In 2021, a mysterious neurological disease in New Brunswick caught national attention, but a year later, the provincial government dismissed the issue, claiming no cluster of patients existed. CANADALAND obtained internal documents revealing that the government misled the public and halted scientific research that could have identified the cause. Despite the province's closure of the investigation, symptoms persisted among patients, and new cases continued to emerge. The documents show that federal and provincial scientists initially collaborated well, focusing on environmental causes like blue-green algae, but the province abruptly ended the investigation. The lead neurologist, Dr. Alier Marrero, who identified the cluster, was later scapegoated. The article criticizes the provincial government's handling of the situation and highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in public health.

Extreme drought conditions in Manitoba, exacerbated by climate change, are severely impacting local agriculture and communities. Farmers like Tom Johnson are struggling to adapt, facing water shortages and the potential need to sell off cattle. The drought extends across southern Manitoba, affecting cities like Morden, which is experiencing a drinking water shortage. Research indicates that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of droughts, posing significant risks to Canada's agricultural sector and food security. Adaptation measures are being implemented, but the long-term viability of farming in the region remains uncertain.

CTV News is described as a toxic and abusive workplace by 20 current and former employees, who detail experiences of bullying, verbal abuse, and unsustainable labor demands. The complaints focus on the CTV News Channel team in Scarborough, Ontario. The article highlights the hypocrisy of Bell Media's mental health initiatives, citing the dismissal of an employee struggling with addiction without support. Precarious contracts and unfair compensation are also discussed, with employees often doing work above their pay grade. Bell Media has initiated an independent review to address these issues.

Ukrainian survivors of sexual violence and torture recount their harrowing experiences during the Russian invasion, highlighting the systematic and deliberate use of such tactics by Russian forces. Ukrainian authorities are working to build a case for the International Criminal Court, despite challenges in gathering evidence. The trauma experienced by survivors poses a significant threat to the social fabric of Ukrainian communities. Organizations like the United Nations Population Fund and the Center for Civil Liberties are providing crucial support, while international bodies continue to document and verify these war crimes.

Amanda Jensen from Lethbridge, Alberta, faced the devastating news of her son's leukemia diagnosis and subsequent job loss after requesting leave to care for him. Despite informing her employer, the Lethbridge Lodging Association, of the need for extended leave, they terminated her employment. Jensen had also filed a sexual harassment complaint shortly before her son's diagnosis. She filed a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission, which was dismissed, but she is appealing. Alberta's labour laws did not protect her job since she had been employed for less than a year and her son's illness did not meet the criteria for compassionate care leave. Labour Minister Christina Gray acknowledged the need for legislative reform, as Alberta's laws are outdated compared to other provinces. The Ministry of Labour is reviewing feedback from a consultation process to update these laws.

Gary Lineker's tweets criticizing the U.K. government's proposed immigration policy led to his suspension by the BBC, sparking a national debate on the broadcaster's impartiality. The controversy highlighted the BBC's struggle to balance impartiality with freedom of expression, especially for non-news presenters. The incident also brought attention to other instances where the BBC's impartiality was questioned, including its handling of a David Attenborough documentary and its relationship with the Conservative Party. Ultimately, Lineker was reinstated without issuing an apology, and the debate over the BBC's impartiality continues.

The article reflects on the resilience and strength of Ukrainians one year after the Russian invasion. It highlights the personal stories of individuals affected by the war, including a digital design artist, a soldier, and a mother. The author, Sarah Lawrynuik, shares her own journey of reconnecting with her Ukrainian heritage and expresses hope for Ukraine's future despite the immense pain and trauma caused by the conflict.

Tuvalu, a small South Pacific island nation, faces existential threats from climate change and rising sea levels. Leaders, including Simon Kofe and Seve Paeniu, are exploring innovative solutions such as creating a digital nation in the metaverse and seeking legal protections to maintain sovereignty. The country aims to preserve its culture and governance systems online while advocating for international recognition and support. The situation highlights broader issues of climate-induced displacement, with parallels drawn to Kiribati's climate refuge efforts and the challenges faced by climate refugees like Ioane Teitiota.

North Africa, particularly Egypt and Morocco, is increasingly turning to desalination to address water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. Egypt plans to quadruple its desalination capacity with 17 new plants, aiming to use solar energy to mitigate the high energy costs. Morocco is also expanding its desalination efforts, with significant projects in Casablanca. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development supports these initiatives, emphasizing renewable energy use. However, environmental concerns about brine disposal and its impact on marine life persist. Desalination is gaining global traction, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Israel, and California investing in the technology.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to Africa earlier this year to seek natural gas partnerships contrasts with the current debates at COP27, where Senegalese President Macky Sall advocates for economic development through natural gas. The conference highlights the tension between exploiting natural gas reserves for economic gain and the environmental and economic risks associated with such investments. Climate advocates argue that natural gas development perpetuates historical injustices and undermines climate targets, while African leaders emphasize the need for economic growth. The International Energy Agency and other analysts warn of the potential for stranded assets and the volatility of natural gas markets.