Inside a Defining and Difficult Era for Canada Basketball

Long before packed NBA arenas, global superstars, and Olympic medal dreams became part of Canada’s basketball identity, the sport in this country existed on the margins—underfunded, overlooked, and deeply divided. The early 1990s represented both a turning point and a painful reckoning for Canada Basketball, as ambition collided with reality during a period marked by growth, missteps, and uncomfortable truths.

At the centre of this turbulent era was the 1994 FIBA World Championship, an event that was supposed to announce Canada’s arrival on the global basketball stage. Instead, it exposed structural weaknesses, cultural fractures, and longstanding issues that would take decades to confront.

How Canada Ended Up Hosting the World

The tournament was never meant to come to Canada. Originally scheduled for Belgrade, the championship was relocated after war broke out in Yugoslavia in the early 1990s. With limited options available, FIBA reached out to Canadian businessman John Bitove, asking whether Canada could step in.

Bitove saw opportunity—but only if the event carried global relevance. The success of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where NBA professionals formed the iconic U.S. Dream Team, had transformed basketball’s international appeal. Bitove believed Canada could not attract fans, sponsors, or legitimacy without NBA participation.

After securing approval from NBA commissioner David Stern, Canada won the bid. A committee raised roughly $13 million to stage the tournament across Toronto and Hamilton, using massive venues like SkyDome and Maple Leaf Gardens.

Against the odds, the event was a commercial success. Hundreds of thousands of tickets were sold, and Canada Basketball—an organization on the brink of financial collapse—received a share of the profits that ensured its survival.

The ripple effects were historic. Within a year, Bitove leveraged those relationships to help bring the Toronto Raptors into existence. In many ways, the world championship laid the foundation for Canada’s NBA future.

A Young Star Emerges

On the court, the tournament marked the first major international moment for a 20-year-old Steve Nash. Playing in his first senior event, Nash showed flashes of creativity and confidence that hinted at what was to come.

Though he was not yet a star, his style stood out. While much of the roster focused on structure and discipline, Nash brought flair, vision, and unpredictability—qualities that would later define Canadian basketball’s modern identity.

Despite that promise, Canada’s performance disappointed. The team finished seventh, failing to reach the quarterfinals on home soil. Losses to teams like Russia and Greece fueled criticism and amplified scrutiny.

For many observers, the problem was not effort, but identity.

An Embarrassing Atmosphere at Home

One of the most uncomfortable moments of the tournament had little to do with the scoreboard.

In several games, Canadian fans were visibly outnumbered by supporters of opposing teams. Flags from Greece, Russia, and other nations filled the stands, creating a jarring scene for a host country. The lack of home support became a national talking point.

For longtime basketball observers, it symbolized how disconnected Canada was from its own national program. Basketball simply did not command the attention hockey did, and without an NBA presence, the sport struggled to capture mainstream interest.

Players noticed the difference immediately. Some recalled being recognized and celebrated overseas, only to be virtually anonymous at home. The contrast was stark—and demoralizing.

A System Built on Control, Not Creativity

Behind the scenes, deeper issues were unfolding.

Head coach Ken Shields ran a centralized national team program based in Victoria, heavily influenced by his success coaching university basketball. His philosophy prioritized discipline, fitness, and execution. It worked in a limited context, producing solid teams and professional opportunities for some players.

But it also narrowed the pipeline.

The roster was dominated by athletes from Western Canada and university programs, while emerging talent from Toronto and Montreal—cities experiencing explosive growth in Black and immigrant communities—was often overlooked.

Former coaches and players later described the teams of that era as overwhelmingly white, reflecting not just demographics but selection bias. While basketball culture was evolving rapidly in urban centres, the national program remained rooted in an older model.

East vs. West: A Cultural Divide

By the early 1990s, basketball power in Canada was shifting eastward.

Toronto and Montreal high schools were producing athletes with speed, creativity, and an improvisational style influenced by streetball and outdoor courts. These players played above the rim, thrived in chaos, and brought flair to the game.

It was a sharp contrast to the structured, methodical approach favoured by the national program.

The divide wasn’t just tactical—it was cultural. Urban players often felt misunderstood or undervalued, while selectors viewed their style as risky or undisciplined. This disconnect prevented Canada from fully tapping into its growing talent base at a critical moment.

