Demonstrators dance at the Open Dance Floors protest, calling on the government to loosen restrictions on nightlife venues in Montreal, Quebec on October 23, 2021.
A demonstrator holds up a sign as police walk by at a Montreal rally in solidarity with Wet'suwet'en land defenders on November 27, 2021.
Demonstrators protest at the Climate March in Montreal, Quebec on September 24, 2021.
An EMT salutes the flag while at a Remembrance Day ceremony in Cote St. Luc in Montreal, Quebec November 11, 2021.
An Indigenous woman conducts a smudging ceremony at the Women's March in Toronto, Ontario on January 22, 2017.
Demonstrators protest at the Women's March in Toronto, Ontario on January 22, 2017.
Protesters hold signs at the Rally in Support of Ukraine in Montreal, Quebec on February 27, 2022.
Singer, Awa Lemon, poses for a portrait in downtown Toronto, Ontario on February 20, 2019.
Musician, Desiire, poses for a portrait in Toronto, Ontario on September 26, 2018.
Ryerson student, Taylor Reynolds poses in her new merchandise line, Hustle in Toronto, Ontario on March 3, 2017.
Singer, Amanda Mae poses in Toronto, Ontario on August 18, 2018.
Laura Macmullin poses for a portrait in Montreal, Quebec on November 18, 2021.
A girl sticks her tongue into a fountain stream in Montreal, Quebec on October 18, 2021.
A person sits on a bench at Edouard Montpetit station in Montreal, Quebec on October 17, 2021
A woman laughs at a street performer in Toronto, Ontario on March 8, 2016.
Fans cheer as the Montreal Canadiens score in overtime in game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals in Montreal, Quebec on July 5, 2021.
A person walks through a snowstorm in Montreal, Quebec on February 19, 2022.
A person with an umbrella walks down Ste-Catherine Street in Montreal, Quebec October 16, 2021
Concordia University’s Carolyne Beaudoin chases the ball while playing against Bishop University’s women’s soccer team in Montreal, Quebec on October 30, 2021.
Country roads are a familiar place for Dr. Eastman Welsford. As a large animal veterinarian, he serves rural communities across Eastern Ontario, from the Quebec border to Smith Falls, covering a territory that stretches nearly 200 square kilometres.
“I probably spend about three to four hours a day just driving,” says Welsford. “It’s one of the only downsides of this job.”
Welsford, 28, began working in the field last year after spending a year interning in the United States, working in communities in Massachusetts and Connecticut. When the COVID-19 pandemic began during his time in the U.S., he found himself stuck on the other side of the border, unable to visit friends and family. After his internship ended and he was finally able to return to Canada, he knew working in his home province of Ontario was a priority.
While the pandemic initially presented some challenges for large animal vets—clients booked fewer appointments and were hesitant about house calls—business is steadily getting back to normal, though the clinic still receives the occasional strange call from people trying to purchase ivermectin, a horse dewormer falsely claimed to cure COVID-19.
Welsford has always loved animals—growing up in Oakville, Ontario, he owned a range of pets including dogs, hamsters, geckos, a chameleon, a ferret and a bird. But his farm experience came from riding his grandparents’ standardbred horses as a child. It hadn’t occurred to him until his first year of university that he could channel this love for animals into a career.
“Most of my colleagues knew they wanted to be vets since they were kids—I just didn’t grow up, so I figured it out later,” jokes Welsford.
Having gained experience in agriculture while studying his undergrad at McGill University, Welsford chose to specialize in livestock animals, including cows, horses, goats and occasionally chickens, instead of working with smaller domestic pets. He wanted to build his confidence as a vet by focusing solely on large animals, rather than spreading himself thin with a wider range of patients. He’s grateful for the mentorship he’s received from other large animal vets during his first year on the job.
On a rainy fall morning, Welsford starts his day in Williamstown, Ontario to see the first of four horses scheduled for appointments that day. His workload is lighter than usual—depending on the time of year, he may see up to 30 different animals in one day, with summer being the busiest season for show horses.
The first horse he sees, an Arabian named Tindar, has been dealing with an ongoing eye infection and he has to break the news to the horse’s owner, Anna Williams, that it has gone blind—damage that may be permanent. Following this, he performs a routine dental float—a procedure that involves filing down a horse’s sharp teeth with a power tool—on a another horse of hers, Almendra.
