17.46°C Vancouver

News

japan-pm-takaichi-calls-snap-election-months-after-taking-office
WorldJan 23, 2026

Japan PM Takaichi calls snap election months after taking office

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the country’s lower house of Parliament, triggering a snap federal election scheduled for Feb. 8, just three months after she took office. The decision is widely seen as an effort to take advantage of early public support for Takaichi and to help the long-governing Liberal Democratic Party recover from significant electoral losses suffered in recent years. Analysts say the move carries political risk but could strengthen the government’s mandate if voters respond positively. The snap election, however, will delay parliamentary debate on
u-s-commerce-secretary-dismisses-carney-davos-speech-warns-canada-on-china-ties
CanadaJan 22, 2026

U.S. commerce secretary dismisses Carney Davos speech, warns Canada on China ties

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has brushed aside Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent remarks at the World Economic Forum, calling them “political noise” and cautioning that Canada’s growing trade engagement with China could complicate future negotiations with Washington. In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Lutnick said Canada already holds “the second-best deal in the world” under existing North American trade arrangements and suggested Carney was unfairly criticizing the United States. Lutnick also warned that Ottawa’s recent agreement with China could disrupt the upcomin
canada-looks-to-restart-trade-momentum-with-india-as-talks-near-launch
CanadaJan 21, 2026

Canada looks to restart trade momentum with India as talks near launch

Canada’s international trade minister says rebuilding and expanding economic ties with India will be a key focus of the federal government’s trade diversification strategy in the months ahead. International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said it is important for Canada to engage India on expanding trade opportunities, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and energy, as Ottawa looks to reduce reliance on traditional markets and strengthen links in the Indo-Pacific region. Sidhu confirmed that formal negotiations toward a new economic agreement between the two countries are expected to
headline-trudeau-speaks-on-diplomacy-at-davos-as-world-economic-forum-gets-underway
CanadaJan 20, 2026

Trudeau speaks on diplomacy at Davos as World Economic Forum gets underway

Former prime minister Justin Trudeau made a brief appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, using the global stage to speak about the role of diplomacy and soft power in international relations. During a panel discussion, Trudeau emphasized that Canada’s influence abroad has traditionally relied on cooperation and respect for sovereignty, rather than interference in other countries’ internal affairs or competition over natural resources. His remarks were met with attention from delegates as global tensions and shifting alliances continue to dominate discussions in Europe
canada-confirms-death-of-canadian-citizen-amid-iran-protests-condemns-state-violence
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
quebec-premier-françois-legault-announces-resignation-ahead-of-fall-provincial-election
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
alberta-ndp-urges-smith-government-to-act-as-doctors-warn-of-hospital-overcrowding
FeaturedJan 13, 2026

Alberta NDP urges Smith government to act as doctors warn of hospital overcrowding

Alberta’s Official Opposition NDP is pressing Premier Danielle Smith and the province’s four health ministers to implement emergency measures as doctors raise alarms over overcrowded hospitals. The call comes after the Alberta Medical Association reported that hospitals have been operating at more than 110 per cent capacity for over a year, creating strains on both staff and patient care. Dr. Brian Wirzba, president of the association, said public statements are a last resort for physicians who have repeatedly voiced concerns through internal channels without seeing adequate action. Meanwh
canada-rules-out-ban-on-x-amid-international-scrutiny-over-deepfake-content-minister-says
CanadaJan 12, 2026

Canada rules out ban on X amid international scrutiny over deepfake content, minister says

The federal government is not considering banning the social media platform X despite growing international concern over sexualized deepfake content generated by artificial intelligence, according to Canada’s minister responsible for AI policy. Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon said early Sunday that reports suggesting Canada was weighing a ban were inaccurate. In a post on X, Solomon stated the government has no plans to prohibit the platform, which is owned by Elon Musk, even as it faces scrutiny abroad. The clarification followed reporting by The Telegraph indicating the Unite
chrystia-freeland-formally-resigns-as-mp-triggering-toronto-byelection
CanadaJan 09, 2026

Chrystia Freeland formally resigns as MP, triggering Toronto byelection

Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from the House of Commons takes effect today, ending more than a decade representing the Toronto riding of University–Rosedale. Freeland is leaving federal politics to take on a voluntary advisory role with the Ukrainian government focused on economic development. Her departure reduces the Liberal caucus to 170 seats, leaving Prime Minister Mark Carney two seats short of a majority in the 338 seat House of Commons. Opposition parties collectively now hold 172 seats, including 142 Conservatives, 22 Bloc Québécois MPs, seven New Democ

Just In

BCJun 10, 2026

Daylight Shooting Between Vehicles in Surrey Damages Two Homes

A daytime shooting between two moving vehicles in Surrey has prompted an investigation by the Surrey Police Service's Major Crime Section. While no injuries were reported, two homes in the area were damaged by gunfire. According to SPS Media Relations Officer Sgt. Ali Gales, the incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday near 66 Avenue and 129 Street in South Newton. Police say an occupant of one vehicle fired shots at a person in another vehicle before both vehicles fled the scene. Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, based on preliminary findings. However, police have stated tha
mission-rcmp-investigate-alleged-online-drug-sales-to-youth-three-arrested-in-abbotsford
BCJun 09, 2026

Mission RCMP investigate alleged online drug sales to youth; three arrested in Abbotsford

Mission RCMP say three people have been arrested following an investigation into an online drug delivery operation that allegedly sold cannabis and psilocybin products to minors in the Mission area. According to Mission RCMP, the investigation began earlier this year after a 16-year-old and their parent reported that the teenager had purchased psilocybin and cannabis through a website offering same-day delivery in Mission. Police said a second parent later reported that their teenager had purchased psilocybin gummies marketed with candy-themed branding through the same website. The allegations
dakha-mla-manpreet-singh-iyali-joins-akali-dal-waris-punjab-de
IndiaJun 09, 2026

Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Iyali joins Akali Dal–Waris Punjab De

Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Iyali has joined Akali Dal–Waris Punjab De, according to statements made by the party's leadership. Iyali said his political priorities within the organization would include seeking the release of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, who remains detained in Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam, advocating for the release of Sikh prisoners commonly referred to as "Bandi Singhs," and promoting Punjab's development. He also ruled out any possibility of an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that the organization would maintain an independent political course.
CanadaJun 09, 2026

Canada’s Trade Surplus Rises 55% in April as Higher Oil Prices Boost Exports

Canada recorded a merchandise trade surplus of $2.72 billion in April, up 55 per cent from the previous month and the highest level in 15 months, according to data released Tuesday by Statistics Canada. The increase was driven in part by higher crude oil prices, which supported the value of Canadian exports during the month. The latest figures come as global energy markets continue to respond to geopolitical tensions affecting oil supply and pricing. Despite federal efforts to diversify trade and reduce reliance on the United States amid ongoing trade disputes, the U.S. remained Canada’s dom
teen-missing-presumed-drowned-after-boat-capsizes-near-quesnel
BCJun 09, 2026

Teen missing, presumed drowned after boat capsizes near Quesnel

A 17-year-old from Prince George is presumed drowned after a boat carrying four people capsized on Stony Lake in British Columbia's central Interior, according to RCMP. Quesnel RCMP said three people aboard the vessel were able to reach shore safely after the incident. However, the boat's operator did not resurface and remains missing. Police identified the missing person as a 17-year-old male from Prince George. His family has been notified, RCMP said. Search efforts remained underway Tuesday. According to police, an underwater recovery team was expected to arrive at the lake to assist in the