Hero Certified Burgers says it is investigating after two Burlington parents reported that their children discovered pieces of metal in hamburgers served during a school-ordered lunch last week.

The incident occurred on Friday at Kilbride Public School, which had ordered meals from a Hero Certified Burgers franchise in Oakville, one of its regular lunch vendors. Shortly after the lunches were handed out, two students reported finding a foreign object in their food.

“It was really scary because my children are young. They absolutely could have swallowed a piece and not realized it,” one parent told CBC Toronto. “That thought was absolutely terrifying.”

Burgers Recalled Over PA System

According to parents, school staff acted quickly. A message was broadcast over the PA system instructing teachers to collect all hamburgers immediately, inspect them for contamination, and note how much each student had eaten.

While some students had only taken a few bites, others finished their meals before the recall. Parents began messaging one another, and some contacted their family doctors to ask whether their children needed X-rays.

The school notified Halton Public Health, contacted the vendor, and emailed parents about the potentially dangerous discovery.

Metal Consistent With Grill Brush Bristles

In a statement sent to families, the school said the metal fragments appeared to be consistent with bristles from a metal grill-cleaning brush. Students who returned their burgers were provided replacement pizza, paid for by the restaurant.

The school also reported that a Hero Certified Burgers supervisor visited the Oakville franchise at 380 Dundas Street E. and ordered staff to discontinue the use of metal grill brushes immediately.

Restaurant Investigating

Hero Certified Burgers confirmed to CBC Toronto that it has launched an internal investigation and that its head office conducted two on-site inspections at the affected franchise.

“We recognize the seriousness of this matter, and it is being treated with the highest priority,” the company said. It also noted that a public health inspection had already been scheduled for Tuesday.

“We can confirm that all appropriate protocols and verification steps are being followed to determine the facts and to uphold our commitment to guest safety,” the statement read.

Public Health Confirms Ongoing Investigation

Halton Public Health says it has begun its own investigation into the complaint.

“We take concerns of this nature very seriously,” the agency said.

According to Health Canada, barbecue grill brushes must carry warning labels and undergo testing to reduce the risk of bristles breaking off and ending up in food. Despite these regulations, they remain legal for restaurants and households to use.

Between 2011 and 2024, hospitals recorded 45 emergency department visits for injuries linked to ingesting or inhaling detached grill brush bristles. Twenty-one of those cases involved children under age nine.

“It blew my mind to think that restaurants and chains in today’s day and age are still using these metal brushes,” one parent said.

School Cuts Ties With Vendor

In a follow-up statement to parents on Monday, Kilbride Public School announced it will no longer use Hero Certified Burgers as part of its school-approved lunch program.

Parents say they fully support that decision.

“[The school] responded with exceptional speed and care,” one parent said. “I believe they took every precaution to ensure students were safe. Their organized response helped turn a scary situation into one that felt managed and transparent.”

Introduction

The Liberal government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney is preparing to vote against a Conservative motion that urges federal support for a large-scale bitumen pipeline project connecting Alberta to a strategic deep-water port on British Columbia’s coast. The non-binding motion, scheduled for a vote on Tuesday, has triggered political tensions over Canada’s energy future, carbon pricing commitments, and federal–provincial cooperation at a time when the country is already navigating a trade war with the United States.

According to a senior government source who spoke with CTV News, the Liberals believe the motion fails to reflect the full scope of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) recently signed between Ottawa and Alberta—an agreement they consider essential for any progress on new oil infrastructure. Conservatives, meanwhile, argue that the vote is necessary to expose what they call Liberal inconsistency and ambiguity on pipeline development.

Conservative Motion Sparks Heated Debate

What the Motion Calls For

The opposition motion explicitly urges the federal government to support “one or more pipelines enabling the export of at least one million barrels a day of low-emission Alberta bitumen from a strategic deep-water port on the British Columbia coast to Asia markets.” It also calls for adjustments to the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, emphasizing that any changes must respect the duty to consult Indigenous Peoples.

