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abbotsford-teen-suspended-after-crash-at-180-km-h-prompts-police-warning
BCMar 18, 2026

Abbotsford teen suspended after crash at 180 km/h prompts police warning

A 16-year-old Abbotsford driver is serving a licence suspension after being found guilty of multiple driving offences following a high-speed crash on Highway 1, according to a release from BC Highway Patrol. Police say the incident occurred July 21, 2025, near Popkum, where a BMW sedan was recorded travelling about 180 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. According to BC Highway Patrol, the teen failed to stop for police and continued driving with two teenage passengers before colliding with a parked dump truck. Cell phone video voluntarily provided to investigators shows the moments leading up to the cra
sikh-organization-calls-for-hate-crime-probe-in-fatal-shooting-near-leduc-alta
BCMar 18, 2026

Sikh organization calls for hate crime probe in fatal shooting near Leduc, Alta.

A national Sikh advocacy group is urging police to examine whether a fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man near Leduc, Alta., was motivated by hate. In a statement, the World Sikh Organization of Canada said Birinder Singh was killed on March 14 while travelling on Highway 2, south of Edmonton. According to the organization, occupants of a pickup truck opened fire on Singh’s vehicle in what it described as a daytime, unprovoked attack. Singh died at the scene. The group is calling on the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit to investigate the killing as a potential hate-motivated crime. Police have
canadas-population-declines-in-late-2025-amid-slowdown-in-non-permanent-residents-statcan
CanadaMar 18, 2026

Canada’s population declines in late 2025 amid slowdown in non-permanent residents: StatCan

Canada’s population declined in the final months of 2025, driven largely by a drop in non-permanent residents, according to new estimates from Statistics Canada. The agency reports the country’s population fell by approximately 102,000 people over the year. The decline coincides with a decrease of more than 171,000 non-permanent residents between Oct. 1, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026, including international students and temporary workers. Statistics Canada cautioned that the figures should be interpreted carefully, noting that fluctuations in work and study permit renewals could result in larger-
montreal-building-owner-charged-in-2023-old-montreal-fire-that-killed-seven
CanadaMar 18, 2026

Montreal building owner charged in 2023 Old Montreal fire that killed seven

Montreal police say they have arrested a 63-year-old building owner in connection with a 2023 fire in Old Montreal that killed seven people. Police allege Emile Benamor faces 15 charges, including seven counts of manslaughter and eight counts of criminal negligence related to the March 16, 2023 blaze at a heritage property on Place D’Youville. The allegations have not been tested in court. According to a Montreal police service news conference, investigators had previously identified traces of an accelerant at the scene, prompting a criminal investigation into the fire. Chief-Insp. David Sha
ontario-urges-b-c-quebec-to-drop-ev-sales-targets-citing-competitiveness-concerns
CanadaMar 18, 2026

Ontario urges B.C., Quebec to drop EV sales targets, citing competitiveness concerns

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on the governments of British Columbia and Quebec to eliminate their electric-vehicle sales targets, arguing the policies are undermining Canada’s economic competitiveness. According to letters sent Wednesday to the two premiers, Ford said Ontario’s auto sector employs nearly 100,000 people and remains a key economic driver. He warned that differing provincial mandates on zero-emission vehicles risk creating what he described as a “fragmented and uncompetitive” national environment. Ford’s request follows recent changes in both provinces. Quebec h
WorldMar 18, 2026

Israel claims senior Iranian intelligence officials killed in overnight strikes

Israeli authorities say a series of overnight airstrikes on Iran targeted senior intelligence leadership and key energy infrastructure, as hostilities continue between Israel and Iran. According to a statement from Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, the strikes killed Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, along with several senior officials from the ministry. The claim has not been independently verified, and Iranian authorities have not confirmed any casualties as of publication time. Israeli officials also said their aircraft struck gas infrastructure in southern Iran. The re
alberta-premier-confirms-saudi-government-covered-private-flight-during-2024-trip
AlbertaMar 18, 2026

Alberta premier confirms Saudi government covered private flight during 2024 trip

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she travelled on a private aircraft arranged by the Saudi government during an official trip to the Middle East last fall, adding that the travel was approved in advance by the province’s ethics commissioner. Smith confirmed the arrangement Tuesday during a legislative committee meeting while responding to questions tied to Alberta’s 2026 budget. The premier said the non-commercial flight was proposed by Saudi officials to allow for more efficient travel between engagements. According to Smith, the trip included meetings in Saudi Arabia and the United Ar
BCMar 18, 2026