Allegations and Uncomfortable Questions

As years passed, former players and coaches became more vocal about the racial dynamics of that era.

Some described systemic barriers that limited opportunities for Black athletes, not through overt exclusion, but through preferences that favoured certain backgrounds, coaching trees, and playing styles. Others pointed to a lack of diversity in leadership roles and decision-making positions.

These conversations were largely absent from public discourse at the time. Basketball did not yet command enough national attention to force accountability. But the consequences were clear: Canada lagged behind countries that embraced change faster.

Seeds of the Golden Generation

Ironically, the very failures of the early 1990s planted the seeds for future success.

The arrival of the Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995 transformed basketball’s visibility. Young players finally had role models wearing Canadian jerseys in the NBA. Urban courts became incubators of talent rather than afterthoughts.

Steve Nash’s eventual rise to MVP status reframed what Canadian basketball could be. His success challenged old assumptions and proved that creativity and intelligence could coexist at the highest level.

Over time, Canada Basketball began to modernize—slowly expanding its talent identification, diversifying leadership, and embracing the country’s changing demographics.

A Necessary Reckoning

Looking back, the 1994 FIBA World Championship stands as both a triumph and a cautionary tale.

It saved an organization financially, sparked the birth of an NBA franchise, and introduced a generation to international basketball. But it also revealed how unprepared Canada was to fully support, represent, and understand its own players.

The embarrassment, the criticism, and the internal conflicts forced a long-overdue reckoning—one that would eventually shape the inclusive, globally respected program Canada boasts today.

The golden generation did not emerge overnight. It was forged through missteps, missed opportunities, and difficult conversations that began during one of the most turbulent periods in the sport’s history.

Realtors Impacted by iPro Realty Scandal to Receive Half of Frozen Commissions

Florez is part of a group representing roughly 250 affected agents, many of whom have been waiting months for commissions tied to completed transactions. She says the group plans to formally raise concerns with both RECO administrator Jean Lépine and Premier Doug Ford, arguing that the current compensation structure unfairly shifts the burden of brokerage failure onto individual realtors.

What RECO Is Saying

In a public advisory issued Dec. 15, Lépine said RECO’s priority has been to accelerate payments through the Commission Protection Insurance Program, administered by Alternative Risk Services.

“This event is larger in scope and size than any that has occurred in 25 years of the insurance program,” the insurer said, noting that total commission losses are projected to reach approximately $30 million.

According to Alternative Risk Services, the combination of:

• $4 million in insurance coverage, and

• Funds expected to be recovered from frozen iPro accounts

is only sufficient to cover about half of the total commission claims.

Lépine emphasized that consumer protection was also a key concern, adding that approximately $5 million in consumer deposit claims have already been paid out, ensuring buyers and sellers were not financially harmed by the brokerage’s collapse.

Why Only 50 Per Cent?

At the heart of the dispute is how commission protection insurance is structured in Ontario.

Real estate agents are required to pay into an insurance program designed to protect both consumer deposits and realtor commissions in the event of brokerage insolvency or misappropriation. However, agents do not control trust accounts and have no authority over how brokerages manage funds.

“That’s the fundamental injustice here,” Florez said. “Realtors are paying for insurance to cover risks they don’t create and can’t control.”

Insurance limits, combined with the scale of losses at iPro, mean that even when the insurance is triggered, agents are effectively competing for a limited pool of funds—often after consumer claims are prioritized.

The iPro Timeline

According to an audit report cited by provincial officials, iPro Realty first disclosed a $10 million shortfall in trust accounts to RECO on May 19. However, the regulator did not publicly disclose the issue until August 14, when it announced the brokerage would terminate its registration and close on Aug. 19.

By that point, RECO moved to freeze all iPro accounts, a step intended to safeguard remaining funds but one that also prevented commissions from being released without a court order.

“Once a freeze order is in place, outstanding funds can be deposited, but no funds can be released without evidence of loss and court authorization,” Lépine explained.

That freeze sparked a wave of protests by agents across the Greater Toronto Area, with demonstrators demanding immediate access to earned commissions.

