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Katharine Lake Berz

@lakeberz.bsky.social
166 followers 306 following 49 posts

Journalist writing about how international issues have an impact on people's lives. Bylines include Toronto Star, The Globe, Toronto Life, The Walrus, Broadview, CBC.

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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 14h
It feels like it's time for a four-day work week, but would it work? @carleton.ca @sprottschool.bsky.social @thestar.com www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Should Canada adopt a four-day work week?
Linda Duxbury, a distinguished research professor emeritus at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business, and Jean-Nicolas Reyt, an associate professor at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of...
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Is Canada's love affair with SUVs running out of road? Great to have Gen Z taking on this issue. Thanks Ben Shoalts @queensuglobal.bsky.social and Cole Attisha @autoblog.bsky.social www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Is Canada’s love affair with SUVs running out of road?
Cole Attisha, a staff editor at Autoblog in Vancouver, says SUVs suit Canadian families and Canadian roads, and drivers shouldn’t be punished for choosing them. Ben Shoalts, a master’s student
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
What I found in the homes and communities of four men killed by the U.S. miltary told a story very different from the president’s. @darrylcoote.bsky.social @thestar.com @caricom.bsky.social @unitednations.bsky.social #murder #airstrikes www.thestar.com/news/insight...
thestar.com
Inside the Caribbean villages where U.S. airstrikes have left local fishermen fearing for their lives
U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean have killed innocent men, broken families and changed how entire towns live and work.
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Ontario needs massive amounts of new electricity. Do we fill the void with nuclear plants or renewable energy?
Chris Keefer is president of Canadians for Nuclear Energy and a Toronto-based emergency physician. Keith Brooks is programs director at Environmental Defence.
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Is convenience culture making young adults financially reckless?
Bruce Sellery, a business journalist and personal finance expert, says that while tech and marketing have made it hard to resist spending, young people need to distinguish between needs and
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
"Eventually, we’ll have to ask: Is it safe to have humans driving at all?" Professor Steve Waslander @utoronto.ca and urban robotics expert Bern Grush on how AVs will transform our cities. thttps//www.thestar...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Will autonomous vehicles rescue our cities or make urban life worse?
Bern Grush, executive director of the Urban Robotics Foundation and Steven Waslander, a professor at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies and director of the Toronto Robotics and
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Is AI the future of literature or its greatest threat? Great debate with @stephenmarche.bsky.social and Steven W. Beattie. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Art is a human endeavour. Does it matter which tools we use to create it?
Stephen Marche and Steven W. Beattie bridge the divide on the future of art
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Honoured to have my reporting — and Ukrainian heroes — seen and acknowledged. Congratulations to my fellow nominees @alyshah.bsky.social @jenniferyang.bsky.social @janapruden.bsky.social and Nicole O'Reilly. Incredible company to be in. www.thestar.com/news/three-t...
thestar.com
Three Toronto Star journalists awarded CAJ honours
Amy Dempsey Raven, Megan Ogilvie, and Katherine Lake Berz won gold for stories in two categories, the organization announced Saturday.
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Reposted by Katharine Lake Berz
Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) @cajournalists.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
🏆🏅Congratulations to Katharine Lake Berz of @thestar.com for winning the Gold CAJ Award for Written Feature loom.ly/c9KTYz8 🏆🏅Félicitations à Katharine Lake Berz du Toronto Star pour avoir remporté le Prix ACJ or du Reportage Écrit
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Food insecurity needs urgent attention. But would public grocery stores help? @policyalternatives.ca @avansi.bsky.social @uofguelph.bsky.social www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Are public grocery stores the answer to food insecurity?
Aaron Vansintjan, a policy manager at Food Secure Canada, argues public grocery stores could reduce prices while Michael von Massow, a food economist at the University of Guelph, says the
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
For households already stretched by food and rent, the fare box is one more pressure. @stevenfarber.bsky.social and @jasonprince.bsky.social @uoftpress.bsky.social @concordiapress.bsky.social www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Should transit be a free public service?
Jason Prince, a Montreal urban planner and Concordia University lecturer says transit belongs in the same category as the fire department, parks and libraries. Steven Farber, a transportation geograph...
