Despite the perception of a 'Golden Age of Documentary,' the documentary industry in Canada faces significant challenges due to funding cuts. The National Film Board of Canada, CBC, and Telefilm have all experienced budget reductions, impacting documentary production and jobs. Conversely, documentary film festivals like Hot Docs in Toronto are seeing increased attendance. The Documentary Organization of Canada is advocating for changes in funding models, while filmmakers remain determined to continue their work. The article also highlights several documentaries, including 'Big Boys Gone Bananas!*' and 'Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry,' and their significance in the cultural landscape.

Vanessa Vakharia, a math tutor and lead singer of the band Goodnight, Sunrise, challenges stereotypes about intelligence and math education. She runs The Math Guru, a unique tutoring service in Toronto, and recently appeared on CBC's 'Canada's Smartest Person' to showcase diverse forms of intelligence. Vakharia's approach to tutoring emphasizes a relaxed, personalized environment and addresses emotional barriers to learning math. Her career shift from marketing to education was driven by a passion for one-on-one teaching and helping students overcome math anxiety. Her participation in the TV show also highlighted her own struggles with math anxiety and her non-competitive nature.

A letter signed by 68 organizations and numerous individuals urges Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to immediately ban asbestos in Canada. Despite a commitment from Trudeau and the introduction of a private member’s bill by NDP MP Sheri Benson, the government has yet to take definitive action. Asbestos remains the leading cause of work-related deaths in Canada, with 367 claims in 2015 alone. The article highlights the personal connection of Benson to the issue and the ongoing advocacy efforts to push the government towards a ban, emphasizing the availability of asbestos-free alternatives and the lack of economic justification for its continued use.

A study from Simon Fraser University reveals that sexism is the primary barrier for women entering municipal politics in Canada. Despite a slow increase in female representation at the local level, women still face significant challenges such as poor treatment and lack of respect. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is actively working to change this through various programs aimed at increasing women's participation in local government, with a goal of achieving 30% female representation by 2026. The FCM's initiatives include mentorship programs, workshops, and advocacy efforts, supported by organizations like the Status of Women. Key figures such as Chris Fonseca and Patty Hajdu are optimistic about exceeding this target.

Romanian photographer Mihaela Noroc embarked on a global journey to capture the diverse beauty of women, resulting in her photo book 'The Atlas of Beauty.' The project began in Ethiopia in 2013 and expanded to over 30 countries, featuring 500 portraits of women from various backgrounds. Noroc's work challenges narrow beauty standards and emphasizes natural beauty without artifice. The book includes stories of women from different cultures, highlighting their unique beauty and life experiences.

Romanian photographer Mihaela Noroc embarked on a global journey to capture the diverse beauty of women, resulting in her photo book 'The Atlas of Beauty.' The project began in Ethiopia in 2013 and expanded to 30 countries over four years. Noroc's work challenges narrow beauty standards by featuring 500 portraits of women from various backgrounds and cultures. Her photographs emphasize natural beauty without artifice, showcasing women in their everyday environments. The book aims to present a more inclusive and diverse representation of female beauty.

Sandy Cove, N.S., a small village with a population of 65, gained international attention after holding a Women's March organized by Gwen Quigley Wilson and Melissa Merritt. The march, which saw 15 women participate, was filmed by Kadijah Photiades and went viral on social media, garnering over 160,000 views. The event highlighted the power of modern technology in amplifying small-scale actions and fostering global connections. The organizers are now planning further community activities through the Digby Neck Collective, focusing on issues like racism and women's rights.

Fans of Bud Spencer, the late Italian actor, are advocating for the Bud Spencer Museum in Berlin to remain open beyond its planned closure in October 2023. The museum, which opened in June 2021, has attracted thousands of visitors and features exhibits on Spencer's diverse career and personal life. The museum's management is hopeful for an extension, while fans cherish the cultural and generational impact of Spencer's work. The museum also faces financial challenges due to the pandemic but remains a significant tribute to European pop culture.

