AlbertaJan 22, 2026
Former Alberta justice ministers join lawyers in warning over government actions
More than 30 Alberta lawyers, including two former Progressive Conservative justice ministers, are publicly criticizing the provincial government, saying its recent conduct toward the justice system is unacceptable and risks weakening democratic institutions.
In an open letter published this week, the group argues that recent legislation and public comments by government officials have contributed to what they describe as growing pressure on judicial independence. The letter raises concerns that repeated attacks on courts and legal oversight bodies could undermine public confidence in the rule
WorldJan 22, 2026
Three killed, one injured in shooting in rural New South Wales town
Three people were killed and another man was seriously injured following a shooting in the small New South Wales community of Lake Cargelligo on Thursday, according to state police.
Emergency crews were called to a residential address in the town, located about 600 kilometres west of Sydney, after reports of gunfire. Police said two women and one man were pronounced dead at the scene.
A fourth victim, a man, was taken to hospital with serious but stable injuries. Authorities said the suspected shooter or shooters had not been located as of Thursday evening.
New South Wales Police established a
BCJan 22, 2026
Coquitlam RCMP ask public to help identify suspect in Port Coquitlam weapon assault
Coquitlam RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance as investigators work to identify a suspect involved in an alleged assault with a weapon in Port Coquitlam earlier this month.
Police say the incident took place around 11:45 a.m. on January 12 near the 2800 block of Shaughnessy Street. CCTV footage reviewed by investigators confirmed an altercation occurred at that location.
According to RCMP, the suspect’s movements were traced through video surveillance before and after the incident. Officers believe the individual was near Lougheed Highway and Como Lake Avenue in Coquitlam around 11
CanadaJan 21, 2026
Surrey man sentenced to five years in prison in B.C. Snapchat child exploitation case
A Surrey man has been sentenced to five years in prison for sex offences involving a minor he contacted through the social media platform Snapchat, according to the RCMP in Campbell River.
Police say 33-year-old Dillon Caleb Partanen pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to charges that include sexual interference and possession of child sexual exploitation material. As part of his sentence, Partanen has also been ordered to register with the National Sex Offender Registry and provide a DNA sample.
The case dates back to 2023, when investigators say Partanen began communicating online with an unidentified
WorldJan 21, 2026
Netanyahu says Israel will join Trump-led Board of Peace amid Gaza concerns
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his government has agreed to participate in former U.S. president Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, signalling a willingness to engage with the initiative despite earlier reservations about its structure.
In a statement released Wednesday by the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s decision to join the body, which Trump has promoted as a framework for advancing stability in the Middle East. The announcement followed recent Israeli criticism that the proposed Gaza executive component of the board did not adequately reflect Israe