German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Ukraine for the first time in more than 2 1/2 years Monday just weeks after he was criticized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for having a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. That call came at a time of widespread speculation about what the new administration of President-elect Donald Trump will mean for Ukraine as the incoming president has promised to end the conflict. In a major shift, Zelenskyy signalled Friday thatan an offer of NATO membershipto territory under Kyiv’s control could end “the hot stage of the war” in Ukra

The Liberal government is announcing $50 million in humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen says the money will provide life-saving help such as medical assistance, food, water and protection services. He says the funding will be delivered through partners such as the United Nations and the Red Cross. His office did not immediately say how much of the funding will go to each territory, and how much will go to UNRWA, an agency supporting Palestinians with which Israel has cut ties. The announcement comes

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who was detained by the Punjab Police at the Khanauri border, has been discharged from a hospital in Ludhiana. Upon his release, Dallewal stated that even mobile phones were not allowed in the ward where he was kept. Dallewal is now rejoining the farmers' protest at the Khanauri border. He was detained by the Punjab Police on November 26, just before he was set to begin a hunger strike at the border. He had been under strict surveillance in the Ludhiana hospital since his detention. Following pressure from farmers demanding his release, the state governmen

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek has announced that she will run for re-election in next year's mayoral race. She expressed her desire to continue serving as the city's mayor and may begin assembling a campaign team early in 2025. Gondek was first elected mayor in October 2021, becoming Calgary's 37th mayor and its first female mayor. Prior to her tenure as mayor, she served as a city councilor for Ward 3 from 2017 to 2021. Throughout her time in office, she has faced various criticisms on several issues. She has been criticized on topics such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, the city's single-use goo

Premier David Eby has asked BC Ferries to focus on cost control rather than raising fares. Eby stated that the government has provided significant financial support to BC Ferries, and in return, the company promised to keep fares stable for British Columbians. He emphasized that the government now expects to see the same commitment to cost management. BC Ferries CEO Nicholas Jimenez explained that inflation, growing demand, and the need to replace the aging fleet with new ships would necessitate fare increases. Jimenez warned that the company may need to raise fares by 30 percent or more when

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does not appear willing to budge on his plan to send a $250 rebate to "hardworking Canadians," despite pressure from the opposition to give the money to seniors and people who are not able to work. The rebate is one of two affordability measures the Liberals announced this month, along with a plan to temporarily cut the federal sales tax on a list of items that are popular over the holidays. The GST holiday bill passed in the House of Commons late Thursday night with the help of the NDP, and needs approval from the Senate before the tax break takes effect in a lit

A winter storm is moving over British Columbia's coast, bringing strong winds, heavy snow and freezing rain as snowfall warnings continue for much of the province's Interior. Environment Canada issued a winter storm watch for the north coast, saying a low-pressure system will approach the region as a ridge of high pressure builds over the province's Interior. It says the storm is expected to start tonight and persist until Sunday. More heavy snow is expected in the inland sections of the north coast including Stewart, which has already received 40 to 55 cm of snow this week with up to 40 cm mo

Canada's top court has affirmed the constitutionality of a law that would allow British Columbia to pursue a class-action lawsuit against opioid providers on behalf of other provinces, the territories and the federal government. The Supreme Court of Canada decision today is another step toward a potential cross-country action by governments that paid to treat patients who took the addictive drugs. Section 11 of B.C.'s Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act allows the province to bring an action against opioid manufacturers and distributors on behalf of multiple governments, but also

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre raised the issue of illegal immigration in Canada during a speech in Parliament. Poilievre claimed that 500,000 people are currently living in Canada illegally. He criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, calling him a "weak" leader with no control over immigration or the country's borders. Poilievre also argued that Canada is facing a significant economic challenge, referencing the impact of U.S. tariffs under President Trump. Poilievre further pointed out that the government had previously invited about 700,000 international students, giving them