BCFeb 17, 2026
John Rustad will not enter B.C. Conservative leadership race
Former John Rustad has confirmed he will not seek the leadership of the BC Conservative Party, ending weeks of speculation about a possible return bid.
In a statement released Saturday, Rustad said the decision followed considerable reflection. He began by thanking his wife for her support throughout his time in public life, describing her as his strongest source of encouragement during the pressures and challenges of political service.
Rustad also expressed gratitude to supporters who had indicated they were prepared to back him in a leadership campaign. He said stepping aside was a decision
CanadaFeb 17, 2026
CBSA seizes 266 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine at Blue Water Bridge, Woodstock man
Canada Border Services Agency officers have seized more than 266 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine at the Blue Water Bridge border crossing in Sarnia, marking one of the larger drug interceptions in the region this year.
According to the CBSA, a commercial truck arriving from the United States on February 4 was referred for a secondary inspection at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry. During a search of the trailer, officers, assisted by a detector dog, discovered 16 duffle bags containing suspected methamphetamine. The total weight of the seized narcotics was reported at 266.4 kilograms
CanadaFeb 17, 2026
Carney announces $6.6B plan to strengthen Canada’s defence industry and boost domestic
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a $6.6 billion defence industrial strategy aimed at expanding military production within Canada and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly the United States. The federal government says the initiative is designed to strengthen national security while building long term economic capacity.
The plan outlines a 10 year framework to prioritize Canadian based manufacturers in defence procurement. According to the Prime Minister, companies that build and assemble equipment in Canada will receive preference in federal purchasing decisions. The str
IndiaFeb 17, 2026
Navjot Kaur Sidhu criticizes Rahul Gandhi, alleges weakening of Congress in Punjab
Former Punjab Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has publicly criticized senior Congress figure Rahul Gandhi, alleging that his leadership approach is contributing to the party’s decline in Punjab.
In recent remarks, Sidhu claimed that Gandhi is disconnected from ground realities in the state and has failed to address what she described as internal corruption within the Punjab unit of the Indian National Congress. She further alleged that members of his close circle are involved in the sale of party tickets, and suggested that Gandhi is either unaware of or not acting on the issue.
Sidhu’s
AlbertaFeb 17, 2026
Toddler dies after being struck by SUV in Calgary crosswalk
A young child has died following a collision at a Calgary intersection over the weekend, according to the Calgary Police Service.
Police say the toddler was in a stroller being pushed by two adults in a marked crosswalk on Sunday when a Jeep SUV turned into the intersection and hit the stroller. Emergency crews transported the child to hospital, where the toddler was later pronounced dead.
The adults pushing the stroller were not physically injured in the incident. Investigators say the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities.
Police have indicated that neither speed n
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