Canada has a housing problem that has become impossible for any government to ignore. Home prices and rents remain out of reach for many Canadians, construction has not kept pace with population growth, and governments at every level have struggled to get homes built quickly enough. Into that environment comes Build Canada Homes, the federal government’s new Crown corporation designed to help get more affordable housing built across the country.

The question is straightforward: Is Build Canada Homes a genuine new tool that can make a difference, or is it another political initiative designed to make Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government look like it is acting on housing? The answer, at least so far, is a little of both.

What exactly is Build Canada Homes?

Build Canada Homes was launched in September 2025 and has now been established in law as a federal Crown corporation under Build Canada Homes Act. Its basic purpose is to increase the supply of affordable housing by bringing several tools together: public land, financing, partnerships and newer construction methods. Rather than simply handing out housing grants, the organization is intended to play a more active role in getting projects from the planning stage to construction. That can include using federal land, providing loans or guarantees, investing in projects, working with municipalities and provinces, partnering with non-profit housing organizations and helping private-sector builders get projects moving. The federal government says Build Canada Homes is intended to become a sort of housing delivery engine-not simply another government program.

Canada already has organizations and programs that finance housing. The argument behind Build Canada Homes is that Canada needs an institution that can help assemble land, money, partners and construction capacity and get homes built.

Why make it a Crown corporation?

The Build Canada Homes Act received Royal Assent in June 2026. The legislation gives the corporation greater operational flexibility than it had while operating as a federal agency. It can make investments, work through subsidiaries, borrow within prescribed limits and enter partnerships designed to accelerate housing construction. It is also governed by a board of directors rather than being simply another branch of a federal department. That structure is intended to give Build Canada Homes more independence and the ability to make decisions more like a development and investment organization while remaining accountable to the federal government and Parliament. The legislation also established a CEO and board structure. The chair and CEO are appointed by the Governor in Council, meaning the federal government retains an important role in the organization’s leadership. 

Who is running BCHs?

The organization is led by Ana Bailao, who serves as Chief Executive Officer. Bailao is a particularly interesting choice because she is not coming to the job as a traditional federal bureaucrat. She has extensive experience in Toronto municipal politics and housing, including serving as Toronto’s deputy mayor. Her role is significant because Build Canada Homes is supposed to bridge the gap between government policy and the practical business of getting housing projects built. The organization also has Evan Siddall as its inaugural chair. Siddall is a former CEO of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and former senior executive at BMO Capital Markets, giving the corporation considerable housing-finance and institutional experience. That combination-a housing-focused CEO and an experienced housing-finance chair-suggests Ottawa wants Build Canada Homes to be more than a public-relations exercise.

Has is done anything? This is where the government has a legitimate argument. Build Canada Homes is not starting from zero. Since its launch, the organization has advanced projects and partnerships involving cities, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners. The federal government says projects and partnerships representing more than 11,000 homes were underway or nearing construction by June 2026. By September, the government was talking about agreements that could eventually result in approximately 19,000 affordable homes, with roughly 2,000 under construction. Governments are very good at announcing housing projects. The real test will be how many units are completed, how quickly they are built and what they ultimately cost.

Build Canada Homes has partnered with the City of Ottawa on several projects involving more than 1100 rental homes, with the majority intended to be affordable. Some of these projects involve non-profit housing providers, while others involve private and non-profit partnerships. Housing is one of the biggest concerns facing Canadians and renters. A government that can demonstrate that it is building homes has an obvious political advantage.

Mark Carney has made housing construction and affordability a central part of his government’s broader economic agenda. Creating a highly visible organization called Build Canada Homes also sends a very cleat political message; Ottawa wants Canadians to associate the federal government directly with getting homes built. But saying something is politically useful does not mean it is ineffective. Governments build infrastructure for political reasons all the time. That does not make the infrastructure unnecessary. If it eventually helps put tens of thousands of affordable homes into construction faster and at lower costs, Canadians probably will not care whether the program also helped Carney politically.

Canada does not simply need more housing announcements. It needs more cranes, more construction workers, more serviced land and more completed buildings. If Canada can find ways to build apartments and affordable homes faster, with less waste and lower costs, the benefits could extend well beyond the projects directly finances by Build Canada Homes. This corporation could potentially become a catalyst for changing how Canada builds housing.

There is no doubt that Build Canada Homes is politically useful to Mark Carney. But that does not make it a bad idea. Canada has tried tax incentives, mortgage programs, housing subsides and various government initiatives for years. The country continues to have a serious shortage of homes. Perhaps what is needed now is a government-backed organization that is prepared to take some of the risk, use public land, bring financing to the table and work directly with the people who build housing. Build Canada Homes has been given the tools.

Now it must prove it’s worth.

Vincent Black/MS

O Canadá enfrenta um problema habitacional que se tornou impossível de ignorar por qualquer governo. Os preços das casas e das rendas continuam fora do alcance de muitos canadianos, a construção não tem acompanhado o crescimento populacional e os governos a todos os níveis têm tido dificuldades em construir habitações com a rapidez necessária. É neste cenário que surge a Build Canada Homes, a nova empresa pública (Crown corporation) do governo federal concebida para ajudar a construir mais habitação acessível em todo o país.

A questão é direta: será a Build Canada Homes uma nova ferramenta autêntica capaz de fazer a diferença, ou trata-se de mais uma iniciativa política concebida para dar a impressão de que o governo do Primeiro-Ministro Mark Carney está a agir na habitação? A resposta, pelo menos até agora, contém um pouco de ambas.

O que é exatamente a Build Canada Homes?

A Build Canada Homes foi lançada em setembro de 2025 e encontra-se agora estabelecida por lei como uma empresa pública federal ao abrigo da Lei Build Canada Homes (Build Canada Homes Act). O seu objetivo fundamental é aumentar a oferta de habitação acessível através da combinação de várias ferramentas: terrenos públicos, financiamento, parcerias e métodos de construção mais recentes. Em vez de se limitar a atribuir subsídios à habitação, a organização pretende desempenhar um papel mais ativo no encaminhamento dos projetos desde a fase de planeamento até à construção. Isso pode incluir a utilização de terrenos federais, a concessão de empréstimos ou garantias, o investimento em projetos, o trabalho conjunto com municípios e províncias, a parceria com organizações de habitação sem fins lucrativos e o apoio aos construtores do setor privado para acelerar os projetos. O governo federal afirma que a Build Canada Homes foi concebida para se tornar uma espécie de motor de entrega de habitação — e não apenas mais um programa governamental.

O Canadá já dispõe de organizações e programas que financiam a habitação. O argumento a favor da Build Canada Homes é que o país precisa de uma instituição capaz de juntar terrenos, capital, parceiros e capacidade de construção para concretizar a habitação.

Porquê transformá-la numa empresa pública (Crown corporation)?