Provincial Takeover of RECO

The scale of the scandal prompted the Ontario government to take over RECO, appointing Lépine as administrator effective Dec. 1.

An independent audit concluded that RECO’s registrar had deviated from standard regulatory practices in responding to the iPro situation, raising concerns about delayed intervention and oversight failures.

For affected agents, those findings only deepen frustration.

“If regulatory failures contributed to the size of this loss,” Florez argued, “then RECO should be financially responsible for ensuring commissions are paid in full.”

Agents Say System Is Fundamentally Unfair

In a written statement, Florez questioned why individual realtors—many of whom are independent contractors—bear the financial consequences of brokerage misconduct.

“If brokerages are the custodians of trust funds, why are they not bearing the full cost of the insurance that protects against their own failures?” she asked.

Agents say the current system leaves them:

• Waiting months for payment

• Receiving partial compensation

• Absorbing financial losses despite completing transactions

Many report having mortgages, staff salaries, marketing expenses and personal obligations that continued while their income was frozen.

Broader Impact on the Industry

iPro Realty employed approximately 2,400 agents and operated 17 locations across Ontario, including Mississauga, Brampton, Burlington, Milton, Georgetown, Woodbridge, Orangeville and Pickering.

Industry observers say the scandal has shaken confidence in brokerage oversight and raised questions about whether insurance limits and regulatory safeguards are adequate for large, modern brokerages.

“This case exposed vulnerabilities that have existed for years,” said one real estate governance expert. “The system was designed for smaller failures, not multi-million-dollar collapses.”

What Happens Next?

For now, agents will begin receiving half of their owed commissions, with no guarantee the remaining balance will ever be paid.

Florez and other agents say they will continue pushing for:

• Full commission repayment

• Regulatory reform

• A review of insurance funding structures

• Clear accountability for oversight failures

“This isn’t just about iPro,” Florez said. “It’s about protecting every realtor in Ontario from going through this again.”

Conclusion

The decision to release 50 per cent of frozen commissions marks a significant but controversial step in resolving one of Ontario’s largest real estate scandals.

While regulators emphasize consumer protection and financial limitations, affected agents argue the solution leaves them unfairly penalized for failures beyond their control.

As partial payments roll out, the iPro scandal continues to raise uncomfortable questions about accountability, insurance adequacy and who ultimately pays the price when brokerage oversight breaks down.

Brampton Teens Among Three Charged After Loaded Handguns Seized Following Police Pursuit

Brampton, Ont. — Two Brampton teenagers are among three individuals facing multiple firearms-related charges after Peel Regional Police say they seized loaded handguns and high-capacity ammunition magazines following a vehicle pursuit earlier this month.

Police say the incident unfolded on the evening of December 9, when officers attempted to investigate a vehicle in a residential area of Brampton. What began as a routine interaction quickly escalated into a dangerous situation that ended with arrests, firearm seizures, and a renewed spotlight on youth gun violence in the region.

Vehicle Flees From Officers

According to Peel police, officers attempted to investigate a vehicle on Worthington Avenue at approximately 7 p.m. The circumstances that initially drew police attention to the vehicle were not disclosed.

When officers approached, police allege the driver fled at a high rate of speed, prompting immediate concern for public safety.

“A driver fleeing from police creates a significant risk to pedestrians, residents and other motorists,” police said in a statement following the incident.

The pursuit was short-lived. Police say the vehicle lost control shortly afterward and became disabled, allowing officers to move in and make arrests without further incident.

Three Arrested at the Scene

Following the crash, officers arrested two adults and one youth who were inside the vehicle. No serious injuries were reported.

During a search of the vehicle, police claim they discovered a cache of firearms and ammunition, including:

• Two loaded Glock handguns

• A high-capacity magazine containing 26 rounds of ammunition

• A drum magazine, which is capable of holding a large volume of ammunition

Peel police emphasized that the firearms were loaded at the time of seizure, heightening concerns about the potential for violence had the situation unfolded differently.

Teenagers Facing Extensive Gun Charges

Police confirmed that two of the accused are teenagers from Brampton, while the third is a young adult from outside the city.

