Top stories in your community and around the world by Algonquin Times journalists
Nathan Heatherington
Photos:
March 21, 2025 Revised: March 21, 2025 11:24am
Local
CTV News: A 33-year-old man was charged with impaired driving after he was found asleep behind the wheel on Highway 17 at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
An officer located “what looked to be an abandoned vehicle parked in the passing lanes,” said Ontario Provincial Police.
The vehicle was found between Goshen Road and McCowan Drive.
National
National Post: Mark Carney is expected to ask Governor General Mary Simon for a snap election on March 23, a week after taking over as prime minister.
Parliament was set to return March 24 from prorogation requested by ex-prime minister Justin Trudeau, but may remain dissolved if an election is called.
Liberal MPs were over-hasty sending out email invitations to their “campaign launch” before the announcement of an election.
International
Global News: French authorities are preparing an emergency preparedness manual touching on the possibility of invasion, natural disaster and nuclear war.
The manual will include how to protect yourselves and your peers, how to respond to imminent threats, include a list of emergency numbers, how to defend the community, and where to volunteer for reserve army units. The guide also contains a diagram for a 72-hour survival kit.
This “aims to encourage citizens to develop their resilience in the face of different crises,” a spokesperson for French Prime Minister François Bayrou told CNN on Wednesday.
“This includes natural disasters, technological and cyber incidents, health crises like COVID-19, and security crises like terrorist attacks and armed conflict,” she continued.
This is following suit of countries like Sweden and Denmark. At this time, Canada has not responded if they will be publishing one.
Indigenous children are over-represented in the foster care system and the Have a Heart Day event raised awareness
Skyla Murray
Photos: Skyla Murray
March 21, 2025 Revised: March 21, 2025 10:47am
Photo: Skyla Murray
Summer Wabasse of the Webequie First Nation organized Have a Heart Day at Algonquin College in February.
Mamidosewin Centre held Have a Heart Day on Valentine’s Day, an event designed to bring awareness to the systemic racism faced by Indigenous people in Canada, specifically in the foster care system.
Despite Indigenous children being only seven per cent of Canada’s youth population, they make up 53.8 per cent of the children in foster care, according to Statistics Canada.
Summer Wabasse is an Indigenous woman of Webequie First Nation and one of the organizers behind Have a Heart Day. Wabasse wanted to bring awareness to First Nations youth being over-represented in care.
“Have a Heart Day is a day to advocate for and also spread awareness of the inequalities faced by First Nations children and families. So, we’re here to hopefully raise awareness amongst the college of these gaps and barriers,” said Wabasse.
The over-representation of Indigenous children in foster care has been happening since the 1960s, through an event called the Sixties Scoop. Indigenous children born around this time were removed from their families by social workers, usually without reason and often times without even informing the parents. The children were then placed into foster care or the care of a non-Indigenous family.
“It’s more about the government-specific responsibilities and the systemic discrimination against First Nations people,” said Wabbase.
“So, First Nations child and family services have been given less money, and the resources on reserves have been chronically underfunded. So, when you create all of these systemic barriers and then add intergenerational trauma to the mix, and a lot of racism, we end up being vastly overrepresented in care.”
Students wrote on paper hearts and taped them to the wall for Have a Heart Day. Photo credit: Skyla Murray
Systemic racism against Indigenous people has been around for a long time, starting with the Indian Act in 1876, and the residential school systems. The Sixties Scoop created a new problem amongst Indigenous people that still persists today in the way Indigenous youth are overrepresented in foster care.
Have a Heart Day started on Feb. 14, 2012. The initiative was created to bring awareness to Indigenous children in foster care, and to advocate for Indigenous rights, and to give Indigenous children the chance to grow up safely at home instead of in the foster system. The event is mainly recognized by sending letters to members of Parliament, making snow bears (bears often symbolize strength, wisdom, and leadership in Indigenous cultures) and making cookies to spread awareness.
At Algonquin College, students wrote on hearts, like “I love you” translated into many different Indigenous languages, and then the paper hearts were taped to a wall.
“As an employee here, I know a lot of our students are former children in care, and as a person, I have a lot of friends who grew up in care, and I know a lot of people that are affected,” said Wabasse.