A Lei Build Canada Homes recebeu a Sanção Real em junho de 2026. A legislação confere à corporação uma maior flexibilidade operacional do que a que detinha enquanto operava como agência federal. A entidade pode realizar investimentos, operar através de subsidiárias, contrair empréstimos dentro dos limites estabelecidos e celebrar parcerias concebidas para acelerar a construção de habitações. É também gerida por um conselho de administração, em vez de ser simplesmente mais um ramo de um ministério federal. Essa estrutura visa dar à Build Canada Homes maior independência e a capacidade de tomar decisões à semelhança de uma organização de desenvolvimento e investimento, mantendo-se, contudo, responsável perante o governo federal e o Parlamento. A legislação estabeleceu igualmente a estrutura para os cargos de Presidente Executivo (CEO) e do conselho de administração. O presidente do conselho e o CEO são nomeados pelo Governador em Conselho, o que significa que o governo federal mantém um papel relevante na liderança da organização.

Quem lidera a BCH?

A organização é liderada por Ana Bailão, que exerce o cargo de Presidente Executiva (CEO). Bailão é uma escolha particularmente interessante porque não chega ao cargo como uma burocrata federal tradicional. Possui uma vasta experiência na política municipal e na área da habitação em Toronto, tendo exercido o cargo de vice-presidente da câmara da cidade. O seu papel é significativo porque a Build Canada Homes deve fazer a ponte entre as políticas governamentais e a prática concreta de construir habitação. A organização conta ainda com Evan Siddall como seu presidente fundador do conselho de administração. Siddall é ex-CEO da Sociedade Canadiana de Hipotecas e Habitação (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – CMHC) e antigo executivo sénior da BMO Capital Markets, o que confere à corporação uma considerável experiência em financiamento habitacional e no setor institucional. Esta combinação — uma CEO focada na habitação e um presidente com forte experiência em financiamento habitacional — sugere que Otava pretende que a Build Canada Homes seja mais do que um mero exercício de relações públicas.

Já fez alguma coisa?

É aqui que o governo tem um argumento legítimo. A Build Canada Homes não está a arrancar do zero. Desde o seu lançamento, a organização tem avançado com projetos e parcerias envolvendo cidades, províncias, territórios e parceiros indígenas. O governo federal afirma que projetos e parcerias representando mais de 11.000 habitações estavam em andamento ou perto da fase de construção em junho de 2026. Em setembro, o governo falava em acordos que poderão vir a resultar em aproximadamente 19.000 habitações acessíveis, estando cerca de 2.000 em construção. Os governos são especialistas em anunciar projetos de habitação. O verdadeiro teste será saber quantas unidades são concluídas, com que rapidez são construídas e qual será o seu custo final.

A Build Canada Homes estabeleceu uma parceria com a Cidade de Otava em vários projetos que envolvem mais de 1.100 habitações para arrendamento, sendo a maioria destinada a habitação acessível. Alguns destes projetos envolvem prestadores de habitação sem fins lucrativos, enquanto outros envolvem parcerias entre o setor privado e o setor sem fins lucrativos. A habitação é uma das maiores preocupações dos canadianos e dos inquilinos. Um governo que consiga demonstrar que está a construir casas obtém uma vantagem política óbvia.

Mark Carney fez da construção de habitação e da acessibilidade económica uma peça central da agenda económica do seu governo. A criação de uma organização altamente visível chamada Build Canada Homes envia também uma mensagem política muito clara: Otava quer que os canadianos associem o governo federal diretamente à construção de habitações. Contudo, dizer que algo é politicamente útil não significa que seja ineficaz. Os governos constroem infraestruturas por razões políticas a todo o momento. Isso não torna a infraestrutura desnecessária. Se eventualmente ajudar a colocar dezenas de milhares de habitações acessíveis em construção mais depressa e a custos mais reduzidos, os canadianos provavelmente não se importarão se o programa também ajudou Carney no plano político.

O Canadá não precisa simplesmente de mais anúncios de habitação. Precisa de mais gruas, mais trabalhadores da construção, mais terrenos com infraestruturas e mais edifícios concluídos. Se o Canadá conseguir encontrar formas de construir apartamentos e habitações acessíveis mais rapidamente, com menos desperdício e custos mais baixos, os benefícios poderão ir muito além dos projetos financiados diretamente pela Build Canada Homes. Esta corporação poderá potencialmente tornar-se um catalisador para mudar a forma como o Canadá constrói habitação.

Não há dúvida de que a Build Canada Homes é politicamente útil para Mark Carney. Mas isso não faz dela uma má ideia. O Canadá tentou incentivos fiscais, programas hipotecários, subsídios à habitação e várias iniciativas governamentais durante anos. O país continua a enfrentar uma grave escassez de casas. Talvez o que se exija agora seja uma organização apoiada pelo governo que esteja disposta a assumir parte do risco, utilizar terrenos públicos, trazer financiamento para a mesa e trabalhar diretamente com quem constrói habitação. A Build Canada Homes recebeu as ferramentas.

Agora tem de provar o seu valor.

Vincent Black/MS

O conteúdo do website do Milénio Stadium é traduzido automaticamente através do Google Tradutor.

Tive a sorte de nascer numa época em que a música vivia um período de renascimento. Ritmos de todos os tipos surfavam pelas ondas do rádio, tocando corações e mentes; falando connosco. A década de 1970 foi a altura em que me tornei “consciente da música”, por assim dizer, e foi aí que ela passou a fazer parte de mim. É provável que já tenha mencionado isto antes, mas uma das minhas melhores recordações de infância é a de cortar a relva com o cortador manual enquanto ouvia no máximo o single ‘Revolution’ dos Beatles no pequeno gira-discos dos meus pais, na sala de estar. Eu tinha dez anos. Havia tanto por onde escolher.

A partir dos anos sessenta, o rock era rei; com tudo desde o psicadélico ao punk, mas géneros como o funk, o disco e até a música eletrónica prosperaram porque os fãs, assim acredito, estavam mais abertos a novos sons e batidas. Sentar em frente ao sistema de som com os amigos era uma das coisas mais agradáveis de se fazer. Há algo de especial nas experiências partilhadas, especialmente quando se é jovem.

Na minha experiência, os anos oitenta viram não só um aumento na variedade, mas também um aumento nos tipos de música que um DJ podia passar numa determinada noite, continuando a agradar a todos. Eu vivi essa experiência como DJ. Lembro-me, mesmo nessa altura, de ficar impressionado por ver as mesmas pessoas a encher a pista de dança, quer eu passasse new wave, ska, punk, rock, reggae ou pop. As estações de rádio, a principal fonte de novas músicas, eram muito mais independentes e quase todas de propriedade privada, mas muitos de nós também contavam com o “passa-palavra” e com amigos que viviam noutros locais para descobrir novas bandas. Muito vinil e muitas cassetes.

Como todos podemos ver, a sociedade está a ser guiada para o individualismo. Hoje em dia, a música é quase sempre ouvida apenas através de auscultadores e auriculares; mesmo em casa. É um facto que a maioria dos lares já não tem um sistema de som familiar. Muitos de nós estão na sua própria cápsula, onde quer que vão, muitas vezes alheios ao que se passa ao seu redor. É ótimo que cada um tenha as suas listas recomendadas, mas a música também precisa de ser partilhada; e não me refiro aos bares, que são apenas um dos cultivadores. A cultura de nos juntarmos em redor da música, para ouvir e conversar, precisa de ser mais cultivada; dá às pessoas mais razões para estarem na companhia de amigos. Penso que isto também servirá de catalisador para voltar a transformar a música no veículo da mensagem, na voz do povo.

