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eci-announces-by-elections-for-4-assembly-seats-in-punjab
IndiaOct 15, 2024

By-elections for four Punjab Assembly seats to be held on November 13

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for by-elections to four Vidhan Sabha constituencies in Punjab, setting the polling date for November 13 and counting of votes for November 23. According to details shared during the ECI’s press conference in New Delhi, the Barnala, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, and Gidderbaha assembly seats will go to the polls next month. Of the four seats, three were previously held by the Congress and one by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The vacancies were created after the sitting MLAs were elected to Parliament during the 2024 Lok Sabha elect
water-main-break-near-bowness-road-in-calgary
CanadaOct 15, 2024

Another water main break in Calgary leaves homes without supply, officials say not linked to June rupture

City officials in Calgary are working to repair a new water main break that has left several homes and businesses without supply, though they stress the incident is not related to the major feeder main rupture that caused widespread restrictions earlier this year. Ryan Kidd, Calgary’s deputy director of water services, said the break occurred on a smaller 250-millimetre cast-iron distribution line near Bowness Road and 51 Street Northwest. The problem was first detected Sunday night when water began bubbling to the surface. Crews immediately shut down the affected line and began repairs. Kid
panchayat-elections-ended-in-punjab-clashes-and-firing-in-many-places
IndiaOct 15, 2024

Panchayat elections ended in Punjab, clashes and firing in many places

The panchayat elections in Punjab concluded today, but polling was marred by clashes and firing incidents at several locations across the state. At Khuda village near Sanour in Patiala district, one person was reported injured after shots were fired during a dispute near a polling booth. In multiple districts, there were allegations of booth capture and intimidation by supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), prompting police intervention in some areas to maintain order. This year’s elections were held under the backdrop of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s appeal to hold non-partisan and una
the-real-farmer-is-trapped-in-the-markets-ravneet-bittu
IndiaOct 11, 2024

Real farmers are suffering in mandis, says Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has said that the real farmer of Punjab is trapped in the mandis (grain markets) due to ongoing procurement delays and political interference. Speaking to reporters, Bittu said that while politics is being played over Minimum Support Price (MSP) and procurement issues, it is the ordinary farmer who faces losses and hardships. He accused the Punjab government of mismanagement, saying farmers are forced to wait for days to sell their paddy as the state administration fails to coordinate effectively with procurement agencies. “Instead of blaming others, the Pu
mayawatis-big-announcement-bsp-will-never-form-an-alliance-with-any-party
IndiaOct 11, 2024

BSP ends alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal; Mayawati announces party to contest elections independently

In a major political shift, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) National President Kumari Mayawati has announced that her party will no longer contest elections in alliance with any regional party, including the Shiromani Akali Dal (ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਅਕਾਲੀ ਦਲ) in Punjab. Addressing a party meeting after the recent Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir election results, Mayawati said the decision was taken following an internal review which found that BSP’s vote share was being transferred to its alliance partners, leaving party workers demoralized. She stated that from now on, the BSP w
alberta-government-shuts-down-edmonton-daycare-over-safety-concerns-for-children
CanadaOct 11, 2024

Alberta government shuts down second Edmonton daycare over child safety concerns

The Alberta government has revoked the licence of an Edmonton daycare over what it described as serious risks to the health and safety of children, marking the second such closure in the city this week. In a statement, the province confirmed that the Waverley Day Care, which had been operating under a probationary licence set to expire on October 31, was ordered to close immediately due to “conditions posing significant danger to children.” Specific details of the violations were not disclosed. The closure affects 56 licensed child care spaces. Officials say affected families are being con
police-probe-clears-seven-vancouver-officers-in-beating-death-of-myles-gray
BCOct 11, 2024

Seven Vancouver police officers cleared of wrongdoing in Myles Gray death; case under review by complaints commissioner

Seven Vancouver Police Department (VPD) officers involved in the 2015 death of Myles Gray have been cleared of misconduct by a police discipline authority, though the case remains under review by the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner (OPCC). Gray, 33, died following a violent altercation with police in Burnaby nearly nine years ago. A coroner’s inquest last year classified his death as a homicide, citing multiple injuries and police restraint methods that contributed to cardiopulmonary arrest. The inquest heard Gray suffered neck compression, blunt force trauma, pepper spray expos
statistics-canada-to-release-september-labour-force-survey-today
CanadaOct 11, 2024