An 18-year-old Brampton man has been charged with:

• Dangerous operation of a vehicle

• Flight from a peace officer

• Ten firearms-related offences

A 16-year-old Brampton youth is facing:

• Fourteen gun-related charges, including offences related to possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition

A 20-year-old man from Dundalk, Ont., is charged with:

• Nine firearms-related offences

Because one of the accused is a minor, police have not released identifying information in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Firearms and High-Capacity Magazines Raise Alarm

Police and public safety advocates say the seizure of high-capacity magazines and a drum magazine is particularly concerning.

Under Canadian law, most handgun magazines are limited to 10 rounds, and possession of prohibited or modified magazines can carry serious penalties.

“High-capacity magazines dramatically increase the lethality of firearms,” law enforcement officials have said in past statements. “Their presence often points to an increased risk of mass harm.”

While police did not disclose whether the firearms were legally registered or linked to other crimes, investigators say the matter remains under investigation.

Rising Concerns Over Youth Gun Involvement

The case adds to growing concern over the involvement of youth and young adults in gun-related offences in Peel Region.

In recent years, Peel police have repeatedly warned about the increasing accessibility of illegal firearms, particularly among teenagers. Many of these weapons are believed to be smuggled into Canada through organized crime networks or obtained through straw purchasing.

Police officials have noted that young people are increasingly being recruited or influenced by criminal networks, often through social media, peer pressure, or promises of status and financial gain.

“This is not just a policing issue,” community leaders have said. “It’s a social issue that requires prevention, education and intervention.”

Risks of Police Pursuits in Residential Areas

The incident also highlights the dangers associated with vehicle pursuits, especially in residential neighbourhoods.

Police services across Ontario follow strict pursuit policies that balance the need to apprehend suspects against the risk to the public. In many cases, pursuits are terminated if the danger becomes too great.

While Peel police did not provide details on pursuit tactics used in this case, the force noted that the vehicle became disabled shortly after fleeing, preventing a prolonged chase.

“No one wants to see a pursuit end in tragedy,” a policing expert said. “The presence of firearms only heightens the stakes.”

Legal Consequences and Court Process Ahead

All three accused are expected to face serious legal consequences if convicted.

Firearms offences involving loaded handguns and prohibited magazines can carry:

• Lengthy prison sentences

• Mandatory minimum penalties in some cases

• Long-term prohibitions on firearm possession

For youth offenders, the Youth Criminal Justice Act allows courts to impose sentences that focus on rehabilitation while still holding individuals accountable for serious crimes.

The accused are expected to appear in court at a later date. None of the allegations have been tested in court.

Community Reaction and Calls for Prevention

Incidents involving firearms continue to fuel anxiety among residents, particularly when they occur in residential neighbourhoods and involve young people.

Community advocates say enforcement must be paired with early intervention programs, mentorship opportunities, and support for at-risk youth.

“Every gun taken off the street matters,” one community leader said. “But we also need to ask how these young people got here in the first place.”

Peel police have emphasized ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal gun trafficking through targeted enforcement, intelligence-led investigations, and partnerships with federal agencies.

Police Urge Public Assistance

Peel police are asking anyone with information related to illegal firearms or criminal activity to come forward.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Peel Crime Stoppers, and police say community cooperation remains one of the most effective tools in preventing gun violence.

Conclusion

The arrest of three individuals — including two Brampton teenagers — and the seizure of loaded handguns following a vehicle pursuit underscores the continuing challenge of gun violence in Peel Region.

Police say removing illegal firearms from the streets is a critical step, but acknowledge that long-term solutions will require collaboration between law enforcement, community organizations, families and governments.

As the case moves through the courts, it serves as another reminder of the risks posed by illegal guns — and the urgency of preventing them from falling into the hands of young people.

Brampton Restaurant Receives Warning After Food Safety Violations Found During Peel Health Inspection

Brampton, Ont. — A Brampton restaurant was issued a conditional pass following a recent inspection by Peel Public Health, after inspectors identified several food safety and sanitation issues that did not meet provincial standards.

The restaurant, Fresh Tandoori, located at 3 Charles St., was inspected on December 11 as part of Peel Region’s routine food premises inspection program. While the business was permitted to continue operating, inspectors flagged multiple violations that required corrective action. A follow-up inspection on December 15 confirmed that the issues had been addressed, resulting in the establishment receiving a full pass.