A música comercial (mainstream) tem muito pouca diversidade e ainda menos mensagem. Na sua maioria, não passa de amor, relações, sexo; todos eles grandes temas, mas no fundo calorias vazias. Onde estão os sons e as palavras que movem milhões, que criam mudança, que nos fazem pensar? Eles estão por aí, aos milhares, mas temos de ir à procura deles. O mainstream atual colocou a maioria das pessoas em modo de espera, mas há a responsabilidade de alimentar a cultura da música e de a libertar para o público. Precisamos de diversidade na música comercial. Precisamos de ouvir mais do que aquilo que o algoritmo sugere.

Tiro o chapéu àqueles que já estão a fazer algo para combater o mainstream de frente. Deve haver muitos de vocês por aí que estão muito à minha frente. Eu e a minha esposa fizemos a nossa parte ao passar o nosso amor pela música aos nossos dois filhos, que hoje são profundamente apaixonados por música, nunca se cansando de ouvir o antigo e de procurar o novo. Fico tão contente por termos desempenhado um papel nisso. Comecem desde cedo, com a música do vosso passado.

Fiquem bem,

Raul Freitas/MS

O conteúdo do website do Milénio Stadium é traduzido automaticamente através do Google Tradutor.

Bumblebees, puffins, barn owls and hedgehogs will feature on the Bank of England's next series of banknotes, replacing Winston Churchill and other British historic figures after they were deemed "elitist and divisive".

The post Bees, Puffins and Owls to Replace Churchill on New Banknotes appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

My dear readers, I will not lose friends again for pointing out something that doesn’t reflect reality, but I cannot refrain from offering my opinion while simultaneously offering advice and congratulations. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to spend time with a young mayor and, shortly after, attend an event in our community. These were two different moments that made me reflect on leadership, age, and what we can learn from one another.

The young mayor I met conveyed a desire to do things differently, to seek change, and to grow the city he leads—BRAGA—without ever forgetting that a city is made up of diverse people with different ages and ways of thinking. Respecting that diversity is also a form of leadership. I was impressed and saw yet another great young mayor who knows where he stands, recognizes and respects what was accomplished in the past, welcomes new ideas, and wants to make a distinct mark in the future. My warmest congratulations.

Afterward, I thought about our community associations. There are individuals who have dedicated a large portion of their lives to these organizations, possessing knowledge and experience that cannot be found in any book. Yet experience alone is not enough. One must also know how to listen and acknowledge when one isn’t knowledgeable about a particular subject.

To give an example without pointing fingers at anyone: we recently witnessed an attempt to host a Santoinho, a Minho tradition that deserves our complete respect. Santoinho is not just about music, dancing, and festivities. It has history, color, joy, and a distinct identity that must be understood and honored. When we present a tradition without truly understanding what it represents, we run the risk of turning something beautiful into an image far removed from its true essence.

And here lies, for me, the difference between bossing people around and leading. A boss says, “I want to, I can, and I order it.” A leader asks, “Who is knowledgeable about this? Who can help? How can we do this better?”

And believe me, my dear readers, after a long journey filled with experiences alongside all kinds of people with varying ideas across different organizations, I do not believe the issue lies in age. A young person can bring fresh ideas, energy, and a different vision for the future. Someone with years of experience can pass down knowledge, memory, and the lessons learned from past mistakes and successes.

So why not bring both together?

In politics, as in community associations, we need youth to renew and experience to guide. Younger generations must have room to innovate, but they must also possess the humility to realize that not everything starts with them. Likewise, older generations should know how to pass the torch without feeling the need to control everything. Passing the torch doesn’t mean handing over the reins and disappearing. It means teaching, advising, and remaining available to help.

This is where a fundamental word comes into play: teamwork. Good leadership is not achieved by surrounding oneself only with “yes people.” It is built with individuals who are knowledgeable, who ask questions, and who share the same objective.

Power should never serve to feed egos, acquire titles, or promote individuals. It should serve to make things happen. And within community associations, this is even more critical. If we want to keep our traditions alive, we must respect them, but we must also know how to pass them down to younger generations. We cannot ask young people to champion a culture that was never explained to them.

Two episodes, two leadership approaches, and two different ways of looking at what it means to lead an organization. I am not saying the young are better, nor that the old are better. I believe we can be so much better when we combine the drive of newcomers with the experience of those who have already walked the path.

Because leading isn’t knowing everything. Leading is knowing how to listen to those who know, knowing how to learn, knowing how to pass knowledge forward, and recognizing that a position is temporary—whereas what we build can endure for future generations. Working together rather than taking the mindset of “this is ours, it has to be done here” harms leadership and sends a negative message to youth. Unity is essential in community associations.

Perhaps the true secret to good leadership isn’t knowing who is in charge—so let’s set titles aside. Perhaps it lies in knowing who ought to listen. Plan and organize for the future, seek out those with expertise to help you, whether in politics or in community organizations. Mutual respect, knowing how to listen, and knowing how to pass knowledge along are deeply important.

Have a great weekend!

Augusto Bandeira/MS

The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.

I return to our columns, enriched by the birth of my son Luís and the month of parental leave we enjoyed together. The week of my return was fruitful and ambiguous, and I am not referring to the drama between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus. Montenegro, at last, agreed to José Luís Carneiro’s conditions to pass the State Budget, approving a line item to continue the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) projects and providing guarantees regarding constitutional revision. For good measure, he approved his new rental law with CHEGA’s abstention.

Hours earlier, it seemed certain that the Government’s proposal would be rejected. Packaged with a necessary modernization of eviction rules, Pinto Luz strips away virtually all protections and rights from tenants. Whereas before a landlord could only unilaterally terminate a lease after 3 years, now they can do so through simple prior notice. Rent prices in new contracts, capped at inflation plus 2%, will no longer face any control. From the end of security deposit caps to the increase in the number of advance rent payments, the proposed bill is utterly unbalanced.

The populist André Ventura did not want to be associated with it. On the eve of the vote, he announced a vote against. In Parliament, he took the floor himself to speak tough. But the mountain labored and brought forth a mouse. With voting already underway, a written agreement was announced to let the project pass.

CHEGA’s flip-flop comes as no surprise. The double backflip we all witnessed regarding the labor package tells us everything about the spine of the seminarist from Mem Martins. More concerning is how much the PSD had to offer to make him dance. Consistently in 3rd place in the polls, the Government cannot afford political defeats. What little reformist agenda they have left must move forward at all costs. And Ventura knows this. He knows he holds all the cards.

The rental law took the relationship between the AD and CHEGA to a new level: the written agreement. Until now, Luís Montenegro had governed by playing it by ear, choosing the parliamentary partners most convenient for each occasion. It is an unusual model. In most European countries, the formation of a government is preceded by weeks of negotiations. In the end, there is a comprehensive agreement—public, firm, and open to everyone’s scrutiny. That was notably the case with the famous “Geringonça”.