Algonquin College students prove they have game in FC25, Super Smash Bros. and Just Dance 4
Bradley Richards
Photos: Bradley Richards
March 21, 2025 Revised: March 22, 2025 5:24pm
Photo: Bradley Richards
A contestant in the tournament plays Mario Kart.
As video game consoles were booting up, music from Just Dance 4 started blasting through the Student Commons on March 19.
Gaming stations filled the room from just past the main entrance of E-building all the way to Starbucks, set up for the patiently waiting students eager to test their skills against peers and strangers.
The We Got Game esports tournament had returned to Algonquin College.
“Many of the students are excited about this and have been messaging us for a while. We’re ready to go and ready to give it to them,” said Dave Miller, the owner of We Got Game.
Miller has had a long-standing relationship with Algonquin College going back 12-to-14 years from his estimates. He is also the father of Cianah Miller, an Algonquin College student and athlete on the women’s basketball team.
Dave Miller (left) and his daughter Cianah Miller make an announcement at the start of the esports event. Photo credit: Bradley Richards
But the tournament isn’t exclusive to Algonquin. We Got Game travels to colleges and universities all across Ontario.
The tournament, which happens once per semester, is marketed to all students with an interest in video games.
“It’s both casual and competitive. We’ve combined the games of FC25 (a soccer game formerly known as FIFA) and Smash (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate) to be competitive. But we usually have enough systems for many people to play freely on different games on the PlayStation 5s and the Nintendo Switch,” said Miller
“We have Just Dance 4 set up and we have a bowling competition where you can win Hockey Canada jerseys. So, there is a variety of things for people to play.”
Serin Sam Moncy, a student who signed up to play in the FC25 tournament, attested to how fun the event can be for casual players and competitive ones.
“It’s a good thing, you know. All of these different gamers come together, show off their skills and connect with each other,” said Moncy.
“It’s not about winning. It’s about the excitement.”
Moncy played in the esports tournaments at Algonquin College even before he became a student.
Students also clustered to play Super Smash Bros. against each other.
“It’s fun seeing everybody’s method for the characters,” said Zachary Looman, an Algonquin College student playing with a group of his classmates.
“The infamous Dr. Mario method has really shown to be clutch for Super Smash Bros. It’s pretty fun. you get to see how bad you are at everything. But it’s okay because it’s fun and we have a good time. It’s a good day,” said Looman.
Throughout the five-hour event, there were groups of students stopping to dance along to Just Dance 4 which was set up on a big projector screen.
The first students to show up and start the party were Jessica Pentland and Rhys Demianiuk.
“It’s really fun. I love Just Dance. And I saw Mario Kart, so I really want to try that,” said Pentland.
Alex Mant, a student who was dancing with her friends to songs playing on the Just Dance 4 projector set up in the Student Commons. Photo credit: Bradley Richards
But the casual fun was only the half of it, according to Miller.
“On the competitive side of things, which is the greatest side of things, today, if you win or get top placements, you’ll win a gift card just to say you qualified. Then we usually have two to four qualifiers from each game that come into our main event against all the colleges after exams,” said Miller.
The top qualifiers for Super Smash Bros. and FC25 won $50 GameStop gift cards and will be going on to compete against qualifiers from other Ontario colleges on May 4 in an online tournament with a grand prize of $1,000 for the winner of FC25 and $500 for Super Smash Bros.
At Algonquin College, two qualifiers from each game advanced to the finals. Alex Popa came second in Smash, falling short to Herbert Broderick. In FC25 the winner was Ahmed Barry, with Sahil Yadav coming in as a close second.
“I won here last year but at the final event I lost unfortunately. This year there were way more people, and the competition was way harder than last year,” said Barry.
“But I’m still confident in myself. I play this game a lot. It was quite a bit of fun and a good experience.”
When asked if he thought he would win the main event this year, Barry was confident in his chances at the provincial tournament.
“One hundred per cent, I’m going to win this time for Algonquin,” said Barry.
Dave Miller (left) posing with the first place qualifier in the FC25 tournament, Ahmed Barry. Photo credit: Bradley Richards
Jason Girard, a close friend of Miller’s who has helped him host We Got Game for the past three years, sees a bright future in the esports events.
“This is an incredible industry. it’s a lot of fun and it’s exciting. I mean, what’s better than showing up to work and playing or watching people play video games? It’s amazing,” said Girard.
