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The Great Return: Why Remote Work Is Fading for Many Canadians

  Over the past few years, remote work reshaped how Canadians lived and worked, offering flexibility, reduced commuting stress, and a better work–life balance. But that era is shifting. A growing number of employers across Canada are signalling that remote options—once seen as a permanent fixture—are gradually disappearing. Several factors are driving this change. Many companies argue that in‑person collaboration boosts creativity, strengthens team culture, and improves productivity. Some leaders also believe that physical presence helps with mentorship and career development, especially for younger employees who entered the workforce during the pandemic. Economic pressures are also playing a role. With businesses navigating uncertainty, some executives feel that having employees on‑site provides more oversight and operational stability. At the same time, commercial real estate vacancies have pushed organizations to make use of the office space they’re already paying for. For w...
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Valentine's Day: A Timeless Celebration of Love

 

Every February 14, hearts flutter and red roses bloom as people around the world mark a day dedicated to love. While today’s festivities often revolve around exchanging cards, chocolates, and flowers, the origins of Valentine’s Day weave a rich tapestry of history, myth, and transformation.

The roots of the holiday trace back to ancient Rome, where the raucous festival of Lupercalia celebrated fertility with rituals that included animal sacrifices and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. As Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, these pagan customs began to fade. In the late 5th century, the Catholic Church, seeking to offer a more pious alternative, established a feast day in honor of Saint Valentine—a clergyman martyred for defying the emperor’s ban on marriages for soldiers. According to legend, while imprisoned, Valentine miraculously restored the sight of his jailer’s daughter and sent her a parting note signed “from your Valentine,” a sentiment that echoes in today’s love letters and cards.

The medieval period further transformed the holiday’s meaning. English poet Geoffrey Chaucer famously linked February 14 to the beginning of birds’ mating season in his poem "The Parlement of Foules," thus cementing the association between Valentine’s Day and romance. Over the centuries, what started as a somber memorial for a martyr evolved into a vibrant celebration of all forms of love—from romantic partnerships to heartfelt friendships. Today, many cultures add their own unique twists: in Japan, for example, women gift chocolates to men (with the favor returned on White Day), while in the Philippines, mass weddings are held as an expression of communal love. 

Modern Valentine's Day is as much about personal expression as it is about tradition. Beyond the commercial bustle of gift shops and florists, the day invites us to celebrate the people who enrich our lives—be they partners, friends, or family. Whether you're crafting a handmade card, planning a quiet dinner, or even treating yourself to a moment of self-love, Valentine’s Day reminds us that love, in all its forms, remains a timeless and universal language.

Happy Valentine’s Day—may your day be filled with warmth, connection, and a little bit of magic!

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