Now there is a written agreement, but it is under wraps. We do not know its scope—whether it is limited to this law—or what its concessions are. Throughout this year, there was already strong suspicion that some degree of radicalization within the PSD would be the far-right’s condition for saving the changes to the Labor Code. There was even debate over whether the Government would, as a result, accept lowering the retirement age. At the time, at the last minute, it all fell apart. But now that it hasn’t, and that there is a piece of paper proving it, it is crucial to know why. And with what consequences.

The signing of the first written agreement between the PSD and CHEGA is, like it or not, crossing a political Rubicon. It is one more step in the normalization of the far-right in our country. Some moderate right-wingers believe they are doing it out of strategy: in this way, the far-right is more constrained and neutralized. Others admit they do it out of sheer political convenience. Regardless, this cannot be a matter of indifference to any democrat, let alone to the PS.

Over these 2 and a half years, the PS has enabled Budgets and other laws, despite the radical agenda of burqas and flags or the attacks on the National Health Service (SNS) and public education. If today the Government says there is no room for further cost-of-living relief measures, it is because it approved with CHEGA the reduction of the corporate income tax (IRC) and benefits for “moderate rents,” whose budgetary impact will reach 1.5 billion euros by 2027.

Earlier this year, Carneiro had already warned, amid Montenegro’s indifference, that patience has its limits. At the Congress, with Montenegro favoring Ventura in negotiations for the Constitutional Court, Carneiro warned that it was time to choose, and that he who sows the wind reaps the storm. The audacity of signing an agreement with CHEGA on the very same day Carneiro announces the passing of the State Budget is another blow to the relationship of trust that Montenegro should be building—not just with the PS, but with the country.

It does not have to be this way. This week, a group of figures from the PS and PSD released an open letter advocating for understandings between these two central parties. Dialogue among moderates is also one of the goals of the Instituto Progresso, launched at the end of August.

Many of us want that path, but it requires respect and loyalty. As we wrote in the motion we brought to the PS Congress, regime pacts are not the same thing as a grand coalition (bloco central). They do not need to serve to suspend differences between parties, but rather to act as a common ground upon which we transform the country and value each other’s alternative choices.

As António José Seguro explained in his October 5th speech, stability is not an end in itself. But it is an essential condition for getting things done. Now more than ever, it is up to the PSD to decide who it wants to make agreements with—and at what price.

Miguel Costa Matos/MS

At the invitation of the Coordination of Portuguese Teaching in Canada (CEPE), part of the Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language, I.P., in partnership with the Embassy of Portugal in Canada, Portuguese writer and screenwriter Sara Rodi traveled to Canada to participate in several initiatives promoting the Portuguese language and literature.

In Ottawa, Sara Rodi took part in the 8th Ibero-American Book Fair and gave a lecture at Saint Paul University, where she presented her work and had the opportunity to connect directly with students and young readers.

The author was also in Toronto, where she attended a community gathering at Livraria Saudade on the occasion of its opening. The event was dedicated to her latest novel, O Quanto Amei – Fernando Pessoa e as Mulheres da Sua Vida (How Much I Loved – Fernando Pessoa and the Women of His Life), a work that revisits the figure of Fernando Pessoa through the women who were part of his life.

Reflecting on her time in Canada, Sara Rodi described the experience as “very special” and one she will cherish “with great affection.”

The author also spoke about connecting with the Portuguese community in Toronto: “I had the opportunity to present my novel O Quanto Amei – Fernando Pessoa e as Mulheres da Sua Vida to the Portuguese community, who welcomed me with those warm embraces that make us feel right at home.”

Sara Rodi further recalled the stories and personal experiences shared during her trip to Canada:

“I heard stories, generous personal reflections, and dreams for the future that I won’t forget. It was truly beautiful to feel this connection through the Portuguese language and to see the community’s enthusiasm for Portuguese literature and culture.”

The writer expressed her gratitude to CEPE Canada, Camões, I.P., and the Embassy of Portugal in Canada for the opportunity, while also offering a word of appreciation to the team at Livraria Saudade for the invitation and warm reception.

The coordinator of CEPE, Maria do Rosário Gaspar, highlighted the importance of these initiatives in promoting and spreading the Portuguese language in Canada. “It was a very pleasant late afternoon, in a space named ‘Saudade’, to talk about Fernando Pessoa. It was wonderful to see the great turnout and to share yet another experience dedicated to promoting and celebrating the Portuguese language,” she stated.

Maria do Rosário Gaspar also extended special thanks to Nancy and Fátima for making the space available for the event.

Sara Rodi’s visit to Canada brought Portuguese literature closer to local readers and fostered meaningful new moments of connection around the Portuguese language, culture, and literature.

FP/MS

Fotos: Cindy Da Ponte

Four decades of stories, friendships, families, and love for one’s roots. This was the spirit that marked the 40th-anniversary celebration of Arsenal do Minho of Toronto, on an evening when the Portuguese community came together to recall the journey taken, celebrate the present, and look to the future with pride in Minho traditions.

Over 40 years, Arsenal do Minho has become much more than an association. For many families, it is a second home—a gathering place where music, folklore, and traditions help keep the connection to Portugal, and specifically to the Minho region, alive. The celebration also marked the 31st anniversary of Arsenal do Minho’s Folklore Dance Group (Rancho Folclórico), which continues to pass down the sounds, dances, traditional costumes, and Minho culture to new generations.

The festivities began on Friday, October 2nd, with the traditional Honor Toast (Porto de Honra) held at Arsenal do Minho’s headquarters. Amid hugs, reunions, and memories, leaders, guests, and community members kicked off a weekend dedicated to the association’s history.

On Saturday, October 3rd, the celebration continued at LiUNA Local 183 in Toronto, bringing together families, friends, association members, and guests for an evening dedicated to Arsenal do Minho’s 40-year history and the traditions that continue to unite the Portuguese community.

Among those in attendance were the Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow; the Mayor of Braga, João Rodrigues; the Member of Parliament for Davenport, Julie Dzerowicz; and the President of SC Braga, António Salvador.

The bond between Braga and the Minho community in Toronto was at the center of João Rodrigues’s remarks, as he highlighted the closeness that remains despite the distance: “It is quite remarkable for us to arrive so many kilometers away and see in each of these people a continuation of our city.”

António Salvador emphasized his pride in witnessing the strength of the Portuguese community and spoke of the intention to strengthen SC Braga’s presence in Toronto, particularly through sports initiatives aimed at children and youth.

On the Canadian side, Olivia Chow congratulated Arsenal do Minho for its contribution “to the culture and dynamism of the city of Toronto,” while Julie Dzerowicz shared a message of congratulations for the 40-year milestone alongside wishes for continued success and growth.

Yet the true measure of this story lies in the people who, over four decades, gave their time, hard work, and dedication to the association. Cristina Garcia spoke of the joy of representing Arsenal do Minho and celebrating “40 years of life, tradition, and culture.” For Joel Bastos, these are 40 years of promoting Minho culture and traditions in Canada.

Nelson Martins, head of the Folklore Dance Group, highlighted the strong sense of unity within the association: “We are a large family with many members, and I am happy to be part of this family.” André, Vitória, Liliana, and Patrizia also shared their pride in being part of this history and contributing to the continuation of Minho traditions.

