Advice to Our Muslim Women

As Muslim women, you are the backbone of our communities, and your role in shaping the future is indispensable. To fulfill your potential and live a life pleasing to Allah (SWT), remember these crucial pieces of advice:

First and foremost, hold firmly to your faith. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it is essential to stay grounded in your beliefs and values. Strengthen your Iman by reading the Quran, attending lectures, and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals.

Seek knowledge continuously. Education is a fundamental right and a vital tool for personal growth. Acquire knowledge of Islam, and stay updated on current affairs to become a positive force in your community.

Uphold modesty in dress and speech. As a Muslim woman, you are a role model for others. Dress modestly, and speak wisely, avoiding gossip and negativity.

Maintain regular prayers and du'as. Prayers are the pillars of Islam, and du'as are a means of communicating directly with Allah (SWT). Make them an integral part of your daily routine.

Respect and honor your parents. Our parents are a blessing from Allah (SWT), and it is our duty to show them love, care, and obedience.

Nurture and protect your family. As a wife, mother, or sister, you play a vital role in maintaining family harmony. Cultivate strong relationships, and prioritize the well-being of your loved ones.

Show kindness to others. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for his exceptional kindness and compassion. Emulate his example by spreading love, understanding, and generosity in your community.

Value your dignity and self-worth. As a Muslim woman, you are a precious gem, endowed with unique qualities and talents. Never compromise on your values, and always prioritize your dignity and self-respect.

Guard your heart from haram. The heart is a fragile entity, susceptible to temptation and corruption. Protect it from the influences of evil, and seek refuge in the Quran and the Sunnah.

Finally, follow the example of righteous women in Islam, such as Khadija (RA), Aisha (RA), and Fatima (RA). They were beacons of hope, courage, and righteousness, and their legacies continue to inspire us today.

By following these guidelines, you will not only become a better Muslim woman but also a positive force in your family, community, and the world at large. May Allah (SWT) guide and bless you on your journey.

A significant majority of Canadians are in favor of downsizing the federal public service, according to a recent Leger poll. A substantial 54% of respondents believe that the workforce should be reduced in the coming years, while a quarter (24%) prefer the status quo, and a mere 4% advocate for an expansion.

This sentiment is likely driven by the rapid growth of the federal public service in recent years. Since 2016, approximately 99,000 new employees have been added, resulting in a staggering 70% increase in personnel costs. However, half of Canadians report a decline in the quality of services during this period, suggesting that the increased bureaucracy has not necessarily translated to improved outcomes.

In response to these concerns, Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to limit the public service. Moreover, most departments have been instructed to reduce program spending by up to 15% by the 2028-29 fiscal year. A recent report warns that nearly 60,000 jobs may be at risk in the next four years, emphasizing the need for a more streamlined and efficient public service.

As the federal government moves forward with its plans to reduce costs and optimize its workforce, it is essential to prioritize the delivery of high-quality services to Canadians. By doing so, the government can regain public trust and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.

At around 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, emergency responders were dispatched to a residence on Whitehorn Ridge, near the apartment located at 4360 58th NE, due to concerns regarding fire and medical emergencies. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and only personnel from the Calgary Northeast Fire and Alberta's paramedical department were on the scene. 

 
Source: Olatunbosun Ibrahim Akanbi (Bosman)

The death of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer has affected the Breathitt County community and beyond. He had been living with his great-grandmother, referred to as "Mamaw," until her recent death. After her passing, he was returned to the care of his biological mother, Felicia Gross, who had a previous conviction for child endangerment and had been incarcerated.

On August 6, 2025, Jayden was reported missing. Six days later, his body was discovered in a shallow grave inside a plastic tote, approximately 20 miles from his home. His mother has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including second-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and falsely reporting an incident.

According to police documents, Gross admitted to administering a type of sleeping medication to Jayden, which led to a medical emergency and his death. Instead of seeking assistance, she allegedly hid his death and buried the body.

This case has been compared to the situation of Harmony Montgomery, a young girl placed in the custody of a parent with a known history of abuse. Like Jayden, Harmony's death has raised significant concerns about systemic failures in the protection of vulnerable children.

