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b-c-premier-and-coastal-nations-urge-ottawa-to-keep-north-coast-oil-tanker-ban
BCNov 05, 2025

B.C. Premier and Coastal Nations urge Ottawa to keep North Coast oil tanker ban

British Columbia Premier David Eby has joined leaders from coastal First Nations in signing a declaration urging the federal government to uphold the moratorium on oil tankers along the province’s northern coastline. Eby said a single oil spill in the ecologically sensitive region could wipe out billions of dollars in coastal economic activity, warning that current technology cannot effectively clean up such a disaster. The call comes as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith renews her push to have the ban lifted as part of her government’s plan to pursue a new oil pipeline to the B.C. coast. Chi
b-c-finance-minister-urges-ottawa-to-match-auto-sector-aid-with-support-for-forestry-industry
BCNov 05, 2025

B.C. finance minister urges Ottawa to match auto-sector aid with support for forestry industry

British Columbia’s Finance Minister Brenda Bailey is urging the federal government to provide the same level of support for the province’s forestry sector as it does for Ontario’s automobile industry. Bailey said she welcomes the overall direction of the federal budget released today, which she believes aligns with several of B.C.’s priorities. However, she emphasized that the province’s softwood lumber industry continues to face “extraordinary” duties and tariffs of more than 45 per cent, putting workers and communities under significant pressure. Her remarks followed an emergen
conservatives-and-bloc-québécois-to-vote-against-federal-budget
CanadaNov 05, 2025

Conservatives and Bloc Québécois to Vote Against Federal Budget

The Conservative Party and the Bloc Québécois say they will not support the Liberal government’s new federal budget, narrowing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s options to keep his minority government afloat. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called the budget “an inflationary plan” and said his party cannot back what he described as a costly proposal. He said Conservatives wanted a budget that would make life more affordable for Canadians and announced plans to introduce an amendment aimed at restoring affordability. With both the Conservatives and Bloc Québécois opposed, the Lib
zohraan-mamdani-becomes-new-york-citys-first-muslim-mayor-after-defeating-andrew-cuomo
WorldNov 05, 2025

Zohraan Mamdani becomes New York City’s first Muslim mayor after defeating Andrew Cuomo

Democratic Party candidate Zohraan Mamdani has been elected as the new mayor of New York City, marking a historic moment as the first Muslim and Indian-origin person to lead the largest city in the United States. Mamdani, who previously served as a state assembly member, defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a closely watched mayoral race. Cuomo ran as an independent candidate after Mamdani replaced him on the Democratic ticket earlier this year. The campaign gained national attention after former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Cuomo, warning that Mamdani’s leadership would brin
AlbertaNov 05, 2025

Anglican Diocese questions Alberta's use of notwithstanding clause on teachers

The Anglican Diocese of Edmonton is questioning the Alberta government’s decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause to end the ongoing provincewide teachers strike, saying the move could have troubling implications for democratic freedoms. Bishop Stephen London said in an open letter that while he does not wish to engage in partisan politics, the use of the clause to suspend Charter rights undermines fundamental freedoms such as freedom of association. He warned that limiting one group’s rights could have broader consequences for freedom of conscience and religion across Canada. The Uni
nova-scotia-mp-chris-dentremont-quits-conservatives-joins-carney-liberals-after-budget
CanadaNov 05, 2025

Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont quits Conservatives, joins Carney Liberals after budget

Nova Scotia Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont has crossed the floor to join Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government, marking a significant political shift ahead of crucial budget votes in Ottawa. In a statement released late Tuesday, the Liberal Party confirmed that d’Entremont resigned from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s caucus following the tabling of the 2025 federal budget. The Acadie–Annapolis MP said the government’s spending plan reflected “the priorities I have heard most in my riding,” including investments in community infrastructure and local economic
AlbertaNov 05, 2025

Recall petition launched against Airdrie MLA Angela Pitt over community concerns

An Airdrie resident has initiated a formal recall campaign against United Conservative Party MLA Angela Pitt, saying she no longer represents the interests of her community. Local organizer Derek Keenan says the effort is not politically motivated, but rather a response to what he views as declining engagement from Pitt in addressing local concerns. He emphasized that he does not want the seat to shift to the New Democratic Party, but believes residents have not been adequately heard. Pitt, who has represented Airdrie-East for the past ten years, says she remains committed to her constituents
federal-budget-forecasts-78b-deficit-as-liberals-shift-spending-plan
CanadaNov 04, 2025

