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BCAug 07, 2026

B.C. considers cutting development charges to spur housing construction in high-growth communities

The British Columbia government is considering reducing development cost charges to encourage the construction of new homes in the province's fastest-growing communities. Housing Minister Christine Boyle confirmed the province is in discussions with the federal government on a proposal that would reduce development cost charges by up to 50 per cent for multi-unit housing projects in rapidly growing municipalities. According to the minister, the plan also includes exploring options to offset the funding shortfall municipalities would face if the fees are reduced. Development cost charges are pa
AlbertaAug 07, 2026

Two correctional officers and inmate die during transfer from Edmonton women's prison, CSC says

Correctional Service Canada says two correctional officers and an inmate have died during a transfer from the Edmonton Institution for Women. The federal agency announced the deaths Thursday in a social media post, describing the incident as a "tragic accident." It did not say when the deaths occurred or provide details about how the three people were killed. According to Correctional Service Canada, the transfer involved the Edmonton Institution for Women, a multi-level facility in west Edmonton that houses minimum- and medium-security inmates. No additional information about the circumstance
CanadaAug 07, 2026

CBSA spent nearly $1 million on private jets for deportation and detainee transfers, report says

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) spent nearly $1 million over a two-year period chartering private aircraft to deport foreign nationals or transfer detainees within Canada, according to a report by The Globe and Mail citing internal CBSA documents. The report says the agency chartered a Dassault Falcon 900EX private jet in January 2022 to deport three individuals at a cost of approximately $438,000. According to the internal records reviewed by The Globe and Mail, the aircraft was used for a single removal operation. The documents also indicate that in September 2022, CBSA paid $130,432 to
BCAug 07, 2026

RCMP seek public's help after suspected series of fires at Kelowna park

The RCMP are asking the public for assistance after investigators identified a series of suspected deliberately set fires at Gopher Creek Linear Park in Kelowna. According to the RCMP, several small fires were discovered in close proximity inside the park at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. People who were in the park and nearby residents spotted the fires and extinguished them before notifying the fire department, preventing any significant damage. Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the park or near the Gallagher Road and Lynrick Road area that afternoon
BCAug 07, 2026

Nova Scotia to ban e-bikes and e-scooters for children under 14 starting this fall

Nova Scotia will prohibit children under the age of 14 from operating e-bikes and e-scooters beginning this fall as part of amendments to the province's Traffic Safety Act. Public Works Minister Fred Tilley announced the new minimum age requirement, saying the changes are intended to improve road safety as electric mobility devices become faster and more widely used. According to the provincial announcement, the updated rules respond to advances in technology that allow many e-bikes and e-scooters to travel at significantly higher speeds than conventional bicycles. The changes come as injuries
canada-adds-75-000-jobs-in-july-as-unemployment-rate-falls-to-two-year-low
CanadaAug 07, 2026

Canada adds 75,000 jobs in July as unemployment rate falls to two-year low

Canada's economy added 75,000 jobs in July, bringing the national unemployment rate down to 6.4 per cent, according to Statistics Canada. The agency said the unemployment rate is now at its lowest level in two years. The latest Labour Force Survey marks the third consecutive monthly decline in unemployment. Since April, the jobless rate has fallen by 0.5 percentage points. The July employment gain also exceeded economists' expectations, with forecasts having called for approximately 15,000 new jobs. Statistics Canada reported that both full-time and part-time employment contributed almost equa
BCAug 06, 2026

Fort St. John RCMP investigate second targeted drive-by shooting in recent weeks

RCMP are investigating a targeted drive-by shooting in Fort St. John that damaged several properties but did not result in any reported injuries. The incident marks the second targeted shooting in the city within the past few weeks. According to Fort St. John RCMP, officers responded to reports of gunfire at about 1:37 a.m. Thursday in the 9800 block of 108 Avenue, near the city's downtown area. Investigators found bullet damage to a travel trailer, two nearby homes and a vehicle. Police said no injuries were reported. As of publication, investigators have not released a description of any sus
federal-government-restores-full-health-coverage-for-refugees-and-asylum-claimants
CanadaAug 06, 2026

Federal government restores full health coverage for refugees and asylum claimants

