A Sudanese man has been arrested after an attempted "beheading" in Belfast last night that left a man in his 40s with serious injuries in a "critical" condition.

The post Sudanese Man Arrested After Attempted “Beheading” in Belfast appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

The Tories have pledged to tear up the requirement in the Equality Act for public-sector bodies to promote equality and diversity following the murder of Henry Nowak.

The post Tories Pledge to Scrap Diversity Rule After Nowak Murder appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

A summary of the most interesting stories in the past 24 hours that challenge the prevailing orthodoxy about the ‘climate emergency’, public health ‘crises’ and the supposed moral defects of Western civilisation.

The post News Round-Up appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

A University of Oxford professor has cancelled a series of lectures discussing gender law after pro-trans activists interrupted the first two talks and hurled abuse at him.

The post Oxford University Professor Forced to Cancel Lectures After Pro-Trans Activists Call Him a “Bigot” and “Transphobic” appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

Police forces are hiring diversity officers on £75,000 a year while crime rates in their areas rise.

The post Police Hire £75k Diversity Officers While Crime Soars appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

Starmer is set to ban under-16s from social media altogether within days – with fines for mobile phone manufacturers that don't comply.

The post Starmer Poised to Ban Under-16s From Social Media in ‘Australian-Plus’ Crackdown appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

A summary of the most interesting stories in the past 24 hours that challenge the prevailing orthodoxy about the ‘climate emergency’, public health ‘crises’ and the supposed moral defects of Western civilisation.

The post News Round-Up appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

John Swinney has finally admitted SNP funds raised for independence were spent on something else. This is fraud and the people of Scotland cannot shrug and move on – the reckoning must begin now.

The post The SNP Must Be Held to Account Over the Embezzlement Scandal appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

North Yorkshire Police made a grovelling public apology to "our LGBTQ+ communities" – but has refused to apologise to a Christian officer it wrongly sacked for asking a question about Islam at a training day.

The post North Yorkshire Police Apologised to “Our LGBTQ+ Communities” – But Not to the Christian Officer It Wrongly Sacked appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

Firefighters in Manchester have been warned over support for Reform UK – and Andy Burnham is the Fire Commissioner. The Free Speech Union has written to him, demanding an explanation.

The post Firefighters in Greater Manchester Have Been Warned About Support For Reform UK – and Andy Burnham is the Fire Commissioner appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

O aeroporto do centro de Toronto, oficialmente conhecido como Aeroporto Billy Bishop da Cidade de Toronto, tem sido desde há muito objeto de debate. Localizado nas Ilhas de Toronto, a poucos minutos do distrito financeiro da cidade, o aeroporto oferece um serviço aéreo regional conveniente, ao mesmo tempo que ocupa uma localização única e sensível na zona ribeirinha de Toronto.

Ao longo da última década, as propostas para expandir o aeroporto geraram discussões intensas entre residentes, empresas, políticos, urbanistas e grupos ambientalistas. Os defensores argumentam que a expansão fortaleceria a economia de Toronto, melhoraria as opções de transporte e criaria postos de trabalho. Os opositores sustentam que um aeroporto maior alteraria fundamentalmente o caráter da zona ribeirinha, aumentaria o ruído e a poluição, e daria prioridade aos interesses comerciais em detrimento das necessidades da comunidade.

A questão central permanece: a expansão do aeroporto da ilha serviria a população de Toronto ou serviria principalmente os interesses da indústria da aviação e das operações aeroportuárias?

O Aeroporto Billy Bishop opera sob um acordo tripartido que envolve o governo federal, a Cidade de Toronto e a Autoridade Portuária de Toronto. O acordo dita as operações do aeroporto, incluindo restrições ao comprimento das pistas e aos tipos de aeronaves. Historicamente, o aeroporto destinava-se a permanecer um aeroporto urbano relativamente pequeno. As propostas de expansão incluíram extensões de pistas, a acomodação de aeronaves maiores e o aumento da capacidade de passageiros. Tais mudanças transformariam o aeroporto de uma instalação regional num centro de transportes mais significativo. Dado que o aeroporto se situa junto a bairros densamente povoados e a terrenos públicos ribeirinhos de grande valor, a expansão acarreta consequências que vão muito além da aviação.