That same connection carries over to the younger generations. For the Silva family—composed of Nelson, Cláudia, Soraia, and Aryana—involving children in the Portuguese community is a way to ensure that the culture and traditions stay alive for the future.

The evening was entertained by Cláudia Martins & Minhotos Marotos in an atmosphere of music, dancing, and camaraderie. Across generations, stories, and memories, Arsenal do Minho’s 40th anniversary showed that a tradition remains alive when it is shared.

It is a story built by many hands and many families, keeping the traditions and roots of Minho alive in Toronto.

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The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.

They rarely make headlines, but they happen every single day. While difficult news reaches us non-stop, there are scientists, doctors, teachers, and volunteers working quietly to make the world a slightly better place. And when we pay attention to that work, we realize there is far more to be grateful for than we imagine.

We can thank science, which today protects against HIV with just two injections a year and reaches, for the first time, rich and poor countries simultaneously. We can thank technology, which restores voice and gestures to those who lost them, and artificial intelligence, which detects heart disease in just a few seconds. And we can be grateful, right here in Canada, for a simple measure that ensures thousands of children do not learn on an empty stomach.

None of this is a miracle. It is the result of years of effort, persistence, and cooperation among people who refused to give up. These are advancements that remind us that progress is possible and that humanity remains capable of the very best.

In the following pages, we have brought together a few of these stories. Not to forget what is still wrong, but to remember that, even in uncertain times, there is always a light shining.

Kidney donated from mother to daughter reaches 111 years old, breaking a world record

A kidney donated from a mother to her daughter in Brazil in 1969 is still functioning and has reached a biological age of 111 years. It has now entered the history books as the oldest in the world.

Guiomar, who was 54 at the time, “had no hesitation whatsoever” in donating her kidney to her daughter, Maria Célia, who was suffering from kidney failure. At the time, the procedure was a novelty in Brazil—the first had taken place just five years earlier, and only about 50 were performed per year.

In the prime of her youth, Maria Célia underwent three hemodialysis sessions before the kidney transplant. But in 1969, they decided to move forward with the surgery, which took about five hours and carried several associated risks, as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs were not available. “I never experienced rejection, I never had complications, I was never hospitalized,” the recipient told the Brazilian portal G1, adding that her mother also led a healthy life: “She never got sick, never had anything wrong. She died at age 97, without any complications.”

Speaking to the publication, nephrologist Dr. José Medina Pestana revealed that the situation is exceptional, given that transplanted organs last, on average, 20 to 30 years. The fact that they were mother and daughter, however, may have been the key to its success.

“I spent nine months inside my mother, and today she is here inside me. Alive. Much longer inside me. And she will stay,” Maria Célia highlights.

Currently, Brazil performs about 27,000 transplants per year, of which roughly 6,000 are kidney transplants. The surgeries are carried out under the Unified Health System (SUS), which provides anti-rejection medications free of charge. Estimates indicate that over 140,000 people have undergone kidney transplants in the country.

A twice-a-year injection against HIV

For decades, major innovations in the fight against HIV took years to reach poorer countries. With lenacapavir, the story is unfolding differently. This injectable medication, which protects against the virus in nearly 100% of cases, needs to be administered only twice a year. It is a massive advantage over daily pills, which many people struggle to adhere to.

For the first time, an innovation in HIV prevention has arrived almost simultaneously in rich and low-income countries. The initial doses arrived in Eswatini and Zambia in November 2025 and began being administered in December. According to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, 49,000 people had been protected by the end of June. By mid-August, that number was close to 100,000 across nine African countries. By the end of 2026, the drug is expected to be available in 24 countries.

The good news doesn’t end there. Cheaper generic versions are expected to hit the market at the end of this year, which will expand access further in 2027. Researchers estimate that lenacapavir could prevent nearly a third of new infections in parts of eastern and southern Africa and accelerate control of the epidemic by up to 14 years.

Restoring voice and gestures to those who lost them

Imagine losing the ability to speak and move, but continuing to think with complete clarity. This is the reality for many people who have suffered a severe stroke or live with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). For them, new hope has now arrived from the University of California, San Francisco.

A team led by bioengineer Samantha Brosler and neurosurgeon Edward Chang has developed a brain implant that allows paralyzed individuals to speak and gesture through a digital avatar using only their thoughts. The device, about the size of a cell phone, contains 253 electrodes and is placed over the region of the brain that controls movements. It reads brain signals and simultaneously translates them into words and gestures such as waving or clapping.

The system was tested on two patients. The patient paralyzed after a stroke achieved 100% accuracy in test conversations. The patient with ALS achieved 85% accuracy in gestures and 75% in speech. For now, the participants trained on ten simple phrases, such as “hello” and “nice to meet you,” and ten gestures, across a hundred combinations.

“Gestures play an important role in communication,” explains Samantha Brosler. The same word can carry different meanings depending on the gesture that accompanies it. The study was published on September 14 in the journal Nature Neuroscience.

Artificial intelligence detects heart conditions in seconds

The electrocardiogram is one of the simplest and cheapest medical exams: it takes just a few seconds and is available in almost every health center. Until now, it served primarily as an initial screening tool. Thanks to artificial intelligence, it may soon reveal far more.

Researchers at Imperial College London, led by physician Arunashis Sau, have developed a software program that analyzes an electrocardiogram in under two seconds and identifies signs of heart disease that doctors cannot see with the naked eye. The system learned from millions of tests in Brazil and the United States and was then tested on 67,000 patients. It correctly identified 81% of heart failure cases and 90% of heart valve diseases.

Today, many patients wait months for an echocardiogram—the test that confirms these conditions. With this tool, it will be possible to quickly identify who needs it most urgently. The goal is not to replace cardiologists, but to help them reach those in need much faster.

“A 10-second electrocardiogram, which was once a low-precision screening tool, could soon become one of the most informative tests in medicine,” said Professor Fu Siong Ng, one of the study’s leads. The results were presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress. Before reaching hospitals, the tool still requires approval from health authorities.

No child should learn on an empty stomach

It’s hard to pay attention in math class when you’re hungry. Recognizing this, Canada took a major step forward: the National School Food Program became law on March 26, 2026, making it permanent and protecting it from future political shifts.

This school year, more than 10,000 schools are offering food programs to students—representing about 80% of the country’s public schools. The program will reach an additional 400,000 children annually. Approaches vary by region: free breakfasts, “pay-what-you-can” lunches, grab-and-go snacks, school gardens, and community meals featuring traditional foods.

Federal funding to provinces and territories doubled to $140 million per year. Starting in 2029–30, the government guarantees $216.6 million annually to maintain the program. Families are feeling the difference too. According to the government, a family with two school-aged children can save around $800 a year on groceries.

“When children have access to healthy food at school, they can learn, grow, and reach their full potential,” stated Parliamentary Secretary Anna Gainey. In a time when the cost of living weighs heavily on so many families’ budgets, this is a measure well worth giving thanks for.

US approves new Parkinson’s drug that acts differently in the brain

Hope for patients: a new drug for Parkinson’s disease has just been approved in the United States. The FDA, the country’s drug regulatory agency, authorized the use of tavapadon for adults living with the disease. The medication, which will be sold under the brand name Juvmo, is manufactured by AbbVie and is expected to hit American pharmacies this October.

