The Ontario government has announced major reforms to its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Under the new changes, the existing eight immigration streams will be consolidated into four, making the process clearer and easier for both applicants and employers. The first new pathway, the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, is being launched to provide eligible foreign workers with a new route to permanent residency (PR). A key feature of the new stream is greater flexibility for applicants to work in related occupations. For example, a nurse will be able to work as a Personal Support Worke

Canada's International Trade Minister, Maninder Sidhu, says the Indo-Pacific region is critical to the country's efforts to increase exports beyond the United States and diversify its trade markets. Sidhu recently led a 300-member business delegation on a four-day visit to Japan, marking Canada's largest-ever trade mission to the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific is home to Canada's three largest trading partners in the region-China, Japan and South Korea. However, Canada's efforts to expand trade and investment ties there have not always achieved the desired results. Sidhu noted that pre

At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will pay an official visit to New Delhi from July 1 to July 3. During the visit, she and Prime Minister Modi will jointly chair the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit. This will be Prime Minister Takaichi's first official visit to India and is being seen as an important step in further strengthening ties between the two countries. The meeting comes at a significant time, amid indications of possible changes in the U.S. administration's policy toward the Indo-Pacific region. According to India's Minist

International rescue teams have ramped up search operations for people trapped under the rubble following two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 that struck Venezuela on Wednesday. Authorities say the death toll has risen to 589, while nearly 3,000 people have been injured. Several countries across the Americas, including Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba and the United States, along with the United Nations, have continued to send rescue teams and humanitarian aid to assist with relief efforts. Venezuela's Health Minister, Carlos Alvarado, said the country's hospitals

British Columbia Premier David Eby has shortened his trade mission to China from a week-long visit to just three days. The trip was originally scheduled to run from June 27 to July 3. The decision comes as Alberta is expected to formally apply for federal approval of a new oil pipeline on July 1. Eby has consistently opposed the proposed pipeline project. However, speaking to reporters on Thursday, Eby said the shortened trip has nothing to do with the pipeline issue. He explained that B.C. has a pending memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the federal government, and Ottawa has asked him to

A Calgary Police Service officer has been suspended with pay after being charged with assault in connection with an arrest that took place in May 2025. In a news release issued Friday, the service said a complainant alleged that an officer used excessive force during the arrest by "striking them multiple times with a closed fist." Police identified the accused officer as Const. Imran Khan, who faces one count of assault. The service said Khan's employment status is under review and confirmed he has been a member of the Calgary Police Service for six years. The allegation has not been proven in

The Canada Border Services Agency says it has issued removal orders against dozens of people in the Greater Toronto Area following immigration investigations into individuals with possible links to extortion-related activities. According to the CBSA, the investigations began in August last year in the Pacific and Prairie regions and were expanded to the Greater Toronto Area in November. The agency said the initiative was carried out with support from local police services, intelligence agencies and public tips. The CBSA said nearly 200 immigration investigations were launched in the Toronto ar

Surrey Police have laid additional charges against 20-year-old Harshdeep Singh and 21-year-old Hanspreet Singh in connection with an extortion and shooting investigation. The new charges include discharging a firearm and possessing a loaded weapon. The two men were arrested on January 26 shortly after shots were fired at a home near 129 Street and 84 Avenue in Surrey. Officers conducting patrols under the Surrey Police Service's Project Assurance program spotted and stopped a suspicious vehicle in the area and arrested the two suspects. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a loaded ha

Environment Canada says heavy rainfall expected across central Alberta this weekend could lead to overland flooding, road washouts and damage to infrastructure. Forecasters are predicting up to 60 millimetres of rain between Friday evening and Sunday. The agency noted that an unusually wet June has already left the ground saturated, increasing the risk of flooding. Environment Canada also warned that another weather system is expected to move into the region early next week, potentially bringing even more heavy rainfall and worsening conditions. Residents are being advised to monitor weather