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
She knows how to find the right words. Thanks to Canadian Ukrainian Foundation for honouring Ukraine @margaretatwood.bsky.social @uptoukraine.bsky.social
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Interesting discussion about whether the decision to have fewer children is a necessary adaptation to an uncertain world. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Are Canadians choosing not to have children or resigning themselves to it?
Lindsey Harrington, a Nova Scotia-based writer whose debut memoir "Nobody’s Mother" is forthcoming, sees the choice to opt out of having children as both rational and overdue. Sarah Marie Wiebe,
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Would limiting access to social media make young people safer? Or open new dangers? Thanks @mgeist.bsky.social and Lloyd Richardson for the debate. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: When we restrict social media are we solving a problem or creating bigger ones?
Lloyd Richardson, director of technology at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, argues that age restrictions are a necessary step to reduce exposure to harm and support parents struggling to
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Honoured to be a part of this group of writers. Congratulations all!
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Should Canada double its military spending? Thanks Lloyd Axworthy and @warknsi.bsky.social for your insights. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Should Mark Carney be doubling Canada’s defense spending in response to today’s security threats?
Wesley Wark, senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, argues that years of erosion in Canada’s military capacity make higher spending necessary. While former foreign affair...
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Trump's threats to take over Cuba leave Canada with difficult decisions @translatingcuba.bsky.social @apgopa.bsky.social @unitedchurchcda.bsky.social #Cuba #HumanRights www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: As Cuba faces mounting crises, should Canada increase its foreign aid and should Ottawa support U.S. efforts to force a regime change?
Michael Lima, a Cuban-Canadian human rights researcher and director of the NGO Democratic Spaces, says Canada has spent decades giving diplomatic cover to a regime that imprisons dissidents silences o...
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Canadian-Iranians sharply dis­agree on whether the U.S./Israeli strikes were jus­ti­fied, whether they will help ordin­ary Ira­ni­ans and what Canada’s response should be. #IranWar‌ www.thestar.com/opinion/cont... @thestar.com @smohyeddin.bsky.social
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: A tyrant is dead and a region is in flames. One Iranian Canadian says celebration is in order — another says not so fast
Shermineh Esmati-Novak, CEO and founder of NOVASHER Ventures, helped organize a Toronto rally celebrating the strikes. She says the attack represents an overdue reckoning. Samira Mohyeddin, journalist...
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
"I would not personally buy a Chinese EV." Thanks exnerpirot.bsky.social and Brian Kingston for the frank conversation. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Is opening Canada’s market to Chinese EVs a strategic necessity or a costly mistake?
Brian Kingston of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association argues opening the Canadian market to Chinese EVs risks Canada’s most important trade relationship. Heather Exner-Pirot, senior fellow...
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Tribute to Ukraine's heroes — on the frontline and on the homefront — for four years of courage.
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
After four years of war, the long, grinding toll of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, is felt not only in shattered homes and lives lost, but in families torn apart. @thestar.com #warinukraine www.thestar.com/news/insight...
thestar.com
Russia’s invasion, four years on: How the war in Ukraine is pulling families apart
“Come home,” Svitlana told her adult children. “Or flee the city. Get somewhere safe.”
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Reposted by Katharine Lake Berz
Mark MacKinnon @markmackinnon.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
If only you still had a foreign desk to, well, know these things...
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
Thanks to Lisa Lalande and Rob Kavcic for their debate on whether Canada's lower immigration targets will improve Canada's prosperity. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Canada’s working-age population is shrinking. Should we keep immigration near zero or rethink the plan?
In this Bridging the Divide, Robert Kavcic, senior economist and director of economics at BMO Capital Markets, argues that the immigration rate slow down is a responsible course correction while
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
Heartwarming, masterful piece by @brucearthur.bsky.social
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
What is next for DEI in Canada? Experts agree that discrimination exists and merit should matter. Beyond that, they are sharply divided. @thestar.com www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Is DEI helping Canada or holding it back?
In this Bridging the Divide conversation, Michael Bach, a diversity consultant and founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada, and Matthew Lau, a
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Former senior diplomats Ben Rowswell and Louise Blais agree that the U.S. invasion of Venezuela violated international law. But they sharply disagree on what Canada should do next. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Should Canada condemn Donald Trump’s invasion of Venezuela, or stay quiet to protect trade talks?
