Editorials - Nov. 21, 2025
A second to think
A troubling story on CBC News this week served as a stark reminder of the unconscious bias that resides within us all. A Muslim-Indigenous man from British Columbia settled a human rights complaint with TD Bank due to his treatment while attempting to verify his identity at a branch near his home after completing an online application. He presented his Indian status card with his very Muslim name of Sharif Mohammed Bhamji and was accused by the teller of trying to use fake ID. As the son of a Muslim father from India and a Heiltsuk Nation mother, Bhamji was not surprised by the racial profiling and left the bank frustrated. The situation escalated when, later that evening, the police arrived at his door to further inquire about his name and status.
The entire process could have been simplified if the teller had just taken the time to ask Mr. Bhamji a few questions about his unusual ancestry, rather than jumping to the conclusion that he was trying to commit a fraud. In a time where scams are prevalent, the teller did need to verify the identity of the person, but a little compassion goes a long way. – DS
I was saying ‘Boo-urns’
On Sunday, there was a lot to celebrate in Winnipeg. As the host of the Grey Cup, the city saw the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeat the Montreal Alouettes by a score of 25-17 in what turned out to be a great day for our little, uniquely Canadian league. Tickets were affordable, unlike those to see the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series, and, most importantly of all, it was a good game for diehard and casual fans alike.
It wasn’t a great day for Prime Minister Mark Carney who, on the eve of an important budget vote to avoid another election, heard boos from the fans as he came out for the ceremonial coin toss.
For Liberal-hating Canadians, this will have been music to their ears, while others will have hoped for a bit more civility on one of the country’s biggest stages. Really, when it comes down to it, it’s too bad that we, as Canadians, have stooped this low. We so often fancy ourselves as being better, more respectful and more conscientious than our neighbours to the south and yet this is very American division.
As the gap has widened between the average person and their elected officials, not just in Canada or the United States, but around the world, the relatability of politicians to most rank and file citizens has dropped dramatically and it’s not that people just don’t care about seeing their politicians out in the wild, they have active disdain for them, seeing them as thieving hucksters with little societal value as the world turns not just more right-wing, but increasingly libertarian.
It’s true, no one’s really happy right now and, often with good reason, politicians are hearing the loudest of it. Yet, it’s fair to yearn for the not-so-distant past in which Canadians were known for saying sorry a lot, being polite and treating others with an inherent respect. If that falls away, so too may our reputation on the world stage. – SL
PontiffXIV on Letterboxd
When one thinks of the Holy See, cinema might not immediately come to mind. Yet this past weekend, Pope Leo XIV welcomed a constellation of Hollywood stars to the Vatican, turning the Apostolic Palace into an unexpected stage for the celebration of film. In doing so, he revealed himself not only as a spiritual leader, but as a major cinephile.
The gathering included well-known directors and actors from across Hollywood. What stood out, however, was not the guest list, but the Pope’s message. He spoke of cinema as a popular art that belongs to everyone. In his view, film has the capacity to open hearts, challenge assumptions and offer comfort.
One of his concerns is the decline of cinemas, especially local theatres that once anchored neighbourhoods. The cinematic experience, he argues, is losing ground to a digital world shaped by algorithms. In many cities, marquees are dimming for good. For the Pope, this represents not just an economic loss but the erosion of a communal space where strangers once gathered to laugh, reflect and sit together in silence, all while allowing the same film to move them all.
His warning about the influence of algorithms was particularly pointed. He encouraged filmmakers to resist the pull of formulaic storytelling designed purely to maximize clicks. Art, he said, requires room for slowness, difference and silence when the story calls for it.
At a time when many institutions struggle to connect with popular culture, here is a leader who embraces it without condescension. The Pope’s affection for film is sincere. He sees cinema as one of humanity’s most accessible and expressive arts.
In an uncertain world, Pope Leo’s message stands out. Cinema still matters. It remains one of the most hopeful and human forms of storytelling. That a pontiff is willing to champion it so openly is a welcome and refreshing sight. – SBS