Alberta’s government has introduced legislation that would allow cabinet ministers to review major industrial project proposals earlier in the approval process, according to a bill tabled Tuesday. Energy Minister Brian Jean said the proposed changes would apply to projects valued at more than $250 million and are intended to help companies strengthen their applications before entering formal regulatory review. According to the provincial government, the system would involve select cabinet members assessing proposals at an initial stage, with the aim of identifying issues that could delay app

A shooting at a middle school in Kahramanmaras on Wednesday left at least nine people dead, including students, and 13 others injured, according to Turkish officials. Interior Minister Mustafa Sifti said six are in serious condition, with three in critical condition. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims. Governor Mukerem Unluar said the suspected shooter, an eighth-grade student at the school, was also killed. According to the governor, the student used a firearm belonging to his father, a former police officer. Officials said the student brought the weapon into the scho

Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is in Washington, D.C., from April 15 to 17 to participate in meetings of G7 and G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, according to a federal government statement. The meetings coincide with the spring sessions of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, where global economic conditions and financial risks are expected to be a central focus. Officials are set to discuss ongoing instability linked to conflicts in the Middle East and the war between Russia and Ukraine. According to the government release, Champ

The Punjab government has withdrawn the state-provided security cover for Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, according to information attributed to government sources. The move follows recent changes within the Aam Aadmi Party, which removed Chadha from his role as deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Chadha had been provided Punjab Police security in his capacity as the party’s co-incharge for Punjab and as a member of Parliament. According to officials, the decision was taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. No formal public statement detailing the reasons for the withdrawal h

The Alberta government says it will not change its provincial fuel tax framework following the federal decision to temporarily suspend excise taxes on gasoline and diesel. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel will be suspended from April 20 to Sept. 7. According to the federal announcement, the measure is expected to lower prices by about 10 cents per litre for gasoline and four cents per litre for diesel during that period. Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner said the province will maintain its current fuel tax formula, which adjusts based o