Louise Blais, a former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, and Ben Rowswell, a former Canadian ambassador to Venezuela debate whether defending international law and sovereignty abroad strength...
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
SPEAK, a powerful new documentary directed by my friends Guy Mossman and Jen Tiexiera gives me so much hope for the future. Premieres tonight on @cbcgem.bsky.social @lisahepner.bsky.social @guymossman.bsky.social gem.cbc.ca/speak
gem.cbc.ca
SPEAK. | Films | CBC Gem
SPEAK. follows five bold, young voices on a high-stakes quest to win the Super Bowl of public speaking. Against a backdrop of turmoil, these teens rise with fire, wit, and unshakable humanity.
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
It would nice to be hopeful for 2026. Thanks Charlie Demers and Rachel Ruecker! www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Should Canadians feel hopeful about 2026? Two comedians weigh In
To ring in 2026 with a bit of levity, we asked Canadian comedians Juno-nominated standup Charles Demers and award-winning Gen Z comedian Rachel Ruecker to sound off on whether or
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
A reminder of what Putin has not been able to destroy in Ukraine: courage, compassion and hope @thestar.com #UkraineConflict @hrw.org @icrc.org www.thestar.com/news/world/h...
thestar.com
She was pregnant when taken prisoner by Russia. This Ukrainian medic told captors her secret — and it may have saved her life
Mariana Mamonova was among the last defenders of Mariupol. She was determined to survive captivity, for the sake of her unborn child.
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Alberta's independence conversation is getting real. @lukaszukab.bsky.social @thestar.com www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Bridging the Divide: Is Alberta getting a raw deal? Could independence be the answer?
Alberta’s independence fight has moved from the margins to the centre of provincial politics with a potential vote on separation in 2026. Cameron Davies, the Alberta Republican Party leader, says
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
This was a tough conversation. But an important one. Should MAID be extended to include those with mental illness? @thestar.com @dyingwithdignity.ca @dignityindying.org.uk www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Should MAID be extended to include those with mental illness?
Does compassion mean giving people control over how they die — or fighting harder to help them live?
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
Los Angeles is fighting Donald Trump’s mass-deportation efforts. My trip with an early morning patrol. @thestar.com @uniondelbarrio.bsky.social www.thestar.com/news/insight...
thestar.com
A quiet army protecting immigrant families. Inside Los Angeles’ anti-ICE patrols
A huge American city has been a hub of grassroots resistance to Donald Trump's mass-deportation plans. Some of it involves late-night driving patrols looking for ICE.
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
This innocent Canadian is being hunted by India. Canadian Sikhs, like him, worry economic interests and geopolitical pragmatism will override their safety. thewalrus.ca/india-accuse...
thewalrus.ca
India Accused This Canadian of a Terror Attack in Ottawa. Did the Incident Even Happen? | The Walrus
Amarjot Singh says he joined a peaceful Sikh protest but found himself a marked man
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Ontario is tearing down its speed cameras, and the fight over safety and surveillance is only getting louder. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Everyone wants safer streets. Is speed camera surveillance the best solution or overreach?
Pamela Fuselli, president and CEO of Parachute, a national injury prevention charity, argues automated speed enforcement prevents death and injury on the roads where it happens most. Howard Sapers, ex...
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
“I didn't see any chance of surviving in the hell around me.” How one man survived three Russian massacres — innocent, suffering, yet unwilling to surrender. With photography by the amazing Paul Conroy @reflextv. @hrw @UNOCHA @UKRcancongress www.thestar.com/news/insight...
thestar.com
He faced Russia’s brutality for years. But like Ukraine, Serhii persevered — at a price
He left his family behind at dawn. 'When your city is being bombed, and someone is suffering,' Serhii told me much later, 'there is no time to think of anything
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Canadian health care is failing to deliver the standard of care many Canadians expect. Should Canada open the door to a parallel, private tier of health care or dedicate itself to fixing Medicare? www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Military burials every day in western Ukraine. Today two young volunteer soldiers from Lviv.
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
Record Russian drone attack on civilian targets @kyivindependent.com kyivindependent.com/explosions-h...
kyivindependent.com
Record Russian drone, missile attack kills at least 4, injures 44 across Ukraine, hits government building for first time
Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 810 Shahed-type drones and 13 cruise and ballistic missiles during the attack.