The novelty lies in how the drug acts within the brain. Tavapadon is the first approved agonist that selectively targets D1 and D5 dopamine receptors, whereas similar medications currently in use mainly target D2 and D3 receptors.

The pill is taken once daily and can be used on its own or alongside levodopa, one of the primary medications for Parkinson’s.

Improvement in movement

The new medication is not proven to cure or stop the progression of Parkinson’s. The benefit demonstrated so far is the management of motor symptoms.

Another data point caught the researchers’ attention. After 85 weeks of follow-up, 93% of participants using tavapadon alongside levodopa did not need to increase their levodopa dosage.

Among patients in the early stages of the disease who were not yet taking levodopa, 94% remained off levodopa during that same period.

McDonald’s employee covers meal for customer who forgot wallet and receives surprise for his generosity

Look at what generosity can do! A young McDonald’s employee paid out of his own pocket for a meal for a customer he didn’t know, who had forgotten his wallet and couldn’t complete the payment using his phone. The gesture touched the customer so deeply that he reached out to a television station to share the young man’s act so he could be recognized. And that kindness came back to the young man in the form of gifts!

Matthew works at a McDonald’s location in Rexburg, Idaho, in the United States, and had no idea that paying for that burger and a milkshake would cause such a stir. The incident happened in July and was recently published by the portal Sunny Skyz.

The crew from the Feel Good Friday show, which regularly surprises community members who perform good deeds, sought out young Matthew and handed him several gift cards and presents in recognition of his attitude.

Pizzeria owner sees elderly woman eating from trash and starts chain of kindness against hunger

A pizzeria owner was heartbroken to see an elderly woman eating pizza out of the trash. Daniel Romano, owner of D’Romano’s Pizza, brought the woman inside, threw away what she had found, and served her a fresh, hot slice. The woman began to cry upon receiving the food.

Daniel told her: “Don’t cry, eat!” After that encounter, he made the decision to offer pizza to anyone in a similar situation who came to his shop. “I don’t want anyone eating from the trash,” said the shopkeeper from the Bronx, New York, in the United States.

The story, shared on social media in July, gained millions of views and gained traction again in late August when Fox 5 New York showed that the gesture had expanded beyond the pizzeria, sparking a massive chain of kindness.

Still deeply impacted by the hungry elderly woman’s story, Daniel grabbed a marker and wrote a note on the shop’s window: “To the people eating out of my trash: I have more love for you than you realize,” the message begins.

In the rest of the note, he asks that anyone in that situation step inside and simply say they are hungry, promising to offer a slice of pizza and fresh water free of charge. No explanations needed—just ask.

“I think there’s too much hate, too much anger, too much negativity. Why not put a smile on someone’s face?” said the business owner.

Daniel recalls that his mother, Carmella Romano, used to repeat an old Italian saying: “A desperate person always makes a better decision on a full stomach than an empty one,” he shared. And he never forgot it.

Chain of kindness reached other states

Daniel’s initiative inspired many people and set off a chain of goodwill. Today, strangers call from various states to pay in advance for new slices for people in need who arrive hungry. “I have people from Texas, Arkansas, Alaska, everywhere calling me,” Daniel said, laughing at the volume of calls he started receiving.

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Last Saturday, the event organized by the Minho Cultural Association of Toronto (ACMT) transformed into a true Minho-style festival, with more than a thousand people filling the venue in Etobicoke to celebrate Santoinho, known as “the largest Minho festival in Canada.” Inspired by the traditional festivals and pilgrimages of the Minho region, Santoinho has kept Portuguese culture and traditions alive within the Canadian community since 1997.

The evening featured traditional cuisine, including grilled sardines, caldo verde, bifanas, broa and champarrião, along with plenty of music and folklore. The ACMT drumming group “Os Alegres,” the folk groups, the traditional corn-threshing demonstration, the Santoinho Wheel, and performances by Grupo Kalhambeque brought an evening of great joy and community spirit to life. The celebration ended with a DJ and the traditional Santoinho Wheel.

For Carlos Gonçalves, president of the ACMT, “everything went as expected.” Thanking the more than 70 volunteers, he highlighted the “excellent turnout” and assured everyone that next year, “the Minho festival will be even stronger.”

The views of those passionate about Minho culture

For Augusto Bandeira, community leader, Roundtable presenter, and a passionate advocate of Minho culture, Santoinho is much more than a place for dinner, music, and dancing.

“It is a way of reliving what we were and what, unfortunately, we often allow to fade away,” he says.

Born in 1972 in Darque, Viana do Castelo, through the vision of António Cunha, Santoinho has become, over more than five decades, a reference point for promoting Minho culture.

For Augusto Bandeira, it represents “memory, identity, and pride in our roots,” and has the ability to allow those who do not know the Minho region to “feel a little bit of the Minho.”

With the Encontro Vianense, for which he is responsible, already scheduled for May 8, 2027, he considers it very important to bring this tradition to Canada, particularly as a way of bringing younger generations closer to their origins.

“It is a way of bringing the Minho to those who are far from their homeland and keeping our traditions alive.”

However, his enthusiasm is accompanied by an appeal for authenticity. For Augusto Bandeira, celebrating Santoinho outside Portugal only makes sense if its identity is respected.

“Folklore should come first, accompanied by the traditional music that is heard and danced there.”

He also makes a special reference: “The Marcha do Santoinho is unique and genuine and should be respected.”

A knowledgeable follower of Santoinho’s history and close to “its owners,” whom he considers great friends, Augusto Bandeira emphasizes that the Canadian initiative should strive to be “the real Santoinho, or at least as close as possible to what it represents.”

“We can change many things over the years, but a culture only remains alive when new generations are able to understand, respect, and feel what previous generations have passed down to them,” he stresses.

He concludes with a message of appreciation and, at the same time, responsibility:

“Congratulations to those who had the excellent idea of starting the celebration of this wonderful Minho event, but respect what Santoinho truly is.”

For her part, Maria Melo highlights that “the celebration overflows with joy and stands out for its community spirit and traditional cuisine.”

The grilled sardines and pork steaks, champarrião, popular marches, and musical groups make this “a very special evening.”

Among the most memorable moments, she highlights “the moving demonstration of threshing the corn, the traditional Minho corn husking,” accompanied by the sound of accordions and folk dancing.

“It is our history dressed up as a celebration. It is about honoring the past of the Minho and strengthening our Portuguese-Canadian identity,” says Maria, who hopes that “this great festival will continue to be celebrated, generation after generation, so that our traditions are never lost.”

“It is with great love for our traditions and with pride that I continue to volunteer at these events,” she concludes.

More than just an evening of celebration, Santoinho once again became a gathering place for the Portuguese community, where Minho cuisine, music, and traditions came together to recreate, in Etobicoke, the spirit of the traditional Portuguese festivals and pilgrimages.

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Fotos: Cindy Da Ponte

It was an evening dedicated to the soul of Portugal, where music, emotion and culture came together through fado. The Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga held its traditional Fado Gala, this year as part of the inaugural edition of the Toronto International Fado Festival and dedicated to one of the greatest icons of Portuguese culture: Amália Rodrigues.