The text closely mirrors the MOU signed last month between the federal government and Alberta but notably excludes several conditions Alberta agreed to as part of the negotiations. Those omissions are at the heart of the Carney government’s opposition to the motion.

Liberals Say Key Elements Are Missing

A senior government official said the Conservatives’ version “ignores critical elements” of the MOU—specifically:

• Alberta’s agreement to negotiate a robust industrial carbon pricing system,

• Co-ownership and financial participation opportunities for Indigenous communities, and

• Commitments to meaningful engagement with the province of British Columbia.

Without these components, the government argues, the motion presents an incomplete—and potentially divisive—path to energy development.

“By refusing to support all elements of this MOU, Conservatives are demonstrating their intent to divide Canadians and inability to get big things built,” the source said, adding that the current trade conflict with the U.S. makes national unity even more critical.

Inside the Alberta–Ottawa Agreement

Alberta’s Commitments

Under the MOU, Alberta agreed to negotiate a new industrial carbon pricing framework by April 2026, setting a minimum price of $130 per tonne. The province also committed to advancing the Pathways Project, which is poised to become the world’s largest carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) system.

The Pathways initiative is part of a broader effort to position Canadian oil as among the lowest-emission sources globally. Federal officials argue these environmental and technological commitments are essential to ensuring that any future pipeline gains social license and economic viability.

Federal Concessions to Alberta

In exchange, the federal Liberal government pledged to:

• Suspend clean electricity regulations within Alberta,

• Refrain from implementing a federal oil and gas emissions cap in the province, and

• Consider making an exemption to Canada’s tanker ban if circumstances warrant.

The MOU does not guarantee construction of a pipeline but establishes a framework for how federal and provincial policies must align before a private proponent can bring forward a viable project. Prime Minister Carney has repeatedly stated that no pipeline will be built unless a private company is prepared to lead and finance the proposal.

Political Tension on Parliament Hill

Alberta Liberal MP Warns of “Divisive” Motion

Speaking to reporters on Parliament Hill, Alberta Liberal MP Corey Hogan described the Conservative motion as “designed to provoke and divide,” suggesting that the forced vote could weaken the chances of a pipeline ever being built.

Hogan argued that a “yes” vote could be misconstrued by Indigenous communities in British Columbia as the government disregarding its duty to consult, while a “no” vote might be misinterpreted as opposition to the pipeline itself.

“A yes or no vote makes the pipeline less likely,” Hogan said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust with all parties involved.

Conservatives Push Back

Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer, in an interview on CTV Power Play with Vassy Kapelos, rejected claims that the motion was divisive. Instead, he said the vote provides the Liberals with “an opportunity to vote for their own MOU.”

Scheer argued that the MOU contains “ambiguity,” and that by passing the motion, the government would send a clear signal of support for pipeline development.

“We’ve lifted language right from the MOU,” Scheer said. “If they vote in favour, then that would send a signal that they’re at least going to back up what they sign on to.”

Alberta Premier Welcomes Agreement

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has previously hailed the energy deal with Ottawa as “a great day for Alberta.” She has framed the agreement as a breakthrough that acknowledges Alberta’s economic priorities while integrating climate commitments the province finds reasonable.

When asked about Smith’s praise, Scheer insisted that Conservatives would never impose an industrial carbon tax on a province, reaffirming the party’s longstanding opposition to federal carbon pricing frameworks.

“We’re pro-energy,” Scheer said. “We don’t believe that the government should make it harder to get things built.”

The Bigger Picture: Energy, Environment, and Federal Harmony

Navigating Trade Tensions

The senior government source highlighted that Canada is currently engaged in a trade confrontation with the U.S., which adds pressure to present a united front domestically. The Liberals believe the Conservative motion oversimplifies a deeply complex issue that requires broad cooperation between federal officials, the Alberta government, British Columbia, Indigenous communities, and private sector partners.

Balancing Environmental and Economic Pressures

The national debate around pipelines continues to sit at the intersection of economic opportunity and climate responsibility. Alberta’s bitumen industry remains central to the province’s economy, while federal climate policy remains a cornerstone of the Carney government’s agenda.

