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CanadaJul 10, 2026

Canadian Punjabi man sentenced to 20 years in U.S. for leading cross-border drug trafficking operation

A Canadian man of Punjabi origin has been sentenced to 20 years in a U.S. federal prison after admitting to leading an international drug trafficking organization that smuggled large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from the United States into Canada. According to U.S. court documents, 63-year-old Guramrit Sidhu pleaded guilty on March 26, 2026, to charges related to his role in the trafficking operation. He had been in U.S. custody since October 2024. Prosecutors said Sidhu led the criminal organization between September 2020 and February 2023. Investigators determined that between S
canada-adds-18-200-jobs-in-june-as-unemployment-rate-falls-to-6-5
CanadaJul 10, 2026

Canada adds 18,200 jobs in June as unemployment rate falls to 6.5%

Canada's labour market posted a net gain of 18,200 jobs in June, while the national unemployment rate declined to 6.5 per cent, according to Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey released Friday. The increase follows a stronger gain of 87,800 jobs recorded in May. According to Statistics Canada, employment growth in June was driven primarily by the services sector and part-time work. The largest job gains were reported in wholesale and retail trade, as well as accommodation and food services, with younger workers benefiting the most from the hiring. Manufacturing continued to face pressure a
CanadaJul 10, 2026

Brampton truck driver sentenced in absentia after fleeing before sentencing in $7.5M cross-border drug case

A Brampton truck driver convicted in a cross-border drug smuggling case involving an estimated $7.5 million worth of cocaine and heroin is believed to have fled Canada days before he was scheduled to be sentenced. According to court records and published reports, Charanpreet Singh was arrested on April 8, 2022, after Canada Border Services Agency officers allegedly discovered 55 kilograms of cocaine and five kilograms of heroin inside a commercial transport truck at the Blue Water Bridge border crossing between the United States and Canada. Authorities estimated the seized drugs had an interna
quebec-introduces-testing-requirement-for-newer-ontario-truck-drivers-seeking-licence-transfers
CanadaJul 09, 2026

Quebec introduces testing requirement for newer Ontario truck drivers seeking licence transfers

The Quebec government has announced temporary measures requiring some Ontario truck drivers to pass a practical road test before transferring their commercial licences to Quebec, citing concerns about driver training and road safety. Under the changes announced Thursday, Ontario Class 1 truck drivers with less than two years of driving experience who want to exchange their licence for a Quebec equivalent will now be required to pass a practical driving examination. Drivers who fail the test twice will be required to complete additional training before becoming eligible, according to the Quebec
poilievre-blames-liberal-immigration-and-crime-policies-for-growth-of-bishnoi-gang-network-in-canada
CanadaJul 09, 2026

Poilievre blames Liberal immigration and crime policies for growth of Bishnoi gang network in Canada

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has accused the federal Liberal government of weakening Canada's immigration and criminal justice systems, alleging that those policies have allowed organized crime groups, including the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, to expand their presence in the country. Speaking about gang activity in Canada, Poilievre claimed that record levels of immigration combined with what he described as lenient criminal justice policies have enabled criminal organizations to strengthen their networks. His comments were made in response to ongoing concerns about transnational orga
anand-condemns-iranian-attacks-on-gulf-shipping-as-unacceptable-during-saudi-visit
CanadaJul 09, 2026

Anand condemns Iranian attacks on Gulf shipping as 'unacceptable' during Saudi visit

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Iran's recent attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz are "unacceptable" and "unjustified," as tensions continue to rise across the Persian Gulf. Speaking to reporters in Jeddah on Thursday after meeting with Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Anand said Canada stands with Gulf countries facing escalating regional security threats. She said that while ceasefires are often fragile, attacks on civilian shipping cannot be justified. According to Anand, the latest violence follows renewed military exchanges between the United States
CanadaJul 08, 2026

WSO welcomes Operation Hard Ball arrests, says questions remain about alleged role of Indian authorities

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) has welcomed Operation Hard Ball, a joint law enforcement initiative by authorities in the United States, Canada and Europe targeting the Lawrence Bishnoi network and other India-based organized crime groups. In a statement, WSO President Danish Singh said the arrests made through the operation represent an important step but argued that questions remain about how Lawrence Bishnoi was allegedly able to operate an international criminal network while in custody in India. Singh also called for scrutiny of whether any Indian officials played a role in f
carney-voices-support-for-u-s-action-on-iran-during-nato-summit-according-to-report
CanadaJul 08, 2026