Dante Buu, a gay Muslim artist from Montenegro, is set to represent his country at the 2022 Venice Biennale with his unique and colorful embroideries. Buu, who grew up in Rožaje, has faced challenges due to his sexuality and faith but has found support in his family. His art, which includes video, performance, photography, text, and textiles, explores themes of alienation, sexuality, intimacy, and identity. Buu has received fellowships and awards, including an artist-at-risk scholarship, and has been an artist-in-residence at various institutions. His work challenges the norms of the art world and societal expectations, and he is known for his durational performances and embroidered pieces that reflect on time and labor.

The children's opera 'The Monkiest King,' composed by Alice Ping Yee Ho and librettist Marjorie Chan, will be broadcast for the first time on August 29 on CBC's Saturday Afternoon at the Opera. The opera, inspired by the 16th-century novel 'Journey to the West' by Wu Cheng’en, was initially performed by over 150 children from the Canadian Children’s Opera Company and has been nominated for two Dora awards. The production, which focuses on the rise of the Monkey King, aims to make Chinese cultural stories accessible to Western audiences. The opera's album was launched in June, supported by the Canadian Music Centre. Marjorie Chan discusses the challenges of adapting the story for children and the importance of making opera accessible.

The Beach Road/Ophir-Rochor Corridor is undergoing a significant transformation with a series of mixed-use, commercial, residential, and hotel projects. Key developments like South Beach, Suntec City, and DUO have revitalized the area, attracting major multinational companies and boosting office rents. Upcoming projects such as Guoco Midtown and the redevelopment of Shaw Tower are expected to further enhance the area's appeal. The region is becoming a vibrant work-live-play hub, drawing interest from investors and occupiers due to its central location, strong transport connectivity, and abundance of amenities. The future residential catchment is set to expand, supporting the retail sector and potentially extending shopping to a seven-day trading week. Investor demand is rising, with significant transactions and positive sentiment towards the area's growth prospects.

The documentary 'The Third Dive: The Death of Rob Stewart' investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Canadian filmmaker Rob Stewart during a dive in January 2017. Directed by Robert Osborne, the film delves into the anomalies and controversies of the case, including the involvement of the local dive community and the medical examiner, Dr. Thomas Beaver. The documentary highlights Stewart's impact on environmental awareness and the challenges faced in uncovering the truth behind his death. It premieres on CBC Docs POV on October 26, 2018.

Singapore's office market is entering an upward cycle, with a shift towards decentralisation expected to dominate the next decade. Prime CBD Grade A office rents are projected to reach S$16 per square foot per month by 2030. The government is not adding new commercial sites in the CBD but is increasing supply in decentralised areas like Punggol Digital District and Labrador Park. The proportion of CBD office supply is predicted to decrease, while decentralised areas could account for nearly 30% of Singapore's total office stock from 2023 onwards. Companies currently in transitional offices are likely to move to new decentralised office projects as land leases expire.

George Chiang's new children's book, 'The Railroad Adventures of Chen Sing,' brings to life the history of Chinese railway workers in Canada. Based on stories from Ike Sing, the book highlights the relationship between Chinese workers and Indigenous people. After nearly two decades in the making, the book was published with the help of Friesen Press and features illustrations by Jessica Warner. Chiang aims to educate children about this important historical narrative and plans to release sequels in the coming years.

Photographer Adam Zivo, known for his #LOVEISLOVEISLOVE project, launches a new campaign, 'They’re People Not Terrorists' (TPNT), in response to the U.S. travel ban targeting seven Muslim-majority countries. The campaign features high-quality photos of individuals from the affected countries, aiming to humanize them and challenge prejudices. Zivo's initiative seeks to counter Islamophobia and promote the idea that people should be judged as individuals. The campaign has received support from various quarters, including Meridian Bank, and aims to reach a wide audience through social media.

