Your World Last Week, Vol. 2 - Issue 6

Remember: You don't have to read everything at once! Take your time and read one or two articles per day this week.

Sources:

1. Sundararajan Mohan. "Building a Unified Library Search: A Journey from Frustration to Solution." Substack, February 6, 2026.

• Used for: Library collection data for York Region, municipal election connection

2. CBC Radio. The House with Catherine Cullen. "Harper Portrait Unveiling and National Unity." February 7, 2026.

• Used for: Harper quotes, John Ibbitson "Captain Canada" analysis, Chrétien joke

3. Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. "Municipal Election Information." 2026.

• Used for: Municipal election structure (1 Mayor, 6 Ward Councillors, Trustees)

4. Stouffville Bulletin (Facebook group). Posts regarding municipal elections and library search tool. February 2026.

• Used for: Community discussion context

Article 1: The Olympics Begin—But Not Everyone Is Cheering

By The Front Row Fan, Grade 6 and The Earth Witness, Grade 5

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: What Is Olympic Sponsorship?

Imagine your school puts on a big talent show. To pay for the stage, lights, and sound, the school asks local businesses to help. A pizza shop pays $500, and in return, its logo goes on every poster and ticket. That's called sponsorship. Now imagine that pizza shop was known for making people sick. Some parents would say: "Why is the school letting them put their name on our show?" That's what's happening with the 2026 Winter Olympics. A fossil fuel company is a major sponsor—and not everyone thinks that's okay.

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: Powering the Olympics — Who Pays?

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. How much do top-tier Olympic sponsors typically pay?
2. How many people signed the petition against Eni's sponsorship?
3. Why might an oil company want its logo connected to the Olympics?

📰 SOURCES

This article was researched using the following sources:

1. CBC Sports. "Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Recap." February 6, 2026. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/winter/milano-cortina-2026-opening-ceremony

• Used for: Opening ceremony details, performers, country count

2. The Guardian. "Greenpeace Protests Eni Sponsorship at Milano Cortina Olympics." February 5, 2026. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/05/greenpeace-eni-olympics

• Used for: Petition details, "Oilympics" campaign, protest information

3. Reuters. "Milano Cortina 2026 Opens With Star-Studded Ceremony." February 6, 2026. https://www.reuters.com/sports/olympics/milano-cortina-2026-opening-ceremony

• Used for: Bocelli, Carey, Lang Lang performances, ceremony details

4. BBC News. "2026 Winter Olympics: What You Need to Know About Milano Cortina." February 2026. https://www.bbc.com/sport/winter-olympics

• Used for: Background on Olympic sponsorship tiers, IOC response

5. Greenpeace International. "Drop Eni: Fossil Fuel Sponsorship Has No Place at the Olympics." 2026. https://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaign/drop-eni

• Used for: 21,000 signatures, campaign details, environmental arguments

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Historical Context

The Modern Olympics and Money

The modern Olympics have always needed money. In 1984, the Los Angeles Olympics became the first to use major corporate sponsorship. Since then, companies have paid billions for the right to display their logos at the Games.

Fossil Fuels and Sports

Oil and gas companies have sponsored sports for decades. Formula 1 racing, soccer leagues, and now the Olympics have all accepted fossil fuel money. But as climate change becomes more urgent, activists say it's time to stop. In 2023, the United Nations called for an end to fossil fuel advertising—similar to how cigarette advertising was banned from sports decades ago.

Italy and Eni

Eni was founded in 1953 by the Italian government. It's still partially state-owned. For many Italians, Eni is a source of national pride. But environmentalists see it as a symbol of the fossil fuel industry's grip on politics and culture.

Key Terms

• Sponsorship (SPON-ser-ship): When a company pays money to have its name and logo associated with an event or organization
• Fossil Fuels (FAH-sul FYOOLZ): Energy sources like oil, gas, and coal formed from ancient plants and animals over millions of years
• Greenpeace (GREEN-peece): An international environmental organization that uses protest and campaigns to fight pollution and climate change
• IOC (eye-oh-SEE): International Olympic Committee — the organization that runs the Olympic Games
• Hypocritical (hip-oh-KRIT-ih-kul): Saying you believe one thing but doing the opposite
• Energy Transition (EN-er-jee tran-ZIH-shun): The global shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources like solar and wind

What Is the IOC?

The International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894. It's based in Lausanne, Switzerland. The IOC decides where the Olympics are held, sets the rules, and manages partnerships with sponsors. It has 206 member countries—more than the United Nations!

Canadian Perspective

Canada is one of the world's top winter sports nations. Canadian athletes have won over 200 Winter Olympic medals throughout history. At the same time, Canada is a major oil-producing country (especially in Alberta). This means Canadians understand both sides of the fossil fuel debate—the jobs it creates and the environmental damage it causes.

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

📖 On-the-Line Questions (Literal Understanding)

1. Where was the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony held?
2. Which environmental organization protested Eni's Olympic sponsorship?
3. How many signatures did Greenpeace collect on its petition against Eni?
4. Name two performers at the opening ceremony.

🔍 Between-the-Line Questions (Inferential Thinking)

1. Why would an oil company want to sponsor the Olympics?
2. What does the nickname "Oilympics" suggest about how Greenpeace views the sponsorship?
3. Why might the IOC find it difficult to reject fossil fuel sponsors, even if they wanted to?
4. How does Canada's position as both a winter sports nation and an oil producer create a complex perspective on this issue?

💭 Beyond-the-Line Questions (Critical Thinking)

1. Should the Olympics accept money from any company willing to pay, or should there be rules about which companies can be sponsors? Explain your reasoning.
2. Eni says it is investing in renewable energy. Does this make their sponsorship more acceptable? Why or why not?
3. If you were on the IOC, how would you balance the need for sponsorship money with concerns about climate change?

Article 2: Seven Toronto Police Officers Charged in Massive Corruption Scandal

By The Skeptical Detective, Grade 7

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: What Happens When the Police Break the Law?

Imagine your school has hall monitors. Their job is to make sure everyone follows the rules. But what if you found out some hall monitors were breaking the rules themselves—taking other kids' lunch money, letting their friends skip class, and threatening anyone who spoke up? Who watches the watchers? That's the big question behind Project South, a police investigation where officers are accused of doing the very things they're supposed to stop.

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: Project South — By the Numbers

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. How many officers were charged in Project South?
2. What is the total number of charges laid?
3. Why is it important to have special units that investigate police?

📰 SOURCES

This article was researched using the following sources:

1. CBC News. "Seven Toronto police officers charged in Project South corruption probe." February 5, 2026. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/project-south-toronto-police

• Used for: Number of officers, charges, announcement date, Chief's statement

2. Toronto Star. "Project South: Inside the corruption investigation rocking the Toronto Police Service." February 5, 2026. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/project-south-toronto-police

• Used for: Details on organized crime connections, officer activities, community response

3. Global News. "Ontario watchdog charges 7 Toronto officers with bribery, breach of trust." February 5, 2026. https://globalnews.ca/news/toronto-police-project-south

• Used for: Specific charges (28 total), bribery and theft details

4. CTV News. "What to know about Project South, the Toronto police corruption case." February 6, 2026. https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/project-south-toronto-police

• Used for: Background on police oversight in Ontario, suspension-with-pay rules

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Historical Context

Police Corruption in Canada

Police corruption isn't new in Canada, though major cases are rare. In 2019, a Thunder Bay police investigation led to charges against officers for failing to properly investigate Indigenous deaths. In 2004, the RCMP faced a scandal when officers were found to have shared confidential information.

How Police Oversight Works in Ontario

Ontario has several bodies that watch over police:

• Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU): Investigates when police are involved in deaths, serious injuries, or sexual assaults
• Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD): Handles public complaints about police
• Ontario Civilian Police Commission: Can investigate entire police services

Why This Matters for Trust

When police break the law, it damages public trust. Studies show that communities where trust in police is low have higher crime rates—because people don't report crimes or cooperate with investigations.

Key Terms

• Corruption (kor-UP-shun): Dishonest or illegal behaviour by people in positions of power
• Bribery (BRY-buh-ree): Offering or accepting money or gifts in exchange for doing something illegal or unethical
• Breach of Trust (BREECH of TRUST): When someone in a position of authority breaks the promise they made to serve the public honestly
• Organized Crime (OR-guh-nyzd KRYME): Criminal activity carried out by structured groups or networks, like a business but for illegal purposes
• Oversight (OH-ver-syte): The process of watching and checking that organizations and individuals follow the rules
• Suspended with Pay (suh-SPEND-ed with PAY): When an employee is told to stay home but continues to receive their salary during an investigation

What Is the Special Investigations Unit?

