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Hamberites’ Christmas Wishlists Unwrapped
From classroom decorations to annual festive events, there's no shortage of holiday cheer filling the air at Hamber. Exchanging gifts during the holiday offers a unique opportunity for friends to share their holiday wishes and celebrate the festive season together. Looking for gift ideas (for a friend, or maybe just to add to your wish list)? These Hamberites know exactly what they’re asking for this holiday season; take some inspiration!
Canadian Government Announces Sharp Immigration Cuts
The Canadian federal government announced sharp cuts in the number of permanent residents it will admit in coming years on Oct. 24. Initially, Canada was set to admit about 500,000 people in both 2025 and 2026. Following the immigration cuts, the number of new permanent residents will fall to 395,000 in 2025; 380,000 in 2026; and 365,000 in 2027. The new policy aims to address housing and health care concerns arising from a growing population.
REVIEW | Where’s The Best Place To Huddle Up?
Hamber’s new building features huddle spaces of all shapes and sizes sprinkled throughout its floor-plan. With so many options to choose from, students may be left wondering: which spaces work best for socializing, studying, or even just taking a break during a long day?
Canadian Federal Government Bans TikTok Business Operations In Canada
The federal government has officially ordered TikTok to cease all business operations in Canada, citing national security concerns. While the app will still be available for Canadian users, TikTok’s offices in Toronto and Vancouver have been ordered to shut down.
Hamber’s One-Act Plays Return
Since the start of the pandemic, Hamber’s Drama Department has held one-act plays in the fall, as they were a safer alternative to plays and musicals. This year, two performances will be held from Jan. 16 to 17 in Hamber’s new auditorium. Each night will feature two one-act plays: “And Then There Were One — Spoof”, a comedic variation of Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery and “Anne-Arky”, which depicts high school actors’ fear of an all-seeing talent agent in the audience.
OPINION | What Crimes Justify Enslavement?
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction,” reads the Thirteenth Amendment, commonly known as the amendment “that ended slavery.” However, there’s still a group permitted to be forced into involuntary servitude: prisoners. In most US states, incarcerated individuals being forced or coerced into performing labor against their will in dangerous conditions, and for little or no pay, is still legal.
For Sale: Vancouver Whitecaps Owners Look to Sell Club
On Dec. 13 the Vancouver Whitecaps ownership group, made up of Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett, and Steve Nash, announced that the club is for sale.
Is It Time To Stop “Falling Back” And “Springing Forward”?
For more than a century, many countries around the world, including Canada, have adjusted their clocks twice a year to accommodate for Daylight Saving Time (DST). In the US, most states observe DST, moving clocks forward one hour in the spring and back one hour in the fall. However, Arizona and Hawaii have opted out, as have US territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. Globally, about 70 countries still observe DST, but many — including Japan, India, and China — don’t bother with the switch at all.
A Tribute To One Of Canada’s Most Honourable Judges: Murray Sinclair
On Nov. 4, Manitoba’s first-ever Indigenous judge, and Canada’s second, passed away. Murray Sinclair, an advocate for Indigenous Peoples and Truth and Reconciliation, died peacefully in Winnipeg, at the age of 73.
Assad Regime Falls In Syria
After 54 years, Syria’s autocratic regime, led by Bashar al-Assad, has fallen. This followed a lightning offensive that saw an al-Qaeda-derived group take power, as Russia and Hezbollah — the government's forces’ key allies — were preoccupied with conflicts closer to home.
REVIEW | Hallmark Hits: The Top Holiday Movies Of 2024
Every year, as the holiday season rolls around, viewers are bombarded with new Christmas-themed content. From the typical Hallmark story of saving the Christmas spirit to a new Netflix drama, there’s always something to watch, whether you celebrate Christmas or not. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and try out one of these festive flicks!
Victoria School Board’s Safety Plan Rejected by Education Minister
BC Education Minister Lisa Beare has rejected a safety plan submitted by the Greater Victoria School District (SD61) board, instead appointing an advisor to review the school board’s plan. The revised plan will be due on Jan. 6, and is expected to address issues related to the school board’s discontinuation of the School Police Liaison Officer (SPLO) Program in 2023.
Holiday Events in Vancouver
This December, Vancouver is bustling with a variety of fun holiday events that anyone can experience!
Unveiling the Future: Hamber's Memorable Opening Ceremony
After years of construction, and a year-long delay, it was only fitting that the new Eric Hamber opened its freshly-painted doors with fanfare. At the end of the first full week of classes, on Friday Sept. 13, the school hosted an opening ceremony. The event was attended by district officials, alumni, the building’s architects, students, staff, and representatives from the Musqueam Nation.
A New and Hopeful Season For the Canucks
Last season, Rick Tocchet joined the Canucks as their 21st head coach. At the time, the Canucks were ranked 22nd in the National Hockey League (NHL) and had been consistently losing games. Tocchet was seemingly able to turn the team around, with them coming close to the Stanley Cup last year.
Health Canada Approves Updated COVID Vaccines
On Sep. 24, pharmaceutical companies such as Moderna and Pfizer were approved by Health Canada to distribute their updated COVID-19 vaccines, which have been altered to target new FLiRT variants.
Premier Eby Announces Reversal of Consumer Carbon Tax
BC Premier David Eby announced on Sept. 12 that he will end the BC consumer carbon tax if the federal government scraps the legislation that requires provinces collect the tax.
BC Mayors Demand Federal and Provincial Focus on Mental Health Crisis
A coalition of British Columbia’s Mayors and other public figures got together to call attention to the increasingly problematic dual crises of mental health and public safety in the Metro Vancouver area. Attention was drawn to this issue after a violent incident on Sept. 4, when man was attacked and killed on the streets of Vancouver by a 34-year-old White Rock resident with a history of mental health issues and over 60 documented contacts with police.
ANALYSIS | Alberta Invests in School Construction: Can BC Make the Same Promises?
Amidst concerns about student space, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced on Sept. 17 a $6.7 billion increase in funding for new and improved schools. While Smith says the projects will secure funding from recent surpluses, critics say the plans are long overdue and could create additional issues.
Cellphone Ban - What's changed in Hamber Classrooms?
In January, Premier David Eby announced the implementation of cell phone restrictions in all BC schools at the beginning of the 2024–2025 school year. The policy states that school boards must adopt multiple regulations restricting the use of personal digital devices in their codes of conduct. But after nearly two months under the ban, has anything actually changed?