O argumento mais forte contra uma grande expansão é o de que Toronto já possui um aeroporto internacional maior, o Pearson. Os críticos perguntam por que razão terrenos ribeirinhos valiosos no centro da cidade deveriam ser utilizados para duplicar uma infraestrutura que já existe noutras partes da região. O argumento mais forte a favor é a conveniência. Um aeroporto maior no centro da cidade poderia proporcionar um acesso mais rápido a milhões de viajantes e apoiar o crescimento económico na maior cidade do Canadá. A questão torna-se, portanto, uma questão de prioridades…. deverá a zona ribeirinha de Toronto ser primordialmente um corredor de transportes, ou deverá continuar focada no lazer, na habitação, no espaço público e na gestão ambiental?

Na minha humilde opinião, Doug Ford conseguiu uma vitória política significativa na política do Ontário, tendo o primeiro-ministro provincial sido capaz de convencer a presidente do município de Toronto, Olivia Chow, e o Primeiro-Ministro do Canadá a aceitarem a expropriação e a avançarem com o Aeroporto da Ilha, algo que nenhum outro governo alguma vez conseguiu alcançar. Doug Ford fez o que nenhum outro político sozinho foi capaz de manobrar: este acordo com todos os níveis de governo sintonizados. Ter-se-ão os astros alinhado todos ao mesmo tempo ou foi Doug Ford que fez isto acontecer?

A expansão do Aeroporto Billy Bishop da Cidade de Toronto oferece benefícios económicos e de transporte claros. O aumento da conectividade, a criação de emprego e o acesso a empresas poderiam fortalecer a posição de Toronto como uma das principais cidades da América do Norte. No entanto, esses benefícios devem ser pesados face a custos substanciais, incluindo o ruído, os impactos ambientais, a pressão sobre os bairros circundantes e a potencial perda de oportunidades para a zona ribeirinha.

Se o acordo tripartido serve o interesse público depende em grande parte da visão de cada um sobre o que a zona ribeirinha de Toronto se deve tornar. Se o crescimento económico e a eficiência dos transportes forem os objetivos principais, a expansão parece atrativa. Se a preservação do espaço público ribeirinho, a qualidade de vida dos bairros e a sustentabilidade ambiental forem as prioridades, uma expansão significativa torna-se muito mais difícil de justificar.

O debate não é simplesmente sobre um aeroporto. É uma discussão mais ampla sobre a identidade futura da própria cidade de Toronto e sobre a forma como a cidade escolhe equilibrar o crescimento, a mobilidade e a qualidade de vida.

Ford parece ter ganho a batalha política para pôr em marcha a expansão do Billy Bishop, mas a luta mais ampla sobre se o projeto é uma boa ideia — e que parte dele acabará por ser construída — ainda continua em disputa.

Ame-se ou odeie-se, o Aeroporto da Ilha de Toronto domina uma coisa melhor do que a maioria dos aeroportos: manter uma cidade inteira a falar antes mesmo de os passageiros levantarem voo.

Se foi ou não uma “vitória” para Doug Ford, depende do ponto de vista de cada um.

Vincent Black/MS

The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.

When Dwayne De Rosario wore the Canadian national team jersey, he could hardly have imagined that one day Canada would host matches for a FIFA World Cup. Considered one of the greatest players in the history of Canadian soccer, the former international closely followed the evolution of the sport in the country and believes that the 2026 World Cup represents a transformative moment for Canadian soccer.

Currently serving as a City of Toronto Ambassador for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, De Rosario sees the tournament as a unique opportunity to inspire future generations, strengthen national pride, and consolidate the growth that soccer has experienced over recent decades. In his opinion, the arrival of Major League Soccer in Canada was a deciding factor in changing the sport’s reality, creating new opportunities for young athletes and bringing communities together around the game.

In this interview with Milénio Stadium, he talks about the significance of seeing Canada host a World Cup, the expectations for the national team, the legacy he hopes to leave for the next generations, and Portugal’s chances in a competition that promises to capture the attention of the entire world.

Milénio Stadium: As a former Canadian international and current ambassador for the 2026 World Cup, what do you feel seeing Canada host matches for a men’s World Cup at home for the first time?

Dwayne de Rosario: An historic moment in Canada for sports but especially for the growth and movement around the game Soccer in Canada.

MS: Toronto and Vancouver will be at the centre of the soccer world’s attention for several weeks. What legacy do you hope this event leaves for future generations of Canadian players?

