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AlbertaAug 20, 2026

Alberta to Host Second Town Hall on AI Data Centre Plans in Sturgeon County

Alberta Technology Minister Nate Glubish is set to host the province’s second town hall on its plans for artificial intelligence data centres on Thursday in Redwater, north of Edmonton. The event comes amid growing concerns over the environmental and economic impacts of large-scale AI facilities. Redwater is in Sturgeon County, where tech giant Meta is planning a $13-billion AI data centre project. The proposed facility would be a major investment in the region and is expected to be one of Canada’s largest data centres. The town hall follows a contentious meeting in Lacombe on Wednesday,
cta-orders-westjet-to-remove-power-wheelchair-weight-limit
CanadaAug 20, 2026

CTA Orders WestJet to Remove Power Wheelchair Weight Limit

The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has ordered WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, to eliminate the weight limit it imposes on power wheelchairs carried on its aircraft. The regulator ruled that WestJet’s weight restriction creates an unreasonable barrier for passengers living with disabilities and must be removed before July 2027. The case came to light following a complaint filed by Winnipeg resident and former federal cabinet minister Steven Fletcher, who was prevented from boarding a WestJet flight last year because of the weight of his customized electric wheelchair. WestJ
BCAug 20, 2026

15-Year-Old Charged After Allegedly Threatening to Burn Down Port Coquitlam Home

A 15-year-old youth has been criminally charged after allegedly making threats to burn down a home in Port Coquitlam. According to Coquitlam RCMP, the case relates to an incident that occurred on May 17 this year. Following an investigation by the General Investigation Section and a review of the evidence, the B.C. Prosecution Service approved the charges on August 4. The youth’s identity has not been released because of his age under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Police also clarified that he is not a resident of the Port Coquitlam area. The youth is facing three charges, including mischi
poilievre-invites-irans-exiled-crown-prince-reza-pahlavi-to-visit-canada
CanadaAug 20, 2026

Poilievre Holds Video Call With Reza Pahlavi, Invites Him to Canada

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre held a video conference today with Iran’s exiled former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and invited him to visit Canada. Sharing details of the conversation, Poilievre said they discussed the current regime in Tehran and the mission to establish a free and democratic Iran. He also mentioned the strong support he received from Vancouver’s Iranian community for holding talks with Pahlavi. Poiliev was in the North Vancouver–Capilano riding last week, where a by-election is scheduled for August 31. On Saturday, he attended a meeting organized by the Conservativ
carney-urges-premiers-to-lift-ban-on-u-s-alcohol
CanadaAug 20, 2026

Carney Urges Premiers to Lift Ban on U.S. Alcohol

Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged Canada’s provincial premiers to remove restrictions on U.S. alcohol as Ottawa works to finalize an interim trade agreement with the United States. Trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. are continuing after President Donald Trump delayed the implementation of a proposed 50 per cent tariff until Friday. Washington has repeatedly raised concerns over Canada’s restrictions on American alcohol products. Because provincial governments control the sale and distribution of alcohol in Canada, Carney held a virtual meeting with the premiers on Wednesday
canada-could-get-tariff-relief-on-steel-aluminum-and-automobiles
CanadaAug 19, 2026

Canada Could Get Tariff Relief on Steel, Aluminum and Automobiles

Canada could receive some tariff relief on steel, aluminum and automobiles under a new trade deal with the United States that is reportedly nearing completion. According to reports, Washington could reduce the current 50% tariff on some Canadian steel and aluminum exports to 25% as part of the agreement. However, the details have not yet been finalized, and the new rates are not expected to apply equally to all products. Different tariffs could be imposed on certain steel- and aluminum-derived products. Meanwhile, the top-line tariff on automobiles could reportedly be reduced from 25% to 15%.
AlbertaAug 19, 2026

Calgary Police Officer to Stand Trial for Murder After Two Die in Slow-Speed Chase

A Calgary police officer charged with two counts of second-degree murder will stand trial in connection with the deaths of two men during a slow-speed police pursuit in 2023. A judge ordered a trial for 52-year-old Const. Craig Stothard on Tuesday, following the conclusion of a preliminary inquiry. The inquiry was held to determine whether there was enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Stothard was charged after Wesley Davidson and Levon Boyce Fox were shot and killed on May 29, 2023, following a police pursuit involving a stolen cube van. Police had responded to a report of suspi
CanadaAug 19, 2026

