The Punjab government has extended winter holidays for schools across the state as severe cold conditions and dense fog continue to affect daily life. The decision applies to all government, aided, recognised and private schools in Punjab. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the move was taken on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, with the health and safety of students and school staff being given top priority. Schools will now remain closed until January 7 and will reopen as usual from January 8.In a post shared on social media platform X, Bains said prolonged cold w

Calgary residents are facing renewed water restrictions after a major water main break overnight flooded a busy northwest interchange, trapping vehicles and forcing emergency rescues. The rupture occurred near the intersection of 16th Avenue NW and Sarcee Trail, close to Canada Olympic Park, an area that serves as a key commuter route. Fire crews were called in to rescue 13 people from vehicles surrounded by freezing water as the break sent water rushing across the roadway. Police closed the interchange, and city officials say the road will remain shut while crews assess damage and begin repai

Peel Regional Police have charged three men with first-degree murder following a fatal shooting near a busy shopping plaza in Brampton earlier this week. Investigators say the incident occurred near Shoppers World on Main Street and appears to have been targeted. Police were called to the area around 7:02 p.m. on Monday after reports of gunfire. Officers found a 25-year-old man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators allege the victim was driving out of the plaza when several suspects approached his vehicle and opened fire. After sever

Prime Minister Mark Carney used his New Year’s Eve message to reflect on what he described as a challenging year for Canada, while urging Canadians to carry a sense of unity and care into 2026. As the country prepared to welcome the new year, Carney said 2025 offered moments of joy and connection, shaped by the people and communities that support one another across the country. He encouraged Canadians to take time to reflect on those personal and collective experiences. At the same time, the prime minister acknowledged the difficulties Canada faced over the past year, saying it brought more

A 16-year-old girl who was reported missing from North Vancouver has been found dead inside a Vancouver home, prompting a joint investigation by major crime and forensic teams. Vancouver police say officers were called to a residence near East Pender Street and Renfrew Street shortly after 9 a.m., where the teen was discovered deceased. The girl had been reported missing the previous day, and North Vancouver RCMP had already launched a missing person investigation before the discovery was made. Authorities have not released the teen’s identity, and the cause of death has not yet been determi

Vancouver police have charged a 50-year-old man following an incident in the city’s downtown core where a pedestrian was allegedly threatened with a knife after confronting someone spray-painting property. Police say the incident occurred Saturday morning around 9:48 a.m. near the intersection of West Hastings and Hamilton streets, an area that sees heavy foot traffic during weekend mornings. According to investigators, a person walking to work noticed a man allegedly spray-painting in the area and confronted him. Police allege the suspect responded by spraying paint toward the pedestrian an

B.C. Conservative MLA Harman Bhangu says he is leaning toward entering the race for the party’s leadership, but will wait to make a final decision until the rules are formally released in the new year. Bhangu, who represents Abbotsford-Langley, said he expects the party to outline the leadership framework in the second or third week of January. He noted that the structure of the race, including timelines and fundraising requirements, will play a key role in whether he puts his name forward. His comments come days after federal Conservative MP Aaron Gunn confirmed he will not seek the provinc

Persistent and intense rainfall across British Columbia’s north coast has forced the closure of major highways and temporarily cut off road access to Prince Rupert, raising concerns about travel disruptions and infrastructure damage in the region. Provincial transportation officials say Highway 16, the primary route linking Prince Rupert with Terrace and other inland communities, has been closed in both directions due to flooding. DriveBC reports water over the roadway and unsafe driving conditions following days of sustained rain. Environment Canada says more than 200 millimetres of rain fe

Burnaby RCMP say a lengthy gang enforcement investigation has led to the seizure of more than 97 kilograms of illicit drugs, over $70,000 in cash, and the arrest of one suspect in Metro Vancouver. Police say the Burnaby RCMP Gang Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at a residence in New Westminster on December 17 as part of a six-month drug trafficking probe. A 29-year-old man was taken into custody and remains under investigation for multiple potential drug-related charges. Officers seized approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine, 41 kilograms of methamphetamine, 30 grams of fentanyl, and