Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand has concluded a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, where discussions centred on expanding bilateral trade and Canada’s potential role in safeguarding key global shipping routes in the event of a ceasefire in the Middle East. According to a statement from Anand’s office, talks included the security of the Strait of Hormuz and broader efforts to support regional stability following any cessation of hostilities. Anand said Canada would be prepared to play an active role in limiting global economic disruptions tied to conflict in the region. Durin

A 42-year-old Lethbridge man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a 27-year-old man, marking the third arrest in the case, according to a police news release. The Lethbridge Police Service said the accused was arrested late Monday following the execution of search warrants at two residences on Mt. Crandell Crescent. Two other men were previously arrested on March 28 in relation to the same investigation. Police said officers and EMS responded to a report of an assault at approximately 6:30 a.m. on March 27 at an apartment complex in the 200 block of 7 Avenu

Global oil prices climbed sharply Tuesday following reports of an attack on a Kuwaiti-flagged oil tanker near the United Arab Emirates, raising concerns about supply disruptions in a key energy shipping route. According to the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, the tanker was struck off the coast of Dubai. The company said there were no reported casualties or oil spills resulting from the incident. The circumstances of the attack and responsibility have not been independently verified. Benchmark Brent crude rose about five per cent to approximately $118.50 per barrel, while U.S. crude prices reache

Stephen Lewis, a former Ontario New Democratic Party leader, Canadian diplomat and longtime social activist, has died at the age of 88. The Stephen Lewis Foundation announced his death on its website Tuesday. No cause of death was provided. Lewis served as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations and led the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978, according to the foundation’s statement. He later became widely known for his advocacy on global health, poverty and environmental issues. He was the father of Avi Lewis, who was elected leader of the federal NDP on Sunday.

The accused, identified as Saudagar Singh Sarao, is the father of Shaganpreet Singh, a former manager of late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Police allege that Singh was involved in a demand for Rs 1 crore from a local commission agent. According to police, the complainant reported receiving threats from an individual who identified himself as gangster Donny Bal and demanded money. A case was registered following the complaint, and an investigation was launched. During the investigation, police said technical evidence and other findings indicated that the extortion demand was linked to Shagan

Independent MLA Hon Chan says he will not step down from his legislative seat after assault charges related to an alleged incident of intimate partner violence became public, leading to his removal from the Conservative caucus. Speaking briefly to reporters outside the legislative chamber Monday, Chan said he intends to remain in office, adding that “everybody is actually innocent until proven guilty.” The charges relate to an alleged incident dated Jan. 12, 2024. Chan has said he was not contacted by police before the October 2025 provincial election, when he was elected as a Conservative

The federal government is set to extend its temporary cap on annual alcohol excise tax increases for another two years, according to a senior government official who spoke to The Canadian Press on background ahead of a formal announcement. Excise duties on beer, wine and spirits are normally adjusted each April 1 based on inflation. Since 2023, the Liberal government has limited those increases to a maximum of two per cent annually. That cap was scheduled to expire this year, but the official said it will now remain in place until 2028. The government is also planning to extend for two years a

Canada Post says it is proceeding with a federally mandated restructuring plan that could see the permanent end of door-to-door mail delivery across the country. In a statement to media Monday, the Crown corporation said the transformation is intended to adapt its operations to changing demand while avoiding ongoing financial pressure on taxpayers. According to the statement, the plan includes changes to delivery standards and a shift toward community mailboxes. The direction follows a federal announcement in September, when Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement J

Alberta’s government has introduced legislation that would restrict when citizens can launch petitions for constitutional or policy referendums, including a blackout period before and after provincial elections. Justice Minister Mickey Amery outlined the proposed changes in a bill now before the legislature. According to the minister, the bill would prohibit initiating referendum petitions in the 12 months leading up to, and the 12 months following, a provincial election. Amery said the intent is to ensure voters can focus on making decisions at the ballot box without overlapping referendum