Instagram story viewer> @save.thecbc> Posts

Save the CBC

@save.thecbc

23.9K

followers

937

following

Grassroots citizens organization working to save an essential Canadian institution, join us! ✌️ We are not affiliated with the CBC.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

🇨🇦 Alberta's upcoming referendum is raising questions about political advertising, campaign financing and how much voters can learn about the organizations trying to influence the debate.

Elections Alberta has reached a compliance agreement with Forever Canadian, the pro-Confederation organization led by former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk.

The agreement follows findings that speakers at some of the group's events took positions on Alberta's referendum question before the organization was registered as a third-party advertiser.

Under provincial law, organizations engaging in referendum advertising must register and disclose certain contributions and expenses.

Forever Canadian must now report qualifying expenses connected to events including its August 23 YouTube town hall and Unity Bus tour appearances beginning August 20.

However, the agreement does not require disclosure of all the organization's earlier fundraising.

Elections Alberta determined that promoting Canadian unity generally was different from explicitly advocating a position on a referendum question.

Lukaszuk maintains his organization followed the guidance it received and says its lawyers contacted Elections Alberta ahead of its transition into referendum campaigning.

CBC spoke with MacEwan University political scientist Brendan Boyd, who explained that compliance agreements generally focus on correcting practices rather than immediately imposing penalties.

He also identified a broader challenge: Where does general political advocacy end and referendum advertising begin?

Similar compliance agreements have previously involved both Alberta's United Conservative Party and NDP.

CBC's reporting helps explain the rules behind referendum campaigning, including the limits of what the public will learn from this agreement.

As Alberta approaches its October 19 vote, the question of transparency extends beyond any single organization or position on independence.

Should organizations campaigning on either side of a referendum face the same clear financial disclosure requirements, including when their advocacy begins before the official campaign period? by @save.thecbc

4

0

10 minutes ago

Five vehicles set on fire outside a Toronto MP's home. A family living with round-the-clock security. A constituency office forced to restrict public access.

This is what Liberal MP Salma Zahid has been dealing with since a suspected arson attack outside her Scarborough home in August.

Security footage captured a man pouring gasoline and setting vehicles ablaze. Toronto police have arrested one person in connection with the investigation, but Zahid says the person seen setting the fires remains unidentified & at large.

She doesn't know who was responsible or what motivated the attack. That uncertainty has left her family frightened & fundamentally changed how she does her job.

Zahid is now warning about increasingly hostile political rhetoric and the possibility of threats escalating into violence.

"We need to lower the temperature," she told The Canadian Press in reporting carried by CBC News.

Her concerns extend beyond her own party. Zahid recently defended NDP Leader Avi Lewis against rhetoric she believes could threaten his safety following controversy over his comments about Israel.

She also warned about antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, emphasizing that politicians should speak up when colleagues face threats, regardless of party affiliation.

The broader security concerns are documented. Three people have recently been arrested over alleged death threats against Prime Minister Mark Carney. Former Liberal MP Pam Damoff cited persistent threats, misogyny & harassment when announcing she would leave politics.

CBC's coverage highlights the consequences of political intimidation beyond Parliament Hill. When elected representatives need security at home, screen invitations and close their offices to walk-in visitors, their ability to interact freely with constituents can be affected.

Political criticism, protest and disagreement are essential democratic freedoms. Threats, harassment and violence are different matters, regardless of who is targeted.

How do we protect vigorous political debate while confronting intimidation that threatens public officials, their families and the people they represent? by @save.thecbc

11

0

2 hours ago

5

0

3 hours ago

🇨🇦 Former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper has entered Alberta's separatism debate with a warning about the risks of independence, including the idea of voting for separation simply to send Ottawa a message.

In a Calgary Herald column covered by CBC News, Harper argued that establishing an independent Alberta would be extremely difficult and involve significant risks.

His comments come ahead of Alberta's October 19 referendum, which asks voters to choose between remaining a province of Canada and directing the provincial government to hold a second, binding referendum on separation.

Albertans are not voting directly to establish an independent country on October 19. They're deciding whether to initiate another referendum process.

Some independence advocates, including lawyer Keith Wilson, argue that choosing the second option could strengthen Alberta's negotiating position with Ottawa, even among voters who aren't committed to separation.

UCP MLA Jason Stephan has made a similar argument.

Harper disagrees. He points to Quebec's decades of constitutional debates and argues that keeping separation on the table as a negotiating tactic carries its own risks.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has also expressed support for Canadian unity while attributing some Western alienation to federal Liberal policies.

