标签： North America

A coalition of prominent Canadian linguists and language authorities has formally requested Prime Minister Mark Carney to maintain Canadian English standards in all governmental communications, following the discovery of British spellings in key official documents. The controversy emerged after language specialists identified non-Canadian orthography in recent publications from the Carney administration, including the November fiscal budget and an October press release concerning diplomatic engagements in Washington, DC.

In a collectively signed open letter dated December 11th and obtained by BBC News, the language professionals emphasized that Canadian English represents a crucial element of national identity that reflects the country’s unique historical and cultural position between American and British influences. The signatories—including four distinguished linguistics professors from Canadian universities and the editor-in-chief of the Canadian English Dictionary—argued that governmental deviation from established Canadian spelling conventions could generate public confusion and diminish linguistic pride.

Canadian English incorporates distinctive characteristics that set it apart from both American and British variants. While it typically favors the British ‘ou’ construction in words like ‘colour’ rather than the American ‘color’, it consistently employs ‘z’ spellings in words like ‘organize’ and ‘analyze’ instead of the British ‘organise’ and ‘analyse’. The language also features uniquely Canadian terminology including ‘toque’ (a winter hat) and ‘washroom’ (restroom), which differ from both American and British equivalents.

Professor Stefan Dollinger of the University of British Columbia, one of the letter’s signatories, expressed concern that the Prime Minister’s Office might be reversing decades of linguistic evolution. “Language expresses identity,” Professor Dollinger stated, noting the symbolic importance of maintaining Canada’s distinct linguistic traditions rather than reverting to colonial-era conventions.

Some observers have speculated that Carney’s extended residence in the United Kingdom—where he served seven years as Governor of the Bank of England—might have influenced his linguistic preferences. Prominent linguist JK Chambers of the University of Toronto, another signatory, remarked via email that while Carney “obviously picked up some pretensions while he was there,” he had at least avoided using extreme British forms like ‘gaol’ for ‘jail’.

Editors Canada President Kaitlin Littlechild noted that it remains unclear whether the British spellings resulted from a procedural misunderstanding or represented a deliberate stylistic directive. The organization has sought clarification from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding its official language policy moving forward.

The Brown University community is grieving the tragic loss of two exceptional students following a deadly campus shooting in Providence, Rhode Island. Ella Cook, a second-year student and vice-president of the College Republicans, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a first-year scholarship recipient aspiring to become a neurosurgeon, were fatally shot during an attack that also injured nine other students on Saturday.

Ella Cook, remembered as an accomplished pianist and academically outstanding student, was attending an economics review session when a masked gunman entered her classroom. Martin Bertao, president of the College Republicans of America, described Cook as possessing a “bold, brave and kind heart” in his tribute. The Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama, near Cook’s hometown, held a vigil honoring her as an “incredible grounded, faithful, bright light.” Political figures including Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed their heartbreak over her death.

Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a gifted scholar who overcame significant health challenges, had aspired to become a neurosurgeon since undergoing brain surgery as a child. His sister revealed to the Washington Post that he took every Advanced Placement class available in high school and worked at a convenience store to purchase a laptop. The American Uzbekistan Association noted that Umurzokov “carried himself with humility and compassion” and had “a future filled with promise.

The shooting has reignited discussions about gun violence in American educational institutions as the university community gathers for candlelight vigils and memorial services. Both families have received outpouring support from their respective communities and beyond, with tributes highlighting the exceptional promise and character of both young victims.

Rhode Island authorities announced Sunday night the release of a man previously detained as a person of interest in the Brown University mass shooting that resulted in two student fatalities and nine injuries. The decision marks a significant pivot in the investigation just days after the tragic incident rocked the prestigious Ivy League campus.

Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez had initially confirmed the apprehension of a man in his 20s during a midday press conference, but provided scarce details regarding the detention. The turnaround came hours later when Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joined state officials in announcing the individual’s release, indicating the investigation had progressed in a “different direction.”

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha clarified that while initial evidence justified the detention, subsequent investigation revealed “no basis to believe that he’s a person of interest.” Authorities confirmed they continue to pursue an unidentified individual captured in surveillance footage near the engineering building where the shooting occurred.

The shooting unfolded Saturday in Brown’s Barus Holley engineering and physics building during final examinations, with outer doors reportedly left unlocked. Witness accounts describe sudden gunfire that sent students scrambling for safety, with some taking shelter in nearby apartments while others endured five-hour lockdowns.

University President Christina Paxson confirmed nearly all victims were students, canceling remaining exams and classes for the year. The campus remained quiet Sunday under a blanket of light snow as the community grappled with the tragedy—one of nearly 400 mass shootings recorded in the United States this year according to the Gun Violence Archive.

Despite the ongoing manhunt, authorities lifted shelter-in-place orders for the campus and surrounding community Sunday. Mayor Smiley encouraged residents to attend a previously scheduled holiday tree lighting ceremony, noting “if we can come together as a community and shine a little bit of light tonight, I think there’s nothing better that we could be doing.”

Law enforcement authorities have apprehended 24-year-old Wisconsin resident Benjamin Erickson as the primary suspect in Saturday’s deadly shooting at Brown University. The arrest occurred at a hotel approximately 32 kilometers from the Ivy League campus, where Erickson was found in possession of two firearms.

The tragic incident resulted in two confirmed fatalities and nine individuals sustaining injuries, all presumed to be students attending the university. Official identification of victims remains pending proper notification of family members.

Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez confirmed ongoing investigative efforts, stating, “We’re actively collecting evidence and seizing relevant items while conducting necessary searches at multiple locations.” The shooting occurred around 4 pm Saturday in the Barus and Holley building, which contains engineering and physics department facilities. According to law enforcement sources, the assailant discharged over 40 rounds from a 9mm handgun within a classroom setting.

The university administration has canceled all remaining academic activities for the semester, including final examinations and project submissions, as the community grapples with the tragedy. On Sunday evening, city officials and residents transformed a scheduled holiday celebration into a vigil honoring the victims.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley addressed the gathering, noting the symbolic significance of coming together during the Hanukkah season to “shine a little bit of light” in response to darkness. Federal authorities, including the FBI, provided critical assistance in locating and apprehending the suspect. FBI Director Kash Patel acknowledged the collaborative effort while requesting continued prayers for affected individuals and families.

Investigators have not yet established Erickson’s connection to the university or determined a potential motive for the attack. The case continues to develop as law enforcement pursues multiple investigative avenues.