Latest news with #LapuLapufestival
Vancouver Sun
12-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Letters to the Sun: Money-laundering investigations require specialized skills — a special unit is a must
Re. Will B.C. create a money laundering investigation unit? There's not answer yet Why is this a question that must be asked? The Cullen commission and numerous news stories extensively documented the pervasive nature of money laundering within our province and its deleterious effects on our economy and society. The Cullen commission's recommendations to establish a special unit and an independent money-laundering office make sense and should be implemented as soon as possible. Money laundering investigations, and white-collar crime in general, require specialized skills not normally found within municipal police departments. Tracking money flows requires dedicated expertise in banking systems, forensic accounting, computer programming, commercial intelligence operations, etc., that takes years to cultivate. Ideally, the federal government should take the lead, given its regulatory responsibility for chartered banks. However, it the federal government doesn't treat it as a priority, then our provincial government should take the initiative. There are similar issues with the policing of port facilities, which are also, largely, a federal responsibility under the Constitution. A daily roundup of Opinion pieces from the Sun and beyond. 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 Informed Opinion will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. John Shepherd, Richmond I am a 16-year-old Grade 10 student at Bayview Secondary School in Ontario. Like many Canadians, I was shocked by the recent attack during Vancouver's Lapu Lapu festival, a celebration of culture turned to tragedy. Though I live in Ontario, this event highlights the gravity of a need for change regarding the Canadian system of public safety and mental health care. The festival's partial road closures left crowds dangerously exposed. Moving events to community parks or fully barricading streets would prevent such risks. Equally critical is the suspect's release despite being 'profoundly ill.' This highlights the phrase: Canada's system often treats consequences, not causes. Patients struggling with delusions after trauma need extensive care until stable, not premature release. This tragedy is a national wake-up call. Simple fixes, better event planning, stricter road closures, and proactive mental health intervention will save lives. We need change before another community suffers from reckless actions. Ivan Huang, Richmond Hill, Ont. Watching the first part of the meeting today on CBC between Prime Minister Carney and President Trump was the first step toward a new beginning. Following that, Carney took questions from reporters from the rooftop of the Canadian Embassy where all questions were answered. From the get go, it was clear Carney was the right person to be dealing with Trump. Listening to the many political analysts, politicians of all stripes and reporters evaluating this meeting, they all came away with very positive reviews. It became very clear to me and I am sure to a majority of Canadians that Carney was by far the right person to be at the White House for this very important meeting. It also became abundantly clear that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre would have been in way over his head. Canadians needed an intellectual there and that was Carney. Ian MacLean, Kelowna Gavin Drew, Conservative MLA for Kelowna Mission, has chosen to publish comments concerning the current NDP stance on extending pipelines across Canada as hypocrisy. But the factual reality is that the NDP are resilient, and respond to the varying concerns of the day. Four months ago, world emphasis was on the fact that fossil fuels were, and are, polluting the atmosphere, destroying nature and threatening our very existence. And the NDP reacted to this knowledge by encouraging the use of alternative forms of energy that were non-destructive. Then a greater danger from the U.S., for the moment, loomed. This was the need for the rest of the world to contend with the upheaval that American tariffs were, and are, causing. The NDP reacted by shelving their long-term concerns to addressing immediate concerns. This is not hypocrisy, Mr. Drew. It's called unselfish common sense — a trademark of NDP policy. Dolores Myles, New Westminster
Winnipeg Free Press
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Permanent memorial being considered after Vancouver festival crash, organizer says
VANCOUVER – The chair of the group that organized a festival in Vancouver where 11 people were killed says talks are underway to set up a permanent memorial near the site of the tragedy. RJ Aquino with Filipino BC says he has seen strangers leave as friends after bonding over grief at the memorial site along the fence of a Vancouver high school where thousands of flowers, candles and notes of condolence have been placed. He says there's a need for a permanent memorial and preliminary talks are underway with the city and the school board to find an appropriate location, and that it be done 'respectfully and thoughtfully.' Members of the Filipino community gather at a memorial site for the victims of an incident where a car drove through a crowd, killing multiple people in Vancouver, Monday, April 28, 2025. Tents from the Lapu Lapu festival remain up behind police lines. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam Aquino says there are no plans for now to remove the temporary memorial that has been growing daily since a man rammed an SUV through the crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day festival on April 26. Vancouver school board trustee Preeti Faridikot says she will be proposing a motion next month at a board meeting for the permanent memorial next to the school. Faridikot says she doesn't want to rush the motion, since many victims' families are still mourning their loss, and she wants to proceed with 'care, dignity, and cultural sensitivity.' Fundraising efforts from different organizations are growing, including a collaboration between the United Way BC and Filipino BC to support those affected by the tragedy. Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Sign up for The Warm-Up Aquino says he has been visiting victims at the hospital, and the funds can help with needs such as replacing cellphones that were broken or lost during the attack or helping arrange for child care. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May, 6, 2025.
