In British Columbia’s 2026 provincial election, 47 candidates of South Asian and Punjabi origin are contesting from 27 different ridings. One of the most notable aspects of this election is that more than half of these candidates are running in the Surrey area. Of the 47 candidates, 28 are representing B.C.’s two major political parties. The B.C. NDP has fielded 16 candidates, while the B.C. Conservatives have 12 candidates. The remaining candidates are running under the Centre BC, B.C. Greens, OneBC and as independents. Meanwhile, Surrey North and Surrey-Newton are the two ridings where o

A military aircraft carrying 32 people, including 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed in southwestern Nigeria on Monday. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the aircraft crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. Air traffic controllers had reported losing contact with military aircraft NGR 931, which departed Benin for Lagos at 9:13 a.m. local time. The crash was confirmed after repeated attempts to establish radio contact failed. Wreckage has since been located, while search and rescue operations are underway. Authorities have not immediately confirmed any fatalities. The

Canada and India have begun the fifth round of trade negotiations in Ottawa, with International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu confirming that the talks got underway today. Sidhu highlighted the strength of India’s economy, saying it is growing at an annual rate of 7%. He also noted that India’s energy needs are expected to increase by up to 70% by 2035, adding that Canada could play an important role in meeting that demand. The chief negotiators from both countries are working to finalize a free trade agreement by the end of this year. The latest round of talks in Ottawa will continue unti

B.C. NDP Leader David Eby, who is seeking another term as premier, has announced plans to raise taxes on millionaires if his party returns to power. Eby said the additional revenue would be used to help cover rising health-care costs. Under the proposal, the tax rate on annual income above $1 million would increase to 24.5 per cent from the current 20.5 per cent, a four-percentage-point increase. The NDP estimates the measure would generate about $1 billion in additional provincial revenue each year. The B.C. Conservatives have criticized the proposal, warning that higher taxes could drive doc

Alberta Tourism Minister Andrew Boitchenko is visiting Mexico to promote the province and strengthen tourism partnerships with the country. Minister Boitchenko and representatives from Travel Alberta will hold meetings with airlines, travel trade partners and media organizations through Friday. Government officials say Mexico is a key international tourism market for Alberta. Mexican visitors spent approximately $51 million in Alberta in 2025. According to government data, the number of Mexican visitors to Canada is projected to increase by 40% by 2030, while visitor spending is expected to gr