European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed opening talks on making Canada the European Union’s first associate member. The proposal was made Wednesday during von der Leyen’s annual address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in attendance. Addressing Carney, von der Leyen said the EU wants to take its relationship with Canada “to the highest level.” She said the partnership extends beyond trade and is based on shared values, including cooperation on artificial intelligence, climate change, the Arctic and geopolitical i

Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that visa requirements for Canadians could be raised during his visit to Europe as Canada seeks to deepen its strategic and economic relationship with the European Union. Carney left Canada Tuesday for a three-day trip to Strasbourg, France, and Liverpool, UK. In Strasbourg, he is attending European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s annual State of the Union address and will address the European Parliament on Thursday. During the trip, Carney is also expected to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool for discussions on defence, s

Construction has officially begun on the new Newton Community Centre in Surrey, marking one of the largest investment projects in the city’s history. According to the City of Surrey, construction crews are currently removing the old structures and preparing and levelling the site. Mayor Brenda Locke said the 175,000-square-foot modern community hub will bring a major transformation to Newton by bringing recreation, cultural and library services together under one roof. The $310-million project near King George Boulevard will feature a 50-metre swimming pool, a leisure pool, two gymnasiums, a

Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has linked the UCP’s defeat in the Calgary-Shaw byelection to the upcoming separation referendum, saying the debate over Alberta leaving Canada is turning away Conservative voters who also feel strongly about the country. Kenney said the separation issue is pushing some nationalist supporters toward opposition parties such as the NDP. He believes the October 19 referendum is having a negative impact on Conservative support. In the Calgary-Shaw byelection, Alberta NDP candidate Kyle Campbell defeated UCP candidate Mike Derry by 582 votes. Campbell received

Canada’s central bank could raise interest rates in the coming months as rising global crude oil prices increase inflationary pressures. Economists believe the Bank of Canada’s chances of raising rates by December are growing, despite Canada’s annual inflation rate remaining steady at 3% last month. Economists at Desjardins Group and RSM Canada say it may be difficult for Bank of Canada officials to ignore oil prices above US$100 a barrel, particularly if the increase persists. While core inflation remains under control for now, economists warn that continued oil price shocks could push

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a major tax break for companies making new investments in Canada. Under the new measure, businesses will be able to immediately claim 100 per cent of the cost of eligible new investments, including machinery, equipment and technology, as a tax deduction. Announced Tuesday, the measure is being called the “Productivity Mega Deduction” and is aimed at encouraging businesses to invest more in their operations. The government says making investments cheaper will give companies greater incentive to spend on expanding and improving their businesses, helpi

Surrey police have issued a public warning as another high-risk offender, 49-year-old Jonathan Anders Muzichka, is set to be released. The Surrey Police Service said Tuesday that Muzichka has a history of violent attacks against people and property-related offences. He will be subject to several strict court-ordered conditions and will also be monitored through an ankle monitor. Police are urging the public to call 911 immediately if they see Muzichka violating any of his court conditions. The warning comes just a day after Surrey police issued a similar alert regarding the release of 26-year-

A 77-year-old man has died under suspicious circumstances in Fort St. James, B.C., with RCMP’s Major Crime Unit investigating the death as a possible homicide. Police said officers were called to a home in the 800-block of Spruce Road at around 2:40 a.m. Monday. They found the elderly man seriously injured at the scene and rushed him to hospital, where he later died despite medical efforts. The suspected attackers had fled before police arrived. RCMP Major Crime investigators have since taken over the case. Staff Sgt. Chris Clarke said the preliminary investigation indicates the incident was

A 31-year-old Calgary man has been charged with allegedly making a death threat against Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) launched an investigation after receiving information about a threat against Carney from a YouTube account. Working with Calgary police, INSET arrested Jamie Dacosta and charged him with uttering threats against the Prime Minister. Dacosta is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice today.