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BCJul 31, 2026

Coquitlam man faces six firearms charges following Surrey and Coquitlam searches

A 35-year-old Coquitlam man is facing six firearms-related charges after a joint investigation by B.C.'s anti-gang police and the Surrey RCMP Provincial Operations Support Unit. According to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), the investigation began in June. On July 16, officers executed search warrants at two residences in the 11500 block of 141A Street in Surrey and the 4300 block of Quarry Road in Coquitlam. Police said investigators seized several firearms during the searches, including two Beretta handguns. Officers arrested Sadiq Azimali Daya at
man-dies-after-fleeing-surrey-traffic-stop-struck-by-vehicle-on-highway-10
BCJul 31, 2026

Man dies after fleeing Surrey traffic stop, struck by vehicle on Highway 10

A man died after being struck by a vehicle while fleeing on foot following a traffic stop in Surrey late Thursday night, according to the Surrey Police Service. Police said an officer stopped a westbound vehicle for a traffic enforcement check at about 11 p.m. in the 15600 block of 56 Avenue, along Highway 10. The driver then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. According to the Surrey Police Service, the man was crossing the roadway when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle. Surrey police officers, Surrey Fire Service crews and BC Emergency Health Services paramedics attempted life-saving me
suspect-arrested-after-firearm-reported-at-new-westminster-shopping-centre
BCJul 31, 2026

Suspect arrested after firearm reported at New Westminster shopping centre

A suspect is facing potential charges after allegedly brandishing a firearm at a patron outside a coffee shop in New Westminster on Wednesday morning, according to the New Westminster Police Department. Police said officers responded to a 9-1-1 call at about 6 a.m. on July 30 after receiving reports that a person had pointed a firearm at someone seated on the patio of a business in the Columbia Square shopping centre. Investigators determined the suspect fled across Columbia Street, passed through a hole in a fence and crossed nearby railway tracks. Officers searched the area with assistance f
b-c-supreme-court-strikes-down-parts-of-mental-health-act-allowing-treatment-without-consent
BCJul 31, 2026

B.C. Supreme Court strikes down parts of Mental Health Act allowing treatment without consent

The B.C. Supreme Court has ruled that portions of the province's Mental Health Act that allow patients to receive psychiatric treatment without their consent are unconstitutional, giving the provincial government six months to amend the legislation. Justice Lauren Blake found that British Columbia was the only province in Canada where patients could be subjected to psychiatric treatment without an assessment of their decision-making capacity. The court concluded that the provisions violate constitutional protections. The ruling comes as the B.C. government is pursuing plans to expand involunta
IndiaJul 31, 2026

India says Kartarpur Corridor to remain closed amid ongoing security concerns

The Government of India has said the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor will remain closed, citing the current security situation despite requests from Sikh religious organizations to reopen the cross-border pilgrimage route. The Ministry of External Affairs said it has received representations from Sikh religious groups seeking the reopening of the corridor. However, the ministry stated that prevailing security conditions have necessitated keeping the corridor closed. The issue was raised during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament by Members of Parliament Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Gurmeet Sing
CanadaJul 31, 2026

Indian student in Canada sentenced to four years in U.S. senior fraud scheme

A 22-year-old Indian national who was studying in Canada has been sentenced to four years in prison in the United States after being convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a multimillion-dollar fraud targeting seniors. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Roshan Shah entered the United States multiple times on a visitor visa while studying in Canada and collected approximately US$3.7 million from 15 elderly victims in several states. Authorities allege the scheme relied on callers based in India who falsely claimed the victims' identities had been linked to c
BCJul 31, 2026

Swimmer dies after rescue from Okanagan Lake

A swimmer who was pulled from Okanagan Lake at Hot Sands Beach in Kelowna has died in hospital, marking the sixth drowning-related death in the lake over the past 40 days. According to police, the swimmer suffered a medical emergency while in the water on Wednesday. Bystanders brought the person ashore before emergency crews transported them to Kelowna General Hospital in critical condition. The swimmer died in hospital the following day. RCMP Cpl. Steven Lang said investigators have found no evidence to suggest the incident is suspicious or criminal in nature. The B.C. Coroners Service is con
WorldJul 31, 2026