As the legal proceedings progress, there are calls for accountability, not just for those directly involved, but also for the systems that failed to prevent this tragedy.

Police Request Public Assistance in Finding Missing Man

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is requesting the public's help in locating a 37-year-old man who has been missing since Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Pavle Dundur, a resident of the Parkview neighborhood in northwest Edmonton, was last seen on that date, and his disappearance has raised concerns among his family and authorities.

Dundur is described as a white male, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. His family and the police are concerned about his wellbeing due to the unusual nature of his disappearance.

The EPS is encouraging anyone with information regarding Dundur's whereabouts to contact them at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Any information from the public may be important in helping to locate Pavle Dundur and ensure his safe return.

If you have any information, regardless of how minor it may seem, please reach out to the EPS. Your assistance in this investigation is appreciated.

Alberta Responds to China's Devastating Tariffs on Canadian Canola

The recent announcement by the Chinese government to impose a 75.8% anti-dumping duty on Canadian canola has sent shockwaves across the nation, particularly in Alberta, which produces approximately one-third of Canada's canola. This move is seen as a significant blow to the agricultural sector, an industry that has already faced numerous challenges under the current administration.

Shannon Stubbs has rightfully pointed out that since Mark Carney took office as Prime Minister, Canada has experienced higher tariffs and fewer trade deals. The B.C. Ferries deal, which saw $1 billion being sent to Chinese state-owned companies, has left many skilled Canadian workers feeling overlooked and underappreciated.

Despite Carney's rhetoric on "elbows up," his administration has proven to be ineffective in addressing the pressing trade issues affecting Canadian industries. It is essential for the government to take concrete actions to protect and support Canadian businesses, farmers, and workers.

In light of this recent development, Alberta's response is a clear indication of the province's commitment to standing up for its agricultural sector. The 75.8% tariff on Canadian canola will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences, and it is imperative that the federal government takes immediate action to mitigate the impact on Canadian farmers and workers.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Prime Minister Carney will finally step up to address the pressing trade concerns and work towards securing better deals for Canada. The nation waits with bated breath for concrete action, rather than empty rhetoric, to protect the interests of Canadian industries and citizens.

Youth-Led Innovation: Paving the Way for a Livable Planet

The 12th World Bank Group Youth Summit marked a significant milestone in reimagining development with youth at the forefront. Under the theme "New Horizons: Youth-Led Innovation for a Livable Planet," this year's Summit demonstrated the power of possibility, urgency, and vision. "This isn't just a moment on our calendar. It's a movement—built on possibility, urgency, and vision," emphasized Raaga Akkineni, Youth Summit Manager.

The Summit's focus on three core sub-themes—Digital Transformation & Data, Food Security & Green Agriculture, and Creative Industries—underscored the importance of equity, especially among underserved populations and youth in Fragile, Conflict, and Violence contexts. Cross-sectoral partnerships were forged to scale up youth-led innovation, driving inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Digital Transformation & Data explored the potential of AI and big data in fueling economic growth and creating inclusive job markets. Food Security & Green Agriculture showcased cutting-edge tools like IoT, digital farming, and carbon markets to boost resilience. Creative Industries elevated the role of art, media, and fashion in job creation, sustainability, and cultural preservation.

Beyond traditional networking, this year's sessions facilitated a two-way dialogue between youth and institutions. Delegates consulted directly with teams shaping the Bank's youth engagement agenda, while IFC investment officers shared insights on backing youth-led entrepreneurship and scalable solutions across emerging markets.

Youth Voices, Global Impact

"The Youth Summit was an incredible opportunity to meet driven individuals making an impact in their communities and wanting to build a more connected, compassionate, and fair world," said Patricio Ortiz, Youth Summit 2025 Delegate. "I've stayed in touch with the friends (even possible future colleagues & collaborators!) I've made at the summit. And I'm so excited to see what the world holds for each of us, and—hopefully—the meaningful change we'll create in return."

From Innovation Labs to Networking Sessions, the Summit provided youth direct access to global experts and each other. The Pitch Competition showcased scalable youth-led innovations across agriculture, fintech, and creative industries, with winners receiving mentorship from IFC Investment Officers.