The National Film Board's Instagram project, created by Katherena Vermette and Alicia Smith, highlights the efforts of volunteers from Drag the Red and Bear Clan Patrol in Winnipeg who search for missing Indigenous women. The project, which includes over 80 images and stories, aims to raise awareness about the issue and the people involved. The RCMP reports 1,017 Aboriginal women were killed between 1980 and 2012, with another 164 missing, while the Native Women’s Association of Canada estimates the number at 4,000. The project has received positive feedback and has fostered engagement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Toronto's LGBTQ community is launching its first-ever Pride Month, expanding from its previous weeklong celebrations. The event includes a variety of activities such as dances, parties, and important talks, aiming to make Pride more inclusive and relevant. Notable speakers include Margaret Atwood and George Takei. The festival, which began unofficially in 1970, has grown significantly and is now the largest Pride festival in North America. The City of Toronto officially recognized Pride Week in 1991, and this year's events aim to address critical issues like transgender youth challenges and historical events.

The wildfire in Alberta has led to the displacement of nearly 90,000 people and the destruction of over 1,600 structures. Firefighters, including a unit from Mexico, are battling the blaze which has grown to 161,000 hectares. Personal stories of bravery and loss have emerged, such as Capt. Adam Bugden's continuous efforts despite personal losses, Jamie Germain's attempt to save his twin brother's home, and the tragic death of 15-year-old Emily Ryan during evacuation. Firefighter Mark Stephenson's home was destroyed despite his efforts, and he continued to work a 23-hour shift afterwards.

Mayann Francis, Nova Scotia’s first black lieutenant-governor, discusses her experiences with racial profiling and the broader issues of discrimination in Canada. She highlights a recent protest supporting Andrella David's racial discrimination case against Sobeys and reflects on the ongoing challenges faced by black individuals despite their contributions to society. Francis emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing racism, advocating for education and diversity training. She also touches on the Black Lives Matter movement and the need for societal change. Francis recently published a children's book and is working on her memoir, aiming to inspire others through her journey.

A $15-billion Canadian deal to supply light-armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia is under legal scrutiny led by Daniel Turp, a professor at the University of Montreal. Turp and his students argue that the deal violates Canadian export rules and international human rights commitments. The legal action targets Global Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion for issuing export permits despite Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record. The case highlights broader international condemnation of arms sales to Saudi Arabia, with calls for embargoes from organizations like Human Rights Watch and legislative bodies such as the European and Dutch Parliaments. The Liberal government's stance, citing pre-existing contracts and job dependencies, faces criticism for prioritizing economic interests over human rights.

Doctors in palliative care advocate for more consultation with governments and families about end-of-life care, emphasizing the need for high-quality palliative care alongside assisted death. The Canadian Medical Association supports this stance, while the Supreme Court's ruling on assisted suicide highlights the importance of choice and safeguards for vulnerable populations. Experts stress that palliative care should not be compromised and that discussions about end-of-life preferences should be encouraged. The article also addresses concerns from the disabled community about the implications of the ruling and the need for better access to palliative care.

Doctors in palliative care advocate for more consultation with governments and families about end-of-life care, emphasizing the need for high-quality palliative care alongside assisted death. The Canadian Medical Association supports this stance, while the Supreme Court's ruling on assisted suicide highlights the importance of choice and safeguards for vulnerable populations. Experts stress that better palliative care can reduce requests for assisted death, as seen in countries like Belgium and the Netherlands. Concerns remain about assessing patient competency and the impact on disabled individuals. The article underscores the need for improved palliative care and proactive end-of-life discussions.

The Exposure Project, initiated by All Saints Church-Community Centre in Toronto, provided cameras to sex workers to capture their perspectives through photography. Mentored by photographers Kaleigh Middelkoop and Galit Rodan, participants like Deborah Belcourt, a former sex worker, learned to express themselves and their experiences through images. The project culminates in an auction of the photographs to raise funds for the centre and the continuation of the program. Journalist June Chua highlights the transformative impact of the project on the participants and the potential for the photographs to alter public perception of sex workers.