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Ontario still needs to talk about the Greenbelt. We want to protect the environment and also need more homes. Thanks David Crombie and Matthew Cory for starting this conversation. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Ontarians want to protect the environment and also need more homes. Can we afford to keep the Greenbelt off limits for development?
The provincial government is poised to begin a mandatory 10-year review of the Greenbelt. David Crombie, former mayor of Toronto, federal cabinet minister and urban reform advocate who led the
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Eight thousand Canadians are dying from toxic drugs every year. We need more addiction services. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Alberta has instituted a forced treatment policy for drug addiction. Should Ontario follow suit?
Michelle Green youngest daughter is struggling with addiction. Green is campaigning for Ontario to adopt legislation to allow adults and youths to be forced into addiction treatment. Dr. Leslie Buckle...
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Home ownership is out of reach for most Canadians. What should we do to solve this? www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
A growing number of Canadians are contemplating what once seemed unthinkable — abandoning North American free-trade agreements and joining the European Union. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Should Canada apply to become the 28th member state of the European Union?
By joining the EU, Canada would send a strong message that we are challenging Putin and Trump and that we want to be united with countries that believe in liberal
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Reposted by Katharine Lake Berz
Broadview @broadviewmedia.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
“Impossible Choice” by Katharine Lake Berz (@lakeberz.bsky.social‬) has won First Place for the A.C. Forrest Memorial Award at this year’s Canadian Christian Communicators Association Awards. Revisit the story:
broadview.org
Stuck in a Syrian refugee camp, this mother could send her children to Canada. But she may never see them again. | Broadview Magazine
Samia's Canadian children are in danger of dying or becoming victims of violence, but she faces an impossible choice
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Grateful my article @broadviewmedia.bsky.social was recognized for a CCCA award. But Samia is still stranded in a Syrian prison with her Canadian children and losing hope. @irccnews.bsky.social broadview.org/stuck-in-a-s...
broadview.org
Stuck in a Syrian refugee camp, this mother could send her children to Canada. But she may never see them again. | Broadview Magazine
Samia's Canadian children are in danger of dying or becoming victims of violence, but she faces an impossible choice
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
I am proud of Canada standing up to Trump, but could isolation become counterproductive? @TorontoStar #Canada #CUSMA www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: Don’t boycott the states — do this instead
Distancing ourselves from Americans over the long term could inadvertently strengthen Trump's influence. Protesting with absence blocks the free exchange of ideas that liberal democracies need.
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Thank you Associated Church Press for recognizing my work with Alanna Mitchell @broadviewmedia.bsky.social broadview.org/stuck-in-a-s...
broadview.org
Stuck in a Syrian refugee camp, this mother could send her children to Canada. But she may never see them again. | Broadview Magazine
Samia's Canadian children are in danger of dying or becoming victims of violence, but she faces an impossible choice
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Florida’s @LGBTQ community is in turmoil, a preview of what Trump promises to spread across America www.thestar.com/news/insight...
thestar.com
Florida Pride events are beleaguered — and the people they’re for say they feel the same. Here’s why
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — “Respect, kindness, compassion,” blasted the music as the “King of the Drag Queens” Kitty Meow took the stage at Florida's oldest Pride festival this past winter.
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
Long lines to vote this morning in Toronto and Liberals are smiling! @cafreeland @MarkJCarney @SophiaBerz @liberalca.bsky.social
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Angry young men are a scary global phenomenon. But Canada's young men have avoided the conservative manosphere drift. www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/04/24/o...
canadianaffairs.news
Op-Ed: Young Canadian men are not leaning right, as media claim
Headlines continue to warn about youth radicalization, but the real story is how young Canadian men seem to be bucking these global trends
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Katharine Lake Berz @lakeberz.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
A climate of fear is very real in Miami and shows what Trump's authoritarianism could do to America: push minority groups even further toward's society's margins, endangering their safety and their very existence. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Katharine Lake Berz: At an anti-Trump protest in Miami, I saw what happens when democracy loses its grip
Each day brings fresh evidence of the U.S. president's tightening grip on free expression in America.
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