The MOU attempts to bridge those interests by combining incentives for industry growth with commitments to carbon reduction and technological innovation. The Conservatives, however, argue that such agreements should not come with strict carbon pricing demands or regulatory barriers.

Conclusion

As Parliament prepares for the vote, the divide between government and opposition reflects not just a disagreement over a single pipeline motion but a broader philosophical clash over the future of Canada’s energy sector. The Carney government insists that any progress must follow the balanced framework laid out in the MOU, including carbon pricing commitments, Indigenous participation, and provincial cooperation. Conservatives counter that the Liberals are hesitating and sending mixed signals at a time when Canada should be aggressively championing energy infrastructure.

Introduction

A Toronto woman has stepped forward to share her story after a local dating coach—known online for teaching aggressive “pickup” tactics—was charged with sexual assault in November. The woman, who is being identified as “Jay” due to legal protections for complainants in sexual assault cases, says she hopes that speaking publicly will help other young women recognize potentially manipulative behaviour and avoid harmful situations.

The accused, 28-year-old Justin Marc Aguiar, also known by his online persona “Justin Marc,” is a self-promoted dating mentor whose paid programs promise to teach clients how to approach, attract, and pursue women in real-life social environments. While his marketing presents him as a confident influencer guiding men to romantic success, Jay’s account paints a very different picture—one marked by discomfort, coercion, and fear.

Aguiar was charged by Toronto police on November 20 with one count of sexual assault. This is not the first time he has faced such an accusation, and previous cases raise questions about his conduct, his business practices, and the vulnerability of individuals drawn into his social circle.

A Meeting That Turned Into Something Else

How Jay Encountered the Dating Coach

Jay first met Aguiar during the summer of 2024. At the time, she understood him to be a club promoter who frequently interacted with young adults attending nightlife events in downtown Toronto. Later that August, seeking a fun outing with a friend, she messaged him to ask about events or parties he was promoting.

Instead of directing her to a venue, Jay says Aguiar invited her and her friend to his condominium. Believing this was part of a social gathering or pre-party environment, they accepted the invitation.

An Unwelcome Situation

When Jay and her friend arrived, what they encountered was not what they had expected.

“We thought we were going to a super-fun party,” Jay recalled. “And when we got there, that was not the case. It was just Justin and his roommate.”

According to Jay, at some point during the visit she found herself in a situation that made her feel unsafe and trapped.

“I was being cornered in an uncomfortable position,” she said. “That’s why I was able to fight for myself and say, ‘I need to get myself out of this situation.’”

Jay and her friend managed to leave, but the psychological impact of the experience stayed with her. She later contacted authorities, contributing to the allegation Toronto police received in November.

Police Investigation and Charge

The November Charge

The Toronto Police Service confirmed that they received a complaint of sexual assault earlier this year and subsequently charged Aguiar on November 20. His next court appearance is scheduled for January at the Ontario Court of Justice.

Previous Legal Encounters

CTV News also learned that Aguiar had been charged with sexual assault twice before—once in 2019 and again in 2023. In both of those earlier cases, the charges were withdrawn.

However, court documents show that in the 2019 case, Aguiar entered into an 18-month peace bond. As part of the agreement, he paid a $500 surety and accepted conditions that prevented him from communicating with the complainant, attending locations she frequented, or possessing weapons.

These details do not confirm guilt, but they provide context as Aguiar now faces yet another allegation.

Statement from Aguiar’s Lawyer

Aguiar’s lawyer, Dylan Finlay, emphasized that his client maintains his innocence.

“My client is presumed innocent. The charge laid against him is an allegation,” Finlay said. “At this stage, we are awaiting the specifics of what the allegation is, which will be provided through the disclosure process.”

Finlay added that Aguiar “denies sexually assaulting anyone” and intends to defend himself fully in court.

The World of “Pickup Artistry” and Its Concerns

The Courses Behind the Persona

Aguiar markets a program called “Daygame Mastery,” advertised as a guide for men to “open, hook and close, and pull gorgeous women.” Through his online videos and promotional content, he claims the program has helped “thousands of guys” and offers courses ranging from $197 to $2,597.