“We’re both getting up there in age, but hopefully this will continue for many years. We’ll see where it goes.”
Correction (March 22): Ahmed Barry won the FC25 tournament and Sahil Yadav came in second place. A quote that was previously attributed to Sahil Yadav was actually said by Ahmed Barry.
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The former Algonquin College interim dean "encompassed all that is good in a person"
Hau Ting Ng
Photos:
March 20, 2025 Revised: March 21, 2025 12:17pm
Jamie Bramburger leaves a lasting impact on education, journalism and community development.
The Algonquin College community is mourning the loss of Jamie Bramburger, the interim dean of the Pembroke waterfront campus, who passed away at the age of 58 on March 11.
His death leaves a profound void in the hearts of his colleagues, students and many others whose lives he touched.
Sarah Hall devoted 16 years to Algonquin College, including serving as the dean of the Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology at the Pembroke campus before her departure in 2024.
“Jamie guides the team at Algonquin towards making those really important connections in the community. He guides us on how to build a bond with our students. He encourages us to recognize that these students are not just names,” Hall said.
Bramburger worked at the Algonquin College Pembroke campus for more than 25 years, most of which he spent as manager of community and student affairs.
Bramburger and his team assisted students in arranging homework help, finding coaches, fostering peer learning and organizing their participation in various events.
“He was focused on making sure that students had a place to live, didn’t go hungry, could get where they needed to go, had access to all of the academic help that they needed and that through that they felt welcomed by our college and also by the community,” Hall said.
“It will be very difficult to fully capture everything Jamie contributed to the college. There are long lists of what he did inside our walls, organizing events and putting in all kinds of different opportunities for students to be successful,” Hall said.
Jamie Bramburger (left) with Karl Soopalu at the 2023 faculty recognition awards ceremony. Photo credit: Kerry Slack
Patricia Lafreniere, a Pembroke city councillor, worked with Bramburger at the local TV station and with the Renfrew County United Way, where he was actively involved with the board.
Lafreniere remembers Bramburger’s volunteer roles in so many aspects of their community.
“Jamie encompassed all that is good in a person. He was nonjudgmental, committed to what was close to his heart, and a valued member of the many groups or organizations he belonged to,” Lafreniere said.
“He was admired by many for his wonderful personality and ability to make people feel at ease.”
Beyond his work in student affairs and community outreach, Bramburger also played a vital role in supporting local media and storytelling initiatives. He promoted social service careers, connected professionals and supported media initiatives.
Jamie Bramburger behind the bench coaching a hockey game during Pembroke’s 2018 Winterfest. Photo credit: Tricia Surette
Bramburger empowered alumni, provided opportunities and offered unwavering encouragement. He leaves a lasting impact on education, journalism and community development.
Holly Molenaar, an Algonquin College Pembroke alumna, was offered by Bramburger a guest speaking opportunity at the college. He expressed praise and support for her podcast and her first in-person workshop with various media representatives present.
“Through this partnered podcast series, he connected me with a diverse group of female alumnae who shared powerful stories and insights into their college programs,” Molenaar said.
“These discussions stand as a testament to Jamie’s dedication to our Pembroke waterfront campus, ensuring that the next generation of women chooses our beautiful community as their school of choice.”
Bramburger genuinely connected with students, listening to their stories and finding the best in everyone. He cared about what brought them to the community and ensured they felt truly welcome.
“Jamie’s legacy — his passion for education, love for journalism and commitment to the community — will endure in the hearts of all who knew him and had the privilege of working alongside him,” Molenaar said.
Bramburger also played a key role in local healthcare recruitment, concentrating on recruiting physicians and doctors.
Carolyn Levesque is the public affairs and communications coordinator for the Pembroke Regional Hospital.
“Jamie was very involved in the local recruitment efforts, trying to find ways to bring healthcare professionals and family doctors to our area and to showcase the community to those individuals who are coming to our area,” Levesque said.
“If we had a doctor coming for a visit to the community, he would work with others to see what we can show these individuals of our community that shows them the essence and the community sense.”
Brambruger was helpful, always thinking beyond his immediate tasks. He was a warm, caring person who was positive about what he was involved in.
“I think he was a shining example of this, and if others in our community follow his lead, it will undoubtedly benefit us for years to come,” Levesque said.
