9.29°C Vancouver

News

canada-to-appoint-fentanyl-czar-amid-trade-talks-with-us
CanadaFeb 07, 2025

Canada to Appoint Fentanyl Czar Amid Trade Talks with US

Canada will appoint a fentanyl czar before the March 4 deadline for the Trump administration’s tariff freeze, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty has confirmed. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the decision during last-minute negotiations with former US President Donald Trump on Monday, aimed at averting a trade war. Trump agreed to delay imposing tariffs on Canada, contingent on progress in border security measures. In addition to appointing the fentanyl czar, Canada has committed $200 million to classify Mexican drug lords as terrorists and to create a joint Canada-US strike forc
liberal-leadership-candidates-will-have-to-clear-125-000-hurdle-today
CanadaFeb 07, 2025

Liberal leadership candidates will have to clear $125,000 hurdle today

Federal Liberal leadership candidates will have to cross another hurdle today to remain in the race — a payment of $125,000 to the party. The party requires candidates to pay a total entrance fee of $350,000 in instalments. The candidates still in the race have made two initial payments of $50,000 each — one payment to launch their campaigns and the second to obtain access to the party's membership list. Those candidates who meet today's deadline will still have to make a final payment of $125,000 by Feb. 17 at the latest. On Thursday, former Liberal House leader and leadership candidate
canada-rejects-u-s-demands-for-dairy-market-access-amid-tariff-threats
CanadaFeb 06, 2025

Canada Rejects U.S. Demands for Dairy Market Access Amid Tariff Threats

Canada’s International Trade and Economic Development Minister, Mary Ng, has made it clear that Canada will not grant the United States more access to Ottawa’s dairy market, despite threats of tariffs from President Trump. Canada’s supply management system regulates imports of dairy, poultry, and eggs to maintain stable prices for both farmers and consumers. When asked if Canada would need to make any trade concessions to avoid tariffs next month, Ng said she did not think so. At the same time, Ng stated that Canada is exploring other markets for trade and has recently signed a free tra
prime-minister-trudeau-meets-with-big-city-mayors-in-ottawa-today
CanadaFeb 06, 2025

Prime Minister Trudeau Meets with Big City Mayors in Ottawa Today

Prime Minister Trudeau met with big city mayors in Ottawa today. The meeting was convened to discuss the implications of a potential tariff war between Canada and the United States.During the meeting, the Prime Minister spoke to reporters, stating that Canada fully supports the United States in its efforts to crack down on fentanyl traffickers. He emphasized that this drug should be eradicated from the face of the earth and that those responsible for trafficking it should be severely punished.Trudeau mentioned that Canada is actively working on this issue and that progress is being made. Howev
quebec-tables-bill-to-formally-make-hockey-its-national-sport
CanadaFeb 06, 2025

Quebec tables bill to formally make hockey its 'national' sport

The Quebec government wants to enshrine into law that hockey is the province's "national" sport. Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe's bill, tabled today, also names the first Saturday in February as national ice hockey day. The bill recognizes that the 150-year-old sport has a special place in Quebec culture the first official hockey game was played in Montreal on March 3, 1875. Lacombe, meanwhile, defended his choice to table a bill on hockey while the country faces the threat of crippling economic tariffs of 25 per cent by United States President Donald Trump. He says Quebecers can't stop cele
metro-vancouver-population-surpasses-3-million-driven-by-surreys-growth
CanadaFeb 06, 2025

Metro Vancouver Population Surpasses 3 Million, Driven by Surrey’s Growth

Metro Vancouver’s population has reached over three million, according to Statistics Canada estimates. Surrey recorded the largest year-over-year growth, contributing significantly to the region’s milestone. Over the past decade, Surrey’s population has increased by approximately 33%, while Langley has experienced a 40% growth, said Andy Yan, director of the City Program at Simon Fraser University. Projections based on growth rates for 2021 and 2024 suggest Surrey could surpass Vancouver’s population by 2027. Statistics Canada attributes Canada’s rapid population growth in recent ye
canada-post-announces-managerial-layoffs-amid-financial-struggles
CanadaFeb 06, 2025

Canada Post Announces Managerial Layoffs Amid Financial Struggles

Canada Post is laying off approximately 50 managers as part of its efforts to recover from years of significant financial losses. The layoffs include two senior-level positions, reducing senior management staff by 20%. Spokesman John Hamilton confirmed that layoff notices are being sent this week, with about half of the affected positions located in Ottawa, and others in Toronto, Montreal, and additional regions. The layoffs primarily involve internal management staff not directly involved in daily operations. While Hamilton did not disclose the anticipated cost savings or specify the elimina
trudeau-unlikely-to-recall-parliament-amid-opposition-demand
CanadaFeb 06, 2025