Meanwhile, Pathway to Independence organizer Cory Morgan argues that recent federal attention to an Alberta-to-West Coast pipeline demonstrates the potential influence of the referendum debate.

CBC's reporting puts these competing arguments alongside the actual ballot question, helping readers distinguish support for independence from support for another vote.

Beyond the political messaging are questions about federal-provincial relations, economic uncertainty and how Alberta's grievances might be addressed.

Can a referendum about possible separation serve as a negotiating tool without creating uncertainty about the province's future? And what concrete changes would address Albertans' concerns? by @save.thecbc

108

9

12 hours ago

🎭🇨🇦 Happy 80th birthday to Eric Peterson, one of Canada's most recognizable and accomplished actors!

Born October 2, 1946, in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, Peterson has spent decades bringing unforgettable Canadian characters to life on stage and television.

For many Canadians, he'll always be Oscar Leroy, the hilariously cranky, opinionated father on Corner Gas, whose arguments with Brent and endless complaints became some of the show's most memorable moments.

But Peterson's career reaches far beyond Dog River.

He earned widespread recognition playing lawyer Leon Robinovitch on CBC's Street Legal, one of Canada's defining television dramas, which ran from 1987 to 1994.

And long before that, he helped create one of Canadian theatre's enduring works, Billy Bishop Goes to War, alongside playwright John Gray. Peterson's portrayal of the First World War flying ace became a landmark of Canadian theatre.

His accomplishments include four Gemini Awards and a Governor General's Performing Arts Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to Canadian culture.

Peterson's relationship with CBC is especially significant. Through Street Legal and other appearances, his work became part of the public broadcaster's tradition of developing Canadian television with distinctly Canadian settings, characters and stories.

From Saskatchewan to stages across the country and millions of Canadian living rooms, Eric Peterson has helped shape our national entertainment landscape for generations. ❤️

Happy 80th, Eric!

What's your favourite Eric Peterson performance? Oscar on Corner Gas, Leon on Street Legal, or his remarkable portrayal of Billy Bishop? by @save.thecbc

151

3

13 hours ago

🇨🇦❤️ From Marty McFly to one of the world's most recognizable advocates for Parkinson's research, Michael J. Fox has spent a lifetime making Canadians proud.

Today, the beloved Canadian actor was promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada, the country's highest level within the Order, during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

The 65-year-old received a standing ovation as Governor General Louise Arbour recognized his extraordinary contributions to entertainment, medical research and public awareness of Parkinson's disease.

Fox, who grew up in British Columbia, became an international star through Family Ties, the Back to the Future trilogy and Spin City. But his work beyond Hollywood has become an equally important part of his legacy.

After publicly revealing his Parkinson's diagnosis in 1998, Fox helped establish the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, raising awareness and supporting scientific advances while speaking openly about his own experiences.

Asked what the recognition meant to him, Fox spoke warmly about growing up Canadian, appreciating Canadian music and culture, and watching the country evolve.

"I love Canadian music, I love that Canadian content thing," he said, describing himself as uniquely Canadian because of those influences.

CBC News captured Friday's ceremony, including a particularly touching moment when Arbour praised Fox's courage, imagination and determination before making a playful reference to his most famous film.

"After all, back to the future has always been a much better idea than forward to the past."

Fox was among 51 Canadians honoured at the ceremony, including scientists, artists, educators and journalists whose work has contributed to communities across Canada and beyond.

It's wonderful to see a Canadian cultural icon recognized for both his artistic achievements and decades of advocacy. ❤️🍁

What Michael J. Fox performance has stayed with you the most, and what has his work outside acting meant to you? by @save.thecbc

139

3

14 hours ago

🏒🇨🇦 Canada is one of the world's biggest hockey nations. So how did we end up without a single Canadian on the governing council of international hockey?

CBC Sports reports that Hockey Canada president and CEO Katherine Henderson failed to secure a seat on the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) council during Friday's elections in Spain.

Instead, the three designated women's seats went to representatives from Hungary, Turkey and Poland. Other council members include representatives from New Zealand and Kyrgyzstan.

For the first time since 1998, Canada will have no direct representation on the IIHF council. American Mike Trimboli will represent the Americas and Oceania as vice-president, replacing Canadian Bob Nicholson, who had held the position since 2012.

It's a significant change for a country where hockey has been woven into our national identity for generations.

And it comes during another major shift in Canadian hockey culture.