DdR: First to inspire the future and injecting a new sense of Canadian pride and passion we haven’t seen in this country

MS: When you represented Canada, did you imagine that the country could one day organize a World Cup of this scale? What has changed in Canadian soccer to make this possible?

DdR: Never dreamt we would be hosting a World Cup in Canada due to the lack of support and respect Soccer receives but the biggest factor is MLS coming to Canada that’s what sparked growth and opportunities for youth to strive to play in a professional league and environment, also for the soccer community to rally around and share passion around the game every weekend.  This changed the landscape for the Soccer community!

MS: The Canadian national team currently enjoys unprecedented talent and visibility. What are your expectations for the team, and what do you consider to be a realistic goal for Canada in this tournament?

DdR: I personally am very proud and excited of the future of our National Team our players are doing extremely well in their personal journeys and collectively as a National Team. Now as an association and provenances governing bodies need to catch up with the talent on the field. We need more youth and new energy around decision making and taking our entire program to new heights.

MS: Portugal remains one of the most respected national teams in world soccer and generates enormous interest within the Luso-Canadian community. How do you assess Portugal’s chances in the World Cup, and who do you consider to be the main contender for the title in 2026?

DdR: Portugal has always been a country with talented players and a competitive team. They have very good chance to go far in the WC.

Madalena Balça/MS

The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.

Hello, good morning, how have you been? Well, I hope. Regarding time, perhaps I can no longer answer you so literally. Because time, it flies by, it gallops. Before we blink an eye, booo, it’s Christmas!

Now tell me, if you want to, of course. What is your state of mind like for “dealing” with crowds during the World Cup matches?

Toronto will be the target of a temporary “invasion” of teams, entourages, fans, etc. A city that already has extreme difficulty “draining” its own traffic—imagine the chaos that will become part of the daily life for anyone who has to leave the house to go to work. Yes, because not everyone is a government employee (Federal or Provincial) who is being granted the opportunity to work from home on match days in Toronto.

Despite remaining the fourth-largest city in North America, one way or another, Toronto has never created a logistical system capable of making the city flow. Politician after politician, in the most varied leadership positions, only fill their “billboards” with promises—but, by the way, we actually know full well that, deep down, deep down… politicians all attend, without exception, the exact same learning classes.

The question arises… Will Portugal be in Toronto’s sights during the World Cup? Yes, there is a possibility that Portugal will play in Toronto! The National Team has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and if they advance in the competition and finish second in the group stage, they have their Round of 32 match scheduled for July 2nd at BMO. If that happens, my friends, Toronto is truly going to STOP! So stay tuned for how these updates unfold.

I sincerely hope that this event takes place with serenity and very little incompetence on the part of the city and the entire organization, and that it counts on the cooperation of all its residents and thousands of visitors.

It is what it is and will always be worth what it’s worth.

See you soon,

Cristina DaCosta/MS

The Ontario government has announced it is investing $1.7 billion to fund an additional 70,000 seats in high-demand sectors such as health care, STEM, education and the skilled trades at publicly assisted colleges and universities across the province.

According to a release, it is part of the government’s $6.4 billion new postsecondary funding model.

Since its launch in February, the province has invested $975 million to fund 30,000 more seats in health care, STEM and education. This recent announcement builds on that by launching a call for proposals supported by a further $730 million investment, to create 40,000 new seats across economy-driving programs including health care, teaching, STEM and skilled trades, for a total of 70,000 seats and $1.7 billion.

As part of the call for proposals, colleges and universities will engage with local businesses and employers in their community to submit a growth plan to the provincial government that ensures expanded seats are aligned with local labour market demands. The first of these seats will be open for students in the fall, the release adds.

Skills Ontario applauded the news, noting it is particularly encouraged by the focus on regional labour market alignment through the proposed Priority Growth Plans.

“This investment goes beyond increasing access — it’s about building a responsive and future-ready training system,” said Ian Howcroft, Skills Ontario CEO, in a statement. “By connecting education to local economic needs, we can better equip students to thrive while supporting the competitiveness of Ontario’s industries.”

DCN/MS

AECOM has announced it has been awarded the top position on Defence Construction Canada’s (DCC) National Architecture and Engineering (A&E) Source List.

The multi-year program has a potential value of up to $270 million, explains a release, and will support the Department of National Defence (DND) in delivering infrastructure across Canada.