A Call to Action

WBG leadership echoed the call to drive and shape the global development agenda: "Never stop asking hard questions. Your perspective is so powerful—use it. Don't hesitate to challenge assumptions or question the status quo," added Anna Bjerde, World Bank Managing Director of Operations.

The 2025 Youth Summit proved that youth are already building the path forward—from carbon-neutral farms to AI-powered job tools, from poetry to pitch decks. With bold ideas, resilient leadership, and new cross-sector alliances, the Youth Summit is redefining what development looks like.

As the World Bank continues its mission, these voices will remain front and center—stakeholders and co-creators of a more livable, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Stay Connected

✍️ By World Bank Group Youth Summit Steering Committee
📺 Watch the replays of the 2025 World Bank Group Youth Summit: http://wrld.bg/hYQL50WEWcP
✔️ Follow the Youth Summit Facebook group: http://wrld.bg/HgRm50WEWiM

"Eating well is a cornerstone of healthy aging, a principle that lies at the heart of the Maggie Beer Foundation's mission. By providing education and training, the Foundation aims to enhance the culinary experiences of older individuals in aged care, recognizing that flavorful, nutritious, and seasonal foods are essential to their overall wellbeing.

Recently, the Foundation's Patron, the Governor-General, attended an address by Maggie Beer AO at the National Press Club, where she emphasized the importance of skill-building and training for cooks and chefs in aged care. This support is crucial in facilitating meaningful interactions with residents, fostering their enjoyment of food, and promoting a better quality of life.

Maggie Beer AO aptly stated, "It is our responsibility as a society to ensure the health and happiness of every older Australian." The Foundation's commitment to this vision is evident in its dedication to providing education and training, as well as management support, to ensure that culinary experiences in aged care are nothing short of exceptional.

The Governor-General's attendance at the National Press Club was a testament to the importance of this issue, and the Foundation extends its gratitude to the Hon Sam Rae MP, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors of Australia, and other supporters for their contributions.

In related news, the Governor-General's official trip to Singapore and Sri Lanka showcased the dedication and expertise of teams at the Australian High Commissions, who worked tirelessly to facilitate the official program. The Governor-General expressed sincere appreciation for their hard work and commitment to representing Australia's values internationally.

As the Maggie Beer Foundation continues to champion the cause of healthy aging through nutritious and pleasurable food experiences, it is heartening to see collaboration and support from various stakeholders. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of older Australians, and ensure that they enjoy the quality of life they deserve."

Mark Your Calendars: Exciting Upcoming Events in Alberta's Design and Sustainability Scene

As the summer months approach, Alberta is gearing up to host a series of captivating events that showcase the region's talent in design, sustainability, and education. From festivals to conferences, these upcoming events promise to inspire, educate, and bring together like-minded individuals to drive positive change.

First up, Design Week Calgary (August 7-9, 2025) is a festival that puts the spotlight on the exceptional talent within Calgary's design community. This three-day extravaganza will celebrate the city's creative spirit, featuring innovative designs, interactive installations, and engaging conversations.

Later in the year, the 2025 ASVA Conference (October 16-17, 2025) will take center stage in Edmonton, marking the 67th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Summer Villages. This esteemed event will focus on advocacy for Alberta's 51 Summer Villages, providing a vital platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

November is shaping up to be an exciting month, with two events that highlight the importance of sustainability in education and building practices. The "Leading Educational Awareness of Housing Sustainability Challenges" event (November 3, 2025) at the Hunter Hub Collision Space in Calgary will bring together K-12 and post-secondary students, educators, researchers, and industry experts to share ideas and explore potential solutions to housing sustainability issues.

Following closely, the Building for Sustainability Symposium (November 6-7, 2025) will take place at The Malcolm Hotel in Canmore, aiming to establish the Bow Valley as a leader in sustainable building practices. This annual event provides a collaborative platform for sharing innovative ideas and best practices, driving positive change in the built environment.

For those interested in staying updated on these events and registering for attendance, please visit https://www.aref.ab.ca/news/2025-industry-events for more information. These upcoming events promise to be engaging, informative, and inspiring, so mark your calendars and join the conversation!