Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says it may be too late for a citizen-led petition seeking a ban on new coal mining projects to be included in the province's Oct. 19 referendum vote. Earlier this month, Alberta musician Corb Lund submitted what he said were more than 200,000 signatures in support of a petition that would require the Alberta government to consider legislation banning new coal mining or submit the matter to a provincewide referendum if the signatures are verified. According to Alberta's citizen initiative rules, a successful petition can compel the government to either introduce

Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Vancouver today, where he is scheduled to join British Columbia Premier David Eby for an announcement related to new housing development and local infrastructure projects. According to information released by the Prime Minister's Office, the joint announcement will be followed by a private meeting between Carney and Eby. Details of the measures to be announced have not yet been released. The announcement comes as housing affordability, housing supply, and infrastructure capacity remain key issues across British Columbia and other parts of Canada. Federal and pr

A policy approved during the first Surrey Police Board meeting chaired by Parm Jawanda on Wednesday is drawing criticism from the Surrey Police Union and local politicians, who argue it could limit public communication by the city's police chief. Under the resolution, the Surrey Police Service chief may speak publicly only on operational policing matters. The policy restricts the chief from commenting on administrative or governance issues involving the police board, Surrey City Hall, or the provincial government. Critics have described the measure as a "gag order," raising concerns about tran

U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have signed an interim agreement aimed at ending hostilities between the United States and Iran, according to statements from officials involved in the negotiations. The signing took place ahead of a formal ceremony that had been scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland. Trump signed the agreement during a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday evening. Following the signing, Trump told reporters that the agreement had been finalized. Iranian officials later confirmed that Presid

Toronto police say they have arrested a 19-year-old suspect wanted in connection with a shooting at the United States consulate in March. Police identified the accused as Zara Jabbi and said the arrest was made as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident. Authorities have not released additional details about the arrest or the specific allegations involved. According to Toronto police, investigators continue to examine a series of shootings across the city that they allege were organized through gun-for-hire networks. The arrest comes less than a week after a Toronto police officer w

The Alberta government has announced that it will replace fuel tax relief on gasoline and diesel with direct cash payments under a new Alberta Energy Rebate program. According to the government, the program will begin on July 1, 2026. Adults in households with annual incomes below $225,000 will receive a $100 rebate payment. Premier Danielle Smith said the province opted for direct payments after a previous fuel tax suspension did not fully translate into savings at the pump for consumers. Smith said the government is returning a portion of increased revenues generated by higher oil prices dir

Burnaby RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man accused of threatening another driver with a knife during an alleged road rage incident earlier this year. According to a Burnaby RCMP news release, frontline officers responded on April 19, 2026, after a driver reported being verbally threatened by another motorist on Boundary Road near Grandview Highway. Police said the suspect allegedly displayed a knife and made threatening gestures during the encounter. Investigators say the victim was able to obtain limited photographs of the suspect before he left the area. Two p

A 22-year-old man has been charged following an alleged attempted child abduction in Surrey that police say was interrupted by witnesses. According to Surrey police, officers were called to the 8100 block of 136A Street at about 6:40 p.m. Saturday after reports that a stranger approached a child who was playing in a residential driveway. Witnesses told investigators the man allegedly picked up the child before bystanders intervened. Police said the suspect then released the child and left the area. A person matching the suspect's description was detained by members of the public nearby and lat

Parm Jawanda has assumed the role of chair of the Surrey Police Board, with the board announcing the launch of a comprehensive financial review of the Surrey Police Service (SPS). According to the board, an independent accounting firm will be retained to conduct the review. The process is intended to assess the service's financial position, resource requirements and long-term budget planning needs. In a statement, Jawanda said the review will help identify areas where Surrey Police Service may require additional resources and provide a clearer picture of its operational and financial needs. Sh