Peel Public Health routinely inspects restaurants, bakeries, bars, beverage rooms, takeout counters, and other food establishments to ensure they comply with the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario’s primary legislation governing food safety.

Inspection Reveals Multiple Areas of Non-Compliance

According to inspection records released by Peel Region, Fresh Tandoori failed to meet compliance requirements in several key areas during the December 11 inspection.

Among the violations cited by inspectors were issues related to temperature control, sanitation, water supply, and staff hygiene, all of which play a critical role in preventing foodborne illness.

Key violations identified included:

• Lack of accurate and easy-to-read thermometers, which are required to monitor food temperatures safely

• Improper food storage, increasing the risk of contamination or adulteration — classified as a significant risk

• Insufficient supply of potable hot and cold running water under pressure

• Missing or inadequate handwashing supplies at designated stations

• Unsanitary washroom conditions, including missing required supplies

• Poor housekeeping practices throughout the facility

• Mechanical ventilation issues, preventing proper removal of odours, fumes and heat

• Absence of a certified food handler or supervisor on site during hours of operation

One violation related to the maintenance of food-contact surfaces was corrected during the inspection, according to the report.

While no immediate closure was ordered, inspectors issued a yellow conditional pass, indicating that corrective measures were required to address potential health risks.

Follow-Up Inspection Results in Pass

Peel Public Health conducted a follow-up inspection on December 15, four days after the initial visit. During that inspection, officials confirmed that Fresh Tandoori had addressed the deficiencies outlined in the earlier report.

As a result, the restaurant received a green pass, meaning it was found to be in compliance with food safety regulations at the time of the follow-up visit.

Public health officials note that a conditional pass does not necessarily indicate an imminent health hazard, but rather that certain risks must be corrected promptly to ensure public safety.

How Peel’s Food Inspection System Works

Peel Public Health’s inspection program is designed to ensure transparency and accountability while protecting residents from foodborne illnesses. Inspection results are made publicly available so consumers can make informed choices about where they eat.

Under the system, food establishments receive one of three possible outcomes:

Green Pass

A green pass indicates the establishment is meeting all food safety and operational requirements under provincial law. These businesses are considered compliant at the time of inspection.

Yellow Conditional Pass

A yellow sign means inspectors found violations that must be corrected, particularly those posing a risk of illness. Businesses may remain open but are subject to follow-up inspections to confirm compliance.

Red Closed

A red sign is issued when inspectors identify a serious health hazard. The establishment must close immediately and remain closed until all risks are addressed and verified by public health officials.

Peel Region emphasizes that inspection results reflect conditions at the time of inspection and that compliance status can change over time.

Why Food Safety Violations Matter

Food safety experts stress that violations related to temperature control, sanitation, and hygiene are among the most common contributors to foodborne illness outbreaks.

Improper food storage can allow harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria to grow, while inadequate handwashing facilities increase the risk of cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.

Similarly, lack of potable water, poor ventilation, and unsanitary washrooms can compromise overall cleanliness and pose risks not only to customers but also to food service workers.

Public health inspectors assess these risks using standardized provincial guidelines, focusing on prevention rather than punishment.

Frequency of Inspections in Peel Region

Food premises in Peel are inspected at least once a year, with higher-risk establishments subject to more frequent visits. Additional inspections may be conducted following complaints, illness reports, or previous non-compliance.

Inspectors are authorized to:

• Enter food establishments without notice

• Review food handling procedures

• Take food samples if necessary

• Order corrective actions

• Close establishments when health hazards are identified

Peel Public Health says the goal of the program is not to penalize businesses, but to support safe food handling practices and reduce the risk of illness in the community.

What Consumers Can Do

Residents are encouraged to check inspection results before dining out. Peel Region publishes inspection outcomes online, allowing the public to search by restaurant name or location.

Consumers can also take note of posted inspection signs, which must be clearly visible at the entrance of food establishments.

