Students across Quebec are returning to classrooms under new rules that require them to address teachers and school staff using formal titles, as part of a province-wide push to reinforce civility in schools. The Quebec government announced last year that both public and private schools had until January to adopt updated codes of conduct. These codes must require students to address teachers as “Mr.” or “Ms.” and, in French-language settings, use the formal form of “you” when speaking to staff. The conduct codes are also required to outline expectations for respectful behaviour bet

Environment Canada is warning residents across parts of Metro Vancouver to prepare for heavy rain and snowfall at higher elevations as a strong weather system moves into the region starting Monday night. According to a special weather statement, some areas near the North Shore mountains could receive close to 70 millimetres of rain, while the City of Vancouver may see totals of up to 40 millimetres by Tuesday afternoon. The heaviest rainfall is expected along mountain slopes, where moisture from the frontal system is forecast to intensify. Forecasters say colder air will cause precipitation to

Former federal cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland has been appointed as an economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding to her ongoing role in supporting Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy announced the appointment on social media, saying Ukraine must strengthen its internal resilience as the country works to sustain its economy during the nearly four-year war. Freeland has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and has previously argued that the country has the potential to become a major economic force by pursuing opportunities l

The Abbotsford Police Department says traffic enforcement will remain a key focus in 2026, citing ongoing concerns about collisions linked to speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving on local roads. Police say these factors continue to contribute to serious injuries and fatalities, many of which are considered preventable. Officers are expected to continue a mix of enforcement and public education aimed at improving safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians across the city. According to figures released by AbbyPD, officers issued more than 4,900 traffic violation tickets in 202

Prime Minister Mark Carney used his New Year’s Eve message to reflect on what he described as a challenging year for Canada, while urging Canadians to carry a sense of unity and care into 2026. As the country prepared to welcome the new year, Carney said 2025 offered moments of joy and connection, shaped by the people and communities that support one another across the country. He encouraged Canadians to take time to reflect on those personal and collective experiences. At the same time, the prime minister acknowledged the difficulties Canada faced over the past year, saying it brought more

A massive earthquake off the coast of Vancouver Island could result in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction across British Columbia, according to a new provincial risk assessment. The B.C. government report estimates that a magnitude 9.0 megathrust earthquake could cause more than 3,400 fatalities and leave over 10,000 people injured. Economic losses are projected at $128 billion, with roughly 18,000 buildings destroyed and extensive damage to another 10,000. The findings are part of the province’s disaster and climate risk assessment, which identifies a large offshore earthquake a

Peel Regional Police say a 20-year-old Brampton man has been charged following an early-morning incident near a Brampton transit stop that left a victim fearing for their safety. Police allege the incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, near Chinguacousy Road and Drinkwater Road. Investigators say the victim had just exited a transit bus when they were followed by an unknown individual, who then approached and claimed to be in possession of a firearm. The victim contacted police, who located a suspect nearby a short time later. Officers allege the suspect produced an imita

The B.C. Conservative candidate who narrowly lost the Surrey–Guildford riding in last year’s provincial election has withdrawn his legal challenge of the results, ending a court case that centred on alleged voting irregularities. Honveer Singh Randhawa, who was defeated by 22 votes, said Tuesday he has decided to drop his petition before the B.C. Supreme Court. In a written statement, Randhawa said his legal action had already led to what he described as a material outcome after the province’s chief electoral officer acknowledged that some violations had occurred. In his original filing,

Canada’s real gross domestic product declined by 0.3 per cent in October, according to new data from Statistics Canada, as weakness in manufacturing and parts of the public sector weighed on overall economic activity. The federal agency said goods-producing industries fell by 0.7 per cent during the month, with manufacturing responsible for nearly the entire drop. The slowdown follows earlier signs of easing demand and supply chain adjustments across several manufacturing subsectors. Public sector activity also declined, partly reflecting the impact of Alberta’s provincewide teachers’ st