Tod MaffinCanadian Commentator, From Far and Wide · Emotional Support Canadian

The news you missed this week

9 Mar 2026 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

1:46

In this short YouTube segment, host Elspeth (working for Tod Maffin) delivers a rapid roundup of quirky and uplifting Canadian stories from the past week. She opens with a visual marvel: artist David Papa’s massive charcoal and chalk portraits drawn on the frozen surface of Alberta’s Abraham Lake. She then highlights a BC‑based company that runs winter bird‑watching trips to Manitoba, drawing international birders to see owls. Next, she notes a scheduling change for Stratford, Ontario’s annual Swan Parade, moving the event from early April to a later date when conditions are better for the swans. The segment celebrates a Saskatoon man born with a rare sun‑sensitivity disorder who, after participating in a clinical trial, can finally enjoy sunlight. Métis author Tara Giroux’s new book, Wild People Quiet, released March 3 via Simon & Schuster Canada, is announced. An AirTag helped rescuers locate a birthing cat and her six kittens in a BC shed, leading to their rescue and upcoming adoption. Finally, a meteor and accompanying sonic boom lit up the night sky over British Columbia on March 3, registering on seismographs. The video ends with a plug for the “Far and Wide with Tod Maffin” weekly newsletter.

Chapters

Am I seeing things or is there a giant lady in that lake? I'm Elspeth, I work for Tod, here's the news you missed this week. These might be the coolest portraits I've ever seen. Artist David Papa has made Abraham Lake in Alberta his canvas by using charcoal and chalk to create giant portraits on the frozen water. A BC-based company is offering winter birdwatching trips that have international birders forgoing tropical sunshine and flocking to Manitoba to see a variety of owls. This holiday sounds like an absolute hoot. This parade is truly for the birds. Stratford, Ontario's annual Swan Parade will change things up a bit this year. In the past, the parade has been held on the first weekend of April. This year, however, organizers will wait until the conditions are perfect to reduce stress on the swans. A Saskatchewan man is finally enjoying his moment in the sun. A Saskatoon resident was born with a rare disorder that caused his skin to burn immediately when exposed to sun. Thankfully, he is now able to enjoy sunshine after taking part in a clinical trial. Métis author Tara Giroux released her latest book, Wild People Quiet on March 3rd via Simon Schuster Canada. An AirTag helped rescuers in BC find a cat who had just given birth along with her 6 kittens in the roof of a shed. After hours of work and plenty of canned tuna, the feline family was rescued and will be up for adoption soon. It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a— sonic boom? The night sky was illuminated in British Columbia on Tuesday, March 3rd by a meteor and sonic boom strong enough to register on multiple seismographs in the area. For more stories like these, Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, Far and Wide with Tod Maffin, by going to farandwide.news. It'll be in your inbox every Saturday.