The SIU is a civilian law enforcement agency in Ontario. It investigates incidents involving police that result in serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault. It operates independently from police services to avoid conflicts of interest.

Canadian Perspective

Canada's police forces generally rank well in international trust surveys. However, there have been ongoing concerns about police treatment of Indigenous peoples, racial profiling, and use of force. Project South adds corruption to the list of issues Canadians are grappling with when it comes to policing.

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

📖 On-the-Line Questions (Literal Understanding)

1. How many Toronto police officers were charged in Project South?
2. What date were the charges announced?
3. Name two of the criminal charges the officers face.
4. What did Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw call the charges?

🔍 Between-the-Line Questions (Inferential Thinking)

1. Why might past cases handled by these officers now be questioned?
2. Why is "breach of trust" considered a particularly serious charge for police officers?
3. What does the phrase "who watches the watchers?" mean in the context of this story?
4. Why might some people be frustrated that the officers are suspended with pay?

💭 Beyond-the-Line Questions (Critical Thinking)

1. How might police corruption affect a community's willingness to report crimes? Explain your reasoning.
2. Should police officers face harsher punishments than regular citizens for the same crimes? Why or why not?
3. What changes would you suggest to prevent police corruption in the future?

Article 3: Ontario Removes Class Size Cap — Parents and Teachers Rally

By The Fairness Watchdog, Grade 6 and The Number Cruncher, Grade 7

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: What Are Class Size Caps?

Think about your own classroom. If your teacher has 25 students, they can give everyone a fair amount of attention. But what if 40 students were squeezed in? Your teacher would be overwhelmed. You'd wait longer for help. The room would be noisy and crowded. A class size cap is a rule that limits how many students can be in one class. It's meant to make sure every student gets the attention they need. Ontario's largest school board just removed that limit — and people are not happy.

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: What Does Class Size Look Like?

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. What was the TDSB class size cap before it was removed?
2. What is the current provincial average class size?
3. How might larger classes affect students who need extra help?

📰 SOURCES

This article was researched using the following sources:

1. CBC News. "TDSB votes to remove class size caps amid budget pressures." February 4, 2026. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/tdsb-class-size-cap

• Used for: Board vote details, budget shortfall figure, TDSB statement

2. Toronto Star. "Parents, teachers rally as TDSB lifts class size limits." February 5, 2026. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/tdsb-class-size-rally

• Used for: Rally details, teacher federation responses, parent reactions

3. Global News. "Ontario school board drops class size cap, raising concerns." February 4, 2026. https://globalnews.ca/news/tdsb-class-size

• Used for: Provincial funding context, per-student spending figures

4. People for Education. "Class Size in Ontario: 2025-2026 Report." 2026. https://peopleforeducation.ca/report/class-size

• Used for: Research on class size effects, historical context

5. ETFO (Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario). "Statement on TDSB Class Size Decision." February 5, 2026. https://www.etfo.ca/news/tdsb-class-size

• Used for: Union position, teacher perspective

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Historical Context

Class Size Debates in Ontario

Class size has been a battleground in Ontario education for decades. In 2003, the Liberal government under Dalton McGuinty made a campaign promise to cap primary classes at 20 students. By 2008, most classes met this target. In 2019, Premier Doug Ford's government raised secondary school class sizes from 22 to 28, triggering province-wide teacher strikes.

The Teacher Shortage

Canada, like many countries, is experiencing a teacher shortage. Fewer people are entering the profession. Retirements are outpacing new hires. Rural and northern communities are hit hardest. The shortage makes it harder to maintain small classes even when caps exist.

Key Terms

• Class Size Cap (KLASS syze KAP): A rule that sets the maximum number of students allowed in one classroom
• School Board (SKOOL BORD): An organization that manages public schools in a region; in Ontario, trustees are elected by the public
• Enrolment (en-ROLE-ment): The number of students registered at a school or school board
• Budget Shortfall (BUH-jet SHORT-fall): When an organization doesn't have enough money to cover its planned spending
• Trustee (trus-TEE): An elected official who serves on a school board and makes decisions about education in their community
• Disproportionately (dis-pro-POR-shun-it-lee): Affecting one group more than others; unfairly uneven

What Is the TDSB?

The Toronto District School Board is the largest school board in Canada and the fourth-largest in North America. It serves students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 across the City of Toronto. It's governed by 22 elected trustees.

Canadian Perspective

Education in Canada is a provincial responsibility under the Constitution. This means each province sets its own rules about class sizes, teacher pay, and curriculum. There is no national standard. This creates big differences: a student in Ontario might have a very different class size experience than a student in British Columbia.

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

📖 On-the-Line Questions (Literal Understanding)

1. What is the TDSB and why is it significant in this story?
2. What was the approximate class size cap before it was removed?
3. How much is the TDSB's budget shortfall this year?
4. Which two teachers' federations condemned the decision?

🔍 Between-the-Line Questions (Inferential Thinking)

1. Why does the TDSB say removing the cap gives them "flexibility"? What does that really mean?
2. How is this both a class size issue AND a funding issue?
3. Why would students from lower-income families be affected more by larger classes?
4. What does the comparison to Finland's class sizes suggest about Ontario's priorities?

💭 Beyond-the-Line Questions (Critical Thinking)

1. If you were a school trustee, would you vote to remove the class size cap to balance the budget, or keep the cap and cut something else? What would you cut?
2. The article says this is really a "funding problem." Who should be responsible for fixing it — the school board, the provincial government, or the federal government? Why?
3. How does the class size debate connect to the idea of fairness in education?

Article 4: Alberta Gives Parents Access to Teens' Medical Records — Doctors Push Back

By The Fairness Watchdog, Grade 6 and The Skeptical Detective, Grade 7

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: Who Should See Your Private Information?

Imagine you write in a diary and keep it in a locked drawer. Your parents love you and want to keep you safe. But would you want them reading your diary without asking? Now imagine it's not a diary — it's your doctor's notes. Notes about your feelings, your body, or questions you asked in private. In Alberta, the government just made it easier for parents to see their teenager's medical records. Some people say this protects families. Others say it could put teens in danger.

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: Who Can See Your Medical Records?

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. At what age could Alberta teens previously keep some medical records private?
2. What is the new age at which records become fully private?
3. Why might a teen need their medical records kept private from parents?

📰 SOURCES

This article was researched using the following sources:

1. CBC News. "Alberta expands parent access to teen health records through MyHealth portal." February 3, 2026. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-myhealth-teen-records

• Used for: Policy change details, government rationale, age threshold change

2. The Globe and Mail. "Doctors warn Alberta's teen medical record policy could endanger youth." February 4, 2026. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta/article-alberta-teen-medical-records

• Used for: Dr. Sam Wong quotes, Alberta Medical Association concerns

3. Edmonton Journal. "Parents can now see teens' MyHealth records. Here's what that means." February 3, 2026. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/myhealth-records-teen-access

• Used for: Technical details of MyHealth portal, mature minor principle background

4. Canadian Paediatric Society. "Position Statement on Adolescent Confidentiality in Healthcare." 2025. https://cps.ca/position-statements/adolescent-confidentiality

• Used for: Medical ethics perspective, survey data on teen health concerns

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Historical Context

The Mature Minor Principle

In Canada, there's a legal concept called the "mature minor doctrine." It says that young people who can demonstrate they understand a medical decision should be able to make that decision themselves — even without parental consent. This has been upheld by Canadian courts multiple times. The concept exists because lawmakers recognized that a 16-year-old is often more capable of making health decisions than a 10-year-old.

Digital Health Records

MyHealth Records is Alberta's online portal where residents can see their own medical information, including lab results, prescriptions, and immunization records. It was launched to make healthcare more convenient. The expansion of parental access is a policy choice — the technology already allowed different access levels.

Alberta's Political Context

Alberta's government under Premier Danielle Smith has made several changes affecting parental rights in education and healthcare. These include requiring schools to inform parents when students want to change their preferred names or pronouns, and now expanding access to medical records.

Key Terms

• Mature Minor Principle (muh-CHOOR MY-nor PRIN-sih-pul): A legal and ethical guideline recognizing that some young people can make their own healthcare decisions
• MyHealth Records (my-HELTH REK-ordz): Alberta's online portal where people can view their medical information
• Confidentiality (kon-fih-den-shee-AL-ih-tee): Keeping information private and only sharing it with authorized people
• Pediatrician (pee-dee-uh-TRIH-shun): A doctor who specializes in the health and medical care of children and teenagers
• Substance Use (SUB-stans YOOZ): Using drugs or alcohol, especially in a way that might be harmful
• Lobbying (LOB-ee-ing): Trying to influence government decisions by meeting with politicians and presenting arguments

What Are Health Records?

