83 new COVID-19 deaths in Quebec, total number rises to 1,682

The Bank of Canada has raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points for the first time in three years, increasing it from 2.25% to 2.50%. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said the decision was aimed at keeping inflation under control amid economic pressures caused by a sharp rise in crude oil prices. The central bank had held its policy rate at 2.25% for seven consecutive decisions. Following the latest increase, mortgages, car loans and other commercial borrowing are expected to become more expensive, putting additional financial pressure on Canadians. Citing elevated oil

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has reportedly warned that Canada could be held responsible if President Donald Trump’s Republican Party loses the upcoming midterm elections. According to reports, Hoekstra hosted a private business lunch at his official residence in Ottawa on Tuesday, where he specifically mentioned border states such as Michigan and Maine. Republican victories in these states are considered important for the party’s efforts to maintain its Senate majority. Hoekstra reportedly told business leaders that if these states swing in favour of Democrats, Canada could fac

Canada and the United Arab Emirates have signed a historic free trade agreement in Ottawa. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed during a ceremony on Parliament Hill attended by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Canada’s Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi signed the agreement, which was concluded in a record 47 days after free trade negotiations began. The deal aims to eliminate tariffs, reduce regulatory barriers and create new business opportunities

A 45-year-old woman has died after being struck by an SUV while crossing the street in Vancouver. According to police, the collision occurred around midnight on Sunday at a marked crosswalk at Main Street and National Avenue. The impact threw the woman approximately 30 metres away. Despite efforts by paramedics, she could not be saved. Police said it was dark and raining heavily at the time of the collision. The SUV driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors in the incident. This marks the second pedestrian col

Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into drug trafficking, gangster activities and international arms-smuggling networks in Punjab. In his letter, Jakhar highlighted two cases. The first relates to the seizure of 4 kg of heroin in 2023 at Nathana police station in Bathinda district. According to the investigation, the consignment had allegedly been arranged by a man identified as Harry, who was serving a 20-year sentence at Ferozepur Jail. Jakhar alleged that police officials colluded to secu