The contract comprises a three-year agreement with two additional one-year period options. AECOM will provide multidisciplinary architecture and engineering services spanning the full spectrum of planning, design and construction-phase support.

“As the largest source list ever issued by DCC in total maximum estimated value, this program represents a major investment in Canada’s defense infrastructure,” the release reads. “The source list selection process is specifically designed to provide DCC with the best value partners, and AECOM’s top position reflects the company’s superior value across technical merit, cost, and specialized defense experience.”

Work under the program will encompass the delivery of hangars and aircraft maintenance buildings, vehicle maintenance bays, high‑security office complexes, accommodations, mess facilities, recreational amenities and training facilities.

The release adds AECOM will also provide strategic planning services with long-term recapitalization plans and asset portfolio management.

“Across Canada, our local teams take deep pride in supporting the people and infrastructure that safeguard the nation,” said Richard Barrett, chief executive of AECOM’s Canada region, in a statement. “As we help DND prepare for future challenges, we will leverage our full architecture and engineering expertise, along with advanced energy modelling, asset management and innovative design solutions, to help deliver facilities that perform, endure, and meet the highest standards of safety and technical excellence.”

DCN/MS

The City of Toronto is celebrating a major construction milestone for a new rental housing development in Scarborough that will include 80 affordable homes as part of efforts to accelerate housing construction across the city.

Mayor Olivia Chow, Scarborough-Woburn MP Michael Coteau and Scarborough Centre Coun. Michael Thompson joined representatives from The Rose Corporation and development partner Michael Langer on Friday to mark the “topping off” of 26 Gilder Dr., signalling the completion of the building’s structural framework.

The project, known as The Glenview, will deliver 341 rental units, including 80 affordable homes and 261 market-rate apartments. Located near Kennedy Station, the development is intended to provide residents with easier access to public transit, employment opportunities and community services. Occupancy is expected to begin in the second half of 2027.

It’s the first of 44 developments currently under construction through the City’s Rental Housing Supply Program (RHSP) to break ground in March 2025. City officials say the program is helping speed up the construction of new rental housing.

Toronto is contributing more than $11.4 million in financial incentives for the project, including development charge deferrals and waivers. The development is also supported by nearly $150 million in funding and financing from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation through its SEED and Apartment Construction Loan Program initiatives.

The milestone follows last week’s groundbreaking ceremony for another RHSP-supported purpose-built rental project at 72 Perth Ave. Together, the developments form part of the city’s broader strategy to expand rental housing supply and support home construction.

Once completed, the 44 RHSP projects currently underway are expected to deliver more than 11,000 new homes, including more than 6,200 rent-controlled or affordable units.

“Every Torontonian deserves a safe, affordable place to call home close to transit, jobs and the services they rely on,” Chow said in a statement. “By partnering with other levels of government and the private sector, we are cutting red tape and moving faster to build the homes Toronto needs.”

Thompson called the project especially meaningful for Scarborough residents seeking more affordable housing options close to transit and services.

“It’s clear that housing is one of the top priorities for people in Scarborough,” Coteau added, saying federal investments in housing are helping strengthen communities and create jobs.

Daniel Berholz, president of The Rose Corporation, said the project reflects a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to address housing needs in the community.

“Simply put, this project would not have happened without their partnership,” Berholz said, referring to support from the City of Toronto and CMHC.

DCN/MS

Fotos; Francisco Pegado

The Portuguese Pioneers Gallery and the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario (ACAPO) hosted a special presentation for the book Flight Path Home: Stories of Family Migrations and Belonging, authored by Steven M. Silva.

The event brought together community members, families, educators, and literature lovers for an evening of reading, reflection, book signings, and sales of the work, which addresses themes such as migration, identity, memory, and the feeling of belonging.

Starting from his own family’s history, Steven Silva leads readers on a journey between the Island of Madeira, in Portugal, and Canada, revisiting memories, challenges, and achievements that marked the path of several generations. The work reflects on the emigration experience, the preservation of Portuguese roots, and how these stories continue to shape the identity and sense of belonging of Luso-Canadian families.

At the opening of the session, Manuel DaCosta, representing the Portuguese Pioneers Gallery, highlighted the importance of preserving the stories of Portuguese pioneers in Canada, underlining that works like this help keep the community’s collective memory alive and transmit this legacy to future generations.