Every time you visit a doctor, they write notes about your visit. These notes include your symptoms, any tests they run, medicines they prescribe, and their observations. Together, these make up your health record. In the digital age, many of these records are stored electronically so doctors can access them quickly.

Canadian Perspective

Health privacy laws vary across Canada. In most provinces, teens have some degree of medical privacy, though the exact age differs. The Canadian Medical Association supports maintaining confidentiality for adolescents as a core principle of good healthcare.

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

📖 On-the-Line Questions (Literal Understanding)

1. What is MyHealth Records?
2. At what age could Alberta teens previously keep medical records private?
3. Who is Dr. Sam Wong and what was his concern?
4. What is the "mature minor principle"?

🔍 Between-the-Line Questions (Inferential Thinking)

1. Why might a teen stop going to the doctor if they know their parents can see everything?
2. The article mentions doctors might "stop recording certain information digitally." Why would this be both a solution and a new problem?
3. How does this policy differently affect teens in supportive homes versus teens in difficult home situations?
4. Why is finding a "middle ground" on this issue so challenging?

💭 Beyond-the-Line Questions (Critical Thinking)

1. At what age do you think a young person should have the right to medical privacy? Explain your reasoning.
2. The article presents a tension between "parents' right to know" and "teens' right to privacy." Which do you think is more important, and why?
3. If you were a doctor treating a teenager in a difficult home situation, what would you do under these new rules?

Article 5: Greenland's Warmest January Ever — While Swedish Teens Take Their Government to Court Over Climate

By The Earth Witness, Grade 5 and The Fairness Watchdog, Grade 6

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: What Is a Climate Record?

Imagine you've been tracking your height on the kitchen wall every birthday since you were little. You grow a bit each year — maybe 4 or 5 centimetres. But then one year, you suddenly grow 15 centimetres. That's not normal. That's a record — and it tells you something is different. Scientists do the same thing with temperatures. They've been measuring the weather for over 150 years. When a place has its hottest month ever, it's like that sudden growth spurt. It means something unusual — and possibly worrying — is happening.

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: Greenland's January — Then vs. Now

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. What is Greenland's normal average temperature in January?
2. How much warmer was January 2026 compared to normal?
3. What could happen if Greenland's ice sheet melts completely?

📰 SOURCES

This article was researched using the following sources:

1. BBC News. "Greenland records warmest January in history." February 3, 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment/greenland-warmest-january

• Used for: Temperature data (+0.2°C vs. -7.7°C normal), Arctic warming rate

2. The Guardian. "Swedish youth group Aurora files climate lawsuit against government." February 5, 2026. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/05/aurora-sweden-climate-lawsuit

• Used for: Aurora group details, 600+ youth, lawsuit arguments

3. Reuters. "Arctic warming four times faster than global average, study confirms." 2025. https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/arctic-warming-amplification

• Used for: Arctic amplification data, ice sheet melt projections

4. CBC News. "Canada's North sees record warm January temperatures." February 2026. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nunavut-warm-january

• Used for: Canadian Arctic warming, Inuit community impacts

5. Climate Change Litigation Database. "Global Climate Litigation Report 2026." https://climatecasechart.com

• Used for: Global lawsuit count (2,300+), La Rose case reference

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Historical Context

Climate Records Keep Breaking

2024 was the hottest year ever recorded on Earth. 2025 nearly matched it. January 2026 continued the trend with records broken in Greenland, parts of Siberia, and northern Canada. Scientists have been tracking global temperatures since the 1850s, and the last decade has been the warmest in that entire record.

Youth Climate Activism

The youth climate movement gained global attention in 2018 when Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg began her "Fridays for Future" school strikes. Since then, millions of young people worldwide have joined climate protests. The Aurora lawsuit represents a shift from protests to legal action.

Climate Lawsuits Around the World

Courts are increasingly being asked to decide whether governments are doing enough about climate change. Key cases include:

• Netherlands (Urgenda, 2019): Government ordered to cut emissions by 25%
• Germany (2021): Constitutional court ruled climate law was insufficient
• Switzerland (2024): European Court of Human Rights ruled against inadequate climate policy

Key Terms

• Arctic Amplification (ARK-tik am-plih-fih-KAY-shun): The process by which the Arctic warms much faster than the rest of the planet
• Ice Sheet (EYES SHEET): A massive layer of ice covering a large area of land, like Greenland or Antarctica
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GREEN-house GAS ee-MIH-shunz): Gases like carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere and cause global warming
• Precedent (PREH-sih-dent): A legal decision that serves as an example for future cases
• Constitutional Rights (kon-stih-TOO-shun-ul RYTS): Fundamental rights protected by a country's constitution or charter
• Vicious Cycle (VIH-shus SY-kul): A situation where one problem causes another, which makes the first problem worse

What Is the Arctic?

The Arctic is the region around the North Pole. It includes parts of Canada, Russia, the United States (Alaska), Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Greenland (which is part of Denmark). The Arctic is home to about 4 million people, including many Indigenous communities who have lived there for thousands of years.

Canadian Perspective

Canada has the world's longest Arctic coastline. Climate change in the Arctic directly affects Canadian communities, wildlife, and sovereignty. The Canadian government has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, but critics say current policies are not on track to meet that goal.

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

📖 On-the-Line Questions (Literal Understanding)

1. What was Greenland's average temperature in January 2026?
2. How does this compare to the normal January average?
3. What is the name of the Swedish youth group that filed a climate lawsuit?
4. How many climate lawsuits have been filed worldwide?

🔍 Between-the-Line Questions (Inferential Thinking)

1. What is "Arctic amplification" and why does it create a "vicious cycle"?
2. Why might a court case be more effective than a street protest for climate action?
3. How does Greenland's ice sheet melting affect countries far away from the Arctic?
4. Why does the article connect these two separate stories (Greenland warming and Swedish lawsuit)?

💭 Beyond-the-Line Questions (Critical Thinking)

1. Do you think courts should be able to force governments to change their climate policies? Why or why not?
2. The Aurora group says adults haven't acted fast enough. Do you think young people have a right to take legal action on behalf of their future? Explain.
3. If you could write one climate law for Canada, what would it be and why?

Article 6: Alberta's Premier Wants a Say in Choosing Judges — And Critics Are Alarmed

By The Fairness Watchdog, Grade 6 and The Time Traveler, Grade 6

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: Why Do Judges Need to Be Independent?

Imagine your school has a referee for basketball games. The referee's job is to call fouls fairly — no matter which team they personally cheer for. Now imagine the principal tells the referee: "I want to pick who referees the games from now on, and I want someone who agrees with my rules." Would you trust the referee to be fair? Probably not. That's why judges in Canada are supposed to be independent — chosen for their skills, not their politics. Alberta's Premier wants to change how judges are picked. And that's making a lot of people nervous.

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: How Are Federal Judges Appointed in Canada?

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. Who currently appoints federal judges in Canada?
2. At which step does Premier Smith want Alberta to have influence?
3. Why is judicial independence important in a democracy?

📰 SOURCES

This article was researched using the following sources:

1. CBC Radio. The House with Catherine Cullen. "Danielle Smith and Judicial Appointments / Alberta Separatism." February 7, 2026.

• Used for: Kathleen Petty analysis, Jared Wesley quotes, Mitch Sylvester interview, rally details, referendum signature requirements

2. CBC News. "Danielle Smith demands say in federal judicial appointments." February 4, 2026. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/danielle-smith-judicial-appointments

• Used for: Letter to PM details, "distinct legal traditions" quote, funding threat

3. The Globe and Mail. "Alberta's push for judicial influence raises constitutional questions." February 5, 2026. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-alberta-judicial-appointments

• Used for: Constitutional requirements for changing appointment process, legal expert analysis

4. Financial Times. "Alberta separatists meet with Trump administration officials." February 2026. https://www.ft.com/content/alberta-separatist-trump

• Used for: Separatist-Trump meetings, David Eby "treason" comment

5. Edmonton Journal. "Alberta Prosperity Project rally draws 3,000 in Calgary." February 2026. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/alberta-separatist-rally-calgary

• Used for: Rally attendance, signature collection context

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Historical Context

Judicial Independence in Canada

The idea that judges should be independent from politicians goes back centuries. In England, before the Act of Settlement of 1701, kings and queens could fire judges who disagreed with them. The Act made it so judges could only be removed for serious misconduct — not for making unpopular decisions. Canada inherited this tradition.

