Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian to walk in space, is featured in a new ad campaign by Specsavers to promote eye health and the importance of early detection through Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans. The campaign aims to raise awareness about preventable vision loss and encourage Canadians to prioritize eye exams. A survey commissioned by Specsavers highlights cost as a barrier to eye care, with many Canadians unaware of the preventability of vision loss. Specsavers offers OCT scans as part of standard eye exams at no additional cost, with a mission to provide affordable eye care to 1 million Canadians by 2025.

Muslim creatives and professionals are using pop culture to challenge stereotypes and fight Islamophobia through the Changing Muslim Narratives Lab by the Inspirit Foundation. The initiative aims to reshape Muslim representation in media by fostering discussions and building networks among diverse Muslim artists and writers. The lab is part of a broader movement to address systemic issues in media representation, as highlighted by the Black Screen Office's Being Seen report. The effort emphasizes the need for authentic narratives and the power to control resources and projects, aiming to dismantle existing power dynamics and promote genuine diversity.

In response to the challenges faced by asylum seekers in Canada, former asylum seekers like Martina Mutunga are now aiding newcomers through the Catholic Community Services of York Region's Asylum Claimant Program. This initiative, supported by a government grant, connects experienced peers with new claimants to help them access essential services. Despite the federal government's limited involvement, local organizations are stepping up to fill the gap. The Canadian Council for Refugees is advocating for a national strategy to better support asylum seekers, emphasizing the need for reception centers and improved legal aid. The program's success highlights the importance of lived experience in building trust and providing effective support.

York University and Toronto Metropolitan University have implemented Sanctuary Scholars programs to assist individuals with precarious immigration status in pursuing undergraduate education at domestic rates. These programs are crucial as such individuals, estimated to be between 200,000-500,000 in Canada, often face barriers to higher education due to their status. Despite the potential legal risks under the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act, the programs operate with confidentiality to protect students. The article highlights the positive impact of these programs on participants, while noting the reluctance of other institutions like the University of Toronto to implement similar initiatives. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have provided comments on the legal aspects of studying without a permit.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, including members of Labour for Palestine and World BEYOND War Canada, blockaded a Scarborough manufacturing plant, TTM Technologies, demanding a Canadian arms embargo on Israel. They claim TTM Technologies supplies equipment to Israel's military, specifically to defense contractor Elbit Systems for use in military aircraft and equipment. The protest responded to a UN call to halt arms exports to Israel and a recent International Court of Justice ruling on the risk of genocide in Gaza. Despite peaceful protests, there was a significant police presence. Organizers emphasized worker support and condemned the Canadian government's record-breaking military export permits to Israel.

Toronto healthcare workers demand an apology and retraction from their CEOs for false accusations of antisemitism related to a pro-Palestinian protest. The Health Workers Alliance for Palestine and other groups criticize the CEOs for reinforcing racist stereotypes and ignoring Israel's targeting of healthcare workers in Gaza. Dr. Ben Thomson and other demonstrators express confusion and outrage over the antisemitism narrative. The article highlights ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstrations and the pushback against institutionalized anti-Palestinian racism, with significant criticism directed at political leaders and law enforcement for their handling of the protests.

Mohsin Abbas, an Ontario-based journalist originally from Pakistan, has resorted to self-censorship due to threats from the South Asian-Canadian community. Abbas, who fled Pakistan in 2002 due to threats during Pervez Musharraf's military dictatorship, has faced similar threats in Canada, including from a failed Mississauga mayoral candidate. He highlights the growing political and religious intolerance within the South Asian diaspora in Canada, exacerbated by diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. Abbas has avoided covering sensitive topics like the Khalistan movement and the suspicious death of Karima Baloch. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to local, independent media and mentoring young journalists.

A new study highlights the impact of misinformation on Canadian electoral issues, particularly around COVID-19 and vaccine passports, leading to aggressive protests against the Liberal government. The study by Media Ecosystem Observatory reveals that misinformation polarizes voters and motivates hostile actions. The article also covers various political leaders' responses to the COVID-19 crisis and misinformation, with significant criticism directed at Conservative and People's Party of Canada leaders for spreading false claims and organizing anti-vaccine protests.

The Canadian government's policy allowing failed refugee claimants to apply for permanent residence is critiqued as strategic rather than generous. The policy, which targeted essential health care workers, excluded many due to stringent criteria. The article highlights the broader issue of precarious labour among migrant workers, noting that government measures during the pandemic did not fully value their contributions. Researchers argue that these policies create unfair tiers of status and expose workers to exploitative conditions. The article underscores that political will can significantly impact the lives of vulnerable populations.