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canada-joins-40-country-talks-on-strait-of-hormuz-shipping-amid-global-concerns
CanadaApr 02, 2026

Canada joins 40-country talks on Strait of Hormuz shipping amid global concerns

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand took part in a virtual meeting with more than 40 countries, including the United Kingdom and India, to discuss efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. The meeting was convened by U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who warned that Iran’s move to block the passage poses risks to the global economy, according to statements shared following the discussion. Anand emphasized the need to uphold international law and ensure freedom of navigation through the waterway. India was represented by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misr
police-outline-safety-plan-for-surrey-khalsa-day-vaisakhi-parade
BCApr 02, 2026

Police outline safety plan for Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade

The Surrey Police Service says it will deploy officers and coordinate with multiple regional units to manage safety and traffic during the Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade scheduled for April 18. According to a Surrey Police Service news release, the annual event draws tens of thousands of attendees and is among the largest Vaisakhi celebrations globally. Police said a public safety plan has been developed in coordination with the City of Surrey and event organizers, incorporating provincial guidance for large gatherings. Officers from several agencies are expected to assist, including the De
aap-removes-raghav-chadha-as-rajya-sabha-deputy-leader-appoints-ashok-mittal
IndiaApr 02, 2026

AAP removes Raghav Chadha as Rajya Sabha deputy leader, appoints Ashok Mittal

The Aam Aadmi Party has removed Raghav Chadha from the post of deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and appointed Ashok Mittal as his replacement, according to a party communication to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. The decision marks a change in the party’s parliamentary leadership in the upper house. According to the communication, Mittal, a member of Parliament from Punjab, will take over the deputy leadership role with immediate effect. The party also instructed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat that Chadha should no longer be allotted speaking time in the House, according to the same communication.
surrey-police-seek-witnesses-after-hit-and-run-leaves-pedestrian-critically-injured
BCApr 02, 2026

Surrey police seek witnesses after hit-and-run leaves pedestrian critically injured

Surrey Police Service is asking for the public’s help to identify witnesses to a late-night hit-and-run that left one pedestrian with life-threatening injuries. According to a Surrey Police Service news release, a vehicle struck two pedestrians at about 11:24 p.m. on March 5 near the intersection of 88 Avenue and Nordel Way. An adult man was taken to hospital in critical condition. The second pedestrian’s condition has not been detailed. Police say that after further investigation, it appears several bystanders witnessed the collision and assisted the victims before first responders arrive
alberta-introduces-bill-26-to-tighten-oversight-of-foreign-worker-recruitment
AlbertaApr 02, 2026

Alberta introduces Bill 26 to tighten oversight of foreign worker recruitment

The Alberta government has introduced Bill 26, the Immigration Oversight Act, aimed at increasing transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers across the province. According to a provincial government announcement, the proposed legislation would require all businesses to register with the province before hiring employees through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The measure is intended to strengthen oversight and ensure employers follow provincial rules when bringing in workers from abroad. The bill also proposes a new licensing system for immigration consultants and recruitment agen
AlbertaApr 02, 2026

RCMP say highway shooting that killed international student not racially motivated, second suspect charged

Alberta RCMP say the fatal highway shooting of a 22-year-old international student from India was not motivated by race, as investigators confirm a second person has been charged in the case. Sgt. John Brown told a news conference Wednesday that the March 14 shooting near Leduc, south of Edmonton, does not appear to be linked to hate, road rage or a gang initiation. Birinder Singh was travelling with two friends toward the Rocky Mountains when a pickup truck driving alongside them made a hand gesture before shots were fired, according to RCMP. Police say a bullet struck Singh in the neck. One
AlbertaApr 02, 2026

Calgary signals end to water restrictions as feeder main repairs completed

Officials in Calgary say the city is on track to lift temporary water restrictions Thursday following the completion of repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, which ruptured in December. According to a City of Calgary update, pumps connected to the feeder main have been turned on and the system is now operational. Restrictions remain in place for now while crews monitor the pipe and overall water system to confirm stability. The city said if monitoring proceeds as expected, residents will no longer be asked to limit household water use, including shortening showers and reducing laundry, di
poilievre-proposes-temporary-federal-gas-tax-holiday-cites-cost-relief-for-drivers
CanadaApr 02, 2026

Poilievre proposes temporary federal gas tax holiday, cites cost relief for drivers

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on the federal government to suspend gas taxes for the remainder of the year, saying the measure would provide immediate cost relief as fuel prices rise. In a press release issued Thursday, Poilievre said eliminating federal fuel taxes could save a family of four about $1,200 over the rest of 2026. He argued the policy would ease financial pressure on households facing higher transportation and food costs. “Canadians deserve affordable fuel and food,” Poilievre said in the release, adding that the proposal would allow seniors, families and wo
global-attention-turns-to-artemis-ii-launch-canadian-astronaut-among-crew
CanadaApr 01, 2026

Global attention turns to Artemis II launch, Canadian astronaut among crew

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

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WorldMay 01, 2026

Five killed in small plane crash near Austin, Texas, county official says

Five people are dead after a small plane crashed near Wimberley, Texas, on Thursday night, according to a local official. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said in a Facebook post that the aircraft went down in the area, located about 40 miles southwest of Austin. All five individuals on board were killed, he said. Details about the aircraft, the identities of those on board, and the cause of the crash were not immediately released. It is not clear which agencies are leading the investigation. Authorities have not provided additional information on conditions at the time of the crash or whether
IndiaMay 01, 2026

Punjab Assembly passes confidence motion with 88 AAP MLAs voting in favour

The Punjab Legislative Assembly passed a confidence motion tabled by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during a special session called by the state government, according to proceedings reported from the House. The motion was introduced to demonstrate the government’s majority. A total of 88 legislators from the Aam Aadmi Party voted in favour, while four MLAs were absent at the time of voting. Ahead of the session, Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa questioned the need for a confidence motion, stating that the ruling party already holds a large majority in the Assembly. He said the move
AlbertaMay 01, 2026

Alberta privacy commissioner urges legal reform after alleged voter list breach

Alberta’s privacy commissioner is calling for changes to provincial law following allegations that a separatist group accessed and published the province’s official voter list. Elections Alberta says it is investigating a group known as the Centurion Project after an app linked to the group allegedly made public the names and addresses of nearly three million voters. According to the agency, official voter lists are only distributed to elected officials, registered political parties and authorized party representatives. The app was removed following a court order earlier this week. Electio
CanadaMay 01, 2026

Canada reduces refugee health coverage, introduces co-payments for prescriptions and supplementary care

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
smith-welcomes-u-s-approval-of-bridger-pipeline-expansion-tied-to-keystone-xl-revival
AlbertaMay 01, 2026

Smith welcomes U.S. approval of Bridger pipeline expansion tied to Keystone XL revival

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says a newly approved cross-border pipeline expansion could significantly increase the flow of Alberta crude to the United States, following a presidential permit signed by U.S. President Donald Trump. According to a statement from Smith’s office, the permit authorizes the Bridger Pipeline expansion, described as a partial revival of the previously cancelled Keystone XL project. The expansion is part of a joint venture between Calgary-based South Bow and U.S.-based Bridger. Smith said the project could transport more than 500,000 barrels of Alberta oil per day