WestJet Flight Encounters Hard Landing in St. Maarten

A WestJet flight originating from Toronto faced a challenging landing at Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten yesterday afternoon. The incident occurred around 13:00 ET when flight WS2276 experienced what the airline described as a hard landing. As a precautionary measure, foam was deployed on the runway, and the aircraft’s slides were activated to ensure the safety of all onboard.

There were a total of 164 individuals aboard the Boeing 737-800, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated and taken to the terminal. According to WestJet’s statement, three individuals were transported for medical assessment following the incident. The airline is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the landing and is prioritizing support for its guests and crew members.

Weather and Other News in Canada

In related news, British Columbia is anticipated to see improvements in air quality today after a weekend filled with smoke from wildfires. The BC Wildfire Service reports that smoke will become more localized around active fire areas. Cooler temperatures and the possibility of localized downpours are expected in the central and southern Interior regions, where evacuation orders remain in effect due to multiple uncontrolled fires.

The Cariboo Regional District has recently issued evacuation orders affecting 85 properties in the Smokey Lake fire area, adding to hundreds of others since Friday. Special air quality statements are active across the province, alerting residents to the health risks posed by elevated smoke levels.

The Alberta government is also in the spotlight, with a revised school library book ban set to be released today. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides announced that the updated ministerial order will clarify the rules regarding books with sexually explicit content. Schools had initially been given until the end of September to comply with the previous order, which faced backlash for its wide-ranging implications on literature, including works by prominent authors.

Public Service Strike and Youth Gambling Concerns

In labor news, the president of the B.C. General Employees’ Union, Paul Finch, is expected to announce the next phase of the ongoing public service strike today. With over 34,000 members represented, the union has been picketing at various locations, advocating for competitive wages and equitable access to teleworking options. Premier David Eby has expressed the government’s intention to negotiate a fair deal for both workers and taxpayers.

Furthermore, healthcare professionals are raising alarms about the influx of sports betting advertisements and their potential impact on youth. An editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that the ubiquity of these ads during sports broadcasts, combined with the legalization of online gambling, poses a significant risk of fostering problem gambling among young people. Editor Dr. Shannon Charlebois advocates for stricter regulations on gambling advertisements, particularly during sports events and on platforms frequented by younger audiences.

In entertainment, notable figures like Jodie Foster were honored at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Tribute Awards. Foster reflected on her early days in Hollywood, acknowledging the limited representation of women in the industry. She was joined by other honorees including Guillermo del Toro, Channing Tatum, and Catherine O’Hara, celebrating their contributions to cinema.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 8, 2025.