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b-c-health-authority-issues-drug-alert-after-benzodiazepines-found
BCJun 30, 2023

B.C. health authority issues drug alert after benzodiazepines found

A British Columbia health authority has issued a public warning after it says benzodiazepines were detected in vape juice sold in Chilliwack, B.C.Fraser Health issued an overdose alert Thursday saying the juice that tested positive contained cannabis and suspected synthetic cannabinoids and was sold in refillable, unmarked and unbranded cartridges.It did not specify where the product was sold.The alert says reported side-effects include prolonged sedation, nausea, vomiting and blackouts.Health Canada says benzodiazepines, or benzos, are a class of substances often used as sedatives and tranqui
google-set-to-remove-news-links-in-canada-meta-ends-contract-for-journalism-fellowship
CanadaJun 29, 2023

Google set to remove news links in Canada, Meta ends contract for journalism fellowship

Google says it will remove news links in Canada because of a new law that will force digital giants to compensate media outlets for content they share or otherwise repurpose online.Digital giant Meta is terminating the contract for a fellowship program that supports the hiring of a limited number of emerging journalists at newswire service The Canadian Press.The move comes amid fallout from the federal government's Online News Act, formerly known as Bill C-18, which became law last week.The law requires tech companies such as Facebook parent Meta and Google to negotiate deals compensating medi
b-c-staff-who-failed-to-check-on-two-abused-foster-children-lose-jobs-ministry
BCJun 29, 2023

B.C. staff who failed to check on two abused foster children lose jobs: Ministry

The British Columbia government says staff members at the Children's Ministry who failed to check on two Indigenous children who were systematically abused by their foster parents have lost their jobs.A judge sentenced the foster parents this month to 10 years each in prison for the death of the 11-year-old boy and his eight-year-old sister's serious injuries, saying it was incomprehensible how someone could inflict such suffering and violence on an innocent child.While the Ministry of Children and Family Development does not provide the names or the number of people involved, it says in a sta
provincial-booking-system-for-appointments-with-pharmacists-going-live
BCJun 28, 2023

Provincial booking system for appointments with pharmacists going live

Starting Thursday, June 29, 2023, people can book an appointment to see a pharmacist through a new provincial online booking system, making it even easier and more convenient to access the health care they need. The new online booking system is similar to the Get Vaccinated system where people booked appointments to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. Through the new online booking system, people can search for available appointment times at nearby pharmacies based on their minor ailment or contraceptive needs. Appointments can continue to be made by calling or visiting a pharmacy.
alberta-marks-deadliest-month-for-overdose-deaths-in-april
AlbertaJun 28, 2023

Alberta marks deadliest month for overdose deaths in April

Experts say Alberta's model for combating drug poisoning in the province is not working as opioid-related deaths reached an all-time high this April.The latest provincial data, which was released on Monday, shows 179 people died from drug poisoning in April, making it the month with the highest-ever opioid deaths recorded in Alberta. Elaine Hyshka, who is the Canada Research Chair in health systems innovation, says the latest numbers suggest that the province might be on track for the worst year yet.Hyshka says the increased number of overdoses shows the illegal supply of drugs in Alberta is h
trudeau-announces-child-care-infrastructure-funding-to-build-more-spaces
CanadaJun 28, 2023

Trudeau announces child-care infrastructure funding to build more spaces

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced $625 million of funding to help provinces and territories build child-care infrastructure.Trudeau says the money will be rolled out over four years and will help providers renovate, retrofit and build new not-for-profit and public child-care facilities.The announcement follows through on the child-care infrastructure fund promised by the Liberal government in the 2022 budget.It's meant to complement the national child-care program, which aims to deliver child care for $10 a day, on average, by 2026.Parents have already seen fees reduced by an average
alberta-ndp-says-smith-hid-overdose-data-demands-transparency
AlbertaJun 27, 2023

Alberta NDP says Smith hid overdose data, demands transparency

Alberta's Opposition NDP is accusing Premier Danielle Smith of concealing the latest data on opioid-related deaths until after last month's provincial election.The latest provincial data released Monday shows 179 people died from drug poisoning in April, the highest number in a single month.NDP legislature member David Shepherd says Smith stood on a podium and claimed her United Conservative government's model was working.He says the UCP hid the truth for the sake of their ideological policies, as he demanded transparency and a focus on harm reduction.Smith's office did not immediately respond
canada-bans-testing-of-cosmetic-products-on-animals
CanadaJun 27, 2023

Canada bans testing of cosmetic products on animals

Canada has banned testing cosmetic products on animals.It's a largely symbolic move that brings Canada's policy in line with dozens of other countries.Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says Bill C-47 was enacted last week, and included amendments to the Food and Drug Act.The act prohibits brands from selling cosmetics that rely on animal testing data to establish safety going forward.But the ban does not work retroactively.Products that were previously tested on animals can still be sold.Speaking at a news conference in Toronto this morning, Duclos says Canadians can rest easy knowing their cos
AlbertaJun 24, 2023

Alberta youth arrested in terrorism investigation subject to peace bond

Police in Calgary say they have arrested a youth in relation to a terrorism investigation. Details about the accused's identity are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. RCMP say the youth was arrested last week and appeared in court under a section of the Criminal Code that allows for a peace bond if there's fear the person may commit a terrorism offence. If granted, the peace bond is in effect for up to one year or, if there's a previous terrorism conviction, up to five years. Police say the youth has been released from custody and is subject to several conditions pending a future

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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