Free public viewing announced for FIFA World Cup matches at Vancouver fan festival

The City of Vancouver and the British Columbia government say general admission to live World Cup match screenings at Hastings Park will be free during the FIFA Fan Festival in June. According to a joint government announcement, spectators will be able to watch matches at the festival site and amphitheatre general floor without charge. The general floor is expected to accommodate about 2,600 per match on a first-come, first-served basis. Officials said reserved seating and fast-track entry options will be available for purchase, but no fee will be required for standard entry. The FIFA Fan Fest
bank-of-canada-holds-key-interest-rate-at-2-25-amid-global-uncertainty
CanadaMar 18, 2026

Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 2.25% amid global uncertainty

The Bank of Canada has held its benchmark interest rate at 2.25 per cent following its latest policy meeting, marking the third consecutive decision to leave rates unchanged. According to the central bank’s statement, Governor Tiff Macklem cited ongoing global economic uncertainty as a key factor behind the decision. He pointed to instability linked to conflict in the Middle East and its impact on global energy markets, including rising oil and natural gas prices. The bank also warned that disruptions in key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, could affect supply chains for food

Just In

b-c-ferries-cancellations-draw-criticism-from-opposition-transportation-critic
BCApr 06, 2026

B.C. Ferries cancellations draw criticism from Opposition transportation critic

Ongoing sailing cancellations at B.C. Ferries are facing renewed criticism from the Opposition, with Conservative transportation critic Harman Bhangu calling for a leadership overhaul at the Crown corporation. In a statement, Bhangu, MLA for Langley–Abbotsford, said repeated weekend and Monday cancellations have left passengers dealing with continued disruptions. He attributed the service issues to vessels being out of service, operational challenges and what he described as a growing list of cancelled sailings. According to Bhangu, the situation reflects a broader failure within the ferry s
trump-says-tuesday-deadline-for-iran-deal-is-final-warns-of-military-action
WorldApr 06, 2026

Trump says Tuesday deadline for Iran deal is final, warns of military action

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that a Tuesday deadline for Iran to agree to a deal remains firm, warning that U.S. forces could launch broad attacks on Iranian infrastructure if no agreement is reached. Speaking to reporters during an Easter event at the White House, Trump described Iran’s latest proposal as “a significant step” but said it does not meet U.S. expectations. “It’s not good enough,” he said, adding that the conflict could end quickly if Iran complies with specific conditions. According to Trump, negotiations have been conducted indirectly through Pakistan, wi
artemis-ii-reaches-deep-space-milestone-canadian-astronaut-among-crew-surpassing-apollo-13-distance
CanadaApr 06, 2026

Artemis II reaches deep space milestone, Canadian astronaut among crew surpassing Apollo 13 distance

Canadian Space Agency says NASA’s Artemis II mission has travelled farther into space than previous crewed missions, setting a new milestone as it passes close to the Moon. The agency confirmed Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and three U.S. crewmates have gone beyond the distance reached during the Apollo 13 mission. It marks the first time a Canadian astronaut has travelled this far from Earth. The Orion capsule is flying past the far side of the Moon, a region not visible from Earth. According to mission details released by NASA, the flight is designed to test systems and assess the space
westjet-adds-60-surcharge-on-some-bookings-reduces-select-flights-amid-fuel-cost-surge
AlbertaApr 06, 2026

WestJet adds $60 surcharge on some bookings, reduces select flights amid fuel cost surge

Calgary-based WestJet says it will introduce a temporary $60 surcharge on certain bookings and consolidate some flights as fuel prices rise. In an email to customers, the airline said the surcharge will apply to bookings made using a companion voucher starting Wednesday. The company did not specify how long the surcharge will remain in place. WestJet also confirmed it has combined flights on lower-demand routes, reducing its schedule by about one per cent in April and three per cent in May. The airline said most affected passengers have been offered alternative travel arrangements. According t
IndiaApr 06, 2026

Bomb threat emails sent to three Jalandhar schools; police launch search and cyber probe

Three private schools in Jalandhar received bomb threats by email, prompting a police response and search operations on campus, according to local police. The schools identified in the emails include Mayor World School, MGN and DIPS. School administrators alerted authorities after receiving the messages, and parents were informed as a precaution. According to police, search operations were carried out at the campuses under the direction of Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur. No explosives had been confirmed at the time of publication. Police officials said cyber cell teams and other investigat