International rescue teams have ramped up search operations for people trapped under the rubble following two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 that struck Venezuela on Wednesday. Authorities say the death toll has risen to 589, while nearly 3,000 people have been injured. Several countries across the Americas, including Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba and the United States, along with the United Nations, have continued to send rescue teams and humanitarian aid to assist with relief efforts. Venezuela's Health Minister, Carlos Alvarado, said the country's hospitals

British Columbia Premier David Eby has shortened his trade mission to China from a week-long visit to just three days. The trip was originally scheduled to run from June 27 to July 3. The decision comes as Alberta is expected to formally apply for federal approval of a new oil pipeline on July 1. Eby has consistently opposed the proposed pipeline project. However, speaking to reporters on Thursday, Eby said the shortened trip has nothing to do with the pipeline issue. He explained that B.C. has a pending memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the federal government, and Ottawa has asked him to

A Calgary Police Service officer has been suspended with pay after being charged with assault in connection with an arrest that took place in May 2025. In a news release issued Friday, the service said a complainant alleged that an officer used excessive force during the arrest by "striking them multiple times with a closed fist." Police identified the accused officer as Const. Imran Khan, who faces one count of assault. The service said Khan's employment status is under review and confirmed he has been a member of the Calgary Police Service for six years. The allegation has not been proven in

The Canada Border Services Agency says it has issued removal orders against dozens of people in the Greater Toronto Area following immigration investigations into individuals with possible links to extortion-related activities. According to the CBSA, the investigations began in August last year in the Pacific and Prairie regions and were expanded to the Greater Toronto Area in November. The agency said the initiative was carried out with support from local police services, intelligence agencies and public tips. The CBSA said nearly 200 immigration investigations were launched in the Toronto ar

Surrey Police have laid additional charges against 20-year-old Harshdeep Singh and 21-year-old Hanspreet Singh in connection with an extortion and shooting investigation. The new charges include discharging a firearm and possessing a loaded weapon. The two men were arrested on January 26 shortly after shots were fired at a home near 129 Street and 84 Avenue in Surrey. Officers conducting patrols under the Surrey Police Service's Project Assurance program spotted and stopped a suspicious vehicle in the area and arrested the two suspects. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a loaded ha

Environment Canada says heavy rainfall expected across central Alberta this weekend could lead to overland flooding, road washouts and damage to infrastructure. Forecasters are predicting up to 60 millimetres of rain between Friday evening and Sunday. The agency noted that an unusually wet June has already left the ground saturated, increasing the risk of flooding. Environment Canada also warned that another weather system is expected to move into the region early next week, potentially bringing even more heavy rainfall and worsening conditions. Residents are being advised to monitor weather

A powerful earthquake has struck the South American nation of Venezuela, causing widespread destruction. Two strong tremors measuring 7.1 and 7.5 in magnitude hit within a minute of each other, leading to severe damage across several areas. According to reports, numerous buildings and homes have collapsed. Authorities have confirmed hundreds of deaths, while thousands of people have been injured. Officials fear that the death toll could exceed 10,000 as many people are still believed to be trapped under the rubble. The strong tremors were felt west of Venezuela's capital, Caracas, where sever

Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation Wednesday ahead of next month's NATO summit, according to the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the call in a one-line statement but did not disclose the topics discussed by the two leaders. Carney and Trump are expected to meet during the annual NATO summit, scheduled for July 7 and 8 in Ankara, Turkey. The meeting comes as NATO allies continue discussions on defence spending and broader security priorities. Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is also visiting Canada from Thursd

The Department of National Defence says two senior leaders of a respected Armed Forces battalion have been removed pending an investigation. It says Lt.-Col. Jason Hudson and chief warrant officer Kim Doerr have been temporarily removed from their positions with 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Hudson was the Edmonton-based unit's commanding officer. The Defence Department is sharing few details about the probe but says authority figures are expected to display good judgment and conduct. It says the 3rd Canadian Division, which oversees all Forces operations across W