Federal vs. Provincial Power

Canada's Constitution divides power between the federal and provincial governments. Criminal law, defense, and interprovincial trade are federal. Education, healthcare, and property law are provincial. Judicial appointments for higher courts fall under federal jurisdiction — and changing that would require a constitutional amendment.

Alberta's History of Grievance

Alberta has long felt that the federal government doesn't understand or respect its interests. The National Energy Program of 1980 — which the federal government imposed to control oil prices — is still remembered bitterly by many Albertans. Pierre Trudeau's policy cost Alberta billions and deepened Western alienation.

Key Terms

• Judicial Independence (joo-DIH-shul in-dee-PEN-dense): The principle that judges should make decisions based on law, not political pressure
• Notwithstanding Clause (not-with-STAN-ding KLAWZ): Section 33 of the Charter that allows governments to override certain Charter rights
• Referendum (ref-er-EN-dum): A vote where all eligible citizens get to decide on a specific question or issue
• Separatism (SEP-ur-uh-tih-zum): A movement to break away from a country and form an independent state
• Constitutional Amendment (kon-stih-TOO-shun-ul uh-MEND-ment): A formal change to a country's constitution, which usually requires agreement from multiple governments
• Western Alienation (WES-turn ay-lee-uh-NAY-shun): The feeling in Western Canadian provinces that the federal government favours Central Canada (Ontario and Quebec)

Who Is Danielle Smith?

Danielle Smith is the Premier of Alberta and leader of the United Conservative Party (UCP). She became Premier in 2022 and won a provincial election in 2023. She is known for her strong stance on provincial rights and her confrontational approach to the federal government.

Canadian Perspective

The tension between Alberta and Ottawa is one of the oldest themes in Canadian politics. While most Albertans want to remain in Canada, frustration with federal policies — especially on energy and climate — runs deep. How the federal government responds to Smith's demands will test whether dialogue can ease the tension or whether it will continue to grow.

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

📖 On-the-Line Questions (Literal Understanding)

1. What did Danielle Smith ask for in her letter to Prime Minister Carney?
2. What does Jared Wesley call Smith's language about "distinct legal traditions"?
3. How many signatures does the Alberta separatist petition need?
4. What is the Notwithstanding Clause?

🔍 Between-the-Line Questions (Inferential Thinking)

1. Why do critics call Smith's use of "distinct legal traditions" coded language? What do they think she really means?
2. How does the judicial appointments demand connect to the broader separatist movement in Alberta?
3. Why would changing the judicial appointment process require a constitutional amendment?
4. Kathleen Petty said a federal voice pushing back on separatism "would actually be weaponized" by the movement. What does she mean?

💭 Beyond-the-Line Questions (Critical Thinking)

1. Should provinces have a say in which federal judges serve in their courts? What are the arguments for and against?
2. The article mentions that Smith insists she is not a separatist. Based on her actions described in the article, do you think her demands help or hurt national unity? Explain.
3. If you were advising Prime Minister Carney, how would you respond to Smith's letter? What would you agree to, and what would you refuse?

Article 7: Carney Shifts Gears — Canada Bets Big on Electric Vehicles

By The Number Cruncher, Grade 7 and The Earth Witness, Grade 5

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: What Is an Industrial Strategy?

Imagine you run a lemonade stand, and your biggest customer suddenly says: "I'm going to charge you extra every time you sell me lemonade." That's basically what happened when US President Trump put tariffs on Canadian-made cars. So what do you do? You could give up. Or you could come up with a plan — maybe sell lemonade to new customers, make better lemonade, or start making something else too. That plan is called an industrial strategy. This week, Prime Minister Carney announced Canada's plan to save — and grow — its car-making industry. And electric vehicles are at the centre of it.

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: Canada's New EV Strategy — The Numbers

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. How much of a rebate can a buyer get for a Canadian-made EV in 2026?
2. How much money is being invested in charging stations?
3. Why is Canada allowing some Chinese EVs into the country?

📰 SOURCES

This article was researched using the following sources:

1. CBC Radio. The House with Catherine Cullen. "Carney Shifts Gears to Get More EVs on Canada's Roads." February 7, 2026.

• Used for: Carney quotes, Joly interview (49,000 Chinese EVs, BYD/Chery talks, tradeable credits, rebate details), Simon Donner analysis, Greig Mordue commentary, Kyle Seeback criticism

2. CBC News. "Carney unveils new auto strategy focused on electric vehicles." February 5, 2026. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-auto-strategy-ev

• Used for: Strategy details, $3 billion fund, $1.5 billion charging stations, emissions standards shift

3. The Globe and Mail. "Canada's EV strategy: What you need to know." February 6, 2026. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-canada-ev-strategy

• Used for: Rebate declining schedule, comparison to Trudeau-era mandate, industry reactions

4. Reuters. "Canada opens door to Chinese EVs with conditions." February 5, 2026. https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/canada-chinese-evs

• Used for: Chinese EV cap details, joint venture discussions with Magna/Linamar

5. Financial Post. "Canada's auto sector: By the numbers." February 2026. https://financialpost.com/transportation/canada-auto-sector-numbers

• Used for: 500,000 jobs figure, Ontario plant details, Honda/Toyota expansion

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Historical Context

Canada's Auto Industry

Canada has been making cars for over 100 years. The Auto Pact of 1965 between Canada and the US created a free trade zone for cars, making Ontario a car-manufacturing powerhouse. Today, most of Canada's auto plants are in southern Ontario, near the US border.

The EV Revolution

Electric vehicles are not new — the first electric car was built in the 1830s! But modern EVs took off with Tesla in 2012. Since then, virtually every major car company has started making electric models. China leaped ahead, and by 2023 was the world's largest car exporter, largely driven by affordable EVs.

Trump's Tariffs

In 2025, US President Trump imposed 10% tariffs on Canadian vehicles, part of a broader trade war. This threatened hundreds of thousands of Canadian jobs. Canada responded with its own tariffs on American cars, but the damage was already being felt: GM paused its Brampton plant, Stellantis cut shifts, and auto workers across Ontario faced uncertainty.

Key Terms

• Tariff (TARE-if): A tax on goods coming into a country from another country; makes imports more expensive
• Rebate (ree-BAYT): Money the government gives back to you after you buy something, to make it cheaper
• Emissions Standards (ee-MIH-shunz STAN-derdz): Government rules about how much pollution cars and factories are allowed to produce
• EV Mandate (ee-vee MAN-dayt): A government rule requiring a certain percentage of car sales to be electric vehicles
• Joint Venture (JOYNT VEN-chur): When two companies team up to work on a project together, sharing costs and profits
• Tradeable Credits (TRAYD-uh-bul KRED-its): Rewards that companies can earn for good behaviour (like building in Canada) and sell to other companies

Who Is Mélanie Joly?

Mélanie Joly is Canada's Minister of Industry. She is responsible for policies related to manufacturing, trade, and economic growth. Before this role, she served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. She represents a riding in Montreal.

Canadian Perspective

The auto industry is deeply personal for many Canadians, especially in Ontario. Towns like Oshawa, Brampton, and Windsor have been built around car manufacturing. When plants close, entire communities are affected. This strategy aims to transition these communities from building gas-powered cars to building electric ones — but the transition is risky and uncertain.

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

📖 On-the-Line Questions (Literal Understanding)

1. How much money can a buyer get back when purchasing a Canadian-made EV in 2026?
2. How much is the government investing in EV charging stations?
3. How many Chinese EVs will Canada allow in 2026?
4. What did the previous government's EV mandate require?

🔍 Between-the-Line Questions (Inferential Thinking)

1. Why does the rebate shrink each year? What is the government hoping will happen by 2030?
2. Why does the government want Chinese car companies to build factories in Canada rather than just selling imported cars?
3. Simon Donner warned the new approach might lead to "more hybrid vehicles" instead of full EVs. Why is this a concern for climate goals?
4. Why did Mélanie Joly say the government wants to "invest in those who invest in us"? What does this mean for GM and Stellantis?

💭 Beyond-the-Line Questions (Critical Thinking)

1. Should Canada allow Chinese EVs into the country, given the political tensions between Canada and China? What are the pros and cons?
2. Is it fair for the government to spend billions helping one industry (auto) when other industries also need help? Why or why not?
3. If you were designing Canada's auto strategy, would you focus on making cars in Canada, or investing in public transit and reducing the need for cars altogether? Explain your reasoning.

