Queen Elizabeth II makes rare public speech in response to COVID-19 pandemic

A fire at an apartment complex in northeast Edmonton has caused an estimated $1.1 million in property damage and displaced residents, according to emergency response information. The blaze broke out April 20 at the Wyndham Crossing Apartments, where about 200 people live. Evacuating residents safely was a significant challenge for crews responding to the scene. One person was seriously injured in the fire and taken to hospital for treatment. A firefighter was also hurt during the response and received on-site care from emergency services. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and

Newly elected federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis says he will not run in an upcoming Quebec byelection triggered by the departure of longtime MP Alexandre Boulerice. Boulerice announced he is leaving federal politics after 15 years to seek a provincial seat with Québec solidaire. He said in a statement that he believes his work in Ottawa is complete and described the move as a continuation of his political priorities at the provincial level. According to his announcement, Boulerice framed the decision as a transition rather than a strategic calculation, while confirming he will vacate his seat in t

Edmonton police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 19-year-old man, identified as Prayag Dalbhatwala. According to an Edmonton Police Service news release, Dalbhatwala was last seen on April 23 at حوالي 4 p.m. at a residence near 99 Street and 90 Avenue. Police and his family have expressed concern for his well-being. Investigators say Dalbhatwala had planned to travel to Calgary but cancelled those plans at the last minute. His whereabouts since then remain unknown. Police describe him as approximately five feet nine inches tall, with black hair, and he wears

Police in Kelowna say more than 10 kilograms of suspected illicit drugs have been seized following a co-ordinated investigation into drug trafficking and illegal firearms. According to an RCMP news release, officers executed search warrants at three homes on April 15 as part of an ongoing probe in the city. The searches resulted in the seizure of approximately seven kilograms of suspected cocaine, more than two kilograms of suspected fentanyl and about one kilogram of psilocybin mushrooms. Investigators also seized a loaded firearm and about $40,000 in cash, which police allege are connected t

Three newly elected Liberal members of Parliament formally took their seats in the House of Commons on Monday following recent byelections that strengthened the governing party’s position. Doly Begum, Danielle Martin and Tatiana Auguste were sworn in as MPs on Saturday, according to official parliamentary records. Their arrivals bring the Liberals to 174 seats in the House, reflecting gains from both the byelections and a series of defections over recent months. Begum and Martin won Toronto-area ridings previously held by former cabinet ministers Bill Blair and Chrystia Freeland. Auguste sec