Last week, I received the heartbreaking news that a House of Commons staff member, who had several years ago suffered a heart attack blamed on a COVID vaccine injury, passed away. Scott Gorry loved politics and dedicated his career to serving his country by supporting and advising members of parliament. He believed that government could improve the lives of Canadians, and his work reflected that passion. Scott was a devoted father of two school-aged children and leaves them behind together his wife Mylene.

Amid the pressures of vaccine mandates, providing for his family, and a sincere belief in doing the right thing, Scott rolled up his sleeve and got vaccinated. Later, while playing in a baseball game, he experienced a heart attack, and fellow ballplayers sprang into action and saved his life. His heart was permanently damaged. Scott eventually returned to work part-time. He cautioned his co-workers that because of his pacemaker, should anything happen to him during a meeting, using the defibrillator hanging outside the door could just kill him.

Scott’s injury was recognized, by the Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP), and he was approved for some meager financial compensation. But no amount of financial assistance could undo the devastating toll his injury took on him and his family. His family’s last hope was a heart transplant, but other complications made him ineligible for the procedure.

Scott was not alone. Many Canadians and victims from around the world face similar circumstances. In Canada, many of the victims feel the medical world and the VISP program were and are dismissive of their tragedies.

A taxidermist is suing the Manitoba government and two of its officials over claims he was improperly ticketed and his office unlawfully searched in what he says was an act of retaliation.

“The misconduct of (the wildlife officials) must be condemned by this honourable court to ensure that wildlife prosecutions are not used for malicious and other improper purposes,” reads John Henry Reimer’s statement of claim, filed in the Court of King’s Bench last month.

Reimer, 60, has operated JR Taxidermy next to his home outside Grunthal for several decades.

Reimer’s suit claims he has frequently criticized the province for delays in processing and issuing permits required for taxidermy, which has resulted in his business being improperly searched in 2023, maliciously ticketed in 2024 and prosecuted. That case was thrown out of court this year.

Behind every strong community are people willing to give their time, talents, and compassion to help others. At Agape House, volunteers play a vital role in supporting our work and creating a welcoming environment for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Their contributions may happen behind the scenes, but the impact they have is seen and felt every day.

Volunteers help with a wide variety of tasks that keep the shelter running smoothly. They organize donations in our clothing closet, prepare supplies, assist with events and programs, and help maintain our outdoor spaces through gardening and lawn care. These tasks may seem small on their own, but together they help create a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for the women and children who access our services.

One volunteer who has made a lasting impact at Agape House is Annette, who, alongside her husband Les and fellow volunteer Kathy, helps care for the shelter’s gardens. This summer marks the 10th anniversary of their gardening project at Agape House. Annette’s passion for supporting women and children, combined with her belief in the healing power of nature, inspired her to get involved.

“I believe in supporting women and children in their journey to wellness, especially those who are vulnerable,” Annette shares. “Nature has tremendous healing power, and I wanted to share my passion for nature through gardening with and for others.”

It seems that hardly a week goes by when we don’t hear about yet another politician crossing the floor. Earlier this month, former B.C. Conservative MLA Amelia Boultbee, who left the Conservative caucus in October 2025 to sit as an independent, officially crossed the floor to join the governing NDP.

Unsurprisingly, B.C. Premier David Eby was more than happy to hold a press conference with the newest member of his caucus. The addition of one more MLA to the B.C. NDP gives the governing party of that province a little more breathing room, which means their razor-thin majority no longer hangs by a thread.

Of course, the most high-profile floor crossings took place at the federal level. Four Conservative MPs and one NDP MP left their respective parties earlier this year to join Mark Carney’s Liberal caucus. These defections moved the Liberals from a minority government to a majority.

Probably the most shocking defection was when former Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu crossed over to the Liberals. Gladu had a long-established fiscally and socially conservative voting record, and she hailed from a riding with a solid history of voting Conservative. Her defection made no sense. Naturally, this led some observers to speculate that Gladu was promised something for her support.