The Punjab government has increased the state procurement price for sugarcane by 15 rupees per quintal, bringing the new rate to 416 rupees. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during the inauguration of a new sugar mill in Dinnanagar. The Chief Minister said Punjab now offers the highest state-advised price for cane farmers in the country. Haryana has set its rate at 415 rupees per quintal for the current season, creating a narrow but notable difference between the two neighbouring states. Farm groups in Punjab have been pressing for higher returns as input costs continu

Canada is expected to see an early and sharp onset of winter this year, with frigid Arctic air pushing temperatures below seasonal averages, according to the Weather Network’s seasonal forecast. The outlook, covering December through February, also predicts near or above normal snowfall and precipitation across much of the country. Meteorologist Doug Gillham said there is still some uncertainty about whether the coldest periods will affect the entire country or remain concentrated in Western Canada. Regardless, he called it a “December to remember,” noting that the forecast does not poin

A routine traffic stop by the Uniform Gang Enforcement Team in Kamloops last year has resulted in a three-year jail sentence for a Valemount resident. Officers with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia say the stop took place on March 22, 2024, after an electric motorbike was seen committing several traffic violations. Police report that the rider did not stop when signalled, but was arrested shortly afterward. A search led to the seizure of drugs, cash and a semi-automatic handgun with ammunition. Investigators later confirmed the man, identified as 48-year-old Chr

Richmond RCMP says ten people were taken into custody during a coordinated retail theft enforcement initiative carried out on November 12. The operation was part of the detachment’s ongoing response to rising property crime in the city’s busy commercial areas. Police say the “Boost and Bust” operation brought together frontline officers, the Property Crime Unit, crime analysts, and several local businesses. Investigators recovered an estimated 3,000 dollars in allegedly stolen merchandise, mostly clothing and food. According to RCMP, most of the individuals arrested live outside Richmo

Hong Kong authorities say 13 people have died after a fast-moving fire swept through a cluster of high-rise residential towers in the Tai Po district of the New Territories. Emergency officials confirmed that nine residents were found dead at the scene, while four others later died in hospital. Officials say roughly 700 people living in the affected housing complex were forced to leave their homes and have since been moved to temporary shelters. Local authorities are assessing the safety of nearby buildings, as several structures were wrapped in construction scaffolding and netting that helped

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to introduce a package of federal supports aimed at stabilizing Canada’s steel industry as companies continue to absorb the economic impact of steep U.S. tariffs. A federal official, speaking to The Canadian Press, said the measures are designed to protect domestic producers while keeping national supply chains functioning. According to the official, the federal government plans to restrict steel imports from countries without free-trade agreements with Canada. Those import levels would be reduced from 50 per cent to 20 per cent of what entered the coun

A broad group of Alberta health professionals, including frontline paramedics, has voted to ratify a new four-year contract with Alberta Health Services. The Health Sciences Association of Alberta says roughly two-thirds of participating members supported the mediator-recommended agreement after a weeklong vote. The deal provides general wage increases totalling 12 per cent over the life of the contract. Several classifications will also receive additional one-time adjustments to bring salaries in line with market conditions. The union says the agreement marks progress for workers who have fac

Six additional members of Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative caucus are now the subject of recall petitions, according to Elections Alberta, marking a significant expansion of efforts to challenge sitting government lawmakers. The new approvals bring the total number of UCP MLAs under recall to nine. The most recent petitions target four cabinet ministers – Rajan Sawhney, Myles McDougall, Dale Nally and RJ Sigurdson – along with House Speaker Ric McIver and Associate Minister for Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen. Earlier this month, petitions were authorized against Education M

Migrant rights organizations are urging the federal government to abandon Bill C-12, legislation they warn could severely limit access to Canada’s refugee system. The proposed border security bill is currently before House of Commons committees, with clause-by-clause review scheduled at the national security committee this week. The bill features several significant changes to immigration and asylum procedures, including a provision that would prevent people who have lived in Canada for more than a year from submitting a refugee claim to the Immigration and Refugee Board. Groups working with