Letters to the Editor, Feb. 4, 2025

Hilary Weston, married to the late Canadian billionaire Galen Weston and mother of two, held significant executive roles in the fashion industry, working at Holt Renfrew in Canada and Brown Thomas & Co. in Ireland. She is known for her contributions to both the Canadian and Irish fashion sectors. Want More Context? 🔎

After decades of portrayals, Nicholas Celozzi is reimagining the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy through the lens of key figures in the Chicago Outfit, a prominent Italian-American crime syndicate. The film was shot in Winnipeg this summer, emphasizing the organization's influence during that pivotal moment in history. Want More Context? 🔎

A former chief administrative officer from Gilbert Plains, Amber Fisher, has confessed to embezzling over $500,000 from the municipality's bank account. To conceal her actions, she fabricated a story about a cyberattack and tampered with documents, according to the RCMP. Want More Context? 🔎

On December 5, 2023, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro expressed intentions to declare a Venezuelan province in an oil-rich area disputed with Guyana, which has become one of the world's fastest-growing economies due to offshore oil development. Entrepreneur Selwin Asafa George advocates for equitable resource distribution in Guyana, suggesting a sovereign wealth fund similar to Alaska's to ensure all citizens benefit from the nation's oil windfall. Want More Context? 🔎

Canada's demand for summer burgers remains robust even as ground beef prices surged to $14.67 per kg in May 2025, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. This rise in price exceeds the country's current inflation rate of 1.7%, yet consumers continue to show a strong appetite for beef. Want More Context? 🔎

U.S. President Donald Trump has increased Canadian tariffs from 25% to 35% due to alleged failures in combating drug smuggling, despite data showing minimal fentanyl seizures from Canada. Legal challenges and potential economic ramifications may lead to a reversal of the tariffs, as courts question Trump's use of emergency powers under the IEEPA and economists warn of inflation and recession risks from the tariffs. Want More Context? 🔎