Three years into war, English classes key for Ukrainian newcomers to Ottawa
Every Thursday afternoon at Ottawa’s Café Ukraine, behind the “Quiet Please – Class in Session” sign, Lisa Hrynuik and Mariia Baziuk are practicing English. Hrynuik, Baziuk’s tutor, plays the part of a patient describing her symptoms, while Baziuk intently listens to piece together a diagnosis. For Baziuk, this isn’t just role playing. Having completed her medical training in Ukraine and...
Artists spotlight housing insecurity in ground-breaking SAW exhibition
Ottawa local gallery, SAW's Give Me Shelter exhibit highlighted the ongoing homeless and housing insecurity issues in the country and internationally. While it was a successful exhibit, participants and officials alike say more needs to be done still.
Ottawa photo exhibit captures moments in the iconic Zapatista movement for Indigenous rights in Mexico
In 1994, the Zapatistas began an armed uprising against the Mexican government as a protest against the North American Free Trade Agreement. Many important moments from the movement are preserved in photographs now on display at the Mexican embassy in Ottawa.
Harmony and Home: Persian music event unites local Farsi speakers
On a bitterly cold Sunday night in downtown Ottawa, Shirin Ghodrati stepped through the doors of Bronson Centre, her breath curling in the frosty air. Just four months into her new life in Canada, she had more than the weight of winter on her shoulders; she carried a longing for connection. Drawn by the soul-stirring melodies of a Persian music...
Ottawa commuters frustrated by fare hikes as city seeks transit funding
Kari Glynes Elliott, co-founder of Ottawa Transit Riders, remembers one particularly memorable conversation with frustrated commuters. A family of Syrian refugees “living on the poverty line” approached her advocacy group after purchasing a second-hand car “because they couldn’t trust the transit system,” she said. As Glynes Elliott recalls it, one of the family members, a senior, told her, “I can...
Volunteers combatting homelessness set to take plunge in ice-cold fundraiser
Funds are being raised this weekend for local Ottawa community centres to help provide support during the colder winter conditions. Volunteers are braving the cold on a whole other level and submerging themselves in cold water tubs for the cause.
Ottawa skaters welcome a good season but experts say prepare for tougher years to come
Skaters in Ottawa have enjoyed the best conditions in years on the Rideau Canal Skateway thanks to cold temperatures and limited snowfall, but that hasn't stopped work on ways to mitigate the effects of climate change by researchers, who warn that this year could be an outlier.
Ottawa artist Ciaran Head-Smith brings his Indigenous voice to Casa Loma exhibit
Ottawa-based artist Ciaran Head-Smith’s artwork is featured in Red Visions, a first-of-its-kind Indigenous art exhibition at Casa Loma, celebrating cultural heritage.
Organizers brave Ottawa cold, raising $28,000 for homeless youth in 24-hour challenge
Volunteers stayed outside in downtown Ottawa for 24 hours to raise awareness and money for homeless youth.
‘They’re saving money on the bill:’ How Canada’s GST break has taken a bite out of tips
Jeff Rheaume works the Monday night shift on Feb. 3 at his restaurant, The Broadway Bar & Grill Ottawa. [Photo by Mia Parker/Capital Current]
Tariffs could worsen Ontario rental market, expert says
Carleton University student Grace Rhodes hasn’t bought new clothes in two years. “I definitely don’t do stuff because I don’t have the money,” said Rhodes, who rents a home with five other students. Rhodes said the “crazy” state of the rental market makes it hard to afford student life and has already quashed her hopes of home ownership. “Absolutely not...
The price drop: Cheaper alcohol boosting family-owned convenience stores
Meet and Yashaswy Patel, two brothers living in Ottawa, have owned a convenience store called Our Neighbourhood Store for the past six months where the Patels know all about fluctuating prices for groceries, snacks and now alcohol. The presence of alcoholic beverages for sale in convenience stores started last fall when the province of Ontario increased the market for selling...