Photos and videos on his website show groups of men walking through Toronto’s popular nightlife and public spaces—such as King Street and areas near the CN Tower—presumably practicing approaches taught in the program.

He also collaborates with other self-described dating strategists who call themselves “certified pimps,” promoting lessons on topics such as overcoming approach anxiety or even managing multiple girlfriends at once.

Criticism From Advocacy Groups

To many outside the pickup artist community, these tactics raise red flags. Cait Alexander, founder of End Violence Everywhere—a support group for survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence—expressed concerns about the impact of such programs.

“I do feel terribly for these men who have paid thousands of dollars or whatever…to get dating advice,” she said. “It’s highly, highly manipulative. Pickup artistry is not genuine. It’s not about actually going out on a date with someone. It’s about controlling someone.”

Alexander says her organization has heard from additional women who report inappropriate behaviour or unsettling encounters involving Aguiar. She is working to connect those individuals with support and guidance.

Control vs. Genuine Connection

According to Alexander, the issue goes beyond one individual. Programs that promote manipulation or pressure-based tactics can create environments where women feel unsafe or undermined, especially when participants view interactions like a strategic game rather than a relationship between two consenting adults.

“The tactics sold online are a poor substitute for confidence and being genuine,” she added. “Control is not connection.”

Jay’s Decision to Speak Out

Why She Came Forward

Although none of the current allegations have been tested in court, Jay felt compelled to share her story publicly to warn others who may cross paths with Aguiar through his promotional work or his dating programs.

“I was able to fight for myself,” she said. “But someone else might not be able to. I just want people to be aware.”

For Jay, telling her story was an act of empowerment after feeling vulnerable and cornered during the alleged incident. She hopes her experience encourages more accountability in communities where influencers—and the tactics they teach—hold sway over young and impressionable audiences.

Protecting Other Women

Jay emphasized the importance of education and awareness. She believes that by acknowledging coercive behaviour early and recognizing manipulative approaches, women can better protect themselves when navigating social situations, especially those involving individuals who present themselves as dating experts or nightlife insiders.

Conclusion

As the case moves toward the courts, the allegations against Justin Marc Aguiar highlight troubling questions about consent, manipulation, and the broader culture surrounding so-called “pickup artistry.” While Aguiar maintains his innocence and will have the opportunity to defend himself in court, Jay’s decision to speak publicly underscores the emotional weight these allegations carry—and the potential risks faced by women who encounter individuals leveraging authority or influence in dating scenarios.

The upcoming court proceedings will determine the legal outcome of the November charge. In the meantime, Jay’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting boundaries, promoting genuine human connection, and holding accountable those who may exploit others under the guise of mentorship or expertise.

Mounting Uncertainty as Contract Talks Stall

Air Transat is bracing for a full-scale operational halt, announcing it will phase out all flights over three days after receiving a 72-hour strike notice from the union representing its pilots. The development, revealed early Sunday morning, immediately sent ripples of concern through travellers already in transit or preparing for holiday departures.

The Montreal-based carrier responded swiftly, calling the notice “premature” and emphasizing that progress has been made in negotiations — though not enough to avert the possibility of a work stoppage as early as Wednesday at 3 a.m. ET. The airline maintains there is still room for a breakthrough, but the countdown has begun.

The impending shutdown raises an uneasy question for many passengers: Will they be able to return home on time?

A Gradual Halt to Protect Travellers

Step-by-Step Suspension Plan

In its statement, Air Transat explained that the strike notice triggers an immediate obligation to roll out its contingency plan. The airline said it must take “proactive” steps to avoid a chaotic disruption if pilots walk off the job mid-operation.

That plan includes:

• Beginning flight suspensions Monday

• Implementing a full shutdown on Tuesday

• Repatriating passengers before Wednesday’s strike deadline

The goal, the company said, is to ensure no one is stranded abroad. The airline intends to bring passengers back to their original departure points while there is still time to manoeuvre.

