Cuts to federally funded health coverage for refugees and asylum claimants took effect Friday, introducing new out-of-pocket costs for medications and certain health services. According to federal program changes to the Interim Federal Health Program, refugees will now be required to pay $4 per prescription and cover 30 per cent of the cost for supplementary health products and services. These include mental health counselling, dental care, vision care, medical devices and mobility aids such as wheelchairs. Until now, the program provided full health coverage for eligible refugees until they q

Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Member of Parliament and former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson as Canada’s next ambassador to the European Union, according to a news release from the Prime Minister’s Office. Wilkinson, who represents North Vancouver–Capilano, previously served in senior cabinet roles under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, including minister of natural resources and minister of environment and climate change. The Prime Minister’s Office said Wilkinson brings “proven experience, judgment and leadership” to the role as Canada seeks to strengthen its

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