Public health officials recommend customers:

• Look for a green pass sign before entering

• Report concerns such as poor cleanliness or food handling practices

• Seek medical advice if they suspect food-related illness

Reminder for Food Operators

Peel Public Health regularly reminds food operators of their responsibilities under provincial law, including:

• Ensuring at least one certified food handler is on site during operating hours

• Maintaining clean, functional handwashing and washroom facilities

• Monitoring food temperatures accurately

• Practicing good housekeeping and pest prevention

Failure to comply can result in repeat inspections, fines, or closure orders in serious cases.

Public Transparency and Accountability

Peel Region says making inspection results public helps promote food safety awareness and encourages businesses to maintain high standards.

“Food safety is a shared responsibility,” public health officials note. “Inspection programs work best when operators, inspectors, and consumers all play a role in maintaining safe environments.”

Conclusion

While Fresh Tandoori was initially flagged for multiple food safety issues, the restaurant corrected the violations and passed a follow-up inspection within days. Peel Public Health says this demonstrates how the inspection system is intended to work — identifying risks, requiring corrective action, and verifying compliance.

As residents continue dining out across Brampton and the wider Peel Region, public health officials encourage the public to stay informed and remain vigilant about food safety standards.

Schools Closed Across Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon as Two-Week Winter Break Begins Dec. 22

Mississauga, Ont. — Students and families across Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon are preparing for a much-anticipated pause in the school year as elementary and secondary schools under the Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board close for the annual two-week winter break, beginning Monday, December 22.

The last day of classes for students in both boards is Friday, December 19, marking the official start of the holiday season for thousands of families across the Region of Peel. Schools will remain closed through Friday, January 2, 2026, with students returning to class on Monday, January 5.

The winter break includes major holidays such as Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, offering students and educators an opportunity to rest, travel, and spend time with family before the second half of the academic year begins.

A Welcome Pause for Students and Educators

The two-week winter break is one of the longest scheduled breaks in the Ontario school calendar and is widely viewed as an important reset point for students and staff alike. After nearly four months of continuous instruction since September, educators say the break supports student well-being, mental health, and academic focus.

Parents across Peel have also welcomed the break, especially those balancing work schedules and holiday planning. Many families use the time to travel, participate in cultural celebrations, or simply unwind at home.

School boards encourage families to review official calendars and board communications to ensure they are aware of all key dates and expectations for the remainder of the school year.

Peel District School Board: Key Dates to Know

The Peel District School Board (PDSB), which serves tens of thousands of students across the region, has released its full list of PA days, holidays, and exam periods for the 2025–26 school year.

PA Days (No Classes for Students)

• Monday, January 19 — Elementary students only

• Thursday, January 29 — Secondary students only

• Friday, February 13 — All students

• Friday, May 15 — All students

• Monday, June 8 — Elementary students only

• Wednesday, June 24 — Secondary students only

• Thursday, June 25 — Secondary students only

School Holidays

• Winter Break: Monday, Dec. 22 to Friday, Jan. 2, 2026

• Family Day: Monday, Feb. 16

• March Break: Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20

• Good Friday: Friday, April 3

• Easter Monday: Monday, April 6

• Victoria Day: Monday, May 18

Secondary School Exam Periods

• Semester 1 Exams: Thursday, Jan. 22 to Wednesday, Jan. 28

• Semester 2 Exams: Wednesday, June 17 to Tuesday, June 23

Other Important Dates

• Friday, Jan. 30: First day of Semester 2

• Tuesday, June 16: Last day of classes before exams (secondary)

• Thursday, June 26: Official last day of the school year

Parents are advised to check school newsletters and board updates, particularly during exam periods, as schedules may vary by school.

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board Calendar

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) follows a similar schedule, with slight variations for PA days and end-of-year dates.

