CanadaSep 17, 2026
Canada Must Focus on Value-Added Products Instead of Raw Materials: EDC
Amid the federal government’s efforts to open up new markets, Export Development Canada (EDC) said in a report released Thursday that Canada needs to invest in processing raw materials domestically and turning them into higher-value products instead of exporting them in their raw form.
EDC CEO Alison Nankivell said such investments could add nearly $100 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next decade.
The report used yellow peas as an example. While exporting raw peas may generate about $30 per tonne, processing them into flour can raise the value to $300 per tonne. Turning them into products
BCSep 17, 2026
16 Arrested in Abbotsford Retail Theft Operation ‘Project Pumpkin Spice’
Abbotsford Police have arrested 16 people accused of shoplifting as part of Project Pumpkin Spice, a retail crime enforcement operation conducted on Sept. 11 as part of a nationwide campaign.
According to police, 11 officers from the Abbotsford Police Department’s Street Outreach Response Team worked with 20 local businesses during the 10-hour operation.
Sgt. Paul Walker said several of those arrested had previous criminal records and outstanding warrants.
Police recovered more than $1,600 worth of stolen merchandise during the operation. A vehicle allegedly used in the offences was also sei
BCSep 17, 2026
B.C. Municipalities Urge Eby to Hold Provincial Election After Local Vote
British Columbia’s political scene is heating up amid signals from Premier David Eby that an early provincial election could be called.
Amid the uncertainty, Union of B.C. Municipalities president Cory Ramsay is calling for any potential mid-term provincial election to be held only after the municipal elections are completed.
Ramsay noted that local elections are scheduled for Oct. 17, with campaigning beginning Sept. 19 across 188 communities. He warned that calling a provincial election during the municipal campaign could distract more than 3,500 local candidates and residents from key iss
BCSep 17, 2026
Police Take Major Action in Burnaby Hospital Fire Case After Six-Year Investigation
Police have charged a 29-year-old Alberta man in connection with a fire at Burnaby Hospital in 2020, following an investigation that lasted nearly six years.
Burnaby RCMP said the B.C. Prosecution Service approved charges against Yu Yun Wang on September 8, including arson and endangering human life.
The fire broke out on November 15, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the hospital’s mental health services wing. The blaze caused millions of dollars in damage, forced the emergency department to close and led to the evacuation of patients.
Police said the suspect was identified in 2023 aft
AlbertaSep 17, 2026
Alberta Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Sexual Assaults on Vulnerable Women
An Alberta man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of sexual assaults against vulnerable women at a rural property near Calgary.
Richard Robert Mantha, 62, was convicted of six offences, including drugging one of his victims, in incidents that occurred between 2019 and 2023. He was also found guilty of uttering threats against another woman.
The court heard that most of the victims worked in the sex trade.
Justice Judith Shriar said Mantha showed “callous disrespect” when he laughed as one terrified victim fled his rural property, fearing for her life.
Mantha received cre
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