One of the challenges as a large animal vet is not being able to communicate with patients, making it harder to assess an issue at times. During his year in the field, he’s learned that dairy cow calvings, which take place throughout the year, are a highlight since the result is undeniable.
“Bringing new life into the world is always a pretty amazing feeling,” says Welsford. “You make a difference [as a vet] and you see the difference right there.”
His next stop is an appointment with a Quarter horse named Teddy that has been struggling with balance and coordination—a sign of a neurological illness—in Bishop’s Mills, about an hour and a half away. To make his daily road trips easier, he looks for any useful way to pass the time.
“A lot of that time [driving] feels wasted—I’m not making any money for the practice, billing or seeing patients,” said Welsford. “So I try to call clients during that time or listen to continuing education courses to make the most of it.”
As someone always looking to improve his skills, he chooses courses that cover innovations in veterinary science and disease trends among farm animals.
Once his appointment in Bishop’s Mills is complete, he heads to the Prescott Animal Hospital, where he splits his time between its partner clinic in Navan and his house in Ottawa.
He performs an x-ray and ultrasound on a young horse dealing with back pain. The clinic has an expansive range of procedural tools, including an operating room and stables for animals needing longer-term treatment.
After finishing his final appointment for the day, he leans against a counter in a show of exhaustion.
“Don’t get too comfortable,” his co-worker teases him. “You’re on call tonight.”
While he gets to go home for the night, he’ll be on call for emergencies in the region until 8am. Welsford laughs and knocks on wood for good luck. “Here’s hoping nothing happens tonight.”
Dr. Welsford carries his medical case while following a hobby farm owner to see her horses in Williamstown, Ontario December 2, 2021. Welsford, a young vet, has been working in the field in Eastern Ontario for the past year, taking care of a range of large animals, including horses, cows and goats.
Dr. Welsford checks on a horse who has an ongoing eye infection during a regular medical checkup at a hobby farm in Williamstown, Ontario December 2, 2021. Welsford, a young vet, has been working in the field in Eastern Ontario for the past year, taking care of a range of large animals, including horses, cows and goats.
Horse tack hangs on the wall of a barn at Anna Williams' hobby farm. in Williamstown, Ontario December 2, 2021. Dr. Welsford, a young vet, has been working in the field in Eastern Ontario for the past year, taking care of a range of large animals, including horses, cows and goats.
Dr. Welsford takes a photo of a horse who has an ongoing eye infection during a regular medical checkup at a hobby farm in Williamstown, Ontario December 2, 2021. Welsford, a young vet, has been working in the field in Eastern Ontario for the past year, taking care of a range of large animals, including horses, cows and goats.
Anna Williams, sits with her horse prior to a dental procedure from visiting vet, Dr. Welsford in Williamstown, Ontario December 2, 2021.
Anna Williams, comforts her horse as farm vet, Dr. Welsford, tranquilizes it prior to a dental procedure in Williamstown, Ontario December 2, 2021. Welsford, a young vet, has been working in the field in Eastern Ontario for the past year, taking care of a range of large animals, including horses, cows and goats.
Dr. Welsford, a farm vet, performs a routine dental procedure on a horse in Williamstown, Ontario December 2, 2021. Welsford, a young vet, has been working in the field in Eastern Ontario for the past year, taking care of a range of large animals, including horses, cows and goats.
Dr. Welsford, observes a horse with possible neurological damage at a horse farm in Bishop's Mills, Ontario December 2, 2021. Welsford, a young vet, has been working in the field in Eastern Ontario for the past year, taking care of a range of large animals, including horses, cows and goats.
Dr. Welsford's medical case in Prescott, Ontario December 2, 2021. Welsford, a young vet, has been working in the field in Eastern Ontario for the past year, taking care of a range of large animals, including horses, cows and goats.
A dehydrated horse is hooked up to an IV at Precott Animal Hospital in Prescott, Ontario December 2, 2021. Welsford, a young vet, has been working in the field in Eastern Ontario for the past year, taking care of a range of large animals, including horses, cows and goats.
Dr. Welsford talks with a colleague at Prescott Animal Hospital in Prescott, Ontario December 2, 2021. Welsford, a young vet, has been working in the field in Eastern Ontario for the past year, taking care of a range of large animals, including horses, cows and goats.