Carney voices support for U.S. action on Iran during NATO summit, according to report

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support for recent U.S. military strikes on Iran during a NATO summit in Ankara, according to the information provided. The reported remarks described the military action as an appropriate response to alleged ceasefire violations. According to the report, Carney said Iran had continued targeting locations in Saudi Arabia and Qatar in what he characterized as irresponsible actions, adding that the U.S. response had become necessary. The report also said U.S. President Donald Trump announced an end to a ceasefire with Iran and criticized NATO allies, accusing
public-safety-minister-says-operation-hard-ball-delivers-major-blow-to-organized-crime-networks
CanadaJul 08, 2026

Public Safety Minister says Operation Hard Ball delivers major blow to organized crime networks

Canada's Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, says a joint FBI and RCMP investigation known as "Operation Hard Ball" has dealt a significant blow to three transnational organized crime groups, including the Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gangs. He said individuals involved in intimidation and violent criminal activity in Canada will continue to face enforcement action. According to the minister, authorities have made 24 arrests worldwide as part of the operation, including three arrests in Canada. He said the coordinated investigation has disrupted criminal networks accused

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BCAug 06, 2026

Fort St. John RCMP investigate second targeted drive-by shooting in recent weeks

RCMP are investigating a targeted drive-by shooting in Fort St. John that damaged several properties but did not result in any reported injuries. The incident marks the second targeted shooting in the city within the past few weeks. According to Fort St. John RCMP, officers responded to reports of gunfire at about 1:37 a.m. Thursday in the 9800 block of 108 Avenue, near the city's downtown area. Investigators found bullet damage to a travel trailer, two nearby homes and a vehicle. Police said no injuries were reported. As of publication, investigators have not released a description of any sus
federal-government-restores-full-health-coverage-for-refugees-and-asylum-claimants
CanadaAug 06, 2026

Federal government restores full health coverage for refugees and asylum claimants

The federal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney has reversed recent cuts to health coverage for refugees and asylum claimants, restoring full benefits under the Interim Federal Health Program. New rules introduced on May 1, 2026 required eligible refugees to pay a $4 co-payment for prescription medications. The changes also required them to cover 30 per cent of the cost of supplemental services, including dental care, vision care, physiotherapy and mental health services. The policy drew criticism from frontline physicians, human rights organizations and community advocates, who argued
rcmp-warn-western-canada-trucking-businesses-about-credit-card-fraud-scheme
CanadaAug 06, 2026

RCMP warn Western Canada trucking businesses about credit card fraud scheme

The Saskatchewan RCMP is warning trucking and transportation-related businesses across Western Canada about a credit card fraud scheme targeting commercial suppliers. According to an RCMP news release, suspects are contacting businesses by phone and using fraudulent credit cards to purchase truck tires, engine oil, trailer parts and other high-value items. Police say the fraud typically begins with a phone order and payment by credit card. The initial transaction may appear as approved or pending, prompting businesses to ship the goods by courier. After the shipment is delivered, the credit ca
rustad-criticizes-b-c-premiers-public-response-as-wildfire-evacuations-continue
BCAug 06, 2026

Rustad criticizes B.C. premier's public response as wildfire evacuations continue

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad has criticized Premier David Eby over his public response as thousands of people across British Columbia remain under evacuation orders because of ongoing wildfires. Rustad said it was unacceptable that the premier had not addressed the public while many residents remain displaced and families are uncertain whether their homes have survived. He described the situation as a failure of leadership, saying people affected by the fires expect clear answers and support from the province's top elected official. According to statements released by the B.C. Conserva
modi-netanyahu-discuss-west-asia-developments-in-phone-call
IndiaAug 06, 2026

Modi, Netanyahu discuss West Asia developments in phone call

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone on Thursday to discuss recent developments in West Asia and the current regional situation. According to information released by Indian authorities, the two leaders also reviewed ongoing cooperation under the India–Israel Strategic Partnership. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The conversation comes as both countries continue regular high-level engagement on regional and bilateral issues. Prime Minister Modi last spoke with Netan