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WorldApr 09, 2026

Uncertainty persists over U.S.–Iran ceasefire terms ahead of possible Islamabad talks

Differences between the United States and Iran over the terms of a recently announced ceasefire continue to raise uncertainty, with officials indicating there is no clear agreement on key conditions. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, said in London that he remains “optimistic” about a potential meeting between the two sides in Islamabad later this week. According to his remarks, efforts are underway to turn the current two-week ceasefire into a more durable arrangement. Faisal said that despite reported violations, the ceasefire is largely holding.
navjot-kaur-sidhu-says-she-will-contest-2027-punjab-election-with-bharatiya-rashtrawadi-party
IndiaApr 08, 2026

Navjot Kaur Sidhu says she will contest 2027 Punjab election with Bharatiya Rashtrawadi Party

Navjot Kaur Sidhu says she plans to run in Punjab’s 2027 विधानसभा elections as a candidate of the Bharatiya Rashtrawadi Party, according to remarks she made at a press conference in Chandigarh. Speaking at the Chandigarh Press Club, Sidhu confirmed her intention to contest under the party banner. The announcement follows a social media post in which she indicated her political plans and shared material related to the New Delhi–based party, which she described as being established about nine years ago. Sidhu, the wife of former cricketer and ex–Punjab Congress chief Navjot
AlbertaApr 08, 2026

Edmonton man charged with human trafficking offences involving five women, police say

Police in Edmonton say a 47-year-old man is facing multiple human trafficking-related charges following an investigation involving five women. According to a release from ALERT Edmonton’s Human Trafficking unit, Jonathan Allard was arrested March 26 and is charged with 26 Criminal Code offences, including trafficking in persons, forcible confinement and assault. Investigators say the case began in June after one of the alleged victims contacted police seeking help. She told officers she had been recruited through social media to move to Edmonton, where she was allegedly forced into the sex t
man-arrested-after-reported-assault-on-woman-in-new-westminster
BCApr 08, 2026

Man arrested after reported assault on woman in New Westminster

A man has been arrested after multiple witnesses reported seeing a woman being struck in the street in New Westminster on Sunday afternoon. According to a New Westminster Police Department news release, officers responded to two separate 911 calls at 1:20 p.m. reporting an assault involving a man and a woman walking along the street. Police attended the area near Nanaimo Street and 18th Street, where they located both individuals. Officers arrested the man without incident at the scene and provided assistance to the woman. Investigators also interviewed multiple witnesses who remained in the a
AlbertaApr 08, 2026

Alberta defence lawyers call for probe into Edmonton police chief over manslaughter case comments

A group representing criminal defence lawyers in Alberta is calling for an independent investigation into Warren Driechel and the Edmonton Police Service’s top lawyer, Megan Hankowich, over public comments tied to a recent manslaughter case. The Criminal Trial Lawyers' Association says the statements may warrant a third-party review to determine whether any criminal conduct occurred. The group is asking Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery to direct the province’s Police Review Commission to assess whether there are grounds for charges, including intimidation or obstruction of justice. Ac
ontario-mp-marilyn-gladu-leaves-conservatives-to-join-liberals
CanadaApr 08, 2026

Ontario MP Marilyn Gladu leaves Conservatives to join Liberals

Ontario MP Marilyn Gladu says she has left the Conservative caucus and will sit with the Liberals under Prime Minister Mark Carney, becoming the fifth member of Parliament to cross the floor since November. Gladu confirmed the move in a statement, saying she will support the government’s agenda going forward. The reasons for her decision were not immediately detailed, and it is not clear whether she will take on a formal role within the Liberal caucus. Floor crossings do not trigger a byelection under federal rules, meaning Gladu will continue to represent her Ontario riding as a Liberal MP
AlbertaApr 08, 2026

First Nation chief challenges Alberta separation petition in court, citing treaty rights

The chief of a First Nation seeking a court injunction against a citizen-led petition on Alberta’s potential separation from Canada says legal action was necessary to defend treaty rights. Chief Sheldon Sunshine of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation said the constitutional challenge targets the province’s citizen-initiated referendum process, which he argues could affect First Nations without proper consultation. According to statements made at the start of the hearing, Sunshine said the case is about ensuring treaty obligations are upheld. A court hearing began Tuesday and is expected to include a
poilievre-communications-director-katy-merrifield-to-step-down-this-week
BCApr 08, 2026

