BCJul 02, 2025
More flexibility for development charges will unlock more homes for people
More affordable homes will be on the way quicker as the Province takes steps to speed up construction timelines and reduce up-front costs for homebuilders.
“We are committed to finding innovative and cost-effective solutions to build housing, so everyone has a fair chance to live in communities where they work and belong,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These changes are about supporting housing development and easing the financial burden on builders and developers so they can get shovels in the ground faster to help unlock more homes for people in B.C.”
WorldJul 02, 2025
Sean 'Diddy' Combs acquitted of most serious charges, convicted of prostitution-related offenses
Sean ``Diddy Combs has been convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted on the most serious charges at his New York trial on Wednesday.
The mixed result could still put Combs behind bars for up to a decade. Combs was convicted of transporting people across state lines for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.
But the jury acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, which were related to allegations that he forced girlfriends into hundreds of drug-fueled sex marathons with other men. His lawyers said the women were willing participants.
BCJul 02, 2025
Applications for the BC government’s free IVF program can be made today
Applications for the BC government’s free IVF program can be made today, the launch of this program is very important for those who are eager to become parents.
The province’s NDP government announced this program in last year’s budget and the application process was supposed to start in March, but for some reasons it was delayed until July 2.
The province’s David Ebby government has provided funding of about $68 million for two years for the free IVF program. Applications under this program will be accepted until the end of March 2026, so the age limit is up to 41 years.
Eligible
IndiaJul 02, 2025
Indigo pilot Inderpreet Kaur gets the opportunity to fly the first flight from Jalandhar to Mumbai
Indigo Airlines has started a direct flight service from Jalandhar, Punjab to Mumbai from today, i.e. July 2. This flight between Jalandhar and Mumbai will benefit Sikh pilgrims a lot.
The pilot of this flight was Inderpreet Kaur Virdi, who is a resident of Jalandhar. This information was given to Connect FM by her father Gurinder Singh Virdi.
At the same time, Rajya Sabha member Satnam Singh Sandhu termed this decision of the Center as historic, he said that through this flight it will be even easier for Sikh pilgrims to reach Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib.
CanadaJul 02, 2025
Ottawa must pass a law revoking digital service tax before refunds are issued: CRA
The Canada Revenue Agency says taxpayers who already paid the now-defunct digital services tax will have to wait for Ottawa to pass new legislation before they can get their refund.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced late Sunday that, in a bid to restart trade negotiations with the United States, Canada was dropping the tax on global tech giants.
The first payment was due Monday and could have cost American companies like Amazon and Uber billions of dollars.
A CRA spokesperson says the agency already collected some revenue from the digital services tax before Ottawa's reversal but didn't cit
BCJul 02, 2025
Wildfire near Lytton, B.C., prompts local state of emergency, evacuation order
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has declared a local state of emergency for the Blue Sky Country region due to an encroaching out-of-control wildfire near Lytton, B.C.
It has also issued an evacuation order for two properties on Spencer Road South as the blaze poses "immediate danger to life."
The BC Wildfire Service says the Nikaia Creek wildfire is about six hectares in size and is one of more than 70 wildfires burning across the province.
It says crews, supported by firefighters from Lytton First Nation, made "good progress" overnight and they are now focused on the north and south fl
CanadaJul 02, 2025
Carney to meet with automotive sector CEOs as U.S. trade talks continue
Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with automotive sector CEOs this morning.
The sector is a key front in the trade war between the United States and Canada.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said repeatedly that the U.S. does not need Canadian cars and he wants to see automotive companies move all production to the U.S.
The U.S. has imposed 25 per cent tariffs on vehicles manufactured in Canada, with a carve-out for components built in the U.S. through the highly integrated vehicle supply chain.
Canada and the U.S. are back at the bargaining table after Trump called a halt to trade talks
CanadaJun 30, 2025
Canada wins bronze at women's 3x3 basketball World Cup
Canada's women's team has won the bronze medal in the FIBA 3X3 Basketball World Cup. The Canadian team defeated Poland 21-9 in the bronze medal match at the World Cup played in Mongolia.
Paige Crozon was a key contributor to the Canadian team's victory, scoring 13 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Meanwhile, Saicha Grant Allen scored 5 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in the match.
The 6th ranked Canadian team lost 15-21 to the Netherlands in the semi-final match yesterday. The Netherlands team managed to win the gold medal in this World Cup. Host Mongolia finished second in this tournament.
CanadaJun 30, 2025
Income tax cut for middle class to take effect tomorrow: Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that income tax cuts for the middle class will take effect tomorrow. The government has reduced the lowest personal income tax rate from 15 to 14 per cent. According to the Carney government's estimates, 22 million Canadians will benefit from this.
PM Carney had promised this during the election campaign and said after the election that this cut would be implemented from Canada Day. This tax cut will apply to the two lowest tax brackets, the first whose taxable income in 2025 is up to $114,750 and the second whose income will be up to $57,375 in the