PA Days

• Monday, January 19 — Elementary students only

• Thursday, January 29 — Secondary students only

• Friday, February 13 — All students

• Friday, April 10 — St. Sofia Catholic School only

• Friday, May 15 — All students

• Monday, June 8 — Elementary students only

• Thursday, June 25 — Secondary students only

• Friday, June 26 — Secondary students only

School Holidays

• Winter Break: Monday, Dec. 22 to Friday, Jan. 2, 2026

• Family Day: Monday, Feb. 16

• March Break: Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20

• Good Friday: Friday, April 3

• Easter Monday: Monday, April 6

• Victoria Day: Monday, May 18

Exam Periods

• Semester 1 Exams: Wednesday, Jan. 21 to Wednesday, Jan. 28

• Semester 2 Exams: Wednesday, June 17 to Wednesday, June 24

Notable Dates

• Friday, Jan. 30: First day of Semester 2

• Tuesday, June 16: Last day of classes before exams

• Friday, June 26: Last day of school for elementary students

Planning Ahead: What Families Should Know

School boards recommend families plan childcare, travel, and activities early, especially for the days immediately before and after the winter break. While schools are closed, many community centres, libraries, and recreational facilities continue to offer holiday programming.

Parents should also be aware that school offices may operate on reduced hours during the holiday period, and responses to administrative inquiries may be delayed.

Things to Do During the Winter Break in Peel Region

For families staying local, Peel offers a wide range of activities throughout the winter break:

Libraries and Community Programs

Public libraries in Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon typically host winter reading challenges, craft sessions, and family-friendly workshops. Most branches close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, but reopen with modified hours on other dates.

Arts and Culture

• Visit the Art Gallery of Mississauga

• Explore exhibits at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA)

• Attend seasonal performances or cultural events hosted by local organizations

Shopping and Seasonal Events

Major shopping centres such as Square One, Bramalea City Centre, and Dixie Outlet Mall often feature holiday displays, family activities, and Boxing Week sales running through late December.

Outdoor Winter Fun

Weather permitting, families can enjoy:

• Ice skating at Chinguacousy Park

• Tobogganing at Erindale Park

• Winter hiking at Claireville Conservation Area

Municipal websites provide updates on outdoor facility conditions and safety advisories.

Looking Ahead to the Second Half of the School Year

As students return in early January, schools will quickly shift focus to Semester 1 exams, academic assessments, and preparation for the remainder of the school year. Educators encourage students to maintain healthy routines during the break, including reading, light review, and rest.

The winter break also serves as a reminder for families to stay informed about upcoming PA days, holidays, and exam schedules to avoid disruptions later in the year.

Final Reminder for Families

• Last day of classes: Friday, Dec. 19

• Winter break: Dec. 22 to Jan. 2

• Back to school: Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

Parents and guardians are encouraged to regularly check their school board’s official website and communications for updates, especially in the event of weather-related closures or schedule changes.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown Calls for Federal Support to Combat Extortion and Organized Crime

Brampton, Ontario — Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown is urging the federal government to provide additional support to combat extortion and transnational organized crime in the Region of Peel, citing a surge in criminal activity targeting local businesses and vulnerable community members.

In a letter dated December 16, 2025, addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Mayor Brown highlighted the increasing sophistication and cross-border nature of these crimes, noting that municipal resources alone are insufficient to effectively address the threat.

“The scale, sophistication and cross-border nature of these crimes place them well beyond what municipal resources alone can sustainably address,” Brown wrote.

The call for federal intervention mirrors recent actions taken in British Columbia, where the federal government allocated dedicated funding for integrated enforcement teams targeting organized crime, alongside investments in victim support, outreach, and safety planning.

Escalating Extortion Rates in Peel

Brampton’s plea for federal assistance comes amid alarming statistics showing a sharp rise in extortion cases across Peel. According to Peel Regional Police, business-related extortion incidents in Brampton and Mississauga jumped from 50 cases in 2023 to 153 in 2024, and 172 cases recorded so far in 2025.

Mayor Brown emphasized that these numbers meet or exceed the levels that justified federal intervention in British Columbia.

“As such, equitable treatment demands that federal support follow crime severity rather than geography,” Brown wrote. “Without comparable federal investment, communities such as Brampton are left exposed to criminal networks that operate internationally, exploit digital platforms and rely on intimidation to silence victims.”

Community Impact: Small Businesses and Vulnerable Residents Targeted

The surge in criminal activity has disproportionately affected small businesses, community organizations, and individuals from the South Asian diaspora. Extortion methods have ranged from threats of violence and arson to intimidation tactics designed to silence victims.

On December 7, several Sikh organizations hosted a town hall meeting in Brampton to address what they described as an unprecedented wave of extortion crimes. The event brought together community leaders, law enforcement, and politicians to discuss the growing threats.