Federal budget forecasts $78B deficit as Liberals shift spending plan

The Carney government presented its first budget today, nearly seven months after taking office. The 406-page budget promises to make Canada stronger. It also outlines that Canada's deficit this year will be $78.3 billion. However, the budget deficit is projected to reach $56.6 billion by 2029-2030. This budget is promising $141 billion in new spending over the next five years in new measures and promises that this spending will result in $51.2 billion in savings. The government's largest expenditure includes defense spending, which includes $20.4 billion in military recruitment and retention
peel-police-warn-of-jewellery-distraction-thefts-targeting-seniors-in-brampton
BCNov 04, 2025

Peel Police Warn of Jewellery Distraction Thefts Targeting Seniors in Brampton

Peel Regional Police are warning residents about a series of distraction thefts in Brampton that appear to target elderly members of the community. Investigators from the 21 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau say several victims have reported losing jewellery after being approached by strangers in vehicles. According to police, suspects often engage victims in conversation, sometimes pretending to offer assistance or ask for directions. In several cases, a woman initiates contact before a man exits a nearby vehicle and forcibly removes or swaps the victim’s jewellery. Officers note that

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headline-b-c-to-end-drug-decriminalization-pilot-as-province-shifts-focus-to-treatment-and-recovery
BCJan 15, 2026

B.C. to end drug decriminalization pilot as province shifts focus to treatment and recovery

British Columbia will allow its three-year drug decriminalization pilot project to expire at the end of this month, with the provincial government confirming it will not seek an extension from Health Canada. Health Minister Josie Osborne said the pilot, which was launched to encourage people to seek help without fear of criminal penalties, did not produce the outcomes the province had hoped for. The exemption from the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act is scheduled to end on Jan. 31. The decriminalization initiative began in January 2023 and permitted adults to possess up to 2.5 grams
overpass-strike-causes-lane-closure-and-delays-on-highway-1-in-surrey
BCJan 14, 2026

Overpass strike causes lane closure and delays on Highway 1 in Surrey

An overpass strike involving a commercial truck has partially shut down Highway 1 eastbound in Surrey, prompting an investigation by BC Highway Patrol and traffic delays for commuters. Police say the collision occurred near the 192 Street overpass when a flatdeck truck towing an excavator struck the structure, causing visible damage. The eastbound right lane of Highway 1 was closed immediately as a precaution while safety assessments began. BC Highway Patrol was called to the scene shortly before 9:30 a.m. after motorists reported witnessing the incident. Officers are now working with Commerci
BCJan 14, 2026

Vancouver man charged after alleged assault on fast-food worker over unpaid add-on

A Vancouver man is facing a criminal charge after police say a dispute over a burger order escalated into a violent assault at a downtown fast-food restaurant. According to Vancouver police, the incident happened around 7:05 p.m. on January 12 at a restaurant on Granville Street. Investigators allege a customer demanded free bacon on his burger and became aggressive when told he would have to pay for the extra item. Police say the suspect went behind the counter and into the kitchen area, where he allegedly punched a 23-year-old cook in the face. The worker suffered a serious facial injury and
search-underway-for-missing-surrey-teen
BCJan 14, 2026

Search Underway for Missing Surrey Teen

Authorities are asking for public help in locating a missing 16-year-old boy from Surrey. Chetan Binning has not been seen since yesterday. He is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with curly hair and a distinctive mark under his right eye. Chetan was last spotted around 4:30 p.m. in the Sullivan Heights area of Surrey. Police are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them immediately at 604-719-4442. A photo of Chetan Binning is available on the Connect FM website to assist with identification. Officials continue to search the area and appeal to the community for a
u-s-pauses-immigrant-visa-processing-from-75-countries-over-public-assistance-rules
WorldJan 14, 2026

U.S. pauses immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance rules

The United States has suspended the processing of immigrant visa applications for citizens of 75 countries, citing concerns that some applicants could require public assistance after settling in the country. The U.S. State Department confirmed Wednesday that consular officers have been directed to halt immigrant visa processing from the affected countries. The move follows a broader order issued in November that tightened eligibility standards for immigrants deemed likely to become a “public charge” under U.S. immigration law. Officials emphasized that the suspension applies only to immigr