After decades of free NHL broadcasts on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada, the public broadcaster lost those games when it couldn't reach a new sublicensing agreement with Rogers Sportsnet earlier this year.

CBC has since announced that Hockey Night in Canada will return with eight Saturday night PWHL games, an important new opportunity for women's hockey to reach audiences across the country without a subscription.

But the loss of regular NHL coverage on free public television raises broader questions about accessibility, particularly for families who cannot afford multiple sports subscriptions.

CBC Sports has documented both developments, bringing attention to who gets to participate in hockey, who gets to watch it and who has a voice in its international governance.

Is this another sign of a growing distance between Canada's national winter sport and the general public?

Between losing regular NHL broadcasts on CBC and now losing direct representation on the IIHF council, do you feel Canadians are becoming more disconnected from the institutions and traditions that shaped our hockey culture? by @save.thecbc

65

23

16 hours ago

"I am Jane Doe."

3 words are spreading across social media as thousands of women share messages of solidarity with the complainant in the Cornell U. sexual assault case.

The movement began after an independent journalist publicly sought to identify the woman, who filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven fraternity members in Oct. 2024.

He subsequently claimed to have identified her and briefly published information about her online.

In response, people began flooding TikTok, IG & Threads with posts declaring "I am Jane Doe," hoping to make her identity harder to find.

Women are sharing their own experiences of sexual violence, the fear of coming forward and the painful reality of being questioned, disbelieved or publicly scrutinized.

The movement is drawing comparisons to #MeToo in 2017, when millions broke their silence about sexual harassment and assault.

Nearly a decade later, many are asking how much has actually changed.

CBC reports that approximately 44% of Canadians over 15 surveyed in 2025 said they had experienced sexual assault during their lifetime, with women 3 times as likely as men to report that experience. Fewer than one in ten reported it to police.

Meanwhile, the Cornell allegations remain under investigation. No criminal charges have been laid against the fraternity members, and the allegations have not been proven in court.

New York's governor has appointed the state attorney general to oversee the investigation and announced plans to address a legal distinction involving voluntary intoxication and the ability to consent.

CBC's coverage examines both the legal developments and the experiences driving this online movement--

Nearly a decade after #MeToo, survivors are still fighting to be heard, believed and protected from public humiliation simply for coming forward.

How many more women have to tell their stories before we stop treating sexual violence as a series of isolated incidents and start confronting the conditions that allow it to continue? by @save.thecbc

158

2

17 hours ago

A woman who may be too intoxicated to consent. A group message inviting other men to join. And questions about how institutions respond when sexual assault allegations involve their own members.

CBC is examining the disturbing similarities between a sexual assault lawsuit involving Cornell University fraternity members and the Hockey Canada trial that ended with five acquittals last July.

At Cornell, a student identified as Jane Doe alleges she was drugged with ketamine and sexually assaulted over several hours in October 2024. Court filings describe Snapchat messages inviting other fraternity members to participate.

The district attorney initially declined to pursue charges, citing concerns about evidence of consent. Her lawyer disputes that characterization. The investigation has since reopened, and New York's governor has appointed a special prosecutor.

In the Hockey Canada case, text messages also featured prominently. All five defendants were ultimately acquitted, and the NHL reinstated their eligibility to play.

The cases have different legal circumstances, and the allegations at Cornell remain unproven. But CBC's analysis explores a troubling common thread: how women reporting sexual assault can face intense scrutiny over their behaviour, memory and responses to trauma.

Legal experts explain that appearing compliant doesn't necessarily establish consent. Some people respond to threatening situations by trying to appease the person they fear, a trauma response sometimes called fawning.

Toronto lawyer Gillian Hnatiw describes the broader attitudes surrounding these cases as a continuation of "locker room culture."

The questions extend beyond individual allegations to how universities, sporting organizations and investigators handle complaints, protect those involved and maintain public trust.

CBC's reporting brings legal expertise and survivor perspectives into a conversation too often dominated by speculation and public judgment.

How do we build institutions where sexual assault complaints receive thorough, impartial investigations without compromising anyone's right to due process? by @save.thecbc

85

6

18 hours ago

🎸🇨🇦 Happy 52nd birthday to Sam Roberts, one of the defining voices of Canadian rock over the past two decades!

Born October 2, 1974, in Montreal, Roberts helped usher in a new era of Canadian rock with his unmistakable sound, blending classic rock, indie influences and infectious melodies.

