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BCDec 11, 2025

Two Maple Ridge residents sentenced to five years for 2023 killing of Surinderjit Singh

Two people have been sentenced to five years in prison for the 2023 killing of Maple Ridge resident Surinderjit “Jack” Singh. The case, which involved extensive work by homicide investigators and local RCMP, concluded last week with a pair of manslaughter convictions. Police were called to the 21800 block of 122 Avenue on the morning of March 4, 2023, where officers found the 55-year-old victim deceased at the scene. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took charge of the file, working with Ridge Meadows RCMP, forensic specialists, and the BC Coroners Service. Investigators later ide
rcmp-shuts-down-suspected-fentanyl-lab-in-surrey-as-officers-seize-drugs-and-weapons
BCDec 11, 2025

RCMP shuts down suspected fentanyl lab in Surrey as officers seize drugs and weapons

Federal RCMP officers say a synthetic drug lab operating in a Surrey neighbourhood has been dismantled following coordinated searches in Surrey and Richmond this fall. Investigators with the RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region CLEAR Team carried out warrants on September 14, uncovering large quantities of suspected fentanyl along with a cache of weapons and precursor chemicals. Police say the investigation began earlier in the summer and led officers to a property in the 12900 block of 54A Avenue in Surrey, where they located what they believe was an active fentanyl production site. Officers
quebec-anticorruption-unit-opens-criminal-probe-into-provincial-liberal-party
CanadaDec 10, 2025

Quebec anticorruption unit opens criminal probe into provincial Liberal Party

Quebec’s anticorruption police force has launched a criminal investigation into the provincial Liberal Party, adding to a period of internal turmoil for the long-standing political organization. A spokesperson for the force confirmed the probe today but declined to provide details, citing the active nature of the case. The confirmation follows disclosures last month that investigators were reviewing allegations of wrongdoing to determine whether a formal investigation was warranted. The decision to proceed suggests authorities found sufficient grounds to examine the matter further. The Liber
burnaby-rcmp-warns-residents-after-rise-in-distraction-style-jewelry-thefts
BCDec 10, 2025

Burnaby RCMP warns residents after rise in distraction-style jewelry thefts

Burnaby RCMP is alerting residents to a series of distraction thefts reported across the city since mid November. Police say ten incidents have been confirmed since November 13, prompting a reminder for the public to remain cautious in busy public areas and parking lots. The detachment’s Community Response Team is leading the investigation and believes groups of offenders are targeting victims by first asking for directions or pretending to need medical help. Police say the suspects – often described as one man and two women – use conversation as a way to get close before attempting to r
recall-petition-launched-against-alberta-premier-danielle-smith-and-two-cabinet-ministers
AlbertaDec 10, 2025

Recall petition launched against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and two cabinet ministers

Elections Alberta has approved recall petitions targeting Premier Danielle Smith and two members of her cabinet, marking the latest wave of challenges under the province’s recall legislation. The petitions, issued this week, add to a growing list of United Conservative Party MLAs facing organized campaigns in their constituencies. Heather VanSnick, the applicant behind the recall effort in Brooks–Medicine Hat, alleges the premier has not meaningfully engaged with residents or subject-matter experts when shaping provincial policy. She also argues that recent government decisions have contri
canada-prepares-to-name-new-u-s-envoy-as-next-phase-of-trade-talks-approaches
CanadaDec 10, 2025

Canada prepares to name new U.S. envoy as next phase of trade talks approaches

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada’s next ambassador to the United States will have time to get up to speed before North America’s trade relationship enters a new round of negotiations. Carney told reporters that federal consultations on the renewal of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement have wrapped up, while officials in Washington are only beginning their own review. He said the three-country assessment of the trade pact is expected to intensify in the new year, a process that could carry major implications for Western Canada’s transportation corridors, agriculture exports, and m
author-sophie-kinsella-known-for-global-shopaholic-series-dies-at-55
WorldDec 10, 2025

Author Sophie Kinsella, known for global ‘Shopaholic’ series, dies at 55

Sophie Kinsella, the British writer whose lighthearted “Shopaholic” novels gained an international readership, has died at the age of 55. Her family confirmed that she passed away this week after living with brain cancer, a diagnosis she made public in 2024. Kinsella, born Madeleine Wickham, became widely recognized for her comic writing style and her ability to connect with readers through stories about everyday pressures, financial missteps, and modern relationships. Beginning in 2000, her “Shopaholic” series grew into 10 bestselling titles that reached audiences across Europe and No
punjab-premier-says-economic-outreach-continues-as-opposition-trades-accusations
IndiaDec 10, 2025

