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AlbertaOct 22, 2025

Reports confirm lightning caused Jasper wildfire; Parks Canada pledges stronger prevention measures

Parks Canada has confirmed that last year’s devastating wildfire in Jasper was sparked by lightning and intensified by strong winds and exceptionally dry conditions. Two new reports released by the agency outline how the July 2024 blaze destroyed roughly one-third of the community and forced about 25,000 residents and visitors to evacuate. The studies, commissioned following the disaster, found that existing fuel reduction work — including prescribed burns — helped limit the wildfire’s spread. However, they also concluded that larger and more frequent burns could have further reduced d
desjardins-warns-ottawas-tax-cuts-and-tariff-rollback-deepening-federal-deficit
CanadaOct 22, 2025

Desjardins warns Ottawa’s tax cuts and tariff rollback deepening federal deficit

A new economic analysis from Desjardins suggests the federal government’s fiscal position has weakened significantly ahead of next month’s fall budget, largely due to recent income tax cuts and the removal of counter-tariffs on U.S. goods. In a report released Tuesday, Desjardins deputy chief economist Randall Bartlett said Ottawa’s deficit could climb to $74.5 billion this fiscal year — about $6 billion higher than the parliamentary budget officer’s most recent projection. Bartlett said the combination of higher spending on defence and infrastructure, along with tax relief measures
WorldOct 22, 2025

At least 46 dead after multi-vehicle crash on Uganda highway

Uganda police say at least 46 people have died following a collision involving two buses and two other vehicles on a highway in the country’s west early Wednesday. The accident occurred shortly after midnight on the main route to Gulu, a major city in northern Uganda. Authorities say the crash happened when one of the buses attempted to overtake other vehicles. Several passengers sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police initially reported 63 deaths, but later revised the figure downward after discovering that some of those believed to be dead were unconscio
envoy-talks-about-why-indias-trust-in-canada-is-shaken
EnglishOct 21, 2025

Envoy talks about why India's trust in Canada is shaken

Some statements made by the Indian government's High Commissioner in Ottawa, Dinesh Patnaik, have become a topic of discussion. New Delhi's envoy to Ottawa, Dinesh Patnaik claims that Canada's image in India has been damaged due to violent statements by some Sikh separatists. In an interview with the Canadian Press, he claims that the damage is such that it has become an obstacle in resetting India-Canada diplomatic relations and has also hindered the boost of trade relations between the two countries. In his statements, Patnaik also raised questions on the statements of former Prime Minist
west-shore-rcmp-officers-begin-using-body-worn-cameras-to-enhance-transparency
BCOct 21, 2025

West Shore RCMP officers begin using body-worn cameras to enhance transparency

Frontline RCMP officers in the West Shore area are now equipped with body-worn cameras as part of a new initiative aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in policing. The detachment says the cameras will record officers’ interactions with the public in real time, helping gather evidence and document events more clearly. Officers have received training on the proper use of the technology, including how and when to activate the devices and how to securely store recorded footage. According to the RCMP, the program is governed by national privacy and data management standards to ens
prime-minister-carney-celebrates-blue-jays-world-series-return-after-dramatic-game-7-win
CanadaOct 21, 2025

Prime Minister Carney celebrates Blue Jays’ World Series return after dramatic Game 7 win

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he is “super pumped” after the Toronto Blue Jays clinched their first American League pennant in more than three decades with a comeback victory over the Seattle Mariners. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa on Tuesday, Carney praised outfielder George Springer’s three-run home run that lifted the Jays to a 4–3 win in Game 7. The shot, which came despite Springer being hit on the knee earlier in the series, secured Toronto’s first trip to the World Series since 1993. Carney said the victory evoked memories of Joe Carter’s iconic walk-off home run that s
lamborghini-impounded-as-bc-highway-patrol-reminds-drivers-of-winter-tire-rules
BCOct 21, 2025

Lamborghini impounded as BC Highway Patrol reminds drivers of winter tire rules

BC Highway Patrol is reminding drivers across the province to equip their vehicles with proper winter tires after a luxury sports car was impounded for speeding and failing to meet seasonal driving requirements. On October 13, 2025, a Highway Patrol motorcycle officer on Highway 99 near Porteau Cove clocked a northbound Lamborghini Huracán travelling at 165 kilometres per hour in an 80 zone. The 34-year-old North Vancouver driver was stopped and received multiple fines under the Motor Vehicle Act, including for excessive speed, failing to display a front licence plate, and not meeting winter
AlbertaOct 21, 2025

