A Personal Battle Becomes a Scientific Mission

Fifteen years ago, Vett Lloyd, a professor of biology at Mount Allison University, was told by public health officials that ticks simply did not exist in her home province of New Brunswick. Her own diagnosis with Lyme disease proved those claims false, sparking a career dedicated to understanding how these parasites are spreading across the Canadian landscape. Today, Lloyd’s research highlights a grim reality: tick populations and the diseases they carry are skyrocketing across the country.

The Role of Climate Change and Urban Development

The surge in tick activity is largely driven by shifting environmental factors. Traditionally, Canada’s long, harsh winters acted as a natural check on tick populations, starving them out as snow cover prevented them from finding hosts. However, global warming has led to more variable weather and less consistent snow cover. Ticks are opportunistic; they do not hibernate and will emerge to feed whenever temperatures rise, leading to much earlier and more intense seasons. Furthermore, the expansion of green, moist suburban areas has created the perfect habitat for rodents and other wildlife that carry ticks, bringing the threat directly into Canadian backyards.

The Hidden Scale of the Crisis

While official data from the Public Health Agency of Canada shows cases of Lyme disease rising from 143 in 2010 to over 7,000 by 2025, experts believe these numbers are a vast underestimation. Many cases go unreported due to a lack of diagnostic access or the difficulty of spotting a tick bite. Scientists estimate there has been a tenfold increase in infections over the last decade, with a significant portion of patients developing chronic illnesses that result in long-term fatigue, aches, and cognitive impairment.

New Threats on the Horizon

It isn’t just Lyme disease that Canadians need to worry about. Warmer regions like Southern Ontario are seeing the emergence of Lone Star and Gulf Coast ticks, which were previously unable to survive Canadian winters. These species can trigger ‘Alpha-gal syndrome,’ a severe red meat allergy caused by a reaction to tick saliva. As the climate continues to shift, researchers at Mount Allison University are working on rapid home-testing kits to help Canadians detect pathogens early and mitigate the growing economic and personal impact of these tick-borne illnesses.

Professional Misconduct Leads to Severe Disciplinary Action

A British Columbia private school teacher has been barred from the teaching profession for 15 years following an investigation into a sexual relationship with a former student. The B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation released a consent resolution agreement on Tuesday, detailing the professional misconduct involving Jonas Alexander Douglas Huston, who previously served as a secondary school teacher at an independent institution.

Exploitation of Power and Trust

The investigation revealed that Huston initiated an intimate and sexual relationship with the student within five months of their graduation. According to the commissioner, Huston was fully aware that the student was in a vulnerable state at the time. The relationship was the result of a connection fostered while Huston was in a position of authority at the school, where he maintained close contact with the individual until the transition from student to former student occurred.

The school authority first notified the commissioner of the situation in January 2025. Although Huston was not working as a teacher at the time the report was filed, the commissioner determined that his actions constituted a fundamental breach of the trust inherent in the educator-student dynamic. The ruling emphasized that Huston used his position of power to exploit the student, resulting in documented harm.

Fifteen-Year Prohibition from Classroom Service

In the signed agreement, Huston admitted to professional misconduct and accepted a 15-year ban on applying for a teaching certificate. This restriction applies to both the independent school system and the kindergarten through Grade 12 public school systems across British Columbia. The length of the ban reflects the severity of the ethical violation and serves as a deterrent to others in the field.

Educational advocates often point to these cases as a reminder of the enduring nature of the power imbalance between teachers and students, even after graduation. The B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation maintains that the penalty is necessary to uphold the integrity of the profession and ensure the safety and well-being of all students within the province’s educational infrastructure.

A Culinary Secret in the Heart of Chinatown

Tucked away among the bustling streets of Chinatown lies a modest establishment that captures the essence of old-school Hong Kong culinary tradition. Sun Fresh Bakery, located at 245 Keefer Street, has long been a neighborhood staple for those seeking traditional baked goods, but it is their lesser-known savory menu that is currently capturing the attention of local food enthusiasts. While the storefront may blend into the historic landscape, the aromas wafting from the kitchen reveal a destination for authentic, budget-friendly comfort food.

Hand-Crafted Comfort for Under Six Dollars

The standout star of the bakery’s hidden menu is the fresh steamed rice noodles. A fundamental staple of Cantonese cuisine, these noodles are crafted from finely milled rice flour and water, resulting in a delicate, slightly chewy texture that is increasingly difficult to find prepared traditionally. Starting at just $5.25 per portion, the dish offers an accessible entry point for those seeking a fulfilling lunch without the premium price tag of modern fusion eateries. Each order is served with a signature sweet soy sauce, allowing the clean flavors of the rice and fresh toppings to shine.

Traditional Techniques Meet Modern Dietary Needs

Beyond the texture and taste, these rice noodles cater to a variety of preferences and dietary requirements. Naturally gluten-free, the dish can be customized with various traditional toppings such as aromatic green onions, seasoned ground pork, or tender beef. For those looking for a more expansive meal, Sun Fresh Bakery also maintains a robust selection of classic dim sum, including pork dumplings (siu mai) and steamed prawn dumplings (har gow). Their congee and stir-fried noodle options further solidify the bakery as more than just a pastry shop, but a versatile lunch counter keeping heritage flavors alive.

Preserving the Neighborhood Legacy

As urban landscapes evolve, spots like Sun Fresh Bakery provide a vital link to the past. By offering affordable, high-quality staples like pineapple buns and steamed noodles, the bakery serves as both a community hub and a destination for culinary discovery. Whether you are a longtime resident or a curious visitor following the latest viral food trends, this hidden gem represents the enduring appeal of simple, well-executed comfort food in one of the city’s most historic districts.