The Bank of Canada has raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points for the first time in three years, increasing it from 2.25% to 2.50%. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said the decision was aimed at keeping inflation under control amid economic pressures caused by a sharp rise in crude oil prices. The central bank had held its policy rate at 2.25% for seven consecutive decisions. Following the latest increase, mortgages, car loans and other commercial borrowing are expected to become more expensive, putting additional financial pressure on Canadians. Citing elevated oil

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has reportedly warned that Canada could be held responsible if President Donald Trump’s Republican Party loses the upcoming midterm elections. According to reports, Hoekstra hosted a private business lunch at his official residence in Ottawa on Tuesday, where he specifically mentioned border states such as Michigan and Maine. Republican victories in these states are considered important for the party’s efforts to maintain its Senate majority. Hoekstra reportedly told business leaders that if these states swing in favour of Democrats, Canada could fac

Canada and the United Arab Emirates have signed a historic free trade agreement in Ottawa. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed during a ceremony on Parliament Hill attended by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Canada’s Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi signed the agreement, which was concluded in a record 47 days after free trade negotiations began. The deal aims to eliminate tariffs, reduce regulatory barriers and create new business opportunities

A 45-year-old woman has died after being struck by an SUV while crossing the street in Vancouver. According to police, the collision occurred around midnight on Sunday at a marked crosswalk at Main Street and National Avenue. The impact threw the woman approximately 30 metres away. Despite efforts by paramedics, she could not be saved. Police said it was dark and raining heavily at the time of the collision. The SUV driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors in the incident. This marks the second pedestrian col

Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into drug trafficking, gangster activities and international arms-smuggling networks in Punjab. In his letter, Jakhar highlighted two cases. The first relates to the seizure of 4 kg of heroin in 2023 at Nathana police station in Bathinda district. According to the investigation, the consignment had allegedly been arranged by a man identified as Harry, who was serving a 20-year sentence at Ferozepur Jail. Jakhar alleged that police officials colluded to secu

Environment Canada has issued a special weather warning for parts of British Columbia’s Interior, forecasting the first significant snowfall of the season. Snow is expected to begin late Tuesday evening in areas including Kamloops, 100 Mile House, the Thompson region and the Chilcotin, with accumulations of up to 10 centimetres possible in some areas. A separate snowfall warning has been issued for Highway 97 near Fort Nelson in northern B.C., where up to 25 centimetres of snow could fall by Wednesday afternoon. Environment Canada is urging drivers to remain alert for sudden reductions in vi

U.S. President Donald Trump has congratulated Lorne Doerkson on the Conservative Party’s historic victory in British Columbia’s provincial election. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Congratulations to Lorne Doerkson on your big win. Conservatives are making strong gains in Canada.” During the election campaign, the BC NDP and David Eby had attempted to appeal to voters by portraying the BC Conservatives as being aligned with Trump-style politics. However, the Conservatives went on to win more than 60 of the 93 seats, marking their biggest electoral vi

A controversy has erupted ahead of the Canada-EU Summit in Montreal, with Quebec’s new Parti Québécois government accusing the federal government of refusing to allow Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon to deliver a speech at the event. In a statement posted on X, Plamondon alleged that Ottawa had rejected his request to speak, despite the summit being held on Quebec soil. He criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney, calling the decision disrespectful to Quebec. The federal government has rejected the allegations. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said Premier Plamondon and other provincial leader

The B.C. NDP is preparing to select an interim leader this week following its crushing defeat in the provincial election and David Eby’s resignation. Eby stepped down as party leader on Saturday night, taking responsibility for the electoral loss, which saw the NDP lose 19 seats. Three names are reportedly leading the race to replace him: Adrian Dix, Bowinn Ma and Mike Farnworth. Whoever takes over will face the challenge of leading a disappointed and shaken caucus. The NDP’s new 28-member caucus is scheduled to meet for the first time on Thursday, when members are expected to decide on an