Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming period, in what would be the first trip by a Canadian prime minister to the kingdom in at least two decades. According to government officials, the visit follows an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and comes after recent efforts by both countries to rebuild diplomatic ties that were strained for several years. The dispute dates back to 2018, when the former Trudeau government criticized Saudi Arabia’s justice system and raised concerns about the arrest of women’s rights activists. In response, Saudi

The Vancouver Police Department is seeking help from the public in locating a missing man who was last seen near the 29th Avenue SkyTrain Station on the morning of April 25. Gurminder Dhaliwal is a 46-year-old South Asian man who suffers from liver disease, who has difficulty walking because of his illness. Mr. Dhaliwal is 6'2" and weighs 196 lbs. He was last seen wearing Merrell hiking boots and a blue or grey hoodie with “Team Canada” written on the front. Mr. Dhaliwal’s family wants people to know he is not a risk to the public. If seen, please call 911 and wait with Mr. Dhaliwal un

The federal government says it will provide up to $145 million to support security operations during FIFA World Cup matches scheduled this summer in Toronto and Vancouver. According to a Public Safety Canada news release, the funding responds to “specific operational needs identified by the host provinces and cities,” where 13 matches are set to take place in June and July as part of the tournament co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico. The federal government says the funding is intended to reduce financial pressure on municipal and provincial governments while ensuring law enf

A man is dead and another was taken to hospital with minor injuries after a shooting in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood on Tuesday evening, according to police. Surrey Police Service Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton said the incident occurred at 7p.m. in the 6800-block of 148 Street. Officers responding to reports of shots fired found two victims inside a vehicle parked in a residential driveway. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. According to police, CCTV footage shows a silver car attempting to reverse out

The Bank of Canada kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25 per cent on Wednesday, marking the fourth consecutive decision to hold rates, according to its latest monetary policy report. The central bank also maintained its deposit rate at 2.20 per cent. Governor Tiff Macklem said ongoing conflict in the Middle East and evolving U.S. trade policies are reshaping global trade patterns and adding uncertainty to the economic outlook. According to the bank’s report, the Iran-related tensions have reduced growth prospects in oil-importing countries while contributing to higher inflation

Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne tabled the federal government’s 2026 spring mini-budget in the House of Commons, outlining measures aimed at strengthening the national economy and addressing labour shortages in key sectors. According to the government’s budget statement, a new initiative branded “Team Canada Strong” will focus on expanding the skilled trades workforce. The plan sets a target of training 100,000 new skilled trades workers by the 2030–31 fiscal year to help meet demand in housing construction, infrastructure projects and major resource developm

European Union officials say Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to attend a summit in Armenia this weekend focused on political, security and infrastructure co-operation across Europe. According to a social media post from European Council President Antonio Costa, Carney will participate in the European Political Community summit in Yerevan. Carney’s office has not publicly confirmed the visit. The European Political Community brings together EU member states and partner countries, including Iceland, Azerbaijan and Montenegro. The forum was launched in 2022 following Russia’s full-scal

Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is set to present a federal economic update today, outlining the government’s plan to strengthen the country’s position among G7 economies and signal potential new measures aimed at boosting investment and job creation. According to statements made ahead of the release, the update is expected to function as a mini-budget, with a focus on long-term economic stability and growth. The government has indicated it will provide details on its fiscal outlook alongside policy steps intended to support economic expansion. A key focus will be

Newly elected federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis says he will not run in an upcoming Quebec byelection triggered by the departure of longtime MP Alexandre Boulerice. Boulerice announced he is leaving federal politics after 15 years to seek a provincial seat with Québec solidaire. He said in a statement that he believes his work in Ottawa is complete and described the move as a continuation of his political priorities at the provincial level. According to his announcement, Boulerice framed the decision as a transition rather than a strategic calculation, while confirming he will vacate his seat in t