People in Canada and around the world are preparing to watch the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission, which is set to send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, according to NASA mission briefings. The crew includes Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, 50, of London, Ont., who will serve as mission specialist. The Canadian Space Agency says Hansen is expected to become the first non-American astronaut to travel beyond low Earth orbit. Hansen will fly alongside NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch. The mission is part of NASA’s Artemis p

The Surrey Police Service has taken full responsibility for policing in Cloverdale as of Friday, marking the end of more than 75 years of service by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the area. The transition applies across the Cloverdale district, from 196 Street east to the borders of Fleetwood and Newton, and from the Fraser River south to 48 Avenue. Policing in Whalley and City Centre, Newton, and South Surrey had already been transferred to the municipal force in earlier phases. The RCMP will continue operating in Guildford on an interim basis until the city’s full policing transition

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is set to join multi-nation talks hosted by the United Kingdom on Thursday aimed at identifying diplomatic options to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade corridor disrupted by the ongoing Iran conflict. Anand said Canada is prepared to support efforts to secure the strait once a ceasefire is in place, though she indicated the federal government has not yet determined what specific measures it would take. According to her office, the discussions will focus on restoring safe passage for commercial shipping amid rising tensions in the region. The c

A new public opinion survey suggests a narrowing political contest in British Columbia, with the BC Conservatives slightly ahead of the governing NDP, according to findings released by the Angus Reid Institute. The poll indicates that if an election were held today, 44 per cent of decided voters would support the Conservatives, compared with 42 per cent for the NDP. The results point to a potential shift in voter sentiment in a province where the NDP, led by Premier David Eby, currently holds power. According to the Angus Reid report, one factor contributing to the shift is voter concern over

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on the federal government to cancel a proposed high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City, describing the նախագproject as a costly and disruptive initiative. Speaking to reporters in Peterborough, Ont., on Tuesday, Poilievre said the estimated $90 billion plan would not deliver value for taxpayers. He alleged the project would negatively affect farmland and private property along the proposed corridor, though detailed route impacts have not been independently verified. Poilievre also questioned the accessibility of the service, sta

South Fraser Way is closed in both directions between McCallum Road and Bourquin Crescent East following a serious collision involving a pedestrian, according to a police release. Abbotsford Police said the pedestrian was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. The Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service is assisting with the investigation. Police have not released details on the circumstances leading up to the collision. The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours while in

Residents of Atikameg First Nation in northern Alberta were told to shelter in place late Tuesday as RCMP responded to reports of multiple armed individuals in the area. According to a statement from High Prairie RCMP, officers are searching for four men believed to be carrying firearms. Police said the individuals were last seen on Highway 750 near Nahachick Road. Mounties are advising residents to remain indoors and to avoid the area while the investigation is ongoing. Drivers are also being warned not to pick up hitchhikers. Police have not released descriptions of the suspects. RCMP said t

A 12-year-old girl injured in a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., has been moved out of intensive care as she continues her recovery in hospital, according to her father. In a Facebook post, David Gebala said his daughter, Maya Gebala, has been transferred into a recovery and rehabilitation-focused unit at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. He said her condition has improved, noting she appears to be in less pain and has regained some energy. Gebala described his daughter’s time in the intensive care unit as a “whirlwind” of highs and lows, adding that she is now making gradual p

Senior lawyer H.S. Phoolka, known for representing victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Delhi, according to party leaders present at the event. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh were among those who welcomed Phoolka into the party. The development marks a political shift for Phoolka, who was previously associated with the Aam Aadmi Party. Speaking after joining, Phoolka criticized AAP, alleging a gap between its public messaging and internal functioning. He said he had initially joined the party during t