🎨 Understanding Political Cartoons

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

ANALYSIS QUESTIONS

1. Observe: What do you see in this cartoon? List all visual elements — figures, objects, labels, buildings, and text.

2. Interpret: What symbols are used? What does the tightrope represent? The two buildings? The wind from below?

3. Identify: What issue or event is being referenced? (Hint: see Article 7 this issue.)

4. Analyze: What is the cartoonist's message or perspective? What challenge is Canada facing?

5. Evaluate: Do you agree that Canada is trying to "balance" between jobs and climate? Is this the right approach, or should the government pick a clear side? Explain your reasoning.

6. Techniques: What persuasive techniques does the cartoonist use?

• Exaggeration
• Symbolism
• Analogy
• Irony
• Labeling
• Other: _______

📝 Quiz

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUIZ

Choose the best answer for each question.

1. Where was the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony held? a) Rome, Italy b) Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy c) San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy d) Turin, Italy

2. What did Greenpeace call the 2026 Olympics because of Eni's sponsorship? a) "Greenwash Games" b) "Oilympics" c) "Fuel Games" d) "Pollution Games"

3. How many Toronto police officers were charged in Project South? a) 3 b) 5 c) 7 d) 12

4. What is the TDSB's budget shortfall this year? a) $12.5 million b) $34.2 million c) $67.8 million d) $100 million

5. Under Alberta's new rules, at what age do medical records become fully private? a) 12 b) 14 c) 16 d) 18

6. What was Greenland's average temperature in January 2026? a) −15.3°C b) −7.7°C c) +0.2°C d) +5.1°C

7. How many signatures does the Alberta separatist petition need? a) About 50,000 b) About 100,000 c) About 170,000 d) About 250,000

8. How much can a buyer get back when purchasing a Canadian-made EV in 2026? a) Up to $2,000 b) Up to $3,500 c) Up to $5,000 d) Up to $10,000

9. How many Chinese EVs will Canada allow into the country in 2026? a) 10,000 b) 25,000 c) 49,000 d) 100,000

10. What did former Prime Minister Harper say must be preserved? a) "The economy" b) "Canada" c) "The Conservative Party" d) "Alberta's sovereignty"

TRUE OR FALSE QUIZ

Write T for True or F for False.

_____ 1. Andrea Bocelli, Mariah Carey, and Lang Lang all performed at the Milano Cortina opening ceremony.

_____ 2. Eni is a German technology company that sponsored the Olympics.

_____ 3. "Breach of trust" means breaking a promise made when taking a position of public authority.

_____ 4. The Toronto Police Service is the smallest municipal police force in Canada.

_____ 5. Finland has an average class size of about 20 students.

_____ 6. The TDSB serves about 238,000 students across nearly 600 schools.

_____ 7. Before the change, Alberta teens as young as 12 could keep certain medical records private.

_____ 8. Greenland is the world's smallest island.

_____ 9. The Aurora climate lawsuit in Sweden involves over 600 young people.

_____ 10. Canada's new EV strategy includes $1.5 billion for charging stations.

BONUS CHALLENGE QUESTIONS 🌟

Answer these questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. Articles 1 and 5 both deal with environmental issues, but in very different ways. Compare how the Olympic sponsorship controversy and the Swedish climate lawsuit represent two different approaches to fighting climate change. Which approach do you think is more effective, and why?

2. Articles 4 and 6 both involve the Alberta government making decisions that critics say go too far. Compare the teen medical records issue with the judicial appointments demand. What do they have in common? How are they different?

3. The editorial connects libraries, municipal elections, and Harper's speech about national unity. In your own words, explain the thread that ties these three ideas together. Why does the editor think they're connected?

🪶 ATTEMPTED MURDER - COMIC STRIP

Two crows observe and comment on human behavior

🧩 Your World Last Week Crossword

Use words from this week's articles to complete the crossword puzzle!

🗺️ Mapping Our World

YOUR TASK

Using a blank world map, complete the following activities.

LOCATIONS TO LABEL

Number each location on your map:

1. Milan, Italy — Site of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony (Article 1)
2. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy — Mountain venue for Winter Olympics skiing events (Article 1)
3. Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Location of Project South police corruption scandal (Article 2) and TDSB class size decision (Article 3)
4. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada — Capital of Alberta, where MyHealth Records policy was changed (Article 4)
5. Calgary, Alberta, Canada — Site of 3,000-person separatist rally (Article 6)
6. Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) — Recorded warmest January in history (Article 5)
7. Stockholm, Sweden — Where the Aurora youth climate lawsuit was filed (Article 5)
8. Oshawa/Brampton, Ontario, Canada — Auto manufacturing cities affected by EV strategy (Article 7)
9. Beijing, China — Headquarters of BYD and other Chinese EV companies (Article 7)
10. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — Parliament Hill, where Harper's portrait was unveiled (Editorial)

DISTANCE CALCULATIONS

Using an online map tool or atlas, calculate:

• Distance between Milan, Italy and Toronto, Canada: _______ km
• Distance between Stockholm, Sweden and Greenland: _______ km
• Distance between Calgary, Alberta and Ottawa, Ontario: _______ km
• Distance between Beijing, China and Oshawa, Ontario: _______ km

GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES TO IDENTIFY

Mark these features on your map with different symbols:

• 🌊 Arctic Ocean (relevant to Greenland warming story)
• ⛰️ Dolomite Mountains, Italy (Olympic skiing venues)
• 🌊 Great Lakes (relevant to Ontario auto industry)
• 🏔️ Rocky Mountains (relevant to Alberta stories)

COLOR-CODING TASK

Use different colors to show where each type of story occurred:

• 🔴 Political stories — Articles 2, 6 (Toronto police; Alberta judicial appointments)
• 🟢 Environmental stories — Articles 1, 5 (Olympic fossil fuels; Greenland/Sweden climate)
• 🔵 Science/Technology stories — Article 7 (EV technology and auto strategy)
• 🟡 Social/Cultural stories — Articles 3, 4 (TDSB class sizes; Alberta medical records)
• 🟠 Economic stories — Article 7 (auto industry, trade, tariffs)

Note: Some articles may fit more than one category. That's okay! Colour them with the category that you think fits best, or use stripes to show multiple categories.

CANADA CONNECTION

Draw lines connecting Canada to each international story location. Which location is:

• Closest to Canada: _____________
• Farthest from Canada: _____________

GEOGRAPHY QUESTIONS

1. Greenland is part of which European country's territory? Why is it geographically considered part of North America?

2. Milan is in northern Italy, near the Alps. Why is this location ideal for hosting a Winter Olympics?

3. Alberta is a landlocked province (no ocean coastline). How might this geographic reality affect its economy and its relationship with the rest of Canada?

4. Sweden is one of the Scandinavian countries. Name the other Scandinavian countries and find them on your map.

5. China and Canada are on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean. Using your map, trace two possible shipping routes a Chinese-made electric car could take to reach Ontario.

6. This week's stories happened on three different continents. Name those continents and list which stories occurred on each.

RESEARCH CHALLENGE 🔍

Choose 3 locations from your map. For each, research and write one interesting geographical fact not mentioned in the articles.

Example: "Milan has more than 200 kilometres of navigable canals, originally designed by Leonardo da Vinci in the 1400s!"

🧮 THE WATERLOO MATH CHALLENGE

Sticky Keys (Grade 5/6)

For some time, Joanne has relied on a calculator to multiply. She just realized that the 8 button on her calculator is broken.

1. Determine a method for Joanne to use her broken calculator to determine the value of 82 X 816
2. Suppose both the button 8 and the 4 button were broken. Could Joanne still use her calculator to determine the product in part (a)?

Theme: Number Sense

Hidden Space (Grade 7/8)

Two students are building storage boxes in woodworking class. The first student builds a box in the form of a cube with each edge measuring 60 cm. The second student builds a box in the shape of a rectangular prism with width w cm, height 30 cm and depth 45 cm. Surprisingly, each student’s box has the same total surface area.

Determine which student’s box has the greatest volume. How much greater is the volume?

Themes: Algebra, Geometry & Measurement

📚 Words to Know — Glossary of Key Terms

Arctic Amplification (ARK-tik am-plih-fih-KAY-shun): The process by which the Arctic warms much faster than the rest of the planet, partly because melting ice exposes darker water that absorbs more heat.

Breach of Trust (BREECH of TRUST): When someone in a position of authority — like a police officer or elected official — breaks the promise they made to serve the public honestly.

Bribery (BRY-buh-ree): Offering or accepting money, gifts, or favours in exchange for doing something illegal or unethical.

Class Size Cap (KLASS syze KAP): A rule that sets the maximum number of students allowed in one classroom.