“We have a national crisis where hundreds of members of my community have been targeted with extortions, shootings, threats, and intimidation, and the source of these threats are all Indian-based,” said Balpreet Singh, legal counsel and spokesperson for the World Sikh Organization of Canada.

The Bishnoi Gang: A Transnational Threat

Much of the concern in Brampton centers on the Bishnoi Gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in India. The gang has been linked to a series of murders, extortion schemes, and intimidation campaigns across Canada, particularly targeting members of the South Asian community.

In September 2025, the federal government officially designated the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity, a move praised by both Mayor Brown and Peel police. This designation allows for greater federal resources and intelligence-sharing capabilities in tackling organized crime networks operating internationally.

“Designation as a terrorist entity strengthens law enforcement’s ability to disrupt the gang’s activities and protect vulnerable communities,” a City of Brampton news release stated.

Recommendations for Federal Action

Mayor Brown’s letter to the federal government outlined several key recommendations to address the growing crisis in Peel:

1. Extend Federal Task Force Funding:
   Brown urges the federal government to expand funding for dedicated extortion and organized crime task forces to the Region of Peel, following the operational model established in British Columbia.

2. Enhance Victim Support and Community Outreach:
   Funding should be allocated for culturally informed victim services, safety planning initiatives, and programs encouraging reporting while protecting those who come forward.

3. Improve Intelligence-Sharing and Coordination:
   Mayor Brown called for formalized frameworks enabling collaboration between federal, provincial, and municipal law enforcement agencies to disrupt transnational criminal networks effectively.

“These actions would significantly strengthen public safety, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure a coordinated national response to a threat that is neither local nor isolated,” Brown stated.

Municipal Backing and Council Support

The push for federal intervention has received unanimous support from Brampton city council. In a motion passed on December 10, council formally requested the federal government to replicate the British Columbia model of integrated enforcement teams and victim support funding in Peel.

Peel police officials highlighted during the council meeting that extortion is increasingly sophisticated and digitally coordinated, often spanning multiple jurisdictions.

“The organized crime networks targeting Peel businesses are operating on a level that requires federal expertise and resources,” a police spokesperson said.

Growing Concern Over Public Safety

Community members, business owners, and advocacy groups have voiced deep concern over the impact of extortion on local safety and economic stability. Small businesses report feeling intimidated and fearful, while families, particularly within the South Asian community, have expressed distress over the threats targeting their homes and livelihoods.

“Without federal intervention, our community remains vulnerable to criminals who are not deterred by local enforcement alone,” said Brown.

The mayor’s office emphasized that the current municipal resources are overstretched and that federal support is necessary to effectively dismantle transnational criminal operations and protect residents.

Federal Response and Next Steps

While no official response from the federal government had been issued at the time of publication, officials in British Columbia cited federal task force funding and integrated law enforcement teams as a successful model for reducing organized crime activity.

Experts suggest that a similar investment in Peel could include:

• Joint operations between municipal and federal authorities targeting extortion networks

• Enhanced monitoring of digital platforms used to facilitate criminal activity

• Training and resources for culturally informed community outreach

• Expansion of legal and victim support services

Community Calls for Action

The recent town hall hosted by Sikh organizations highlighted the need for community-driven solutions alongside law enforcement intervention. Attendees emphasized the importance of reporting extortion incidents, protecting victims, and fostering collaboration between government agencies and affected communities.

“The community must feel empowered to speak up,” said Balpreet Singh. “Combined with federal support, this can help break the cycle of intimidation and criminal control.”

Conclusion

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown’s call to action reflects a growing national concern over organized crime networks operating across borders and exploiting vulnerable communities. With extortion cases rising sharply and transnational gangs like the Bishnoi Gang actively targeting residents, Brown is advocating for federal intervention modeled on British Columbia’s success.

By extending funding for task forces, enhancing victim services, and improving intelligence-sharing frameworks, Peel could see a coordinated approach to combat organized crime, ultimately protecting residents, businesses, and the broader community from escalating threats.

“The severity of the problem in Peel demands a response proportional to the threat. Communities deserve the same protection as others facing similar criminal challenges,” Brown concluded in his letter.