Algonquin College's Holi festival met capacity halfway through the event on March 14, but students continued to celebrate both inside and outside of the event
Robyn Lanktree
Photos: Robyn Lanktree
March 20, 2025 Revised: March 20, 2025 9:01am
Photo: Robyn Lanktree
Friends throw colour packets at each other outside the Holi festival event on March 14.
With colour-stained hands, people threw clouds of powdered blue, purple and yellow into the sky next to the Z-building dome on campus. Particles of colour freckled people’s hair and faces. The wind carried coloured clouds through the event’s fence, blotting the chainlink barrier with green.
Interrupting the music and laughter was a message delivered through a bullhorn: the Holi festival had reached maximum capacity. Nobody else was getting inside until more people came out.
Asheeka Hakkim entered the event earlier in the day and came back later to enjoy it with friends.
But they never made it back inside.
“For Holi, you have to enjoy it with every single person you know. I may not know other people here, but if they’re here, we enjoy it together,” said Hakkim behind a smiling face covered in yellow powder.
“It’s not fun if half of us is outside, half of us inside.”
The two-hour Holi festival was a celebration of colour hosted by Algonquin College on March 14.
Holi is a Hindu festival of colours celebrated on the last full moon of Phalgun, the last lunar month in the Hindu Calendar. The celebration marks the end of winter, the triumph of good over evil and welcomes spring. Each colour used can represent its own meaning: red symbolizes love, green is for new beginnings and blue represents the God Krishna.
People toss powdered green colours on each other while dancing inside the Holi festival event on March 14. Photo credit: Robyn Lanktree
The event was a hit. A line formed with people waiting for their chance to get in.
Clouds of smoke filled the air and powder mixed with the snow on the ground. Students inside the fenced venue walked over streams of blue, red, green and purple. They danced to the music of DJ Sutra and live performances by the Algonquin College Ghar Club. They held packages of powdered colour mix, either tossing the powder or using the colour on their hands to paint each other’s faces.
For those inside the event, Holi was a day of dance and spreading colours.
“You throw colours at everyone to make everyone the same colour like Krishna did to Radha and her friends,” said Diya Bajpai, explaining the meaning behind Holi. “You play music, you have fun. It’s something where, no matter who, like strangers and everyone all just have fun together.”
People dancing inside the Holi festival event on March 14. Photo credit: Robyn Lanktree
For both Bajpai and her friend Jorja Patterson, this was their first time celebrating Holi. After getting their colour packets inside the fenced event, Bajpai and Patterson began throwing their colours at each other before joining other people, offering a “Happy Holi” as music and beating drums played.
“I’ve always wanted to do it because I’m Indian but I’ve never experienced the full festival of Holi, just at home in the snow,” said Bajpai happily. “This is really good, really good.”
Diya Bajpai and Jorja Patterson smile after their time inside the Holi festival on March 14. Photo credit: Robyn Lanktree
The music filled the fenced-off venue and the sounds trailed off to the people waiting in line, which reached the parking lot.
The celebration didn’t stop for the dozens of people waiting outside the fence.
Students and friends filled the air with laughter, throwing colour packets while waiting. Groups of people took photos, sang along with the few words of songs that they could hear, lightly tossed colour-stained tufts of snow over the fence and spray-painted each other’s clothing.
Friends spray paint each other's backs outside the Holi festival event on March 14. Photo credit: Robyn Lanktree
Holi is about community, and the community can’t be removed from festivals with bouncers — or fences. So, Hakkim took the celebration into her own hands.
“I brought the colours with us so that they could have a little colour on them. They could put some happiness in it,” said Hakkim, surrounded by her group of friends who were covered in clouds of green, purple, yellow and blue.
Asheeka Hakkim (middle) smiles with her group of friends outside the Holi event on March 14. Photo credit: Robyn Lanktree
Vishesh Kumar also wasn’t able to get into the event. “The queue is so long,” said Kumar 20 minutes before the event’s conclusion. Despite not getting in, Kumar was happy Algonquin College hosted an event in the first place.
“I’m seeing it for the first time and it’s very great,” said Kumar. “I like the way the college is celebrating our festival, so I appreciate that and I hope everyone likes the hospitality from the college.”