Walking inside Sébastien Potvin’s drag closet is an experience like no other. Racks of costumes and wigs adorn the walls of the bedroom-turned-walk-in closet, with makeup scattered across his vanity.
Potvin works full time as a drag queen in Montreal, Quebec, known by his stage name, Barbada de Barbades. With 17 years of experience under his belt, Potvin is renowned for being one of the premiere drag artists in the city, with many queens pointing to him as a mentor.
“I’ve had many drag children over the years and I love to get to know new, up-and-coming queens in the city,” said Potvin.
Potvin used to work full-time as an elementary school music teacher, but began committing to full-time drag about a year ago, when he got a position as a judge on the OutTv show, Call Me Mother, where three mentors choose amateur drag artists, or drag “children”, to help grow their skills, similarly to a show like The Voice.
Potvin has a loving and supportive personality, which shines through in these roles. He began his work as a teacher the same year he began to explore the art of drag, growing in both worlds simultaneously. He still utilizes his teaching skills through weekly story hours at libraries throughout Quebec, offering a family-friendly version of drag.
Potvin has recently launched an ICI TOU children’s show, called Barbada, where he solves problems through the power of music, with help from various Quebec musicians. Through this work he is able to maintain his connection to teaching, which remains a passion of his.
Potvin’s early years saw his life take a very different direction from his current lifestyle. He was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for several years, working as a conductor and flutist. The throughline of each phase of his life has always been music.
“I’ve always loved music, I love dancing so that’s what drew me to all of these parts of my life,” said Potvin. “I do it for the people, for the human contact.”
Due to Covid-19 restrictions in the pandemic, Potvin became increasingly isolated at home, unable to do live performances with fellow drag artists who have become his community. Through virtual performances, he was able to maintain consistent work, but says he missed the human connection of live shows.
“You have to do the show from your place and buy the ring lights, the cameras, everything you need to do those shows, so it’s a big adjustment,” said Potvin. “When you’re at home, between these four walls, it’s just not the same at all.”
As restrictions loosen, venues can now host shows for a full audience and Potvin couldn’t be more relieved. He thrives off of the excitement of the audience, creating high-energy shows full of humour, joy and dance.
“One of the main things that has kept me going over these years is to have a connection with people,” said Potvin. “When you finish a number and people are applauding and screaming or you tell a joke and people laugh, that’s the fuel that keeps you going.”
Sebastien Potvin applies makeup in his at-home drag closet in Montreal, Quebec on February 17, 2022. Potvin has been working as drag queen, Barbada de Barbades, for 17 years and is finally returning to in-person shows after two years of virtual performances.
Sebastien Potvin applies makeup in his at-home drag closet in Montreal, Quebec on February 17, 2022. Potvin has been working as drag queen, Barbada de Barbades, for 17 years and is finally returning to in-person shows after two years of virtual performances.
Sebastien Potvin’s makeup on his vanity in Montreal, Quebec on February 17, 2022. Potvin has been working as drag queen, Barbada de Barbades, for 17 years and is finally returning to in-person shows after two years of virtual performances.
Sebastien Potvin applies makeup in his at-home drag closet in Montreal, Quebec on March 18, 2022. Potvin has been working as drag queen, Barbada de Barbades, for 17 years and is finally returning to in-person shows after two years of virtual performances.
Sebastien Potvin applies makeup in his at-home drag closet in Montreal, Quebec March 18, 2022. Potvin has been working as drag queen, Barbada de Barbades, for 17 years and is finally returning to in-person shows after two years of virtual performances.
Sebastien Potvin chats with fellow drag queen, Sally D, in the dressing room at Bar Le Cocktail in Montreal, Quebec March 25, 2022. Potvin has been working as drag queen, Barbada de Barbades, for 17 years and is finally returning to in-person shows after two years of virtual performances.
Sebastien Potvin helps fellow drag queen, Sally D, into they costume in the dressing room at Bar Le Cocktail in Montreal, Quebec March 25, 2022. Potvin has been working as drag queen, Barbada de Barbades, for 17 years and is finally returning to in-person shows after two years of virtual performances.
Sebastien Potvin fans himself in the dressing room at Bar Le Cocktail as he gets ready to go on stage in Montreal, Quebec March 25, 2022. Potvin has been working as drag queen, Barbada de Barbades, for 17 years and is finally returning to in-person shows after two years of virtual performances.
