EDGEWOOD, British Columbia – Gunshots were heard at an ostrich farm in British Columbia as officials from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) began culling hundreds of birds. The operation took place at a farm near Edgewood, where police restricted access to the property. Bright floodlights illuminated the area, but large hay bales obscured the view of the culling process after dark.

The CFIA is executing a "complete depopulation and disposal" of the ostrich flock, a measure mandated over 10 months ago due to an avian flu outbreak that resulted in the deaths of 70 birds. The farm's owners contested the culling order, but the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear their final appeal on Thursday, lifting a stay that had temporarily halted the cull.

The culling operation has raised concerns among animal rights advocates and local residents, who have expressed their discontent with the government's decision. The CFIA has stated that the cull is necessary to prevent further spread of the disease.

In other news, Statistics Canada is set to release its jobs report for October today. Economists expect a loss of 2,500 jobs, following a surprising increase of over 60,000 jobs in September. The unemployment rate is anticipated to remain steady at 7.1 percent. This report comes after the Bank of Canada cut its benchmark interest rate for the second consecutive month, despite the previous month’s job growth.

Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Party is preparing for its biennial convention this weekend, aiming to regain support in the province's major cities. Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff noted that the theme of the convention includes efforts to "Earn Back Saskatoon" and "Earn Back Regina," following significant losses in the last election.

Concordia University in Montreal announced it will defer sabbaticals and not renew some teaching contracts due to budget cuts and changes in immigration policies. The university reported a 23 percent drop in international enrollment this year compared to 2024, prompting these cost-saving measures.

In Vancouver, community members are advocating for the preservation of the last post office in Chinatown, which Canada Post plans to close. Activists argue that the post office is essential for the area's vulnerable residents. Canada Post stated that the closure was mutually agreed upon with local business owners.

Lastly, Hudson's Bay Company is set to auction 52 vintage blankets, including two from 1900. The online sale will run from November 12 to December 4, 2025, as part of efforts to repay creditors and find new homes for the company's art pieces and artifacts.