The federal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney has reversed recent cuts to health coverage for refugees and asylum claimants, restoring full benefits under the Interim Federal Health Program. New rules introduced on May 1, 2026 required eligible refugees to pay a $4 co-payment for prescription medications. The changes also required them to cover 30 per cent of the cost of supplemental services, including dental care, vision care, physiotherapy and mental health services. The policy drew criticism from frontline physicians, human rights organizations and community advocates, who argued
rcmp-warn-western-canada-trucking-businesses-about-credit-card-fraud-scheme
CanadaAug 06, 2026

RCMP warn Western Canada trucking businesses about credit card fraud scheme

The Saskatchewan RCMP is warning trucking and transportation-related businesses across Western Canada about a credit card fraud scheme targeting commercial suppliers. According to an RCMP news release, suspects are contacting businesses by phone and using fraudulent credit cards to purchase truck tires, engine oil, trailer parts and other high-value items. Police say the fraud typically begins with a phone order and payment by credit card. The initial transaction may appear as approved or pending, prompting businesses to ship the goods by courier. After the shipment is delivered, the credit ca

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CanadaOct 02, 2026

Canada Seeks India’s Help to Arrest, Extradite Suspect in $22M Toronto Gold Heist

Canada has asked the Indian government to arrest and extradite Simranpreet Panesar in connection with the historic $22-million gold heist at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Peel Regional Police believe the former Air Canada employee was a key figure in the alleged conspiracy and misused his position at the airline’s cargo warehouse to help steal the gold. According to a National Post report, India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) is separately investigating Panesar in connection with a hawala network, and he is currently barred from leaving the country. Canadian authorities are se
IndiaOct 02, 2026

Surjit Hockey Society Congratulates Indian Women’s Hockey Team on Historic Asian Games Gold

Jalandhar, October 2, 2026: The office-bearers and members of the Surjit Hockey Society, Jalandhar, have extended their warmest congratulations to the Indian Women’s Hockey Team for winning the Gold Medal at the Asian Games 2026, defeating defending champions China 1–0 in the final on October 2, 2026. Iqbal Singh Sandhu (PCS Retd.), CEO, Surjit Hockey Society; L.R. Nayyar and L.P.S. Khaira, Working Presidents; Ranbir Singh Tut, Secretary; and sports promoter Surinder Singh Bhapa congratulated the entire Indian team, players, coaching staff, support personnel and Hockey India for this rema
bank-of-canada-may-raise-interest-rates-this-month-amid-inflation-risks
CanadaOct 02, 2026

Bank of Canada May Raise Interest Rates This Month Amid Inflation Risks

The Bank of Canada may raise its policy interest rate this month as inflation risks continue to grow. UBS Global Research expects the central bank to increase the rate by 0.25 percentage points at its upcoming meeting, following seven consecutive decisions to hold it at 2.25%. UBS economist Abigail Watt expects another 0.25-point increase in January, taking the policy rate to 2.75%, which she considers the midpoint of the bank’s neutral range. Rates could then remain unchanged for an extended period. The forecast marks a shift from earlier expectations that the Bank of Canada would leave rat
CanadaOct 02, 2026

Canadian Student Enrolment Rises as International Numbers Decline

Canadian colleges and universities are seeing a sharp increase in domestic student enrolment as the federal government tightens restrictions on international students. According to the latest Statistics Canada data, the number of international students fell by 39,600, or 6.9 per cent, in the 2024-25 academic year — the largest decline since the 1990s. In contrast, domestic enrolment increased by 37,626 students, marking the fastest growth in 15 years and bringing domestic enrolment back to 2010-11 levels. Experts say the rise in Canadian students is providing some relief to post-secondary in
punjab-congress-set-to-get-new-president-as-raja-warring-resigns
IndiaOct 02, 2026

Punjab Congress Set to Get New President as Raja Warring Resigns

Punjab Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring met senior party leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi today and formally submitted his resignation from the post of Punjab Congress president. Warring had already referred to himself as the “former president” yesterday. He clarified that his resignation was not sought by the party leadership, but that he had resigned on his own. The Congress high command is now expected to announce a new Punjab Congress president soon.