CanadaJan 15, 2026
Federal privacy watchdog probes sexualized deepfakes on X platform
Canada’s federal privacy commissioner has launched an investigation into sexualized deepfakes circulating on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Philippe Dufresne, who oversees federal private sector privacy compliance, has expanded an existing probe into X and opened a separate inquiry into xAI, the company behind Grok, the artificial intelligence tool used to generate the content.
The office of the privacy commissioner said the investigations will determine whether X and xAI collected, used, or disclosed personal information without valid consent in the creation of deep
CanadaJan 15, 2026
Surrey police probe overnight shooting in Panorama Ridge, no injuries reported
Surrey Police Service is investigating a shooting that damaged a home and vehicle in the Panorama Ridge neighbourhood early Thursday morning, part of what police believe may be an ongoing pattern of extortion-related violence in the city.
Officers were called to the 13400 block of 56 Avenue shortly before 1 am after reports of gunfire. Police say they found evidence of shots fired at a residence and a nearby vehicle. No injuries were reported.
The SPS Frontline Investigative Support Team attended the scene, and the Major Crime Section has now taken over the investigation. Police say the case r
CanadaJan 15, 2026
Canada confirms death of Canadian citizen amid Iran protests, condemns state violence
Canada’s foreign affairs department has confirmed the death of a Canadian citizen in Iran as widespread anti-government protests continue across the country. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the federal government has received information indicating the individual died at the hands of Iranian authorities.
Anand said Canada strongly condemns the use of violence by the Iranian government against protesters and civilians, and is calling for an immediate end to the crackdown. The confirmation comes amid heightened international concern over arrests, injuries, and deaths linked to demons
CanadaJan 14, 2026
Surrey police investigate early-morning shooting at Newton business
Surrey Police Service officers are investigating an overnight shooting that damaged a business in the Newton neighbourhood, marking the latest incident amid a series of extortion-related crimes reported in the city.
Police say officers were called to the 8000 block of King George Boulevard at around 2:10 am after reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they found a business property that had been damaged by the shooting. No injuries were reported.
The Surrey Police Service Frontline Investigative Support Team attended the scene, and the Major Crime Section has assumed conduct of the investi
CanadaJan 14, 2026
Quebec Premier François Legault announces resignation ahead of fall provincial election
Quebec Premier François Legault says he will step down as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec, confirming he will not take the party into the provincial election scheduled for this fall.
Legault told reporters in Quebec City that he intends to remain premier until a new CAQ leader is selected, setting off a leadership race with only months remaining before voters head to the polls on October 5.
The announcement comes as the governing party faces declining public support. Recent polling places the CAQ well behind both the Parti Québécois and the Quebec Liberal Party, marking a significant
CanadaJan 13, 2026
Statistics Canada plans workforce reduction affecting about 850 employees
Statistics Canada says it will cut approximately 850 positions as part of a broader effort to adjust its operations, along with a reduction of about 12 per cent of its executive team.
Carter Mann, a spokesperson for the national statistical agency, said affected employees are expected to be notified within the next two weeks. He added that the agency remains focused on meeting its mandate to provide reliable data for Canadians while adapting to internal changes.
According to data from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Statistics Canada employed 7,274 people as of March 31, 2025. Of tha
CanadaJan 13, 2026
Prime Minister Carney departs for China on high-stakes trade and diplomacy visit
Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to depart this evening on a five-day official visit to China, a trip being closely watched for its potential impact on trade, agriculture, and Canada’s broader foreign policy direction.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe will accompany the prime minister as part of the delegation, highlighting the importance of agricultural trade to Western Canada. Saskatchewan farmers have been particularly affected by Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola, a key export for the province and a major source of farm income.
During the visit, Carney is expected to meet with Chinese Pr
CanadaJan 12, 2026
Carney to meet Coastal First Nations in Prince Rupert on major projects, marine protection
Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to meet with leaders of Coastal First Nations in Prince Rupert on Tuesday, with discussions expected to focus on major resource projects and marine conservation along British Columbia’s coastline.
Carney will be joined by Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, whose early dealings with the alliance have drawn criticism. Hodgson faced backlash after failing to consult Coastal First Nations before the federal government signed an agreement with Alberta that could advance a new pipeline to the B.C. coast.
The minister later apologized for remarks made du
CanadaJan 12, 2026
Police, Fire Crews Investigate Fatal House Fire in Surrey
Surrey police and firefighters are investigating an early morning house fire that left one man dead in a residential neighbourhood of the city’s Newton area. The incident has prompted a joint investigation involving police, fire officials, and the BC Coroners Service.
Surrey Police Service officers were called shortly after 7:00 a.m. to assist Surrey Fire Service crews at a blaze in the 12700 block of 56 Avenue. The home was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived, and road closures were put in place as crews worked to control the fire.
While searching the residence, firefighters located th