His breakthrough came with the 2002 EP The Inhuman Condition, featuring Don't Walk Away Eileen and Brother Down. The following year, We Were Born in a Flame brought us Hard Road and Where Have All the Good People Gone?, songs that quickly became staples of Canadian radio.

And the hits kept coming, from Bridge to Nowhere and Them Kids to We're All in This Together.

Over his career, Roberts has earned 15 Juno nominations and six wins, including Artist of the Year twice and Album of the Year. He's also achieved two platinum albums and one gold album in Canada.

There's a strong CBC connection to his success, too. CBC Radio and CBC Music have long provided platforms for Canadian musicians like Roberts, helping audiences discover their work, hear live performances and follow their careers beyond commercial radio playlists.

His music is a reminder of how much Canadian rock has evolved while retaining its own unmistakable character. From Montreal's music scene to festival stages across the country, Sam Roberts has helped shape the soundtrack of a generation. ❤️🎶

What's your favourite Sam Roberts song? Are you a Brother Down fan, a Hard Road fan, or is there another track you still turn up whenever it comes on? by @save.thecbc

26

1

20 hours ago

🇨🇦 Who is behind one of the most influential social media accounts promoting Alberta independence, and how closely is it connected to the people organizing the separatist movement?

A new investigation by CBC News and Radio-Canada has uncovered previously undisclosed connections between the anonymous Rise of Alberta account and prominent separatist organizer Keith Wilson.

Created in 2025, Rise of Alberta has amassed nearly 100,000 followers on X, distributing political commentary, AI-generated memes and merchandise promoting independence.

According to research from the Media Ecosystem Observatory, the account generates four times as much engagement as the next-largest account discussing Alberta separatism. It accounts for approximately 11.8% of online engagement about the upcoming referendum.

CBC journalists traced website registration records and discovered that the same email address was associated with Rise of Alberta, Wilson's business websites, the Alberta Transition Council and Let Alberta Decide, a registered third-party advertiser Wilson co-chairs.

Wilson acknowledges knowing the person operating Rise of Alberta, explaining that the individual also manages his websites.

He denies operating the account, directing its content or receiving its merchandise revenue. He does acknowledge allowing its products to appear on his YouTube store and accepting merchandise returns at his law firm's address.

Researchers have also identified posts from Rise of Alberta containing anti-immigration rhetoric, derogatory references to LGBTQ+ people and climate change denial.

Wilson says he was unaware of those particular posts and has no control over the account's messaging.

CBC's investigation goes beyond examining viral posts. Its journalists used archived websites, registration records and interviews to establish documented connections while distinguishing those findings from what remains unknown.

Should influential political accounts face greater transparency requirements when their content overlaps with organized referendum campaigns?

And how can voters distinguish independent commentary from coordinated political messaging? by @save.thecbc

94

19

21 hours ago

🚨 An electric scooter capable of reaching 120 km/h. An e-bike salesperson offering to unlock a speed limiter. A motorized scooter marketed to children as young as eight.

These are some of the findings from a new undercover investigation by CBC's Marketplace into the sale of e-bikes and e-scooters across the Greater Toronto Area.

Journalists visited 12 stores, including major retailers and specialty shops. At 10 locations, they found products capable of exceeding Ontario's permitted speeds. At six, salespeople explained or demonstrated how to bypass built-in speed restrictions.

Ontario limits e-bikes to 32 km/h and e-scooters to 24 km/h on flat surfaces. Riders must be at least 16.

Selling a faster vehicle isn't necessarily illegal, but using it on public roads can violate provincial rules. Some retailers told CBC that customers must follow local laws and that higher speeds are intended for off-road use.

Meanwhile, the injuries are becoming increasingly serious.

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, hospitalizations involving e-scooter falls among children 15 and younger rose from 54 to 150 in a single year.

CBC also spoke with Amy Richards, whose 14-year-old son Jayden suffered a traumatic brain injury after losing control of his scooter in Newfoundland.

He was wearing a helmet.

Jayden spent 21 days in a coma and 102 days in hospital. He has had to relearn how to walk, talk and eat, and continues to experience memory loss.

His mother is calling for stronger protections.

Through hidden-camera reporting, medical evidence and interviews with families, Marketplace is examining the gap between what retailers can sell, what riders can legally operate and what parents may understand about the risks.

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon says Ottawa is considering its role in regulating device safety, while most riding rules remain provincial.

Should Canada introduce consistent national safety standards for e-bikes and e-scooters, including restrictions on easily bypassed speed limiters?

And are retailers doing enough to explain the risks to parents? by @save.thecbc

35

3

a day ago