Poilievre communications director Katy Merrifield to step down this week

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s communications director, Katy Merrifield, is stepping down from her role, according to an internal email sent to the Conservative caucus on Tuesday. In the message, Merrifield said her last day in the Opposition Leader’s Office will be Friday. She also outlined changes to the senior communications team, stating that Micah Green will take over as communications director and Sam Lilly will become media relations director. Merrifield said both appointments were made at her recommendation. Merrifield joined Poilievre’s team in 2025, around the time the
carney-european-leaders-welcome-reported-u-s-iran-ceasefire-call-for-broader-diplomatic-talks
CanadaApr 08, 2026

Carney, European leaders welcome reported U.S.–Iran ceasefire, call for broader diplomatic talks

Prime Minister Mark Carney and nine European leaders say they welcome a reported two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, according to a joint statement released Wednesday. The statement follows remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Tuesday that an agreement had been reached after tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. Trump had earlier warned of severe consequences if negotiations to reopen the waterway failed. According to Trump’s social media posts, discussions between the United States and Iran are expected to include reconstruction ef

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CanadaJun 05, 2026

Vancouver airport expands biometric boarding ahead of FIFA World Cup travel surge

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has expanded its use of biometric boarding technology as it prepares for increased passenger volumes during the FIFA World Cup. According to airport officials, 42 biometric boarding gates are now operating across the airport. The technology is expected to speed up the boarding process by approximately 13 per cent, helping reduce wait times for travellers. The airport has also introduced new CT screening technology at security checkpoints. Under the upgraded system, passengers will no longer be required to remove liquids and large electronic devices from th
grocery-benefit-top-up-payments-begin-for-eligible-canadians
CanadaJun 05, 2026

Grocery benefit top-up payments begin for eligible Canadians

Eligible Canadians are expected to begin receiving one-time federal grocery benefit top-up payments starting today as part of the Liberal government's affordability measures. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, previously known as the GST/HST credit, provides support to lower-income households to help offset rising living costs. The federal government says payments will be issued automatically to qualifying recipients through direct deposit or by mail. According to the federal government, approximately 12 million Canadians are eligible for the one-time payment. Benefit amounts vary by
b-c-mla-jordan-kealy-charged-with-sexual-assault
BCJun 04, 2026

B.C. MLA Jordan Kealy charged with sexual assault

Independent B.C. legislator Jordan Kealy has been charged with sexual assault, according to the British Columbia Prosecution Service. The prosecution service said the charge relates to an alleged offence or offences that occurred between Jan. 1 and Sept. 20, 2024, in Fort St. John. The allegation has not been tested in court. Kealy represents the Peace River North riding in the B.C. legislature. The prosecution service said a special prosecutor was appointed following an RCMP investigation to help ensure the administration of justice remains free from any perceived improper influence. Accordin
WorldJun 04, 2026

12 killed in Sri Lanka nursing home fire; investigation underway

A fire at a nursing home in western Sri Lanka killed 12 residents and injured eight others, according to Sri Lankan police. The fire broke out late Wednesday at a care facility in the town of Anguruwatota. Police said 51 residents were rescued from the building. Police spokesperson Fredrick Wootler said emergency responders attended the scene and survivors were taken to safety. Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the fire. The director of the nursing home has been arrested on suspicion of causing deaths through negligence, police said. Investigators are examining the circ
second-shooting-reported-at-surrey-home-linked-to-extortion-investigation
CanadaJun 04, 2026

Second Shooting Reported at Surrey Home Linked to Extortion Investigation

A Surrey home that was previously targeted in a shooting last month was struck by gunfire again early Thursday morning, according to Surrey Police Service (SPS). Police said officers responded at approximately 4:02 a.m. to reports of shots fired near 57 Avenue and 148 Street in the South Newton neighbourhood. Frontline officers located evidence confirming that gunfire had occurred at the property. Authorities said several people were inside the home at the time of the shooting, but no injuries were reported. The extent of any property damage has not been released. According to SPS, the investi