Held for the past 26 years, the gala is a source of pride for Jorge Mouselo, president of the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga, who emphasizes the importance of preserving a tradition that is already deeply rooted in the community. “I don’t want this to die,” he said, while also advocating for greater unity among Portuguese clubs across Canada.

For Mouselo, the partnership with the International Fado Festival represents an opportunity to open the Centre to new projects and bring different Portuguese communities closer together. The gala brought together artists from Portugal and performers connected to the local community, but the director believes that, in the future, there could be an edition specifically dedicated to community artists. “Our local artists also deserve a night like this,” he said.

More than just an evening of music, the initiative aims to celebrate fado, honour Amália Rodrigues and strengthen community ties. “Without your support, without your affection, none of this would happen,” Mouselo emphasized.

Among the participating artists was Suzy Silva, whose background in jazz has given her new tools for composition, harmony and arrangements, without changing the way she learned to sing fado. “I learned to sing fado the way we all learned: by listening to the old masters,” she explained.

Amália is one of her greatest references, a kind of “patron saint of all female fado singers.” Suzy carefully studied her interpretations, from the phrasing of the verses to diction and vocal placement. Performing a fado associated with Amália therefore carries a special responsibility. “It’s impossible to erase the original version, which is magnificent, from the listener’s ear,” she acknowledged. Nevertheless, she seeks to give her performances her own identity through the “love and dedication” she puts into every performance.

For Suzy, fado cannot be reduced to a single definition: “It is emotion, it is music, but it is also a state of mind.” The singer considers it an honour to represent the community’s fado artists and highlights the growing interest in the genre among French- and English-speaking audiences. “Fado has so much to offer and introduce to the whole world,” she said.

Portuguese singer Lenita Gentil also took part in the gala honouring Amália. Happy to return to a region where she has many friends, she highlighted the importance of initiatives like this for Portuguese people living abroad. “Wherever there is a Portuguese person, there must be fado,” she said.

Lenita reflected on her career, which began in popular song and was shaped by international festivals before she moved into fado, influenced by her musical family background and the genre’s great names. She sees the growing interest in fado among young people and international audiences as a positive development, including among Japanese and Chinese people who now sing and play this music. For the artist, this phenomenon demonstrates fado’s strength and universality. She also recalled her more than 20-year partnership with Natalino de Jesus, with whom she recorded Fado para Dois and continues to perform.

João de Brito, an artist and organizer of the International Fado Festival, considers bringing the project to life a major challenge. The idea was born in 2019 and moved forward with the support of three associations. Despite the setbacks, the inaugural edition brought fado to Toronto and Mississauga, with venues well attended. “This is the first time, but it won’t be the last,” he assured.

For future editions, the intention is to grow gradually, involve more associations, reach other cities, including Montreal, and introduce fado to non-Portuguese audiences through more intimate concerts. “We have to start showing people what fado is,” he says.

Another priority is to give space to artists from the community. Brito wants the festival to serve as a “launching pad” for fado singers and musicians from Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and other regions, demonstrating that there are many local talents who “are also very good” and deserve to be discovered.

Between the tribute to Amália, the tradition of the Fado Gala and the festival’s new directions, the evening in Mississauga demonstrated that fado remains alive: preserving Portuguese roots, bringing generations and communities together, while also reaching new artists and audiences far beyond Portugal.

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Fotos: Cindy Da Ponte

Toronto hosted the 53rd World Congress of the Bacalhau Academies, one of the most important annual gatherings of this international community. Over several days, 280 participants, representing 17 Academies and delegations from more than a dozen countries, came together to celebrate friendship, strengthen ties and, above all, reaffirm their commitment to helping those most in need. The program took place at various locations across the region, including Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Mississauga and the Niagara wine region. The gathering offered participants an experience combining fellowship, culture, tourism and tradition, united by a shared connection to Portuguese heritage.

A Celebration of Portuguese Identity

The program culminated in the Gala Dinner of the 53rd World Congress, held at Renaissance by the Creek and hosted by Rómulo Ávila, in an evening dedicated to fellowship and the celebration of Portuguese identity beyond Portugal’s borders. The ceremony began with the national anthems of Canada and Portugal, in a symbolic moment reflecting the connection between the two countries and the international spirit of the Bacalhau Academies. The evening also featured performances by Lusocontuna, Sara Dantas and Karma Band, who entertained the audience and contributed to the festive atmosphere. Another special moment was the traditional exchange of gifts among the Academies, reinforcing the bonds of friendship that form the foundation of these gatherings.

Solidarity at the Heart of the Mission

More than simply a social gathering, the World Congress once again placed solidarity at the heart of the Bacalhau Academies’ mission. In his opening remarks, Raoul Gomes, President of the Bacalhau Academy of Toronto, thanked the various delegations for their presence and emphasized the importance of unity among the Academies. Zilda Evangelista, Vice President of the Bacalhau Academy of Toronto, likewise highlighted the spirit of mutual support that characterizes this movement. “This is what the Academy is about: extending a helping hand to one another, supporting each other and knowing how to understand one another.” This message was present throughout the congress: celebrating friendship while never losing sight of social responsibility and support for Portuguese communities.

Supporting Portuguese Communities

Among the causes highlighted was the Portuguese community in Venezuela, which continues to face significant economic and social challenges. Paulo Valor, Social Attaché at the Portuguese Embassy in Venezuela, emphasized the importance of maintaining a close presence and continuing to support those most in need. The congress also provided an opportunity to present and strengthen new solidarity projects, including initiatives supporting seniors and programs aimed at younger generations, particularly through the awarding of scholarships.

A Borderless Network

The international dimension of the event was evident in the participation of Academies from several countries. Among those attending was Rogério Nascimento of the Mother Bacalhau Academy in Johannesburg, who highlighted the pride of being part of this movement and of sharing in Toronto a moment of unity with Academies from around the world. The gathering thus reaffirmed the strength of a network that transcends borders and generations while maintaining a shared identity based on friendship, solidarity and Portuguese heritage.

Toronto, a Meeting Point for the Portuguese World

After several days devoted to meetings, projects and solidarity, the gala dinner brought the congress to a close in an atmosphere of music, dancing and fellowship. With 280 participants and 17 Academies, Toronto became a true meeting point for the Portuguese and Portuguese-descendant community. The 53rd World Congress left a clear message: the strength of the Academies lies in their ability to transform friendship into solidarity and tradition into action.

In Toronto, the Bacalhau Academy once again demonstrated that Portuguese identity knows no borders — and that helping others remains one of the strongest ways of keeping Portugal present in the world.

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Poetry, memory, and Azorean roots took center stage at the Casa dos Açores do Ontário in Toronto with the launch of Pontes Além do Silêncio, the Portuguese-language edition of Bridges Beyond Silence, Dr. Mário Silva’s poetic debut. Published by Mosaic Press, the event took place on Sunday, October 4, bringing together members of the Portuguese and Azorean communities, guests, and local representatives. The session was presented by Matthew Correia, Advisor to the Azorean Diaspora for Ontario, and was also attended by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.