Vote counting resumes in municipal elections across Alberta

Vote counting in Alberta's municipal and school board elections has resumed. Few results were available after polls closed Monday night, as rule changes made by Premier Danielle Smith's government require votes be counted by hand rather than with machines. As of this morning, fewer than 25 per cent of polls for Edmonton's mayoral race have reported, with longtime councillor Andrew Knack leading over fellow councillor Tim Cartmell. In Calgary, unofficial results have former councillor Jeremy Farkas unseating incumbent mayor Jyoti Gondek, who has conceded. Jasper Mayor Richard Ire
b-c-to-extend-unpaid-leave-for-catastrophic-illness-injury-eby
BCOct 21, 2025

B.C. to extend unpaid leave for 'catastrophic' illness, injury: Eby

The British Columbia government is proposing changes to the province's Employment Standards Act to allow up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave each year for people facing what Premier David Eby described as "catastrophic" illness or injury. Eby told a news conference in Victoria that the change would take effect this fall if the bill is passed by his New Democrat majority government. He says the leave would ensure people undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy could take the time they need without worrying about job security. Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside joined Eby, saying workers deserve to

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b-c-government-takes-legal-action-against-openai-tough-step-over-tumbler-ridge-school-shooting
BCSep 21, 2026

B.C. Government Takes Legal Action Against OpenAI, Tough Step Over Tumbler Ridge School Shooting

British Columbia’s government has filed a lawsuit against artificial intelligence company OpenAI in a California court, alleging that the company failed to alert law enforcement about concerning activity linked to the suspect in the Tumbler Ridge school shooting. B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma announced the legal action at a news conference Monday. The case is connected to the Feb. 10 mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge School, in which an 18-year-old gunman killed eight people, including six children. The provincial government alleges that OpenAI’s safety team became aware months before the
BCSep 21, 2026

B.C. NDP Faces Setback as Lana Popham Steps Away from Next Election

Political activity in British Columbia has intensified after Agriculture Minister Lana Popham announced that she will not seek re-election for the B.C. NDP in Saanich South. Popham’s decision comes amid growing speculation about the possibility of an early provincial election. Political observers say her announcement could add to the speculation, although it does not by itself confirm that an early election will be called. The announcement also comes as the opposition B.C. Conservative Party faces internal turmoil, while the B.C. NDP has been making preparations for a potential election camp
john-rustad-says-he-was-invited-back-to-b-c-conservative-caucus
BCSep 21, 2026

John Rustad Says He Was Invited Back to B.C. Conservative Caucus

Former B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad says he has been invited to rejoin the party’s caucus, just days after he was expelled by former leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Speaking at a press conference in Victoria on Monday, Rustad said interim party leader Lorne Doerkson personally contacted him by text message and invited him to return to the caucus. Rustad said he is considering the offer, but added that he believes his time in politics may have passed. Rustad also commented on speculation surrounding former premiers Christy Clark and Gordon Campbell, saying that former leaders should now s
nearly-1-in-4-canadian-households-struggle-with-unaffordable-housing-costs
CanadaSep 21, 2026

Nearly 1 in 4 Canadian Households Struggle With Unaffordable Housing Costs

According to the latest report from Statistics Canada, about 23.2% of Canadian households-nearly one in four- are living in homes considered unaffordable, as housing and living costs continue to rise. Statistics Canada defines housing as unaffordable when a household spends 30% or more of its total income on housing costs. The report found that renters are significantly more likely to face unaffordable housing than homeowners. About 33.7% of renters were living in unaffordable homes, compared with 17.4% of homeowners. In 2024, 36.6% of households had a mortgage, and among them, 26.1% were cons
canada-india-trade-talks-show-progress-sidhu-eyes-new-asia-pacific-trade-deals
BCSep 21, 2026

Canada-India Trade Talks Show Progress, Sidhu Eyes New Asia-Pacific Trade Deals

Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has confirmed progress in trade discussions with India following his two-day visit to the country. Sidhu has now travelled to the Philippines to attend a meeting of economic ministers from Southeast Asian countries. He said Canada will work to advance free trade agreement negotiations with both ASEAN and the Philippines. According to figures shared by Sidhu, Canada’s trade with Asian countries increased by 23.4 per cent last year, reaching $52.3 billion. If a new agreement is finalized, it is expected to create 14,000 well-paying jobs in