Confidentiality (kon-fih-den-shee-AL-ih-tee): Keeping information private and only sharing it with authorized people. In healthcare, it means a doctor keeps your information secret unless you say otherwise.

Constitutional Amendment (kon-stih-TOO-shun-ul uh-MEND-ment): A formal change to a country's constitution, usually requiring agreement from multiple levels of government.

Constitutional Rights (kon-stih-TOO-shun-ul RYTS): Fundamental freedoms and protections guaranteed to citizens by a country's constitution or charter.

Corruption (kor-UP-shun): Dishonest or illegal behaviour by people in positions of power, such as police officers, politicians, or business leaders.

Disproportionately (dis-pro-POR-shun-it-lee): Affecting one group more than others; unfairly uneven.

Emissions Standards (ee-MIH-shunz STAN-derdz): Government rules about how much pollution cars, factories, or other sources are allowed to produce.

Energy Transition (EN-er-jee tran-ZIH-shun): The global shift from fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) to cleaner energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Enrolment (en-ROLE-ment): The number of students registered at a school or school board.

EV Mandate (ee-vee MAN-dayt): A government rule requiring that a certain percentage of new car sales must be electric vehicles by a certain date.

Fossil Fuels (FAH-sul FYOOLZ): Energy sources like oil, gas, and coal formed from ancient plants and animals buried underground for millions of years.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GREEN-house GAS ee-MIH-shunz): Gases like carbon dioxide and methane released into the atmosphere that trap heat and cause global warming.

Hypocritical (hip-oh-KRIT-ih-kul): Saying you believe one thing but doing the opposite. ("Do as I say, not as I do.")

Ice Sheet (EYES SHEET): A massive layer of ice covering a large area of land. Earth currently has two major ice sheets: Greenland and Antarctica.

IOC (eye-oh-SEE): International Olympic Committee — the organization based in Switzerland that runs the Olympic Games.

Joint Venture (JOYNT VEN-chur): When two companies team up to work on a project together, sharing costs and profits.

Judicial Independence (joo-DIH-shul in-dee-PEN-dense): The principle that judges should make decisions based on the law alone, free from political pressure or influence.

Lobbying (LOB-ee-ing): Trying to influence government decisions by meeting with politicians, presenting arguments, and advocating for a particular position.

Mature Minor Principle (muh-CHOOR MY-nor PRIN-sih-pul): A legal and ethical guideline recognizing that some young people are mature enough to make their own healthcare decisions.

Municipal Elections (myoo-NIH-sih-pul ee-LEK-shunz): Elections that choose local government leaders — mayors, councillors, and school board trustees — for your town or city.

Notwithstanding Clause (not-with-STAN-ding KLAWZ): Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that allows governments to override certain Charter rights for up to 5 years.

Organized Crime (OR-guh-nyzd KRYME): Criminal activity carried out by structured groups or networks that operate like a business, involved in activities like drug trafficking and money laundering.

Oversight (OH-ver-syte): The process of watching and checking that organizations and individuals follow the rules. Police oversight means having independent bodies that investigate police conduct.

Pediatrician (pee-dee-uh-TRIH-shun): A doctor who specializes in the health and medical care of children and teenagers.

Precedent (PREH-sih-dent): A legal decision that serves as an example or guide for future cases dealing with similar issues.

Rebate (ree-BAYT): Money the government gives back to you after you buy something, to encourage certain purchases (like electric vehicles).

Referendum (ref-er-EN-dum): A vote where all eligible citizens get to decide on a specific question or issue — like whether a province should separate from Canada.

Separatism (SEP-ur-uh-tih-zum): A movement by people in one region to break away from their country and form an independent state.

Sponsorship (SPON-ser-ship): When a company pays money to have its name and logo associated with an event, team, or organization.

Substance Use (SUB-stans YOOZ): Using drugs or alcohol, especially in a way that might be harmful to one's health.

Suspended with Pay (suh-SPEND-ed with PAY): When an employee is told to stay home from work but continues to receive their salary while an investigation is underway.

Tariff (TARE-if): A tax on goods coming into a country from another country, making imported products more expensive.

Tradeable Credits (TRAYD-uh-bul KRED-its): Rewards that companies can earn for desirable behaviour (like manufacturing in Canada) and sell to other companies that want to operate in the market.

Trustee (trus-TEE): An elected official who serves on a school board and makes decisions about education policies in their community.

Vicious Cycle (VIH-shus SY-kul): A situation where one problem causes another, which in turn makes the first problem worse — creating a loop that's hard to break.

Western Alienation (WES-turn ay-lee-uh-NAY-shun): The feeling in Western Canadian provinces (especially Alberta and Saskatchewan) that the federal government favours Central Canada's interests over theirs.

🔐 ANSWER KEY

ARTICLE 1: The Olympics Begin — But Not Everyone Is Cheering

On-the-Line Questions:

1. The San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy.
2. Greenpeace, the international environmental organization.
3. Over 21,000 signatures.
4. Any two of: Andrea Bocelli, Mariah Carey, Lang Lang, Laura Pausini, Cecilia Bartoli.

Between-the-Line Questions:

1. An oil company would want to sponsor the Olympics because it associates their brand with positive values like athleticism, international unity, and peace. It's a form of advertising that makes the company look good ("sportswashing").
2. "Oilympics" combines "oil" and "Olympics," suggesting that Greenpeace views the Games as being tainted or controlled by the oil industry. The nickname is designed to make people think critically about who funds the event.
3. The IOC needs sponsorship money to fund the Games, which cost billions. Rejecting large sponsors would mean finding alternative funding or scaling back the Games. Fossil fuel companies are willing to pay enormous sums.
4. Canada is both a top winter sports nation and a major oil producer (especially in Alberta). Canadians benefit from both the pride of Olympic success and the economic benefits of oil production, creating a tension between environmental values and economic interests.

Beyond-the-Line Questions:

1. Sample answer: There should be some rules. Companies that produce products proven to be harmful (like tobacco or fossil fuels) shouldn't be allowed to use the Olympics to improve their image. However, the line is hard to draw — many companies have both positive and negative impacts.

• Criteria: Strong answers consider both the financial need and the ethical implications.

2. Sample answer: It depends on whether the investment is genuine or just public relations. If Eni is truly spending billions on renewable energy, that's meaningful progress. But if it's a small fraction of their total spending while they continue expanding fossil fuels, it's "greenwashing."

• Criteria: Strong answers distinguish between meaningful action and symbolic gestures.

3. Sample answer: I would create a sponsorship committee that reviews companies' environmental records. Companies would need to meet sustainability criteria to qualify as sponsors.

• Criteria: Strong answers show practical thinking and awareness of competing interests.

Infographic Questions:

1. Top-tier Olympic sponsors pay $200+ million each.
2. Over 21,000 people signed the petition.
3. An oil company wants the positive association with the Olympics — it makes their brand seem clean, healthy, and united, even though their product causes pollution.

ARTICLE 2: Seven Toronto Officers Charged in Corruption Scandal

On-the-Line Questions:

1. Seven Toronto police officers.
2. Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
3. Any two of: bribery, theft, breach of trust, connections to organized crime.
4. He called the charges "deeply troubling."

Between-the-Line Questions:

1. If the officers who collected evidence or made arrests were corrupt, lawyers can argue the evidence is tainted ("fruit of the poisonous tree"). Cases those officers worked on may need to be reviewed or thrown out.
2. Police have special powers (arrest, search, carry weapons) that ordinary citizens don't. Breaking the oath to use those powers honestly is considered an extra-serious offence because it damages public trust in the entire justice system.
3. It means there needs to be an independent body watching over police conduct, since police can't always be trusted to police themselves. Oversight bodies like the SIU exist for this purpose.
4. People may be frustrated because they feel taxpayers shouldn't have to pay officers accused of crimes. It can seem like officers face fewer consequences than regular workers would.

Beyond-the-Line Questions:

1. Sample answer: Communities lose trust and are less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police. This creates a cycle where crime increases because criminals know witnesses won't come forward.

• Criteria: Strong answers connect trust to concrete outcomes.

2. Sample answer: Yes, because police have been given extra power and trust. Breaking that trust should carry extra consequences. Others might argue everyone should face the same penalties regardless of job.

• Criteria: Strong answers consider both sides and reference the concept of "public trust."

3. Sample answer: More independent oversight, body cameras that can't be turned off, regular audits, anonymous reporting systems for officers who see wrongdoing.

• Criteria: Strong answers are specific and practical.