Global News
02-05-2025
- Global News
Day of mourning for Lapu Lapu tragedy as suspect appears in court
Friday is a provincial day of mourning to remember the 11 people who were killed at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver last weekend. A statement from the province says the day is an opportunity to grieve the lives that were lost and offer support to those who lost loved ones in the horrific tragedy. Memorial events are taking place across the province, including a mass at the Holy Rosary Cathedral at 5:10 p.m. in downtown Vancouver. Many small vigils remain in place near the scene of the incident, where 11 were killed and dozens injured after an SUV drove into a crowd at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street last Saturday, with people stopping by to pay their respects. 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 'We are with the forensics unit and we've been working on this horrendous tragedy since it happened and this is the first chance we had to basically step back and come here and pay our respects to the families,' Vancouver police Sgt. Kam Mahinsa told Global News. Story continues below advertisement 1:34 New questions surround investigation of Lapu Lapu Day suspect Adam Lo The day of mourning comes on the same day the suspect in the case, 30-year-old Adam Kai-Ji Lo, is due to face provincial court to make an application. The British Columbia Prosecution Service said Lo's lawyer requested the appearance be moved ahead from the previously scheduled date of May 26. Lo faces eight charges of second-degree murder and police have said more charges are expected. He is expected to appear via video link on Friday. -with files from The Canadian Press
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Brit actor left with ‘incredible sadness' after wife killed when car ploughed into crowd at Vancouver street festival
A BELOVED British actor has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his "larger than life" wife who was killed after a car ploughed into crowds in Vancouver. Hallmark star Noel Johansen was with his family at the Lapu Lapu festival over the weekend when a deranged SUV driver left 11 people dead and dozens injured. 9 Brit actor Noel Johansen paid tribute to his wife at a vigil after she was one of 11 people killed by a crazed driver Credit: AP 9 Mum Jenifer suffered fatal injuries after being rammed by a black Audi on Saturday Credit: AP 9 A mangled SUV was seen at the scene after a car barrelled into a crowd on Saturday 9 Noel, who has appeared on hit shows such as Fargo and The Good Doctor, addressed a large group mourners as he said a final goodbye to his costume designer wife Jenifer. The happily married couple were at the street celebration along with seven-year-old daughter, Darby and 15-year-old son Ford, 15. But just before 8:15pm on Saturday, the 50-year-old mum was hit by a speeding car and suffered fatal injuries. Noel held back tears at the vigil in Canada as he explained how Jenifer was stood just feet behind him and the kids when the deadly crash took place. The London-based actor said: "She never celebrated herself in her life. "She never thought of herself; she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach. "And I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her." He went on to describe her as a selfless, creative and empathetic person. Noel was on crutches as he spoke to other mourners due to injuries he also suffered in the collision. The devastated dad made it clear that his worst injury is a broken heart. At least 7 children injured as car 'deliberately' ploughs into crowd of kids leaving school in ram attack in Japan Both children were left with minor bruises. Recalling the moment the car smashed into the family, Noel said it felt like a "giant tidal wave". "It hit us before we knew. I was falling in slow motion trying to save my head from smashing in the pavement," he added. A GoFundMe page has also been set up by the actor's friend and business partner Michael Daingerfield. Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman Michael Daingerfield Over 1,700 people have raised over £92,000 so far to help the Johansen family. Michael also left a touching tribute to Jenifer as he set up the page. He said: "Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman. "A gifted painter, a selfless mother, and a loving wife. She gave the best hugs, was always there to listen without judgement, and had the sweetest voice." 