The national statistics agency says the volume and severity of police-reported crime in Canada decreased four per cent last year, after three annual increases in a row. Statistics Canada says non-violent crime had a significant effect on the decline in the overall crime severity index in 2024. The non-violent crime severity index — including such crimes as property and drug offences — dropped six per cent last year, following a nine per cent increase from 2021 to 2023. The agency says the violent crime severity index decreased one per cent in 2024 and had a comparatively smaller effect on

Today marks one year since roughly 25,000 tourists and residents of Jasper, Alta., were forced to flee on a single highway, after several runaway fires were discovered in Jasper National Park. There's expected to be solemn reflection in the beloved mountain town, as events are held to remember the evacuation and the flames that incinerated neighbourhoods two days later. A third of the town's structures were destroyed despite firefighters' best efforts. It's estimated about 2,000 people were displaced by the fire. A ceremony is scheduled with Mayor Richard Ireland and federal Emergency Manageme

As provincial leaders prepare to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney later this morning, the premiers of Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan have signed a memorandum of understanding calling for the construction of new pipelines using Ontario steel.The premiers are gathered in Ontario's cottage country to talk about eliminating internal trade barriers and U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose 35 per cent tariffs on a wide variety of Canadian goods on Aug. 1.Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls this morning's agreement a "game changer" that focuses on shipping western oil to refineries in so

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for a 2-day visit to Britain on Wednesday. This is Modi's fourth visit to Britain, which is being held at the invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Prime Minister Modi will also meet British Emperor King Charles. According to the information received, Prime Minister Modi and Starmer will hold talks on issues like India-England Free Trade Agreement, defense, technology and climate. The two countries have been negotiating an open trade agreement for 3 years, which is now likely to be completed. Both countries want to double their trade

Kap’s Café, the Surrey business owned by comedian Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni, has reopened after being closed for about 10 days following a shooting earlier this month. When Connect FM visited the café this afternoon, staff declined to comment on camera but confirmed operations had resumed. Around 10 customers were inside and the atmosphere appeared calm, though a Surrey Police Service vehicle remained parked outside as a precaution. Shots were fired at the café on July 10 at about 1:50 a.m., forcing the closure. The reopening has also prompted new operating hours – the café will

Two vehicles crashed in the area of 124th Street and 75th Avenue in Surrey at around 9 a.m. this morning. The crash involved a black Tesla SUV and a brown minivan. The crash was so severe that both vehicles were badly damaged and a tow truck had to be removed from the scene. The Connect FM team arrived at the scene at around 11am and by then the drivers had been evacuated, but the vehicles were still being removed and two Surrey Police vehicles and officers were on the scene. Anju, a resident of the house near which the two vehicles collided, said the vehicles came to a stop in her driveway an

Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday tendered his resignation from his post “to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice.” Jagdeep Dhankhar was serving as the Vice President of India since 2022. He previously served as the governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022. In a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, he wrote that he was resigning in order “to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice.” He also thanked the President, Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers for their support and guidance.

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the inland regions of British Columbia's north coast, saying there is a moderate risk to public health. It says daytime temperatures are expected to be near 30 degrees Celsius with overnight lows in the mid-teens. The weather office says the elevated temperatures are expected to persist until Tuesday night, returning to seasonal values on Wednesday. It says health risks are higher for seniors, people who live alone and those with pre-existing conditions including diabetes, heart disease and respiratory diseases. Environment Canada is encouraging

The world's oldest athlete, 114-year-old Fauja Singh, merged into 5 elements yesterday. He was given a last farewell with government honors in his native Beas village near Jalandhar. At the time of his funeral, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, along with the entire top leadership of Congress, Akali Dal and BJP, were present. On this occasion, a special condolence message was also sent to the family by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the statue of this great athlete will be installed in the v