Friends smile together while covered in coloured powder outside the Holi event on March 14. Photo credit: Robyn Lanktree
Everyone on the inside and outside of the Holi festival’s fence aimed to spread joy to old friends and new people with every cloud of colour they threw.
For Sona Benny, her first time participating in the event was largely spent outside with her friends, all covered in bright colours. Despite staying outside the fence, her expectations for the day never dimmed.
“It’s just (about) happiness and the things we share with everyone,” said Benny.
Arts & Entertainment | Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Feature | Home Hero
Top stories in your community and around the world by Algonquin Times journalists
Ernest Ko
Photos:
March 19, 2025 Revised: March 19, 2025 9:09pm
Local
CTV: The City of Ottawa collected 45,328 red light camera tickets in 2024, the fewest in five years.
Those 45,328 tickets were less than 2023’s 56,475 tickets and 2022’s 45,723. It was the fewest number of tickets since 2020, when the COVID-19-mandated quarantine meant fewer cars were on the road.
Of the most-ticketed intersections, Wellington Street at St. Patrick Street collected 3,000 tickets, while multiple King Edward Avenue lights issued considerable amounts.
In January 2025, almost 3,000 Ottawa drivers were made to pay the $325 fine.
National
Financial Post: New developments are surfacing regarding Hudson Bay closures after it asked courts to seek protection from creditors through the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act on March 7.
Founded in 1670, the historic company has been financially struggling in recent years. But with continued market pressures, changes in shopping habits and the ongoing trade war, the Canadian company says it’s facing “signfiicant challenges.”
Originally, Hudson’s Bay sought to simply restructure, but with no financial lifeline in sight, many are speculating that they will be forced to liquidate all products and property.
However, the order allowing Hudson’s Bay to begin its liquidation plan still remains with an Ontario court, while landlords and creditors like RioCan are demanding that the company pay its dues.
International
CBC News: More than 400 Palestinians were killed on Tuesday after Israeli airstrikes pommeled Gaza, forcibly terminating the two-month ceasefire with Hamas.
A statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of failing to release all Israeli hostages, while rejecting U.S.-led proposals for peace.
The strikes targeted various locations in Gaza at a time when many were observing Ramadan.
Rabiha Jamal, a mother in Gaza City, described it as a “night of hell,” striking while many were beginning to break their fast.
These strikes have been condemned by others, including Egypt, Turkey and Russia.
The public relations program is running seven fundraising events while honouring its late founder, Claudine Wilson
Hau Ting Ng
Photos: Hau Ting Ng
March 18, 2025 Revised: March 24, 2025 10:29am
Photo: Hau Ting Ng
Algonquin College public relations students launch the Hope on the Horizon campaign in the Algonquin Student Commons.
The Algonquin College public relations program is running a charity campaign called Hope on the Horizon to raise funds for the Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. The campaign started in 1984 and is celebrating 40 remarkable years.
Pyper Waldroff, a public relations student, said this year’s campaign has a special meaning.
The students are honouring the founder of the public relations program, Claudine Wilson, who taught advertising at Algonquin College before founding the public relations program in 1984. She worked for more than 30 years until her retirement in 2008. She passed away on Aug. 4, 2024.
Every year, public relations students organize a campaign to raise funds and awareness for local charities. The idea is to practise their PR skills while giving back to the community. Through this student-led event, they have raised nearly $600,000 for local charities since 1985.
“We can help people who are struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues by providing whatever we can to assist in recovery,” said Nicholas Gauthier-Barber, the campaign executive lead.
The campaign includes seven fundraising events held from March 14 to April 3. These events range from an afternoon tea and board game gathering to a thrift shop sale, culminating in an open mic and artist alley showcase.
Algonquin College public relations students are hosting an '80s Night event to raise funds for Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. Photo credit: Hau Ting Ng
This year’s campaign raises funds for Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, a non-profit organization based in Ottawa which helps those facing mental health and addiction challenges.
Hope on the Horizon also offers a chance for alumni of the PR program to reconnect. The public relations students are organizing two events, ’80s Night and the Ruby Reception, to commemorate 40 years of community fundraising.
Lara Mills, professor of the public relations program, described the reason for the event.
“It is an opportunity for us to bring together current students and program alumni for a reunion, as well as a great chance for our current students to network with professionals in the industry and to honour our program’s founder,” said Mills.