This measured wind-down reflects lessons learned across the industry. Sudden strikes can leave thousands stuck in terminals, on islands, or in cities far from home. Air Transat insists it wants an orderly process — even if the circumstances are far from ideal.

Pilots Say Negotiations Have Stalled

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), which represents the airline’s pilots, said the strike notice was issued only after months of frustrating talks.

Capt. Bradley Small, chair of the Air Transat Master Executive Council, stated that the airline left the union with “no choice.”

He described negotiations as “unproductive,” insisting that a strike will occur unless substantial progress is made before Wednesday. Still, he noted, there is time to avoid escalation if management delivers concrete improvements.

“If we cannot reach an agreement, management will be responsible for every cancelled flight and stranded passenger,” Small said.

A Network Touching 33 Countries

A Global Footprint at Risk

Air Transat serves 10 domestic routes and 63 international destinations — stretching across Europe, the Caribbean, North Africa, South America, and the U.S. East Coast.

This geographic spread amplifies the stakes. A strike doesn’t only affect weekend leisure trips. It affects business travellers, exchange students, family visits, winter sun seekers, and, in many cases, travellers already abroad.

The complexity of worldwide operations makes repatriation essential. A passenger stuck in Lisbon, Punta Cana, or Marrakech can’t simply catch a quick alternative domestic carrier home.

As one industry observer joked recently, “An airline strike is like missing the last train of the night — only the station is an ocean away.”

Travellers Voice Anxiety as Departure Dates Loom

Stress Mounts at Canada’s Busiest Airport

At Toronto Pearson International Airport, tension was visible as would-be vacationers tried to weigh excitement against uncertainty.

Some were headed out on long-planned trips. Others were already recalculating what a mid-vacation strike might mean.

Clara Yoon, preparing to fly to the Dominican Republic, said she felt “scared and stressed” about her return plans next week.

“I’m afraid I won’t be able to come back home,” Yoon told CBC News Network.

She said the timing of the announcement — just as she and her travel companions were about to leave — made the situation even more frustrating.

Her reaction echoes a familiar sentiment among travellers: nothing derails vacation anticipation quite like the question of whether you’ll be able to get back.

A Fictional Glimpse Into Travellers’ Concerns

One passenger, rushing between check-in counters with a sun hat dangling from her backpack, shared a fictionalized anecdote that captures the mood:

“I told my husband, ‘If we get stuck, I hope you love the Caribbean enough to live there.’ He laughed. I didn’t.”

The comment landed with humour but also truth. Many travellers are juggling work commitments, childcare, or medical appointments. A surprise extension abroad sounds idyllic only until reality intervenes.

The Airline’s Position: Offers Already on the Table

Air Transat Argues It Has Been Negotiating in Good Faith

The airline has emphasized that it has made “generous” proposals and believes the two sides have moved closer to an agreement in recent days.

Still, the decision to prepare for an immediate shutdown suggests the company is taking the union’s notice seriously. The strategic suspension plan demonstrates a desire to minimize reputational damage — something no carrier wants during a busy travel season.

Air Transat maintains it hopes the coming hours will be enough to avoid a strike entirely. Each side insists resolution is still possible. Yet both are preparing for the worst.

What Comes Next?

A Narrow Window for a Deal

With the strike set to begin early Wednesday morning, the pressure is building. A successful negotiation within the next two days could restore normal operations and ease passengers’ concerns.

If no agreement emerges, air travel across multiple continents may be disrupted for an unknown period. Repatriated passengers could find themselves rebooking with crowded competitors or waiting indefinitely.

The uncertainty is creating a delicate tension: quiet optimism from both sides, and jittery anticipation from those who simply want to travel.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Canada’s Third-Largest Airline

Air Transat is confronting a critical test as pilot negotiations reach a breaking point. The coming days will determine whether the company can maintain stability or whether its operations will grind to a halt under one of the most consequential labour disputes it has faced in years.

For travellers, the situation is a reminder of how quickly vacation plans — or essential journeys — can be upended by events far beyond their control.