A Bridge Between Two Languages

Structured in three arcs — From Indifference to Love, Liberation in Grace, and Transfigured Justice — the book explores themes such as emigration, identity, memory, love, and justice. Born in the Azores and now based in Toronto, Mário Silva originally wrote the poems in English but considers the Portuguese edition a return to his roots.

“This book was written in English, but it was felt in Portuguese,” the author said. “To see these poems return to the language of my childhood, and to read them at the Casa dos Açores, surrounded by the community that raised me, is a homecoming I never expected.”

The idea of connection is also reflected in the book’s title. “A bridge only matters if someone crosses it,” he added.

From Law to Poetry

The literary debut comes after a long career in law, politics, diplomacy, and human rights. A Doctor of Law, Mário Silva served as a Member of the Parliament of Canada, held leadership and diplomatic roles with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), served as Vice-Chair of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, and is a Distinguished Fellow at Toronto Metropolitan University.

He studied at the University of Toronto, the Sorbonne, the University of Oxford, and the National University of Ireland, Galway. He has received national honours from France, Portugal, and Brazil for his work in public service and human rights.

A Return to His Origins

During the launch, the author spoke with Professor Maria João Maciel Jorge of York University about the book and the challenges of carrying poetry from one language into another.

The Portuguese edition takes on special meaning because it was presented precisely within Toronto’s Azorean community, connecting the author’s personal experience with the memories and roots of a community built between two countries.

Signed copies of Pontes Além do Silêncio and Bridges Beyond Silence were available during the event. Originally written in English, the work has now returned to the language associated with the author’s earliest experiences and with his family and cultural roots.

With this work, Mário Silva adds poetry to a career shaped by law and public service, finding in verse a new way to reflect on memory, identity, justice, and the human condition.

A bridge between two languages, two cultures, and two homes.

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University of Cambridge academics have demanded that the Jason Arday review considers the university's culpability in promoting him as "a success story" based on his race, disability and personal biography.

The post Investigate How Arday Was Promoted as Cambridge “Success Story”, Say Dons appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

The BBC pays white staff less on average than their ethnic minority colleagues in every pay band bar one, stoking concerns about the impact of the corporation's diversity drive.

The post BBC Pays White Staff Less in Almost Every Pay Band appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

A summary of the most interesting stories in the past 24 hours that challenge the prevailing orthodoxy about the 'climate emergency', public health 'crises' and the supposed moral defects of Western civilisation.

The post News Round-Up appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

The Ontario government has started construction to widen Highway 11/17 from McGuire Road to Coughlin Road, marking another milestone in the province’s plan to twin more than 107 kilometres of the Trans-Canada Highway between Thunder Bay and Nipigon.

The project includes widening five kilometres of Highway 11/17 from McGuire Road to Coughlin Road, northwest of the existing two-lane corridor. The section will feature two lanes in each direction, separated by a grass median, and two new bridges across the Black Sturgeon River, a release notes.

The federal government is providing up to $26.05 million for this project through the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component.

As part of this build, Ontario is also implementing 24/7 operations of the Shuniah truck inspection station on Highway 11/17.

The $30 million inspection site gives enforcement personnel a facility to identify potential issues with commercial vehicles.

In November 2025, the province completed major construction to widen Highway 11/17 from Coughlin Road to Highway 582 and from Highway 587 to Pearl Lake, including two new bridges over the Pearl River.

Detail design work is underway to widen Highway 11/17 from Pearl Lake to Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway Overhead at Ouimet, which is 7.6 kilometres.

Preliminary design work is also underway to widen Highway 11/17 from Highway 582 to Dorion East Loop Road, an 11-kilometre stretch.

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They aren’t generating sufficient workers to address the skilled trades shortage at a time when demand for these workers is ramping up, due to factors such as the federal government’s nation-building projects, new investments in Canada, an ongoing wave of retiring workers (700,000 by 2028) and the rise of AI.

A recent report, Are We Ready to Build Canada? A Behavioural Analysis of Canada’s Construction Talent Pipeline and Skills Training Policy, prepared for the Residential Construction Council of Ontario, examines the problem through a behavioural science lens.

“This seems to be this disconnect,” says one of the report’s three authors, Nathaniel Barr, a professor of creativity and senior adviser on innovation at Sheridan College. “Here are these training programs. Here’s this funding. There’s a big need, but yet, not enough uptake.”

Despite many opportunities that are well-funded, only about 20 per cent of apprentices finish training and receive certification. The report suggests a rethink is needed, to design a system around how people notice, think and act. Training has typically been based on the assumption that given enough opportunity, information and incentive, people will make sound decisions and follow through on them. But the evidence suggests otherwise.

“There are cognitive, social, structural, emotional factors intersecting along the entirety of the journey, from a kid deciding this is the kind of career they want, to someone landing their first gig and seeing that through to a full career,” says Barr.

This journey from recruitment through training to retention has not been explored previously, says co-author economist James Stewart, a senior fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute (the third author is Michael NcNamara, a professor of creativity at Sheridan College and a former dean of research and innovation at Seneca College).

Some of the factors hindering bringing more people to skilled trades careers include knowledge-based gaps when people are young, lingering social stigma, an overwhelming number of choices with lack of clarity of the paths, and pressure points along the journey that might cause people to quit.

“A lot of young people aren’t aware of these types of jobs or careers until they’re in in high school. A lot of times this comes too late. We should be doing it younger, in grade school or earlier in the high school careers,” says Stewart.

He says programs such as Level Up! career fairs across Ontario that introduce students in Grades 7 through 12 to opportunities in the skilled trades, and the Toronto District School Board’s STEP Up to Construction, where Grade 11/12 students spend a semester on a jobsite sampling several trades, are examples of successful initiatives.

People are also concerned about near-term financial issues.

“People were understandably focused on the near-term economic challenges and temporary weakness and not looking far enough ahead at the sheer scale of demand from defense, energy, infrastructure, and eventually housing, for the rebound that we expect in Ontario and B.C.,” Stewart says.

Skilled trades will be among the careers most resistant to the disruption of AI adoption, he adds.

The report recommends three pillars in a new approach to designing training around human behaviour:

Pillar One:

Reassess the paths for young adults entering, and those making mid-career shifts, into the trades. Create co-ordination between employers, colleges, unions and governments around fundamental change, with skilled-trades learning beginning in primary school. Look at best practices elsewhere, such as those in Austria, Germany and Switzerland to help design and implement training.

Pillar Two:

Embed behavioural insights into training design and delivery. Design classroom and on-the-job programs based upon how people actually behave. Improve the choice process for new entrants and trainees to reduce friction at specific points where they tend to give up training to make the path easier.

Pillar Three:

Test through experimentation. Build evaluation into programs at the start. Testing would address the lack of knowledge in the training system about which programs work well, which need improvement and which should be discontinued.

For decades, Canada – that is facing a skilled trades shortage of 1.4 million plus workers by 2033 – has been relying on centuries-old systems to supply the talent pipeline, says Barr. With radical new systems, such as the rise of AI data centres, it’s time to revise and improve how the talent pipeline is supplied. Barr hopes the report with its “rich insights” will help spur some of the needed changes.

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