Sebastien Potvin performs on stage at Bar Le Cocktail in Montreal, Quebec March 25, 2022. Potvin has been working as drag queen, Barbada de Barbades, for 17 years and is finally returning to in-person shows after two years of virtual performances.
Sebastien Potvin performs on stage at Bar Le Cocktail in Montreal, Quebec March 25, 2022. Potvin has been working as drag queen, Barbada de Barbades, for 17 years and is finally returning to in-person shows after two years of virtual performances.
District Bagel takes their bagel making seriously.
It takes years to master the skills needed to create the perfect Montreal bagel. According to Javier Zelaya, head baker at District, there are only 40 known bagel makers in the entire city, making it increasingly difficult to hire new staff.
Montreal bagels are characterized by the process of boiling the dough and baking in a wood-fired oven.
According to Zelaya, the difference between Montreal and New York bagels are that "in New York, they make bread in the shape of a bagel. Here we make the real thing."
Javier Zelaya starts his day long before the sun rises to make bagels in the kitchen of District Bagel in Montreal, Quebec March 18, 2022.
Javier Zelaya, baker at District Bagel, empties a colander of freshly-boiled bagels before placing them in the oven to bake in Montreal, Quebec March 18, 2022.
Zelaya places the uncooked bagels in the wood-fired oven—an essential step for making true Montreal bagels—in Montreal, Quebec March 18, 2022.
Sesame seeds are added to the bagel dough before baking in Montreal, Quebec March 18, 2022.
Zelaya removes the freshly-baked bagels from the oven in Montreal, Quebec March 18, 2022.
Zelaya throws the freshly-baked bagels into a pile to be sorted for packaging in Montreal, Quebec March 18, 2022.
Pinney Friedman, owner of District Bagel, sorts through the bagels for packaging in Montreal, Quebec March 18, 2022.
Once the bagels are baked for the day, Zelaya switches his focus to preparing for his next busy morning by prepping the flour in an industrial mixer in Montreal, Quebec March 18, 2022.
Zelaya rolls dough into the classic bagel shape to be baked the next morning in Montreal, Quebec March 18, 2022.
Zelaya finishes off his day by placing a sheet of rolled bagel dough on a rack, ready to be baked the next morning in Montreal, Quebec March 18, 2022.
Zeds Dead perform a set during their Deadbeats Tour in Toronto, Ontario on July 20, 2021.
Toronto drag queen, Priyanka, embraces Ru Paul’s Drag Race contestant, Brooke Lynn Hytes at a Pride event in Toronto, Ontario on June 22, 2019.
BADBADNOTGOOD performs a set at Field Trip Music Festival in Toronto, Ontario on June 4, 2017.
Flaming Stove employee assembles a shawarma wrap at Taste of the Middle East Festival in Toronto, Ontario on July 27, 2019.
A person with LED glasses listens to a DJ set at Electric Island in Toronto, Ontario on July 1st, 2018.
People dance at Electric Island in Toronto, Ontario on July 1, 2018.
Moses Sumney performs at the Mod Club in Toronto, Ontario on October 5, 2017.
Hannah Georgas performs at the Mod Club in Toronto, Ontario on December 7, 2016.
Tonn Piper performs with Andy C at Deadbeats Fest in Toronto, Ontario on July 20, 2018.
A woman is carried on the shoulders of a man at Deadbeats Fest in Toronto, Ontario on July 20, 2018.
Lemin performs at 199z Fest in Toronto, Ontario on August 9, 2018.
Vinicunca, AKA “Rainbow Mountain”, in the Andes of Peru on June 14, 2019.
Miners work on their family-owned salt plots in Maras, Peru on July 15, 2019.
Women sell vegetables in the Pisco Market in Pisco, Peru on June 7, 2019.
A musician busks in Venice, Italy on July 31, 2013.
A feral cat, a common sight in the town, runs over a rooftop in Kotor Bay, Montenegro on April 3, 2013.
The Toronto, Ontario skyline at sunset on April 4, 2016.
Trial Islands Lighthouse at dusk in Oak Bay, British Columbia on December 7, 2016.
Mt. Baker at sunrise in Victoria, British Columbia on December 7, 2020.