Kátia Caramujo, representing ACAPO, also emphasized the cultural and educational value of the book, considering it an important testament to the experience of many Portuguese families who built a new life in Canada: “Presenting Flight Path Home during Portuguese Heritage Month in Canada is also a way to show that this celebration goes far beyond festivities and the Portugal Day Parade. It is equally an opportunity to value our history, our culture, and the stories that shaped the Portuguese community in Canada,” she stated.

During the presentation, Steven Silva explained that the work was born from a desire to better understand his family’s journey and to explore how migration experiences continue to impact the identity of subsequent generations: “It is a feeling of great pride to be here, in a space dedicated to Portuguese pioneers and during Portuguese Heritage Month in Canada. This book allowed me to reconnect with the past, strengthen family bonds, find myself through these stories, and better understand who I am. It is also a celebration of our identity, our traditions, and pride in our origins,” the author shared.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening featured the participation of four of Steven Silva’s former teachers – Gabriella Colussi Arthur, Maria João Maciel Jorge, Mary Di Biase Petrungaro, and Gabriela Sangiorgio – who recalled his academic journey and his dedication to learning and to his cultural roots.

Also in the spotlight was the author’s mother, Cesaltina Silva, who was visibly moved and stated: “It is a source of enormous pride to see my son doing what he loves and turning our family’s stories into a work that can inspire so many other people.”

The initiative concluded with a book signing session and camaraderie among the participants, celebrating not just the launch of a book, but also the stories, memories, and experiences that continue to unite the Luso-Canadian community and enrich the Portuguese cultural heritage in Canada.

Francisco Pegado/MS

The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.

This text is a journey — literally and figuratively — through some of the greatest mysteries of modern life. Let’s laugh. But if you feel like crying: scream loudly!

Applause for Nothing and Other Unexplainable Airborne Traditions

I’ve never understood people who clap when the plane lands. I mean… why? The pilot just did… their job. Literally the function of a pilot: get the thing off the ground without killing anyone and, a few hours later, put it back down without turning the runway into a special episode of National Geographic: Air Disasters.

Clapping after landing is like applauding a journalist because they wrote an article: “Bravo! You managed to use verbs and punctuation!” Or like me starting to clap when Manuel Da Costa hands me my cheque: “Outstanding! You honored the agreement!”

Nobody lands a plane expecting a Coldplay-concert-style standing ovation. Imagine the absurdity in other professions. The plumber fixes your pipe: applause! The dentist finishes your root canal: everybody on your feet, ladies and gentlemen! The supermarket cashier scans the barcode without swallowing a plum: encore! encore!

So, besides landing the plane — which was already the Olympic minimum requirement of the profession — the pilot also manages to interrupt my only decent sleep at 36,000 feet. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have safely arrived.” Yes, excellent. That was precisely the package I paid for.

But no. There’s always that group of passengers reacting to the landing as if they had just witnessed the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Clapping. Smiles. Emotional people. All that’s missing is someone shouting: “He did it! The madman actually did it!”

Relax, people. We didn’t cross the Cape of Storms in a wooden boat. We just did Lisbon to Toronto sitting beside a man eating a tuna sandwich at seven in the morning loaded with garlic.

And then there’s always that hesitant applause on the plane… it starts with two highly enthusiastic people in the back, probably the same ones who thank the ATM when cash comes out. Clap… clap clap… and suddenly the cabin goes into crisis mode: “Do we join in? Is this tradition? Or are we just embarrassing ourselves?”

No, António. We’re in a bus with wings. That’s all.

And the logic should apply to everything: elevator reaches the ground floor — engineering genius. Wi-Fi works on the first try — immediate Nobel Prize. Microwave heats the lasagna without leaving frozen patches — practically Tesla reincarnated.

If we’re going to celebrate the basics, let’s do it properly: landing with confetti, marching band on the runway, giant banner: “Thank you for doing your job.” Meanwhile, the pilot inside is thinking: “…I landed. That was the plan.”

This is like a surgeon walking out and hearing: “He closed the abdomen! We never doubted him!”

But, to be clear: total respect for pilots. I just don’t understand the timing of the applause — which is always exactly when I had finally fallen asleep, neck folded into origami mode.

