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AlbertaNov 07, 2025

Alberta teachers launch court challenge over government’s use of notwithstanding clause to end strike

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has taken legal action against Premier Danielle Smith’s government, arguing that the recent law used to end their provincewide strike violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. ATA President Jason Schilling said the association has filed a court application asking a judge to suspend the law while a full constitutional challenge proceeds. Schilling called the government’s reliance on the Charter’s notwithstanding clause “unconstitutional” and said it undermines the role of the courts in protecting fundamental rights. The law in ques
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,
quebec-lowers-permanent-immigration-target-to-45-000-per-year-focuses-on-french-language-integration
CanadaNov 06, 2025

Quebec lowers permanent immigration target to 45,000 per year, focuses on French-language integration

The Quebec government has announced it will reduce its annual target for new permanent residents to 45,000, marking a significant shift from the roughly 61,000 people expected to settle in the province this year. The revised plan outlines a more moderate approach than earlier proposals that would have lowered the figure to as few as 25,000 newcomers annually. The government’s new immigration framework emphasizes language integration, setting a goal for nearly 80 per cent of new immigrants to achieve at least intermediate-level French by 2029. In 2019, that figure was 50 per cent. Officials s
nearly-8-000-speeding-tickets-issued-in-october-as-bc-highway-patrol-urges-drivers-to-slow-down
BCNov 06, 2025

Nearly 8,000 speeding tickets issued in October as BC Highway Patrol urges drivers to slow down

BC Highway Patrol officers issued close to 8,000 speeding tickets across the province in October, highlighting ongoing concerns about driver behaviour as winter conditions set in. The enforcement effort was part of the Drive Relative to Conditions and Pedestrian Awareness campaign, aimed at encouraging motorists to adjust their driving for changing weather and visibility. According to BC Highway Patrol data, the highest number of tickets were issued in the South Coast region, including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, where 2,167 drivers were cited. Vancouver Island followed with 1,598 t
surrey-police-urge-vigilance-as-distraction-thefts-target-seniors-during-safety-week
CanadaNov 06, 2025

Surrey police urge vigilance as distraction thefts target seniors during Safety Week

The Surrey Police Service and the City of Surrey are reminding residents to stay alert as reports of distraction thefts continue to target seniors across the city. The awareness campaign coincides with National Seniors Safety Week, running from November 6 to 12, and focuses on helping older residents recognize and prevent these crimes. Police say 54 distraction thefts have been reported in Surrey so far this year, with many victims being seniors. Investigators note that suspects often approach their targets under friendly pretenses, such as asking for directions, complimenting jewellery, or of

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former-vancouver-mayor-alleges-b-c-cabinet-minister-under-investigation
BCMay 05, 2026

Former Vancouver mayor alleges B.C. cabinet minister under investigation

Former Vancouver mayor Kennedy Stewart says he has been interviewed by federal lawyers regarding what he alleges is an investigation into a British Columbia cabinet minister for possible collaboration with China’s government. Stewart said Premier David Eby and other cabinet members are aware of the matter. He did not identify the minister and did not provide documentation to support the existence or scope of any investigation. The RCMP said it is reviewing a request for comment but did not confirm any investigation. The B.C. government did not respond to a request for comment by publication
census-2026-letters-mailed-as-canadians-required-to-complete-survey-by-may-12
CanadaMay 05, 2026

Census 2026 letters mailed as Canadians required to complete survey by May 12

Households and farm operators across Canada will begin receiving letters this week with instructions to complete the 2026 national census, with responses due by May 12, according to Statistics Canada. The agency says Canadians are expected to complete the survey within about a week of receiving the letter, as required under the Statistics Act, which mandates a census every five years and requires participation from all households and farm businesses. Under the act, those who do not complete the census could face a fine of up to $500. The last census, conducted in 2021, collected data on popula
edmonton-man-charged-with-two-counts-of-second-degree-murder-in-langley-deaths
AlbertaMay 05, 2026

Edmonton man charged with two counts of second-degree murder in Langley deaths

An Edmonton man has been charged in connection with the deaths of two people found inside a home in Langley, according to police. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said officers were called to a residence near 16 Avenue and 208 Street at 11:15 a.m. on April 27, where they located the bodies of an 18-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man. Police have not released the victims’ identities. Investigators have identified the accused as 33-year-old Craig Lefferty-Tucaro of Alberta. He has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and was taken into custody on May 3. According to
louise-arbour-appointed-canadas-next-governor-general-replacing-mary-simon
CanadaMay 05, 2026

Louise Arbour appointed Canada’s next governor general, replacing Mary Simon

Prime Minister Mark Carney says former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour will serve as Canada’s next governor general, succeeding Mary Simon when her term concludes this summer. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Arbour’s appointment follows a selection process that prioritized official bilingualism and public service experience. Arbour is a former justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and has held senior international roles, including United Nations high commissioner for human rights and chief prosecutor for international tribunals in The Hague. Simon, who was
man-killed-in-daytime-shooting-inside-surrey-business-complex-homicide-team-investigating
BCMay 05, 2026

Man killed in daytime shooting inside Surrey business complex; homicide team investigating

A man is dead after a daytime shooting inside a business complex in Surrey’s Newton area on Monday, according to police. Surrey Police Service said officers were called at 3 p.m. to the 13000-block of 76 Avenue for reports of a shooting inside the foyer of an office building. When officers arrived, they found a young man suffering from critical injuries. BC Emergency Health Services attempted life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The building houses multiple businesses, including an insurance office and a training centre. Police have not released th