Canada’s economy lost 84,000 jobs in February, pushing the national unemployment rate up by 0.2 percentage points to 6.7 per cent, according to new data released Friday by Statistics Canada. The agency said the drop represents the largest monthly employment decline outside the COVID-19 lockdown period in about 17 years. Job losses were recorded across both goods-producing and service-producing sectors. Retail and wholesale trade alone saw about 18,000 positions disappear during the month, the report said. Employment losses were particularly concentrated among men aged 25 to 54 and youth betw

Two men have been charged following a bank robbery investigation in Abbotsford last month, according to the Abbotsford Police Department. Police say officers responded around 5:23 p.m. on Feb. 6 to a report of a robbery at a bank in the 2100 block of Sumas Way. Investigators say a man entered the bank, demanded money, and left with cash before fleeing in a waiting truck. No injuries were reported. The department’s Major Crime Unit took over the investigation and gathered evidence over several weeks that led detectives across the Lower Mainland, police said in a news release. On March 10, inv

Organizers say Vancouver’s annual Lapu Lapu Day festival will return April 19, nearly a year after a vehicle ramming attack at last year’s event killed 11 people. Filipino BC announced the gathering will be held at the Italian Cultural Centre rather than on surrounding community streets, saying the venue change is intended to prioritize safety while allowing the Filipino community to come together for reflection. According to a statement from the organization, this year’s event will be called the “Lapu Lapu Day of Togetherness,” focusing on shared reflection and healing following the

A drug trafficking investigation led by the RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region’s Drugs and Organized Crime Team in Kelowna has resulted in the seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs, firearms and cash following coordinated searches in Kelowna and Penticton. According to an RCMP statement, investigators began the probe in 2024 into suspected drug trafficking activity in the Southeast District. On Dec. 17, 2025, officers executed search warrants on two vehicles and three residences in Kelowna and Penticton with assistance from the Kelowna, West Kelowna and Penticton RCMP detachments, a

Surrey Police Service and the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit are investigating a report of shots fired early Thursday morning in the Cloverdale area of Surrey. Police said officers responded at about 4:35 a.m. to reports of gunfire in the 19500 block of 65 Avenue. According to a police release, officers arriving at the scene located multiple shell casings in the area. Investigators also found damage to a nearby residence that may be connected to the shooting. Police said no injuries have been reported. The RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit General Investigation Uni

The Chilliwack RCMP Serious Crime Unit is asking the public for information as investigators examine whether an earlier assault contributed to the death of a 49-year-old man. Police said officers were notified on March 7 that the man, who had been assaulted on Feb. 21, died in hospital. According to an RCMP news release, investigators believe the assault may have been a contributing factor in the death and the Serious Crime Unit has taken over the investigation. The incident is believed to have occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 along Railway Avenue near Young Road. Police say the victim an

The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to two accused – Pawan Bishnoi and Jagtar Singh – in the 2022 killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. According to court proceedings, the decision was based on the length of time the accused have already spent in custody and the pace of the ongoing trial. The high-profile case continues to be heard in courts in the state of Punjab. Court records show that charges have been framed against 27 accused so far in connection with the killing. Several suspects remain in jail, while others have been granted bail during the course of legal proceedings.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to remain in Europe for a short private vacation following official visits to Norway and the United Kingdom, according to reports about his upcoming travel schedule. Carney is scheduled to depart on March 13 for Norway before continuing to the United Kingdom for meetings with political leaders. The Prime Minister’s Office says the trip will focus on defence cooperation, global economic shifts and international security issues. During his time in London, Carney is expected to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to officials, the discussio

The grand chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations says Indigenous leaders raised concerns about Alberta separatism during a recent meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. Grand Chief Joey Pete said the King was “very interested” in hearing directly from Treaty 6 leadership and listened closely as chiefs described issues affecting First Nations in the region, including political discussions in Alberta about possible separation from Canada. Pete said the King expressed concern after hearing about the issue and told leaders he would seek to learn more. According to Pe