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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
modi-netanyahu-discuss-west-asia-developments-in-phone-call
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
toronto-police-arrest-two-youths-in-second-shooting-at-u-s-consulate
CanadaAug 06, 2026

Toronto police arrest two youths in second shooting at U.S. Consulate

Toronto Police say they have arrested two youths in connection with the second recent shooting targeting the United States Consulate in Toronto, including one suspect who is 15 years old. Speaking at a news conference Thursday, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said the arrests relate to the July 27 shooting. The two suspects are facing multiple charges, including allegedly breaching court-ordered release conditions. Police have not released their identities because of legal restrictions, including provisions that protect the identity of young persons. According to Toronto Police, investigator
metro-vancouver-wildfire-triggers-evacuation-alert-as-fraser-canyon-residents-begin-returning-home
BCAug 06, 2026

Metro Vancouver wildfire triggers evacuation alert as Fraser Canyon residents begin returning home

An evacuation alert has been issued for 35 properties in the Village of Anmore after a wildfire burning in Belcarra Regional Park raised concerns about potential risk to nearby homes, according to local officials. The Village of Anmore said residents covered by the alert should prepare essential belongings and be ready to leave on short notice if conditions change. Acting Mayor Doug Richardson said municipal staff are working to support affected residents as needed. Elsewhere in British Columbia, some residents displaced by wildfires in the Fraser Canyon are beginning to return after evacuatio
poilievre-calls-on-carney-to-cancel-planned-september-gas-tax-increase
BCAug 06, 2026

Poilievre calls on Carney to cancel planned September gas tax increase

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to cancel a planned federal gas tax increase scheduled for September, arguing Canadians cannot afford higher fuel costs amid ongoing economic pressures. Speaking at a news conference in St. John's on Thursday, Poilievre said the proposed increase would add 10 cents per litre to gasoline prices. He also urged the federal government to suspend all federal gas taxes for one year to provide relief to Canadian families. Poilievre claimed that suspending the federal gas tax would save motorists about 25 cents per litre, reduci
CanadaAug 06, 2026

Canada deported 3,323 Indian nationals in first half of 2026, CBSA data shows

Canada deported 3,323 Indian nationals during the first six months of 2026, according to data released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The figure has already reached about 88 per cent of the total number of Indian nationals removed in all of 2025, putting the country on pace to exceed last year's total. CBSA records show that 3,779 Indian nationals were deported in 2025. During the same January to June period in 2026, the United States deported 1,273 Indian nationals, while Canada's total removals of Indian citizens were more than double that figure. According to the CBSA's Remova

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quebec-premier-open-to-return-of-u-s-wines-if-trade-gains-are-made
CanadaAug 10, 2026

Quebec premier open to return of U.S. wines if trade gains are made

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette says the province could allow U.S. wines to return to liquor store shelves, but only if there are gains for Quebec and Canada in ongoing trade discussions with the United States. Fréchette said she wants to see reductions in tariff barriers affecting key Quebec sectors, including forestry, aluminum and manufacturing, before considering a return of American wine products to provincial liquor stores. The Quebec government previously directed the province’s liquor board to stop selling U.S. products in response to tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald T
BCAug 10, 2026

Merritt closes hiking and biking trails amid wildfire risk

Merritt’s fire chief has ordered the immediate closure of all hiking and biking trails in forested areas under the city’s jurisdiction, citing the risk of human-caused wildfires. Fire Chief David A. Tomkinson said the restriction took effect Monday and will remain in place until Sept. 15. Members of the public are not permitted to enter the affected trails and forested areas during the closure. According to the city, the closure is authorized under its bylaw, which allows the administration to restrict access to areas when necessary to protect public safety and property. Tomkinson said the
BCAug 10, 2026

Overnight Highway 99 closures planned in Delta for bridge work

Drivers in Delta should expect overnight closures on Highway 99 as crews install new bridge girders for the 78th Street overpass. The closures are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 10, and Tuesday, Aug. 11. Work will begin with lane restrictions before the highway is fully closed in each direction. Southbound lane closures are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., with a full southbound closure at 8 p.m. Northbound lane closures will begin at 8 p.m., followed by a full northbound closure at 9 p.m. The closures will affect Highway 99 between the Highway 91 and Highway 17 interchanges. The highway is expected
BCAug 10, 2026

Canadian Armed Forces on standby as B.C. wildfires displace thousands in Okanagan

The Canadian Armed Forces have been placed on standby to assist communities affected by wildfires in British Columbia, as thousands of residents in the Okanagan region have been forced from their homes. Defence Minister David McGuinty said military assistance will be deployed once the B.C. government makes a formal request for troops to operate on the ground. McGuinty said the provincial government submitted a formal request over the weekend through Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski. Federal assistance has since been approved to help provide accommodation and temporary shelter fo
vancouver-police-seek-public-help-identifying-suspect-in-kitsilano-assault
BCAug 10, 2026

Vancouver police seek public help identifying suspect in Kitsilano assault

Vancouver police are asking the public to help identify a man accused of assaulting a 73-year-old man in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood on July 31. According to Vancouver Police Department, officers were called after the two men became involved in a verbal altercation. Police allege the suspect had been yelling at passersby before the victim approached him and asked him to stop and leave the area. Investigators allege the suspect then pushed the victim to the ground. The 73-year-old suffered head injuries in the incident, police said. Police describe the suspect as a Caucasian man with