9 The aftermath of the crash site as emergency officials rushed to the street festival Credit: UKNIP 9 People attend a vigil for those who died in the horror car ramming Credit: Rex 9 Police are continuing to investigate the deadly crash site Credit: Rex Since the horror evening, a suspect has been charged with eight counts of second degree murder. Cops arrested Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, and warned "further charges are anticipated". It comes after eyewitnesses revealed the terrifying moment an Audi hit a crowd of "hundreds" at the Lapu Lapu festival. Horrifying footage showed victims and debris strewn across the road - with at least seven people lying on the ground. Among those killed included a five-year-old and a 65-year-old. Other clips appeared to show festival-goers trying to help those on the floor. Emergency services were also seen working at the scene following the harrowing incident. A black Audi with a mangled bonnet was later seen in the street after the crash. The force insisted that the incident was not being treated as a terrorist attack. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have asked anyone with information to contact them. 9 Noel was on crutches after being injured in the attack Credit: AP
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Brit actor left with ‘incredible sadness' after wife killed when car ploughed into crowd at Vancouver street festival
A BELOVED British actor has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his "larger than life" wife who was killed after a car ploughed into crowds in Vancouver. Hallmark star Noel Johansen was with his family at the Lapu Lapu festival over the weekend when a deranged SUV driver left Advertisement 9 Brit actor Noel Johansen paid tribute to his wife at a vigil after she was one of 11 people killed by a crazed driver Credit: AP 9 Mum Jenifer suffered fatal injuries after being rammed by a black Audi on Saturday Credit: AP 9 A mangled SUV was seen at the scene after a car barrelled into a crowd on Saturday 9 Noel, who has appeared on hit shows such as Fargo and The Good Doctor, addressed a large group mourners as he said a final goodbye to his costume designer wife Jenifer. The happily married couple were at the street celebration along with seven-year-old daughter, Darby and 15-year-old son Ford , 15. But just before 8:15pm on Saturday, the 50-year-old mum was hit by a speeding car and suffered fatal injuries. Noel held back tears at the vigil in Canada as he explained how Jenifer was stood just feet behind him and the kids when the deadly crash took place. Advertisement read more in Vancouver The London-based actor said: "She never celebrated herself in her life. "She never thought of herself; she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach. "And I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her." He went on to describe her as a selfless, creative and empathetic person. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Noel was on crutches as he spoke to other mourners due to injuries he also suffered in the collision. The devastated dad made it clear that his worst injury is a broken heart. At least 7 children injured as car 'deliberately' ploughs into crowd of kids leaving school in ram attack in Japan Both children were left with minor bruises. Recalling the moment the car smashed into the family, Noel said it felt like a "giant tidal wave". Advertisement "It hit us before we knew. I was falling in slow motion trying to save my head from smashing in the pavement," he added. A Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman Michael Daingerfield family friend Over 1,700 people have raised over £92,000 so far to help the Johansen family. Michael also left a touching tribute to Jenifer as he set up the page. Advertisement He said: "Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman. "A gifted painter, a selfless mother, and a loving wife. She gave the best hugs, was always there to listen without judgement, and had the sweetest voice." 9 The aftermath of the crash site as emergency officials rushed to the street festival Credit: UKNIP 9 People attend a vigil for those who died in the horror car ramming Credit: Rex Advertisement 9 Police are continuing to investigate the deadly crash site Credit: Rex Since the horror evening, a suspect has been charged with eight counts of second degree murder. Cops arrested Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, and warned "further charges are anticipated". It comes after eyewitnesses revealed the terrifying moment an Audi hit a crowd of "hundreds" at the Lapu Lapu festival. Advertisement Horrifying footage showed victims and debris strewn across the road - with at least seven people lying on the ground. Among those killed included a five-year-old and a 65-year-old. Other clips appeared to show festival-goers trying to help those on the floor. Emergency services were also seen working at the scene following the harrowing incident. Advertisement A black Audi with a mangled bonnet was later seen in the street after the crash. The force insisted that the incident was not being treated as a terrorist attack. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have asked anyone with information to contact them. 9 Noel was on crutches after being injured in the attack Credit: AP Advertisement 9 A sign saying seen near the scene where a car drove into a crowd of people during the Lapu Lapu festival Credit: Rex