Infographic Questions:

1. Seven officers.
2. Twenty-eight total charges.
3. Because police can't be expected to investigate themselves fairly — independent units ensure accountability.

ARTICLE 3: Ontario Removes Class Size Cap

On-the-Line Questions:

1. The Toronto District School Board — the largest school board in Canada, serving about 238,000 students.
2. Approximately 25 students per class.
3. $67.8 million.
4. The OSSTF (Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation) and ETFO (Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario).

Between-the-Line Questions:

1. "Flexibility" means the board can put more students in some classes to save money on hiring teachers and opening additional classrooms. In practice, it means larger classes.
2. The board removed the cap because they can't afford enough teachers. But the reason they can't afford teachers is because provincial funding is insufficient. Solving one (funding) would solve the other (class size).
3. Lower-income students are more likely to depend on their teacher as their primary source of academic support. They're less likely to have tutors, educational resources at home, or parents who can help with homework.
4. Finland invests more per student and maintains smaller classes while achieving world-leading education results. This suggests smaller classes contribute to better outcomes and that Ontario could achieve similar results with more funding.

Beyond-the-Line Questions:

1. Sample answer: I would keep the cap and cut administrative costs or defer building maintenance to balance the budget. Education quality should come first.

• Criteria: Strong answers name specific alternatives and weigh trade-offs.

2. Sample answer: The provincial government should be responsible because education funding in Canada is a provincial jurisdiction. School boards can only work with the money they receive.

• Criteria: Strong answers reference how education funding works in Canada.

3. Sample answer: Fairness means every student should have an equal opportunity to learn. Larger classes disproportionately hurt students who need the most help, making the system less fair.

• Criteria: Strong answers connect class size to equity and access.

Infographic Questions:

1. Approximately 25 students.
2. About 30 students.
3. Students who struggle (ESL learners, those with learning disabilities) benefit most from individual teacher attention. Larger classes mean less time per student.

ARTICLE 4: Alberta Gives Parents Access to Teens' Medical Records

On-the-Line Questions:

1. Alberta's online portal where residents can see their medical information, including lab results, prescriptions, and immunization records.
2. Age 12, under the "mature minor" principle.
3. A pediatrician and former president of the Canadian Paediatric Society. He warned that teens might stop going to the doctor if they know parents can see everything.
4. A legal and ethical guideline recognizing that some teenagers are mature enough to make their own healthcare decisions.

Between-the-Line Questions:

1. A teen dealing with sensitive issues (mental health, substance use, sexual health) may avoid the doctor entirely rather than risk their parents finding out. This makes them less safe, not more.
2. Stopping digital recording protects teen privacy, but it means doctors won't have complete medical histories. If the teen sees a different doctor, that doctor won't have access to past information, potentially leading to worse medical care.
3. For teens in supportive homes, parental access might be helpful — parents can be more involved in their health. For teens in abusive or unsupportive homes, parental access could be dangerous — it removes the one safe place (the doctor's office) where they could seek confidential help.
4. Most parents are caring and want what's best for their kids (supporting access), but some teens are in situations where parental knowledge of their health information could cause harm (supporting privacy). Writing one rule for all families is inherently difficult.

Beyond-the-Line Questions:

1. Sample answer: Around 14-15, with exceptions for sensitive topics starting at 12. By 14, most young people can understand medical decisions, but there should be safeguards for younger teens dealing with serious issues.

• Criteria: Strong answers consider maturity development and provide reasoning.

2. Sample answer: Both are important, but a teen's right to privacy in healthcare should take priority because without it, some teens' physical safety could be at risk.

• Criteria: Strong answers acknowledge both rights and explain their reasoning.

3. Sample answer: I would still offer confidential conversations but might avoid putting sensitive details in the digital record. I'd also try to build a relationship where the teen and parent can communicate.

• Criteria: Strong answers show awareness of real-world complexity.

Infographic Questions:

1. Age 12.
2. Age 18.
3. A teen in an abusive home, a teen questioning their identity in an unsupportive family, a teen dealing with mental health or substance use issues.

ARTICLE 5: Greenland's Warmest January / Swedish Youth Lawsuit

On-the-Line Questions:

1. +0.2°C.
2. Normal January average is −7.7°C, making January 2026 nearly 8 degrees warmer than normal.
3. Aurora, a group of over 600 Swedish young people.
4. Over 2,300 climate lawsuits globally.

Between-the-Line Questions:

1. Arctic amplification happens when ice melts and exposes darker ocean water, which absorbs more heat, causing more melting. It's a "vicious cycle" because each step makes the next step worse.
2. A court ruling creates a legal precedent that forces governments to act. Protests raise awareness but don't create legal obligations. A court victory can require specific policy changes with deadlines.
3. Melting ice raises sea levels globally, affecting coastal cities everywhere. It also disrupts ocean currents, which affect weather patterns worldwide.
4. The article connects them because they represent two aspects of the same problem: Greenland shows climate change is happening right now (the evidence), while the Swedish lawsuit shows young people are demanding action (the response).

Beyond-the-Line Questions:

1. Sample answer: Yes, because when governments fail to act through normal democratic processes, the courts provide a check on government inaction. Others might argue that courts shouldn't make environmental policy — that's the role of elected politicians.

• Criteria: Strong answers consider separation of powers and democratic accountability.

2. Sample answer: Yes, because young people will live with the long-term consequences of today's decisions. They have a legitimate interest in ensuring governments protect the climate.

• Criteria: Strong answers connect intergenerational responsibility to legal rights.

3. Sample answer: A law requiring all new buildings to use renewable energy by 2030, because buildings are a major source of emissions and this would create lasting change.

• Criteria: Strong answers are specific, practical, and show understanding of climate issues.

Infographic Questions:

1. −7.7°C.
2. Nearly 8 degrees warmer.
3. Global sea levels would rise by 7.4 metres, flooding coastal cities worldwide and displacing about 600 million people.

ARTICLE 6: Alberta's Premier Wants a Say in Choosing Judges

On-the-Line Questions:

1. She demanded that Alberta get more say in how federal judges are appointed in the province.
2. "Coded language" — suggesting Smith is trying to delegitimize the courts rather than simply reflecting Alberta's legal needs.
3. About 170,000 signatures.
4. Section 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which allows governments to override certain Charter rights for up to 5 years.

Between-the-Line Questions:

1. Critics believe "distinct legal traditions" is a way of saying Smith wants judges who agree with her government's policies, rather than judges who follow established law impartially.
2. Both are about Alberta asserting more independence from the federal government. If the province controls who becomes a judge, it has more power over its own legal system — a step toward greater autonomy that separatists support.
3. Federal judicial appointments are established in the Constitution. Changing the Constitution requires agreement from at least 7 provinces representing 50% of the population — a very high bar.
4. If the federal government campaigns against separatism, separatists can use that to prove their point: "See? Ottawa is trying to control us." An outside voice fighting against them might actually help their cause.

Beyond-the-Line Questions:

1. Sample answer: Arguments for: provinces understand local needs. Arguments against: political involvement could compromise judicial independence, and judges need to apply national law, not provincial preferences.

• Criteria: Strong answers consider both sides and reference judicial independence.

2. Sample answer: While each individual demand may seem reasonable, the pattern of demands — gun buyback pushback, energy MOUs, judicial appointments — collectively pushes toward greater Alberta autonomy and weakens national unity.

• Criteria: Strong answers consider the cumulative effect of multiple demands.

3. Sample answer: I would agree to consult Alberta on judicial appointments informally, but would not give the province a formal veto. I'd also publicly make the case for national unity.

• Criteria: Strong answers show diplomatic thinking and consider practical politics.

Infographic Questions:

1. The federal government (Prime Minister and Cabinet).
2. At the committee review and appointment steps (Steps 2 and 3).
3. It ensures judges make decisions based on law, not political pressure, which protects everyone's rights fairly.

ARTICLE 7: Carney Shifts Gears — Canada Bets Big on Electric Vehicles

On-the-Line Questions:

1. Up to $5,000.
2. $1.5 billion.
3. 49,000 Chinese EVs.
4. All new car sales in Canada had to be electric by 2035.

Between-the-Line Questions:

1. The government expects EV prices to drop naturally as technology improves and more companies build EVs. By shrinking the rebate, they're pushing the market to become self-sustaining rather than dependent on government money forever.
2. Building factories creates Canadian jobs and keeps economic activity in Canada. Imported cars only create retail and service jobs, while manufacturing creates higher-paying jobs and develops Canadian industrial capacity.
3. Hybrid vehicles still burn gasoline, just less of it. They reduce emissions somewhat but don't eliminate tailpipe pollution. For climate goals, full EVs are much more effective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
4. It means the government will provide financial support to companies that invest in Canadian jobs and production (Honda, Toyota) while demanding repayment from companies that are cutting Canadian production (GM, Stellantis).