Canada Confirms Trade Deal With U.S.; Details Expected Friday

Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that Canada is moving toward a trade agreement with the United States, saying it will deliver the best possible deal across the country’s most important sectors. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra welcomed the progress and credited President Donald Trump for the development. Details of the interim agreement could be released by Friday, with Canada reportedly making progress on reducing sector-specific tariffs. The deal could help bring an end to the trade war that has continued between the two countries for the past year and a half.
IndiaAug 19, 2026

Various Sikh Organisations Support ‘Punjab Bandh’ Call

Various Sikh organisations have extended their support to the ‘Punjab Bandh’ call given by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha for August 21. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has also backed the bandh and decided to keep its offices and all affiliated institutions closed on August 21. Apart from the SGPC, the Shiromani Akali Dal Reunited, Akali Dal ‘Waris Punjab De’, Dal Khalsa, Hawara Committee, Mann Dal and several other Sikh organisations have announced their support for the bandh. Sikh leaders have appealed to the public to completely shut their businesses until 2 p.m. on Aug

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BCNov 05, 2026

Vancouver Rents End 34-Month Annual Decline, Rise 0.2% in October

The nearly three-year decline in apartment and condo rents in Vancouver has come to an end. According to the latest report by Rentals.ca and Urbanation, average asking rents in Vancouver increased by 0.2 per cent year-over-year in October, marking the first annual increase in 34 months. Rents reached an average of $2,735. Similarly, rents in Toronto, Canada's second-most expensive rental market, rose by 1.6 per cent to $2,590 after declining for 32 consecutive months. On a month-over-month basis, Toronto recorded the highest rental increase among Canada's six largest markets, with rents rising
storm-threatens-b-c-s-coastal-regions-with-heavy-rainfall-and-strong-wind-warnings
BCNov 05, 2026

Storm Threatens B.C.’s Coastal Regions, With Heavy Rainfall and Strong Wind Warnings

A powerful storm is expected to hit British Columbia’s coastal regions, bringing heavy rainfall of up to 120 millimetres in some areas. Environment Canada has issued heavy rainfall warnings for western and inland parts of Vancouver Island, where rainfall could reach 10 millimetres per hour for several consecutive hours. According to the weather agency, the heaviest rainfall is expected in northern areas near Tofino, including Port Alice and Zeballos. Heavy rain is also forecast for the Central Coast, including Bella Coola. Meanwhile, strong winds reaching speeds of up to 110 km/h are expecte
AlbertaNov 05, 2026

Alberta Government Concerned Over U.S. Midterm Election Results

Following the Democrats’ sweeping victory in the U.S. midterm elections, experts and political leaders in Alberta are assessing the potential impact on Canada, particularly the province. American voters also voiced strong opposition to political parties manipulating electoral maps. Alberta’s NDP has compared the issue to the ongoing controversy over the province’s proposed new electoral boundaries. Premier Danielle Smith said the U.S. midterm results reinforced her government’s approach to dealing with tariffs. Her government has emphasized diplomacy and negotiations to strengthen rela
AlbertaNov 05, 2026

Okotoks Shaken by Powerful Explosion, Home Completely Destroyed

A powerful explosion at a building in Okotoks, southeast of Calgary, caused significant damage Thursday morning, completely destroying a large single-family home. According to Calgary Fire crews, a loud blast was heard across the area between approximately 7:10 and 7:45 a.m. The explosion occurred in a detached building on a rural property near Heritage Heights School. An elderly couple was inside the home at the time of the explosion, but both were reported safe. As a precaution, Heritage Heights School was immediately evacuated and will remain closed for the day. Students who normally travel
CanadaNov 05, 2026

Porter Airlines Announces New Non-Stop Flights Between Vancouver and London, Ontario

Porter Airlines has announced the launch of new non-stop flights between Vancouver and London, Ontario, starting April 12, 2027. The airline will operate at least one daily flight between the two cities, with service potentially increasing to 11 flights per week during the peak travel season. Russell Atkinson, Director of Air Service Development at Vancouver International Airport, welcomed the announcement, saying the new route will strengthen connections between British Columbia and southwestern Ontario. It will provide greater convenience for business travellers, tourists and people visiting