On Wednesday, the Bank of Canada reduced its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent, marking the seventh consecutive interest rate cut. This decision comes in response to the ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States. Governor Tiff Macklem stated that the economy had started the year strong, with solid GDP growth and inflation around two percent. However, tariff uncertainty has impacted business spending and consumer confidence, prompting the central bank to lower the interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point. Macklem also emphasized that the bank will proceed

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will hold a rally in Ludhiana on March 18. During the rally, both leaders will also visit the Civil Hospital, where they will inaugurate modern healthcare facilities. Ahead of the upcoming by-election for the Ludhiana West seat, the AAP has already begun its preparations, although the Election Commission has yet to announce the election date. The party has fielded Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora as its candidate for the seat, which became vacant following the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi.

Three rebel BC Conservative MLAs are considering forming a new political party after the party recently expelled Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie due to controversial comments about residential schools. In solidarity, two other MLAs, Jordan Kelly and Tara Armstrong, also left the party. To gain party status in the BC legislature, a minimum of two MLAs is required. This means that Brodie, Armstrong, and Kelly could qualify for party status and benefit from several advantages. The new party would be allocated an annual budget of approximately $767,000 for staff and office expenses. Additio

A fire at a high-rise building in downtown Vancouver has displaced 42 residents. Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services says crews were called to the building on Nelson Street on Tuesday and arrived to find flames coming from the building's seventh storey, extending into the eighth floor. It says firefighters fought the blaze with a ladder truck from the outside, while crews entered the building to temper the flames on the inside. The department says several people with mobility restrictions were found still inside and firefighters were able to help them to a safe area before gathering remaining p

Pakistani security forces exchanged gunfire on Wednesday with hundreds of separatist militants as they sought to free about 300 hostages aboard a train in the country’s rugged southwest, officials said. Security forces were being cautious as officials said the hostages were surrounded by militants wearing vests loaded with explosives. At least 27 militants have been killed and security forces rescued more than 150 of the 450 people who were on the train when it was hijacked on Tuesday as it entered a tunnel in Bolan, a district in restive Balochistan province. The Baloch Liberation Army grou

Ottawa and Alberta have reached a new joint $70-million funding agreement to aid the province's response to homelessness. Social Services Minister Jason Nixon says the funding is expected to boost shelter capacity, build transitional housing, and support the government's navigation centres in Edmonton and Calgary. Those navigation centres serve as a hub where those experiencing homelessness can go to be referred to available supports and services. Nixon says the funding will be split between Alberta's two major cities as well as Red Deer and Lethbridge. The deal will see Ottawa provide

Calgary police say a massage therapist has been charged with sexual assault of a client. Police say the client went in January to Parkview Massage and Wellness in south Calgary. It's alleged the client was touched sexually without consent during an appointment. Police say the client reported what happened the following month. A 46-year-old man is now charged with one count of sexual assault. He is slated to appear in court in May.

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has directed the registration of an FIR against former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a case involving the misuse of government funds. Kejriwal is accused of misappropriating public money by putting up large hoardings for campaigning. The court has also instructed the police to submit a status report by March 18. This latest case arises while Kejriwal is out on bail in the liquor scam case. He was released from jail on July 13, 2024, after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024, and taken into custody by the Central Bureau of Investi

Ontario has decided to withdraw the 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to the US following positive discussions between Premier Doug Ford and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Premier Doug Ford is also scheduled to travel to Washington this week to meet with Lutnick. The decision comes after US President Donald Trump announced plans to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50 percent in retaliation for Ontario's surcharge. In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement, warning that any move by Canada to cut off electricity to the US could