Canada’s September jobs data expected to show slight rise in unemployment amid slowing economy

Statistics Canada will release its latest labour force survey this morning, providing a clearer picture of how Canada’s job market performed in September. Economists surveyed by Reuters predict the country added about 27,000 jobs last month, while the national unemployment rate is expected to edge up to 6.7 per cent from 6.6 per cent in August. In August, the economy added 22,000 jobs, marking continued but modest growth in employment. The new data will be closely watched as the Bank of Canada also prepares to publish its business outlook survey and consumer expectations report later today -
trudeau-touts-real-progress-on-pharmacar-calls-on-premiers-to-start-cutting-deals
CanadaOct 11, 2024

Trudeau urges provinces to begin pharmacare talks; B.C. first to sign coverage agreement

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling on Canada’s provinces and territories to begin pharmacare negotiations immediately, following the recent passage of federal legislation that lays the foundation for a national drug coverage program. Speaking to reporters in Laos, where he attended the ASEAN Summit, Trudeau said the passage of the pharmacare bill by the Senate represents “real progress for Canadians,” emphasizing that the next step now lies with provinces to implement it. The pharmacare legislation, a key element of the confidence-and-supply agreement between the Liberals and the N

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canada-interest-rate-hike-looms-putting-more-pressure-on-homebuyers
CanadaOct 21, 2026

Canada Interest Rate Hike Looms, Putting More Pressure on Homebuyers

Canada’s real estate market could face renewed pressure if the Bank of Canada raises interest rates, with mortgage and lending experts warning that higher borrowing costs could discourage homebuyers and push house prices lower. The central bank has not raised interest rates since July 2023. While it is expected to keep its benchmark rate unchanged for an eighth consecutive decision, many economists and traders believe rate hikes could be on the horizon as policymakers seek to contain inflation. The Bank of Canada’s policy rate has remained at 2.25% since a 0.25-percentage-point cut in Octo
BCOct 21, 2026

Former Surrey Massage Therapist to Be Sentenced November 12 in 12 Sexual Assault Cases

A former Surrey massage therapist is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12 after being found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault. Following a 35-day trial at the B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster, Justice Lance Bernard found Leonard Krekic guilty in 12 separate cases. The incidents occurred between December 30, 1994, and April 25, 2017, at a clinic in Surrey and the surrounding area. In December 2022, the College of Massage Therapists banned Krekic from practising for 25 years and imposed a fine of more than $105,000. Under Canadian law, sexual assault convictions can carry a maximum
alberta-premier-danielle-smith-to-face-media-questions-on-referendum
AlbertaOct 21, 2026

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to Face Media Questions on Referendum

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will answer media questions about the referendum at 11:30 a.m. today. The announcement comes after her televised address, in which she promised not to hold another referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada during her time as premier. It will be the first opportunity for reporters to question Smith since Alberta voters chose to remain in Canada on Monday. In her address on Tuesday evening, Smith said the result gave her government a clear mandate to work for Alberta’s future within Confederation. She urged Albertans to move forward together while reaffirm
pratap-singh-bajwa-to-seek-cm-bhagwant-manns-resignation-over-parvinder-singh-jhota-murder-case
IndiaOct 21, 2026

Pratap Singh Bajwa to Seek CM Bhagwant Mann’s Resignation Over Parvinder Singh Jhota Murder Case

Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa has announced that he will seek Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s resignation during the upcoming Assembly session over the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota. Bajwa accused the Punjab government of failing to maintain law and order, saying the incident in Mansa had exposed the state’s deteriorating security situation. He alleged that the government had failed to ensure the safety of its people. Bajwa visited a protest organised by the Parvinder Singh Jhota Justice Committee in Mansa on Wednesday. He met Jhota’s family, expressed his condolences a
CanadaOct 21, 2026

Canada’s Rising Cost of Living Pushes Food Bank Usage to Record High

The rising cost of living in Canada is forcing more people to rely on food banks, with usage reaching an all-time high. According to Food Banks Canada’s 2026 HungerCount report, a record 2.35 million visits were recorded in March alone. The annual report shows that food bank visits increased by nearly 9 per cent compared with last year and by more than 117 per cent since 2019. It also found that one in five food bank users is employed. Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley said many people who were previously able to manage small financial setbacks are now struggling to make ends meet. She