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BCDec 11, 2025

Two Maple Ridge residents sentenced to five years for 2023 killing of Surinderjit Singh

Two people have been sentenced to five years in prison for the 2023 killing of Maple Ridge resident Surinderjit “Jack” Singh. The case, which involved extensive work by homicide investigators and local RCMP, concluded last week with a pair of manslaughter convictions. Police were called to the 21800 block of 122 Avenue on the morning of March 4, 2023, where officers found the 55-year-old victim deceased at the scene. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took charge of the file, working with Ridge Meadows RCMP, forensic specialists, and the BC Coroners Service. Investigators later ide
rcmp-shuts-down-suspected-fentanyl-lab-in-surrey-as-officers-seize-drugs-and-weapons
BCDec 11, 2025

RCMP shuts down suspected fentanyl lab in Surrey as officers seize drugs and weapons

Federal RCMP officers say a synthetic drug lab operating in a Surrey neighbourhood has been dismantled following coordinated searches in Surrey and Richmond this fall. Investigators with the RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region CLEAR Team carried out warrants on September 14, uncovering large quantities of suspected fentanyl along with a cache of weapons and precursor chemicals. Police say the investigation began earlier in the summer and led officers to a property in the 12900 block of 54A Avenue in Surrey, where they located what they believe was an active fentanyl production site. Officers
quebec-anticorruption-unit-opens-criminal-probe-into-provincial-liberal-party
CanadaDec 10, 2025

Quebec anticorruption unit opens criminal probe into provincial Liberal Party

Quebec’s anticorruption police force has launched a criminal investigation into the provincial Liberal Party, adding to a period of internal turmoil for the long-standing political organization. A spokesperson for the force confirmed the probe today but declined to provide details, citing the active nature of the case. The confirmation follows disclosures last month that investigators were reviewing allegations of wrongdoing to determine whether a formal investigation was warranted. The decision to proceed suggests authorities found sufficient grounds to examine the matter further. The Liber
burnaby-rcmp-warns-residents-after-rise-in-distraction-style-jewelry-thefts
BCDec 10, 2025

Burnaby RCMP warns residents after rise in distraction-style jewelry thefts

Burnaby RCMP is alerting residents to a series of distraction thefts reported across the city since mid November. Police say ten incidents have been confirmed since November 13, prompting a reminder for the public to remain cautious in busy public areas and parking lots. The detachment’s Community Response Team is leading the investigation and believes groups of offenders are targeting victims by first asking for directions or pretending to need medical help. Police say the suspects – often described as one man and two women – use conversation as a way to get close before attempting to r
recall-petition-launched-against-alberta-premier-danielle-smith-and-two-cabinet-ministers
AlbertaDec 10, 2025

Recall petition launched against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and two cabinet ministers

Elections Alberta has approved recall petitions targeting Premier Danielle Smith and two members of her cabinet, marking the latest wave of challenges under the province’s recall legislation. The petitions, issued this week, add to a growing list of United Conservative Party MLAs facing organized campaigns in their constituencies. Heather VanSnick, the applicant behind the recall effort in Brooks–Medicine Hat, alleges the premier has not meaningfully engaged with residents or subject-matter experts when shaping provincial policy. She also argues that recent government decisions have contri
canada-prepares-to-name-new-u-s-envoy-as-next-phase-of-trade-talks-approaches
CanadaDec 10, 2025

Canada prepares to name new U.S. envoy as next phase of trade talks approaches

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada’s next ambassador to the United States will have time to get up to speed before North America’s trade relationship enters a new round of negotiations. Carney told reporters that federal consultations on the renewal of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement have wrapped up, while officials in Washington are only beginning their own review. He said the three-country assessment of the trade pact is expected to intensify in the new year, a process that could carry major implications for Western Canada’s transportation corridors, agriculture exports, and m
author-sophie-kinsella-known-for-global-shopaholic-series-dies-at-55
WorldDec 10, 2025