Trudeau Unlikely to Recall Parliament Amid Opposition Demand

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is unlikely to recall Parliament despite demands from opposition leaders. Experts note that Trudeau possesses the legal authority to address President Donald Trump’s tariff threats without requiring new legislation from Parliament. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh have called for an immediate parliamentary session to approve a relief package for border security and workers. However, Trudeau has not responded directly to their demands, focusing instead on meetings with premiers and his cabinet to address the potential tariffs. Pa
tourism-minister-wont-see-re-election-vies-for-montreal-municipal-party-leadership
CanadaFeb 06, 2025

Tourism minister won't see re-election, vies for Montreal municipal party leadership

Tourism Minister Soraya Martinez-Ferrada says she will not seek re-election and instead is looking to become mayor of Montreal. Martinez-Ferrada posted a video on social media Thursday announcing her candidacy to lead the municipal party Ensemble Montreal. Ensemble Montreal members will select their new leader on April 6, who will represent the party as its mayoral candidate in the city's November election. Mayor Valérie Plante is not seeking re-election. Martinez-Ferrada is also one of the Liberal's national campaign co-chairs, alongside Prairies Economic Development Minister Terry Duguid. T

Just In

city-of-surrey-seeking-feedback-asks-residents-to-share-what-matters
BCNov 06, 2025

City of Surrey seeking feedback, asks residents to share what matters

City of Surrey is asking people to share feedback and tell the city what matters. City of Surrey says, "As a Surrey resident, your input plays an important role in shaping the City’s 2026 budget priorities. Share your thoughts by completing our online survey or visit one of our open houses to learn more about the budget process, ask questions and provide feedback." Find full details on City of Surrey's website: https://engage.surrey.ca/budge...
blue-jays-playoff-run-drives-tourism-surge-and-business-gains-in-toronto
BCNov 06, 2025

Blue Jays’ playoff run drives tourism surge and business gains in Toronto

Toronto’s hospitality and tourism sectors saw a significant boost this fall, thanks to the Blue Jays’ extended post-season run and the World Series games held in the city. Destination Toronto reported that hotel demand during the four home games of the World Series rose by an average of 15 per cent compared to the same nights last year, adding more than 11,000 room nights. Across the team’s entire playoff run, hotel demand increased by an average of 11 per cent, accounting for over 20,000 additional room nights. Andrew Weir, President and CEO of Destination Toronto, said the surge in vis
BCNov 06, 2025

Audit finds gaps in B.C. livestock tracking system used for emergency response

British Columbia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food needs stronger measures to ensure it can quickly locate farm animals during disease outbreaks or natural disasters, according to a new report from the Office of the Auditor General. The audit reviewed the ministry’s Premises ID program, which was created to help emergency officials identify where poultry and livestock are kept and who owns them. Acting Auditor General Sheila Dodds said the system could play a vital role in protecting animals and food supply chains during crises such as bird flu outbreaks, wildfires, or floods. However, th
record-number-of-shelter-spaces-opening-before-winter
BCNov 06, 2025

Record number of shelter spaces opening before winter

British Columbia is opening a record number of shelter spaces this winter to help people experiencing homelessness find warmth and safety as temperatures drop. The Province, through BC Housing, is funding 6,486 shelter spaces across 58 communities — the highest total to date. The expanded network includes 4,158 permanent shelters operating year-round, 1,154 temporary seasonal spaces, 771 extreme-weather response (EWR) beds activated during severe conditions, and 403 new Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) spaces — nearly two and a half times more than last year.
CanadaNov 06, 2025

Ottawa man pleads guilty in mass stabbing that killed mother, four children, and family friend

A 20-year-old man has pleaded guilty to six counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in connection with a mass stabbing that shocked Ottawa last year. Febrio De-Zoysa entered guilty pleas today in an Ottawa courtroom to four charges of first-degree murder and two of second-degree murder, as well as one charge of attempted murder. The killings took place in 2024 at a rented townhouse in the Barrhaven area. The victims were 35-year-old Darshani Ekanayake, her four children aged between two months and seven years, and 40-year-old family friend Gamini Amarakoon. The children’s father,