Tobin said he's learned many things from his predecessor on a political level, like keeping the community's best interests in mind when making big decisions. He said he also has many personal memories. "He was always here to support the youth … he loved hockey," said Tobin. "We've gotten to share some great times and then some great victories over the years." WATCH | Politicians remember a longtimer leader and lover of Bell Island: 'He was a fighter': Municipal, provincial leaders remember former Wabana mayor Gary Gosine, dead at 67 4 hours ago Duration 3:54 The long-time council member passed away Saturday after a long illness. Those who crossed paths with him say he was someone who spoke his mind but always stayed respectful — and who passionately worked for his home of Bell Island. The dedication Gosine held for the people of his town led to some headbutting with a number of Newfoundland and Labrador's politicians, including former Conception Bay East-Bell Island MHA David Brazil. "We've clashed … a number of times, but as good friends we always moved on," Brazil said in an interview with CBC. Brazil says his connection with Gosine goes back 50 years. The former mayor's 2013 re-election campaign was run in the hospital after undergoing open heart surgery and experiencing a stroke. Brazil sat by Gosine's side at the Miller Centre as he was sworn in. People can learn a thing or two from the Bell Island legend, according to Brazil. He said he admires how he always spoke his mind while respecting others when it came to standing up for his community. "He was multifaceted, he understood the needs of everybody," said Brazil. Fred Hutton, recently elected as the MHA for the area, has similar things to say. The minister for tourism, culture, arts and recreation and former journalist says Gosine always kept a calm demeanour. Hutton said in recent years when Gosine wasn't getting around as often, he'd visit him at home in Wabana. "Oftentimes family members would be there dropping and dropping out," said Hutton. "You could always tell the immense measure of pride that they had for their dad or their grandfather or in Debbie's case, her husband, but also the love that he had for them." He said Bell Island is synonymous with Gosine, a man who led by example. "If you look at the things that people enjoy on Bell Island today, his fingerprints are all over them," Hutton said.
CBC
02-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
STARS air ambulance founder Greg Powell dies at 77
Current STARS president says countless people alive today due to Powell's vision STARS air ambulance announced on Thursday night that its founder and former CEO, Greg Powell, died earlier this week. Powell, 77, died on Wednesday at Foothills Hospice in Okotoks, with his family by his side. Current Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) president and CEO John Froh said in a release that Powell recognized too many patients were dying because they couldn't receive the care they needed quickly enough, and was motivated to improve the delivery model. "Countless people are alive today because of his ground-breaking vision and enduring tenacity and for that we are honoured to carry on his mission," Froh said. Powell grew up in Edmonton and studied medicine at the University of British Columbia, according to a profile of his career published for his induction into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2021. During his second year of studies, he used a medical elective to join the Flying Doctor Service in Darwin, Australia. While on the way to Australia, he visited a mobile army surgical hospital (MASH) unit in Saigon during the Vietnam War, where he watched helicopter rescues in action. Watching war casualties survive traumatic injuries thanks to the rapid intervention inspired him to create a helicopter emergency medical service closer to home, the profile says. After graduating from UBC, Powell attended Canada's then-only emergency medicine training program at McGill University and worked as the director of emergency medicine at Calgary's Foothill hospital. Powell co-founded STARS in 1985. The charity survived early financial struggles and expanded beyond Calgary in 1991, opening an Edmonton base. The emergency medical service is celebrating its 40th year of operation this year. It has flown more than 60,000 missions across Western Canada, from bases across the prairies in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. For his work launching STARS, Powell was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2006. Powell also received the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005, and the Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. Powell also served as chair of emergency medical services for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics and as medical director for internationally protected persons at the 2002 G8 Summit in Kananaskis. He was later inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame in 2018, and the Foothills Medical Centre helipad was named after him in 2015.
Gulf News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf News
Meet the six Pakistani-Canadians elected in Canada's 2025 Federal election
Dubai: In a significant moment for representation and diversity in Canadian politics, six Pakistani-Canadian candidates including two-women have won seats in the 2025 federal election, all running under the banner of the Liberal Party of Canada. Among the winners are five returning Members of Parliament and one new MP, reflecting that Pakistani-Canadians' growing political influence and the Liberal Party's inclusive platform. Some 50 candidates of Pakistani origin contested this year's federal election, highlighting an increasing level of civic engagement from the community across Canada. The successful candidates include: Salma Zahid (Don Valley East, Scarborough), Iqra Khalid (Erin Mills, Mississauga), Shafqat Ali (Brampton—Chinguacousy Park), Yasir Naqvi (Ottawa Centre), Sameer Zuberi (Pierrefonds — Dollard — Quebic), and Aslam Rana (Hamilton Centre). All, except newcomer Aslam Rana, have previously served as MPs and have built strong reputations in their respective ridings. Notably, Rana's win in Hamilton Centre marks a political shift, unseating the NDP after two decades of dominance in the area. Iqra Khalid Elected first in 2015, Iqra Khalid has held her seat in Mississauga—Erin Mills through multiple terms. Born in Pakistan in 1985, she immigrated to Canada via the UK in 1998. A graduate of York University in criminology and professional writing, Khalid later earned a law degree and worked in immigration services. As a Parliamentarian, she has championed human rights and diversity initiatives. Salma Zahid Representing Don Valley East since 2015, Zahid is a seasoned politician with a background in public service and community organising. Born in Coventry, UK, and raised in Pakistan, she holds an MBA from Quaid-i-Azam University and a master's degree from the University of London. Zahid has been recognised for her advocacy on behalf of racialised women and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Shafqat Ali A real estate professional turned politician, Shafqat Ali won his first seat in 2021 and now represents the newly formed riding of Brampton—Chinguacousy Park. Ali also played a role in the 2025 Liberal leadership race, supporting Mark Carney's bid. Yasir Naqvi Previously active in Ontario provincial politics, Yasir Naqvi now serves as MP for Ottawa Centre. Born in Karachi, Naqvi has built a solid political resume, focusing on justice reform, community safety, and public engagement. Sameer Zuberi Representing Pierrefonds — Dollard since 2019, Zuberi is of mixed Pakistani, Scottish, and Italian heritage. He serves as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities and sits on the Foreign Affairs committee. Zuberi's background in law and human rights advocacy has shaped his parliamentary work. Aslam Rana The newest face among the group, Rana claimed victory in Hamilton Centre, ending a 20-year NDP stronghold. An engineer by profession and community leader by passion, Rana has been active in the Liberal Party since 2010. He migrated from Multan to Hamilton in 2003 and has focused on uplifting underrepresented communities. 2025 Canadian Federal Election The 45th Canadian general election, held in April 2025, resulted in a hung Parliament with no party securing a clear majority. The Liberal Party, led by a new leader Mark Carney following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's departure from politics, managed to hold onto power by forming government with the support of smaller progressive parties. The Conservative Party saw gains in Western Canada, while the New Democratic Party struggled to maintain its traditional urban strongholds. Voter turnout was reported at just over 66%, slightly higher than in the 2021 election, with youth and immigrant communities showing increased participation. The election highlighted key issues such as affordability, climate policy, housing, and public healthcare — all areas where many of the elected Pakistani-Canadian MPs have pledged to push for progress.