25 killed, 44 injured after passenger bus overturns in Algeria

At least 25 people were killed and 44 others injured after a passenger bus overturned in Algeria's Boomerdes province on Friday, according to the country's Civil Protection Agency. Officials said the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment following the crash. Authorities have not released details on what caused the bus to overturn. Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited Boomerdes University Hospital to meet with those injured in the crash and assess the situation, according to officials. The cause of the crash has not been officially determined. Authorities said an inv
canadas-economy-grew-0-3-in-may-second-quarter-annualized-growth-estimated-at-3-4
CanadaJul 31, 2026

Canada's economy grew 0.3% in May, second-quarter annualized growth estimated at 3.4%

Canada's economy expanded by 0.3 per cent in May, exceeding market expectations of 0.1 per cent, according to data released Friday by Statistics Canada. The increase follows a 0.6 per cent gain recorded in April, marking a second consecutive month of economic growth. Statistics Canada said the latest figures point to an estimated annualized growth rate of 3.4 per cent for the second quarter of 2026. The estimate is preliminary and will be updated as additional data become available. According to the agency, growth in May was led by a 1.0 per cent increase in the mining, quarrying, and oil and

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BCAug 06, 2026

Fort St. John RCMP investigate second targeted drive-by shooting in recent weeks

RCMP are investigating a targeted drive-by shooting in Fort St. John that damaged several properties but did not result in any reported injuries. The incident marks the second targeted shooting in the city within the past few weeks. According to Fort St. John RCMP, officers responded to reports of gunfire at about 1:37 a.m. Thursday in the 9800 block of 108 Avenue, near the city's downtown area. Investigators found bullet damage to a travel trailer, two nearby homes and a vehicle. Police said no injuries were reported. As of publication, investigators have not released a description of any sus
federal-government-restores-full-health-coverage-for-refugees-and-asylum-claimants
CanadaAug 06, 2026

Federal government restores full health coverage for refugees and asylum claimants

The federal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney has reversed recent cuts to health coverage for refugees and asylum claimants, restoring full benefits under the Interim Federal Health Program. New rules introduced on May 1, 2026 required eligible refugees to pay a $4 co-payment for prescription medications. The changes also required them to cover 30 per cent of the cost of supplemental services, including dental care, vision care, physiotherapy and mental health services. The policy drew criticism from frontline physicians, human rights organizations and community advocates, who argued
rcmp-warn-western-canada-trucking-businesses-about-credit-card-fraud-scheme
CanadaAug 06, 2026

RCMP warn Western Canada trucking businesses about credit card fraud scheme

The Saskatchewan RCMP is warning trucking and transportation-related businesses across Western Canada about a credit card fraud scheme targeting commercial suppliers. According to an RCMP news release, suspects are contacting businesses by phone and using fraudulent credit cards to purchase truck tires, engine oil, trailer parts and other high-value items. Police say the fraud typically begins with a phone order and payment by credit card. The initial transaction may appear as approved or pending, prompting businesses to ship the goods by courier. After the shipment is delivered, the credit ca
rustad-criticizes-b-c-premiers-public-response-as-wildfire-evacuations-continue
BCAug 06, 2026

Rustad criticizes B.C. premier's public response as wildfire evacuations continue

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad has criticized Premier David Eby over his public response as thousands of people across British Columbia remain under evacuation orders because of ongoing wildfires. Rustad said it was unacceptable that the premier had not addressed the public while many residents remain displaced and families are uncertain whether their homes have survived. He described the situation as a failure of leadership, saying people affected by the fires expect clear answers and support from the province's top elected official. According to statements released by the B.C. Conserva
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IndiaAug 06, 2026

Modi, Netanyahu discuss West Asia developments in phone call

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone on Thursday to discuss recent developments in West Asia and the current regional situation. According to information released by Indian authorities, the two leaders also reviewed ongoing cooperation under the India–Israel Strategic Partnership. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The conversation comes as both countries continue regular high-level engagement on regional and bilateral issues. Prime Minister Modi last spoke with Netan