Author Sophie Kinsella, known for global ‘Shopaholic’ series, dies at 55

Sophie Kinsella, the British writer whose lighthearted “Shopaholic” novels gained an international readership, has died at the age of 55. Her family confirmed that she passed away this week after living with brain cancer, a diagnosis she made public in 2024. Kinsella, born Madeleine Wickham, became widely recognized for her comic writing style and her ability to connect with readers through stories about everyday pressures, financial missteps, and modern relationships. Beginning in 2000, her “Shopaholic” series grew into 10 bestselling titles that reached audiences across Europe and No
punjab-premier-says-economic-outreach-continues-as-opposition-trades-accusations
IndiaDec 10, 2025

Punjab premier says economic outreach continues as opposition trades accusations

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann says his government is focused on attracting international investment even as political tensions in the state intensify following recent remarks from Navjot Kaur Sidhu. Speaking to reporters, Mann said his administration is working to bring global companies to Punjab to expand opportunities in technology, health care, agriculture, and research. He contrasted that with what he described as the opposition Congress party’s focus on internal disputes and claims about the value of political positions. The Chief Minister returned this week from a visit to Japan
bank-of-canada-holds-key-interest-rate-as-officials-monitor-economic-uncertainty
CanadaDec 10, 2025

Bank of Canada holds key interest rate as officials monitor economic uncertainty

The Bank of Canada has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25 per cent in its final policy decision of the year, signalling that borrowing costs remain at a level the central bank views as appropriate for maintaining price stability. Governor Tiff Macklem said major global economies continue to show signs of resilience, even as uncertainty persists and the United States maintains a protectionist approach to trade. He noted that the current policy rate is helping keep inflation near the bank’s two per cent target, suggesting no immediate need to raise or cut interest rates. Mackle

Just In

putin-opens-annual-news-conference-amid-renewed-international-focus-on-ukraine-war
WorldDec 19, 2025

Putin opens annual news conference amid renewed international focus on Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun his annual year-end news conference, a closely followed event where he traditionally addresses domestic concerns and outlines Moscow’s position on major global issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. The televised session is once again combined with a nationwide call-in program, allowing citizens from across Russia to submit questions directly to the president. The format has been a fixture of Putin’s leadership and is often used to reinforce his authority while presenting the Kremlin’s narrative on economic conditions, governance, and for
WorldDec 19, 2025

EU approves 90 billion euro loan package to support Ukraine through 2027

European Union leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with a 90 billion euro interest-free loan aimed at supporting the country’s military operations and stabilizing its economy over the next two years. The decision was confirmed Friday by European Council President Antonio Costa following late-night negotiations among member states. In a statement posted on social media, Costa said the funding package for 2026 and 2027 reflects the bloc’s long-term commitment to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. Details on how the loan will be financed have not yet been
supreme-court-declines-interim-bail-to-majithia-issues-notice-to-punjab-government
IndiaDec 19, 2025

Supreme Court declines interim bail to Majithia, issues notice to Punjab government

The Supreme Court of India has declined to grant interim bail to senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a disproportionate assets case, while issuing a notice to the Punjab government seeking its response to his bail plea. A bench of the top court directed the state government to file its reply within four weeks. The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 19, after the state submits its response. Majithia is facing charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, with investigators alleging he amassed assets worth more than Rs. 540 crore beyond his known sourc
AlbertaDec 19, 2025

Alberta plans 2026 pilot to raise speed limits on select rural highways

The Alberta government says it will move ahead in 2026 with a pilot project that would increase speed limits to 120 kilometres per hour on certain rural divided highways across the province. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the decision follows public feedback gathered through an online survey earlier this fall, when the province asked Albertans whether speed limits should be raised on divided highways. According to the government, about 59,000 people responded, with 68 per cent expressing support for higher limits. Currently, many rural divided highways in Alberta are capped at 110
coquitlam-rcmp-warn-residents-after-spike-in-home-break-ins-targeting-back-doors
BCDec 18, 2025

Coquitlam RCMP warn residents after spike in home break-ins targeting back doors

Coquitlam RCMP are urging residents to take extra precautions after a recent increase in residential break and enters across the city, many involving similar methods and locations. Police say the incidents have raised concern among investigators due to their frequency and pattern. Mounties report receiving about 21 complaints of residential break-ins since November 23. In most cases, suspects entered homes through rear sliding glass doors, with incidents largely occurring between mid-afternoon and late evening, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Police note that homes backing onto green spaces, trails, or