Deep down, my issue isn’t even with the clapping. It’s with the schedule of the clapping. Because it always happens at the exact second when I’m finally asleep, leaning against the window, neck in a clinically impossible position, discreetly drooling onto my jacket sleeve. Clap clap clap. I wake up. Not knowing whether we’ve arrived in Rome or a revolution has just begun.

And on planes, those women who, moments before landing, decide to perfume themselves in the microscopic bathroom, leaving the aircraft smelling powerful enough to kill any fly or mosquito. Or those people who travel dressed as though they were attending a Hollywood gala…

Anyway… now I’m going to applaud the baker because the bread arrived… shaped like bread and with salt.

The Tourist Flight Through Portuguese Reality (Turbulence Included)

Back home, the journey changes, and although I’m not a pilot, I’ll make the announcement:

“Ladies and gentlemen, dear community, welcome aboard special flight Month of Portugal – permanent commemorative edition, because here we celebrate everything until it stops making sense.

We would like to inform you that we are about to enter a zone of mild atmospheric instability — also known as everyday reality — where everything looks perfectly organized in PowerPoint, but in practice depends on someone still checking whether there’s a budget, a consensus, or whether the enthusiasm has already expired.

During the flight, you may experience normal phenomena such as: institutional smiles so wide they should be taxed; mandatory hugs with people who yesterday were ‘difficult’ but today are ‘strategic partners’; and that classic Portuguese specialty: total unity… until someone says ‘let’s align this better’ and the cabin enters emotional structural review.

Please note: today we are all moving in the same direction. Not thanks to GPS — that would be far too comfortable — but thanks to tradition. And tradition, as we know, means moving forward even when nobody is entirely sure where ‘forward’ actually is, but nobody wants to be the first to ask.

We ask that you remain seated, standing, or emotionally available, with your patriotic spirit in continuous-update mode.

If there is turbulence, do not be alarmed: it’s just the country testing, once again, our ability to survive minor tragedies with coffee, jokes, and highly functional resignation.

And remember: nothing is stronger than our national talent for improvising temporary solutions to permanent problems while confidently declaring, ‘This time it’s really going to work.’

We continue together… until the next brilliant idea nobody asked for but that will nevertheless move straight into production.”

We continue together until… the park bathroom, because I usually end up desperate, in urgent need, with planning done in the shape of a figure eight.

Unofficial Manual of Community Life: Where Nobody Knows Everything, But Everyone Has an Opinion

Community life is that place where everybody knows everybody… even when they’d rather not know quite that much.

It all begins with community meetings. The idea is to solve problems, but it usually turns into an opinion marathon, where someone always says, “In my day things were better,” and another replies, “But that was never solved anyway.”

In the end, a decision comes out… or at least the promise of one.

And just when it seems over, someone remembers “one quick matter” that lasts another forty minutes and reopens everything all over again.

The WhatsApp/Facebook group is another ecosystem altogether. It begins with an innocent “good morning, community” at six in the morning and, by the time you blink, there are already 83 messages, 19 repeated stickers, an unnecessary four-minute voice note, and a philosophical debate about a paranormal event.

At community events, everything is “simple and organized”… until it begins. Then it becomes queues, improvisation, someone forgetting something, and always one person saying, “But it turned out beautiful anyway.”

And there’s always someone who brings a box of pastries “just to help” and instantly becomes the official hero of the day.

And of course, there’s the classic “inspector neighbor,” who knows everything: who arrived, who left, who spoke too loudly, and who grabbed an extra chair without asking. They don’t need an agenda — they are the agenda.

In the end, community life is exactly that: a mixture of confusion, coexistence, and plenty of funny stories — because if you don’t take it lightly, you simply can’t keep up with the pace.

Yet somehow, between the chaos and the meetings that never end, there’s still that rare moment when everyone laughs together and pretends, “This time we’ll be more organized.”

And the eternal postponed promise remains: “Next time we’ll do it properly.”

I’ll finish, dear reader, as my friend Augusto Bandeira wrote in the previous edition of this newspaper:

“We can improve if we know how to listen. Many people make mistakes not out of bad intentions…”

Indeed, my friend — these days, only the foolish choose ignorance, and many people seem to have very small ears.

Romulo M. Avila/MS

In an atmosphere of celebration, recognition, and community pride, the University of Toronto Portuguese Association (UTPA) held its 42nd Annual Gala at the Casa do Alentejo Community Centre in Toronto.