Beyond-the-Line Questions:

1. Sample answer: Pros: affordable EVs for Canadians, potential factory jobs if companies build plants in Canada. Cons: political tensions with China, potential for unfair competition with Canadian-made vehicles. A balanced approach with conditions (like requiring Canadian factories) seems reasonable.

• Criteria: Strong answers weigh multiple factors including economics and geopolitics.

2. Sample answer: The auto industry employs 500,000 people and is critical to Ontario's economy. But the government should also invest in other industries like clean technology, AI, and renewable energy. Diversification reduces risk.

• Criteria: Strong answers consider the scale of the industry and the concept of economic diversification.

3. Sample answer: Investing in public transit would reduce the need for cars altogether, which is better for the environment. But many Canadians live in areas without good transit, so cars will remain important for a long time.

• Criteria: Strong answers consider both urban and rural realities.

Infographic Questions:

1. Up to $5,000.
2. $1.5 billion.
3. To give Canadians access to affordable EVs while requiring Chinese companies to eventually build factories in Canada to sell more vehicles.

POLITICAL CARTOON ANALYSIS

1. Observe: A figure in a hockey jersey on a tightrope labeled "AUTO STRATEGY" between two buildings ("JOBS" and "CLIMATE"). Carrying a gas can and electrical plug. Wind from below caused by "TARIFFS" figure. Beaver watching from below.
2. Interpret: The tightrope represents the difficult balance Canada must maintain. The two buildings represent the competing priorities of jobs and climate. The wind from below represents external threats (US tariffs) making the balance harder. The beaver (symbol of Canada) represents ordinary Canadians watching nervously.
3. Identify: Canada's new auto/EV strategy announced by PM Carney (Article 7), which tries to balance job preservation with environmental goals while dealing with US tariffs.
4. Analyze: The cartoonist suggests Canada faces an extremely difficult balancing act and that external pressures (Trump's tariffs) make it even harder. The beaver's comment about "building the bridge first" suggests the strategy may be reactive rather than proactive.
5. Evaluate: Answers will vary. Strong responses consider whether a balanced approach is wise or whether a clearer commitment to one priority might be more effective.
6. Techniques: Symbolism (tightrope, buildings, beaver), labeling (all elements clearly named), analogy (balancing act), irony (the beaver's comment).

NEWS PHOTO ANALYSIS

1. Observation: The Olympic cauldron lit at San Siro Stadium, athletes on the floor holding flags and phones, 80,000 spectators, Olympic rings glowing, fireworks in the sky.
2. Context: February 6, 2026, Milan, Italy. The opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The cauldron lighting traditionally signals the official start of the Games.
3. Composition: The cauldron is centred, drawing the eye. The high angle shows the scale of the event. The colourful athlete delegations contrast with the dark sky, creating visual drama.
4. Emotion: Awe, celebration, and unity. The warm firelight against the dark sky creates a dramatic, almost sacred atmosphere — as if this moment is something special and shared.
5. Perspective: The photo shows unity and celebration but doesn't show the Greenpeace protests outside the stadium or the controversy over Eni's fossil fuel sponsorship. The missing perspective is that of environmental activists who see the ceremony differently.
6. Impact: The cauldron lighting symbolizes the official start of the Olympics, representing international peace, competition, and human achievement. It's one of the most iconic moments in sports.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUIZ

1. c) San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy — The opening ceremony was held at this famous soccer stadium.
2. b) "Oilympics" — Greenpeace coined this name to criticize Eni's sponsorship.
3. c) 7 — Seven officers were charged with 28 total offences.
4. c) $67.8 million — This was the TDSB's budget shortfall.
5. d) 18 — The age was raised from 12 to 18.
6. c) +0.2°C — Nearly 8 degrees above the normal average of −7.7°C.
7. c) About 170,000 — Roughly the population of Red Deer.
8. c) Up to $5,000 — The maximum rebate for a Canadian-made EV.
9. c) 49,000 — With 6% annual increases for five years.
10. b) "Canada" — Harper said "We must preserve Canada."

TRUE/FALSE QUIZ

1. T — All three performed at the opening ceremony.
2. F — Eni is an Italian oil and gas company, not a German technology company.
3. T — Breach of trust means breaking the oath of public duty.
4. F — The Toronto Police Service is the largest municipal police force in Canada.
5. T — Finland's average class size is about 20 students.
6. T — The TDSB serves approximately 238,000 students.
7. T — Under the mature minor principle, teens as young as 12 could keep certain records private.
8. F — Greenland is the world's largest island.
9. T — Over 600 young people are part of the Aurora climate lawsuit.
10. T — The EV strategy includes $1.5 billion for charging stations.

BONUS CHALLENGE QUESTIONS

1. Sample Response: The Olympic sponsorship controversy uses public pressure and petition campaigns to shame a company (Eni) and the IOC into changing their behaviour. The Swedish lawsuit uses the legal system to force the government to act. The legal approach may be more effective because court rulings are binding — governments must comply. Protests can be ignored, but court orders cannot. However, protests raise public awareness, which can influence elections and policy over time. Both approaches work together.

• Rubric: Must compare the two approaches, evaluate effectiveness, and show understanding of how pressure campaigns and legal systems work differently.

2. Sample Response: Both the teen medical records policy and the judicial appointments demand involve the Alberta government seeking more control — over health information in one case, and over the legal system in the other. Critics say both go too far by undermining important protections (medical privacy for teens, judicial independence for courts). They differ in scale: medical records is a provincial policy already implemented, while judicial appointments would require constitutional change.

• Rubric: Must identify the common theme (government seeking control), identify what critics say, and distinguish between the two issues.

3. Sample Response: The editor's thread is about democratic participation at the local level. Libraries depend on municipal funding, which is decided by locally elected councillors chosen in municipal elections. Harper's speech about preserving Canada connects because national unity depends on citizens at every level — local, provincial, and federal — caring about their communities and participating in democracy. The thread is: when people engage with their local institutions (like libraries), they build the habits of citizenship that hold the country together.

• Rubric: Must connect all three elements (libraries, municipal elections, Harper) and identify the overarching theme of civic participation.

MAP ASSIGNMENT

Labeled Locations:

1. Milan, Italy — Northern Italy, Lombardy region (45.4642° N, 9.1900° E)
2. Cortina d'Ampezzo — Veneto region, Dolomite Mountains (46.5369° N, 12.1388° E)
3. Toronto — Southern Ontario, north shore of Lake Ontario (43.6532° N, 79.3832° W)
4. Edmonton — Central Alberta (53.5461° N, 113.4938° W)
5. Calgary — Southern Alberta (51.0447° N, 114.0719° W)
6. Greenland — Northeast of Canada, between Arctic and Atlantic Oceans (71.7069° N, 42.6043° W)
7. Stockholm — Eastern Sweden, Baltic Sea coast (59.3293° N, 18.0686° E)
8. Oshawa/Brampton — Greater Toronto Area, Southern Ontario
9. Beijing — Eastern China (39.9042° N, 116.4074° E)
10. Ottawa — Eastern Ontario, Ottawa River (45.4215° N, 75.6972° W)

Distance Calculations:

• Milan to Toronto: approximately 6,900 km
• Stockholm to Greenland (Nuuk): approximately 3,400 km
• Calgary to Ottawa: approximately 3,000 km
• Beijing to Oshawa: approximately 10,500 km

Geography Questions:

1. Greenland is territory of Denmark. Geographically, it sits on the North American tectonic plate and is closer to Canada than to Europe.
2. Milan is near the Alps, which provide the high elevation and cold temperatures needed for snow sports like skiing, bobsled, and luge.
3. Alberta has no port for shipping goods directly overseas. It depends on pipelines and rail to other provinces to export oil and products, making interprovincial relations critical to its economy.
4. Norway, Denmark (sometimes Finland and Iceland are included depending on the definition).
5. Route 1: Pacific shipping route (Shanghai → Pacific Ocean → Panama Canal → Atlantic → St. Lawrence Seaway → Ontario). Route 2: Arctic route (through Northern Sea Route → Atlantic → St. Lawrence).
6. North America (Articles 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 — Canada), Europe (Articles 1, 5 — Italy, Sweden, Greenland/Denmark), Asia (Article 7 — China connection).

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

THE WATERLOO MATH CHALLENGE (Last week’s)

Coding Figures (5/6)

Just Like Kayak 1 (7/8)