“The project shines a light on how Ontario college programs contribute to the communities they serve in very, very tangible ways.”
The public relations team aims to raise $10,000 for Rideauwood’s important addiction and mental health initiatives and to expand the campaign by engaging more individuals through social media.
Algonquin College public relations students launch their campaign in the Algonquin Student Commons. Photo credit: Hau Ting Ng
Felipe Higuera is the secretary for the Spring Clean for the Cause event team.
“Our main goal is to raise awareness,” said Higuera. “As long as people understand that this is a solution, we offer a way to receive support. That’s what matters most to us.”
Last year, Algonquin College's first-ever tax clinic helped students collectively save $93,000 on their taxes
Kevin Clasper-Inglis
Photos: Kevin Clasper-Inglis
March 18, 2025 Revised: March 18, 2025 9:09pm
Photo: Kevin Clasper-Inglis
A T4 renumeration form
Four accounting programs at Algonquin College will partner with the Canada Revenue Agency to host a free tax clinic on campus for the second year.
The programs running the event will be financial services – Canadian context, accounting and financial practice, BUAD Accounting, and business accounting.
With the tax filing deadline of April 20 approaching, students have a valuable opportunity to save time and money.
The clinics, running from March 18 to April 10, aim to help students file their taxes and save money by taking advantage of various rebates, while also enhancing awareness of useful CRA services.
Aka Onyegbule, a finance student, has filed his taxes online using Wealthsimple for the last few seasons.
“It’s not that effective,” he said. “And I don’t know how to do TurboTax or Intuit.”
Finance student Aka Onyegbule usually files his taxes through Wealthsimple. Photo credit: Kevin Clasper-Inglis
According to Daria Eskerko, communications manager at the CRA’s public affairs branch, students have many tax savings options available to them
“Students are eligible for a number of benefits and credits, including the GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, and Canada Carbon Rebate,” she said.
Onyegbule isn’t aware of the rebates he gets as a student and would be “potentially interested” in trying one of the clinics.
“I have to learn to do it myself eventually,” he said.
Last year’s clinic helped 149 students file their taxes, according to Yuk-Sim Wu, department chair of financial, accounting, and legal studies.
“Almost all of these students were first-timers. All newcomers who filled out the tax return form via our clinic received HST rebate checks, averaging around $496 each,” Wu said.
“We helped the students save a total of $63,984 with HST rebates. Additionally, all students received the Climate Action Incentive of $225, which helped them collectively save $29,025.”
Eskero urges students to attend a clinic either at school or to find one of the many available to the public through the CRA website.
A T4 renumeration form Photo credit: Kevin Clasper-Inglis
“If you have a simple or modest tax income situation, you can find free tax relief near you. Students can go online to canada.ca and find a free tax clinic near them,” she said.
Eskerko said there are new reporting requirements relevant to students that clinic volunteers can help navigate.
“Students might have a side job or a side gig where they earn income via an app: Uber Eats, Instagram whatever it may be. Now income earned through side jobs has to be reported with the CRA,” she said.
Eskerko also strongly recommends creating a CRA MyAccount which allows students to access their tax information, speak with an agent and file their taxes online.
Speaking of the accounting students participating in the event, Wu said the clinics are meant to “enhance the students’ customer service and communication skills.”
“The 2024 clinics received considerable acclaim on LinkedIn, shining a positive light on the college,” she said.
Top stories in your community and around the world by Algonquin Times journalists
Jackie Beeston
Photos:
March 14, 2025 Revised: March 14, 2025 3:04pm
Local
CTV News: Ottawa Charge star forward, Emily Clark, has entered into a partnership with Broadhead Brewery in Orléans, intending to create a unique beer that will “support charitable causes in the city, such as the Ottawa Hospital’s Breast Cancer Centre.”
The new brew launched at CRAFT Beer Market at Lansdowne Park.
Clark chose a raspberry wheat ale dubbed “Ottawa Wheat 26.” According to Clark, this partnership is yet another sign that the PWHL is coming into its own in the capital and making a difference in the community.
“It’s always an off-ice goal for me to be connected with the community any way I could be,” Clark said. “So, to be able to build a relationship with a local business like Broadhead and be able to give back to a really important cause like the breast cancer unit at the Ottawa Hospital, and having those funds stay in the community is important. I feel very lucky to be able to have that spotlight of attention on women’s sport right now and to be able to have my portion of it and to do good with that.”