Founded in 1984, the association’s mission is to support Luso-Canadian students, promoting education, Portuguese culture, and community involvement throughout the year.

The event brought together students, families, community leaders, and political representatives in a moment of strong intergenerational connection and appreciation for the academic journey of the community’s youth.

At the opening of the ceremony, the president of the UTPA, Pedro Benevides, underlined the importance of the role of youth in the continuity of the Portuguese community: “Today we celebrate the young people who dedicate themselves to volunteering in our clubs and associations and who proudly represent Portuguese culture while pursuing their academic journeys. At UTPA, we believe that youth is one of the pillars of our community. They are the leaders of tomorrow and will play a fundamental role in taking the Portuguese community to new horizons.”

This was followed by the central moment of the evening: the presentation of 12 scholarships to students who stood out for academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. This year’s recipients were Victoria da Silva, Raphael Mendes, Beatriz Simas, Vanessa Sousa, Leonor das Neves, Melanie Silva, Auriana da Costa, Evan Nunes, Matthew Goulart, Tomas Isabel, Arabella Rafie, and Daniel Braga.

In an atmosphere of emotion and recognition, the scholars took the stage to receive the distinction, emphasizing the impact this support will have on their academic and personal journeys.

Among them, Victoria da Silva highlighted the meaning of the journey that brought her to this moment: “I am very grateful for all the support I have received from the Portuguese community since day one. I had the good fortune of being part of the Queen’s Portuguese Association and working with MP Charles Sousa, experiences that contributed greatly to my personal and professional growth. Being part of the Portuguese community holds a very special meaning for me.”

Raphael Mendes also reinforced the feeling of gratitude and motivation upon receiving this distinction: “Being selected by the UTPA is a great honour and a reward for all the effort and dedication over the years. This scholarship will be an important support for me and my family, and it motivates me to continue my studies with even greater commitment.”

The words of the remaining scholars likewise reflected a collective recognition that this opportunity represents a vote of confidence in their potential.

The meaning of education as a pillar of the community was also emphasized by the political representatives in attendance. Among them, the Member of Parliament for the riding of Mississauga–Lakeshore, Charles Sousa, highlighted the evolution of the Portuguese presence in higher education over the last few decades: “I am very proud to be Luso-Canadian and to see our youth achieving more and more success. When I entered university, there were few of us; today, we see Portuguese students excelling in many fields. Education has always been a priority for our community, and initiatives like these scholarships help young people realize their potential and build a better future.”

In the same vein, the Consul General of Portugal in Toronto, Ana Luísa Riquito, highlighted the relevance of these initiatives in preserving and promoting Portuguese language, culture, and identity among the newer generations.

The gala continued with moments of camaraderie, traditional Portuguese gastronomy, and a performance by the Luso-Can Tuna, in an environment marked by sharing and pride in one’s roots.

The evening concluded with tributes, music, and dancing, reinforcing the UTPA’s commitment to supporting education and inspiring future generations of Luso-Canadians.

Francisco Pegado/MS

It is a tradition that has lasted 33 years; the Borges Foods Picnic began in 1993, always with the goal of promoting camaraderie among all the company’s employees, clients, and friends.

It always takes place around this time, between the end of May and June 10^th, the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities, which also transforms this event into an excellent occasion to celebrate Portuguese culture.

In addition to all of this, there is yet another reason for Borges Foods to continue with this initiative year after year: transforming a social gathering into an opportunity to show solidarity with Canadian (or Luso-Canadian) institutions that carry out essential work for the benefit of others. This year, the selected institution was the Canadian Cancer Association.

Besides the food and drinks, as a good Portuguese-style party should have, there was also no shortage of musical entertainment, provided by: the Rancho Folclórico and Bombos [traditional drumming group] of the Associação Cultural do Minho; João Marques; and the duo Daniel & Tânia.

Thus, over more than three decades, the Borges Foods Picnic has demonstrated that a company’s success is also measured by its capacity to unite people and give back to the community. More than a simple annual gathering, this event has become a symbol of friendship, tradition, and solidarity, bringing together generations around the values that helped build the company’s history.

Amid moments of camaraderie, the celebration of Portuguese culture, and support for noble causes, the Borges Foods Picnic continues to establish itself as an initiative that makes a difference, strengthening bonds and leaving a positive mark on the Luso-Canadian community and society in general.

Julio Carias/Madalena Balça/MS