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Recently, with rising Islamophobia, a Muslim child was threatened on school grounds by someone wearing a mask. Though schools may see themselves as "neutral," the sense of safety and well-being of many children continues to be hijacked with the ongoing rhetoric of political leaders and increasing hate incidents and crimes.

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Despite the success of vaccines, mumps wasn't eradicated. Small pockets of infection continued to appear. These small outbreaks were difficult to control but eventually burned out such that they disappeared. For the most part, these isolated events were considered part of the ongoing reality of an ever-present virus.

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As a mother and as a teacher, I am saddened that the vast majority of members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario voted to ratify the 2017-2019 extension agreement instead of fighting for truly smaller class sizes.

Oxfam Canada

A brave woman was taken from us a year ago. Berta Caceres was shot and killed in the middle of the night by assassins for opposing an illegitimate hydroelectric project which threatened her people's way of life and violated international human rights law.

Brett Tarver

The impact of a fistula can be nothing short of devastating. Women are unable to control their flow of urine or feces, sometimes, both. A woman is aware of the resulting odour, and she feels ashamed -- often to the point of denying herself food and water to stem the flow. Malnutrition and dehydration can result.

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Later on this week or month, you will perhaps receive and then open an envelope containing your child's tri-annual report card, an account informing you of their academic progress in school so far this year. But you might find that not everything your child has learned will be part of that running commentary.

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What happened in Halifax is but an example of what's wrong with our criminal justice system -- it turns "sexual assault" into "sex" and debates consent the entire trial while not once stopping to ask, "Does it make sense to anyone that this woman, in this state, would consent to having sex with anyone, let alone a total stranger?"

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Another pregnancy. A miracle. This was right. This was how things were supposed to be. I was on track. I thought. And then cancer. Cancer and a baby. At the same time. Those things aren't supposed to happen at the same time.

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Sadly, women still march in the streets for the same fundamental rights men take for granted. In developing communities especially, huge gaps remain in areas like women's education, health and economic opportunity. Overlooking men can actually worsen inequality, according to a 2013 World Bank study that examined two decades of research on gender equity programs.

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Whenever I've gotten a break in life, it's because I put myself out there and seized an opportunity, without weighing the cons first. Taking risks, looking for hidden opportunities and being a doer - these are things that put you in a better position to get lucky.

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Our government has set aside $200-million this year to end discrimination against First Nations children in our child welfare system -- and Budget 2016 committed to increasing that amount for the next five years. Next year we are investing almost $250-million to end discrimination. But putting more money into the existing system simply isn't enough.

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The stories we tell ourselves are the most powerful stories of all since the constant soundtrack running through our heads provides lots of reinforcement. In order for us to live our most fulfilled, happiest lives, it's important to make sure that the stories we tell ourselves are helpful. Here

Jen Arron

I'm a professional family photographer and I have one beautiful son. But I've been pregnant three times. Last year I endured two miscarriages in the span of 10 months. My weariness was palpable. It lay on me like a thick heavy blanket. So many questions arose. So much soul-searching. It felt like a crisis of my spirit.

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While to some extent, I believe homeowners should have some say in what happens in their rental properties, this needs to be balanced with the rights of individuals to grow their cannabis for medical purposes and have access to affordable medicine.

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Contingency fees have made it easier for trial lawyers to overcharge unsuspecting clients. This will continue to happen unless there is a cap on contingency fees. How many more Ontarians have to be overcharged thousands of dollars before the law society takes this issue seriously and makes a change?

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When governments try to actively create growth by supporting certain projects rather than others, or by investing public funds instead of letting companies invest and innovate, they can have the opposite effect. This is the wrong way to do things.

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Nintendo has become a bipolar brand; a pop cultural pendulum swinging between extreme highs and intense lows. Now in the wake of their failed Wii U console, they're launching the innovative console-meets-handheld Nintendo Switch in hopes of a much-needed 1Up.

BiteMeMore.com

March is National Nutrition Month. This annual campaign strives to educate and inform about the importance of making good eating choices. But before you let out a sigh and reach for that bag of chips, we're here to help you get excited about all the delicious food you can enjoy while on the path to good eating habits.

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If last year's provincial budget could be described as "petty" after Finance Minister Mike de Jong doled out an increase in assistance rates for those living with disabilities -- only to claw most of it back by ending the subsidized bus pass program -- this year's budget could best be described as "petulant."

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Infertility is a severe life challenge that absolutely flattens people. Look at it this way: procreating is an innate primal instinct, just like breathing air, drinking water and eating food. Imagine how frantic you get if you are denied access to oxygen, water or food?

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Recently there have been a string of celebrities calling out people and institutions for racism. Some seem surprised it's happening to them, thinking their celebrity is a shield. While others are seriously emotionally affected.