Punjab premier says economic outreach continues as opposition trades accusations

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann says his government is focused on attracting international investment even as political tensions in the state intensify following recent remarks from Navjot Kaur Sidhu. Speaking to reporters, Mann said his administration is working to bring global companies to Punjab to expand opportunities in technology, health care, agriculture, and research. He contrasted that with what he described as the opposition Congress party’s focus on internal disputes and claims about the value of political positions. The Chief Minister returned this week from a visit to Japan
bank-of-canada-holds-key-interest-rate-as-officials-monitor-economic-uncertainty
CanadaDec 10, 2025

Bank of Canada holds key interest rate as officials monitor economic uncertainty

The Bank of Canada has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25 per cent in its final policy decision of the year, signalling that borrowing costs remain at a level the central bank views as appropriate for maintaining price stability. Governor Tiff Macklem said major global economies continue to show signs of resilience, even as uncertainty persists and the United States maintains a protectionist approach to trade. He noted that the current policy rate is helping keep inflation near the bank’s two per cent target, suggesting no immediate need to raise or cut interest rates. Mackle

Just In

b-c-posts-job-gains-in-2025-despite-december-dip-province-says
BCJan 09, 2026

B.C. posts job gains in 2025 despite December dip, province says

British Columbia added more than 24,000 jobs over the past year despite a modest employment decline in December, according to the latest Labour Force Survey released by Statistics Canada. In a statement issued on behalf of Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon, Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said the province recorded a net gain of 24,100 jobs in 2025, including 16,800 positions in construction. The government says the growth reflects continued public investment in schools, hospitals and transportation infrastructure across the province. The survey showed B.C. lost 3,300 jobs in December
lula-signals-possible-brazil-visit-by-carney-leaders-discuss-venezuela-and-global-governance
CanadaJan 09, 2026

Lula signals possible Brazil visit by Carney, leaders discuss Venezuela and global governance

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says Prime Minister Mark Carney has accepted an invitation to visit Brazil in April, following a phone call between the two leaders on Thursday. Lula made the comments in a social media post summarizing the discussion, highlighting shared views on Venezuela and international governance reform. According to Lula, both leaders criticized recent actions by the United States in Venezuela and agreed on the need to strengthen global institutions. The Brazilian president has been an outspoken advocate for reforms to bodies such as the United Nations and h
canada-sees-job-growth-in-december-but-unemployment-rate-climbs-to-6-8-per-cent
CanadaJan 09, 2026

Canada sees job growth in December, but unemployment rate climbs to 6.8 per cent

Canada added jobs for a fourth straight month in December, but the national unemployment rate rose to 6.8 per cent as more people entered the labour force, according to new data released by Statistics Canada on Friday. The figures highlight growing pressure in the labour market despite continued employment gains. The federal agency reported that the economy added 8,200 jobs in December. Over the past four months, employment has increased by a combined 188,800 positions, suggesting steady hiring momentum across parts of the economy. However, the unemployment rate rose as the number of people ac
northern-mla-sheldon-clare-enters-race-for-b-c-conservative-leadership
BCJan 09, 2026

Northern MLA Sheldon Clare enters race for B.C. Conservative leadership

B.C. Conservative MLA Sheldon Clare has announced he is seeking the party’s leadership, saying he wants to prevent former members of the provincial Liberals from reshaping the party’s direction. Clare, who represents Prince George–North Cariboo, said he has observed what he described as growing pressure from former B.C. Liberal figures to gain influence within the Conservatives. He argued that approach reflects a political model he believes has already failed in the province and does not align with the party’s principles. In outlining his reasons for running, Clare said he wants to ens
chrystia-freeland-formally-resigns-as-mp-triggering-toronto-byelection
CanadaJan 09, 2026

Chrystia Freeland formally resigns as MP, triggering Toronto byelection

Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from the House of Commons takes effect today, ending more than a decade representing the Toronto riding of University–Rosedale. Freeland is leaving federal politics to take on a voluntary advisory role with the Ukrainian government focused on economic development. Her departure reduces the Liberal caucus to 170 seats, leaving Prime Minister Mark Carney two seats short of a majority in the 338 seat House of Commons. Opposition parties collectively now hold 172 seats, including 142 Conservatives, 22 Bloc Québécois MPs, seven New Democ