U.S. President Donald Trump announced the launch of a new international initiative called the ‘Board of Peace’ on Thursday during meetings in Davos, saying the body will focus on enforcing a ceasefire in Gaza and addressing other ongoing global conflicts. According to the White House, invitations were sent to 60 countries to participate in the board, though representatives from about 20 nations attended the launch event. Leaders present included Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina and Paraguay. Trump cla

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

The Abbotsford Police Department says officers responded to 180 calls for service over the past 24 hours as part of ongoing efforts to maintain public safety across the city. Police say patrol officers arrested six people on outstanding warrants during the reporting period. Officers also carried out 34 patrols and safety checks at homes and businesses, focusing on areas connected to recent reports of extortion related violence. Police have said in previous updates that visible patrols are intended to reassure residents and support those affected. Traffic enforcement was also a key focus, with

Alberta’s education minister says a failed recall petition against him signals continued support for the United Conservative government’s agenda rather than dissatisfaction among voters. Demetrios Nicolaides said in a letter to constituents that the unsuccessful campaign reinforces the province’s current direction on education and other priorities, adding that the outcome encourages the government to continue with its work. He described the result as a validation of policies introduced over the past year. Nicolaides was the first MLA among more than two dozen members of Alberta’s legis

More than 30 Alberta lawyers, including two former Progressive Conservative justice ministers, are publicly criticizing the provincial government, saying its recent conduct toward the justice system is unacceptable and risks weakening democratic institutions. In an open letter published this week, the group argues that recent legislation and public comments by government officials have contributed to what they describe as growing pressure on judicial independence. The letter raises concerns that repeated attacks on courts and legal oversight bodies could undermine public confidence in the rule

Three people were killed and another man was seriously injured following a shooting in the small New South Wales community of Lake Cargelligo on Thursday, according to state police. Emergency crews were called to a residential address in the town, located about 600 kilometres west of Sydney, after reports of gunfire. Police said two women and one man were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth victim, a man, was taken to hospital with serious but stable injuries. Authorities said the suspected shooter or shooters had not been located as of Thursday evening. New South Wales Police established a

Coquitlam RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance as investigators work to identify a suspect involved in an alleged assault with a weapon in Port Coquitlam earlier this month. Police say the incident took place around 11:45 a.m. on January 12 near the 2800 block of Shaughnessy Street. CCTV footage reviewed by investigators confirmed an altercation occurred at that location. According to RCMP, the suspect’s movements were traced through video surveillance before and after the incident. Officers believe the individual was near Lougheed Highway and Como Lake Avenue in Coquitlam around 11

A Surrey man has been sentenced to five years in prison for sex offences involving a minor he contacted through the social media platform Snapchat, according to the RCMP in Campbell River. Police say 33-year-old Dillon Caleb Partanen pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to charges that include sexual interference and possession of child sexual exploitation material. As part of his sentence, Partanen has also been ordered to register with the National Sex Offender Registry and provide a DNA sample. The case dates back to 2023, when investigators say Partanen began communicating online with an unidentified

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his government has agreed to participate in former U.S. president Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, signalling a willingness to engage with the initiative despite earlier reservations about its structure. In a statement released Wednesday by the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s decision to join the body, which Trump has promoted as a framework for advancing stability in the Middle East. The announcement followed recent Israeli criticism that the proposed Gaza executive component of the board did not adequately reflect Israe