National
CBC News: Oliver Miller, a member of the Toronto Raptors during their inaugural season in 1995-96, has died. He was 54.
Known as “The Big O,” Miller played with the Raptors for three seasons, spanning from 1995-1998. He played nine NBA seasons for the Suns, Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings.
Miller was the final pick of the 1995 expansion draft that also involved the Vancouver Grizzlies. He was selected, which meant he was leaving the Pistons to join the Raptors.
“The Toronto Raptors are saddened to learn of the passing of Oliver Miller,” the team said in a statement. “He holds a special place in our history as a member of our inaugural team in 1995, and we are so grateful for all his contributions. We send our deepest condolences to the Miller family.”
International:
CBC News: A special U.S. envoy is visiting Russia in hopes of signing a ceasefire deal that would temporarily halt the war in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump said that “it’s up to Russia now.” This comes as his administration presses Moscow to agree to a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine would support.
This development came as Russia claimed on Thursday to have recaptured a key territory in the Kursk region from Ukraine, signaling Russia’s upper hand in negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a lack of “meaningful” response to the U.S. ceasefire plan indicated the Kremlin wanted to keep fighting in Ukraine.
The Students' Association hosted the event featuring contests in squats, bench press and deadlift
Rebecca Jordan
Photos: Rebecca Jordan
March 13, 2025 Revised: March 13, 2025 2:15pm
Photo: Rebecca Jordan
Ashley Driscoll lifting winning weight of 205 pounds.
Students showed off their strength in a powerlifting competition organized by the Students’ Association on March 7 in the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.
Students competed in three different competitions: squats, bench press and deadlift.
The competition showcased impressive feats of strength and determination from both first-time and seasoned competitors.
Ashley Driscoll, a third-year bachelor of early learning and community development student, and Malcolm Whittle, a second-year business student, dominated in the squatting competition lifting 250 pounds and 405 pounds, respectively.
“It’s my first meet that I’ve ever done. Even though it’s not an official, like CPU (Canadian Powerlifting Union) or anything like that,” said Whittle. “I was just really looking forward to the opportunity to be able to compete for my first time and kind of challenge myself.”
Whittle explained how he prepared for the competition.
“I prepped for about two months, I would say. I’ve never done powerlifting before. I made a lot of friends in powerlifting at the gym and they helped me out a lot,” Whittle said. “I matched my old personal record and it moved a lot better today. Just there’s some things I need a tweak. I went for 425 pounds. It didn’t work, but once I tweak it, I’ll get it.”
Malcolm Whittle lifting 405 pounds. Photo credit: Rebecca Jordan
Driscoll, also a first-time competitor, had a goal of just having fun.
“I have a lot of anxieties, so I just kind of wanted to do a fun little school meet to kind of get over it and see what I can do, do my best,” Driscoll said.
Driscoll added: “I didn’t stress too much. I just wrote myself a program and just stayed consistent, did my best and went every day.
“This wasn’t a personal record. I went down in weight. This is a personal record because I’m 133 pounds and last time I did 250 pounds, I was like 160 pounds, so yeah, definitely an improvement,” Driscoll said.
Driscoll not only found victory in the squatting competition, but in bench press as well, lifting 145 pounds.
“My mindset was just to have fun and to do my best. My pre-lifting rituals are definitely listening to music and eating a lot of food, and be happy with myself,” Driscoll said.
Sebastien Ellis, a first-year fitness and health student, came in first place for the men’s bench press, lifting an impressive 385 pounds.
“My goal was just to have fun. Malcolm, my buddy, wanted me to compete. I was just trying to have as much fun as I could,” Ellis said.
Sebastien Ellis lifting an impressive 385 pounds. Photo credit: Rebecca Jordan
Ellis explained how he prepared for the competition.
“Well I stopped benching for a few days. Usually, you know, I lift three times a week. So I took a chill and didn’t do anything crazy. I ate my Wheaties in the morning, so it was good.”
Luisa Fernanda Fernandez Gutierrez and Serhan Akbulut dominated in the deadlift competition lifting 275 pounds and 475 pounds, respectively.
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