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carney-targets-new-trade-agreements-with-asean-india-and-other-asian-partners-by-year-end
CanadaJul 29, 2026

Carney targets new trade agreements with ASEAN, India and other Asian partners by year-end

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada aims to finalize new trade agreements with ASEAN member states, India, Thailand and the Philippines by the end of 2026, a move the federal government says would give Canadian businesses access to markets representing nearly three billion consumers. Speaking to reporters in Red Deer, Alta., Carney said the government intends to conclude free trade agreements with India and other key partners before the end of the year. According to the prime minister, the agreements are expected to create new opportunities for Canadian businesses in some of the Asia-Pacifi
BCJul 29, 2026

Four arrested after anti-gang probe uncovers suspected synthetic drug lab in Abbotsford

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) says four people were arrested after investigators uncovered a suspected clandestine synthetic drug laboratory in rural Abbotsford and seized drugs, firearms and commercial explosives during coordinated search warrants. According to CFSEU-BC spokesperson Sgt. Sarbjit Kaur Sangha, the investigation began in February 2026 after police received information suggesting a suspect was involved in firearms trafficking and illicit drug production. On May 21, officers executed simultaneous search warrants at multiple properties
federal-alberta-governments-announce-510m-housing-infrastructure-agreement
AlbertaJul 29, 2026

Federal, Alberta governments announce $510M housing infrastructure agreement

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have announced a new infrastructure agreement aimed at supporting housing development across the province through upgrades to essential municipal services. Under the agreement, the Government of Canada will invest more than $510 million over the next eight years through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF). According to the federal and provincial announcement, the funding will help municipalities build and upgrade drinking water, wastewater, sewer and stormwater infrastructure needed to support new housing construction. In
more-than-100-aftershocks-follow-powerful-earthquake-in-japans-kyushu-region-death-toll-rises-to-13
WorldJul 29, 2026

More than 100 aftershocks follow powerful earthquake in Japan's Kyushu region; death toll rises to 13

Rescue crews in Japan's Kyushu region continued search operations Wednesday after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake triggered more than 100 aftershocks, leaving at least 13 people dead, according to Japanese authorities. The hardest-hit areas include Kumamoto Prefecture, where emergency crews are searching through the rubble of a paper factory and a shopping mall despite high temperatures. Authorities said the damage worsened after an explosion occurred at the shopping mall about an hour after the initial earthquake. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue efforts remain focused on reachin
westjet-flight-attendants-sign-operational-wind-down-agreement-as-aug-2-strike-deadline-approaches
CanadaJul 29, 2026

WestJet, flight attendants sign operational wind-down agreement as Aug. 2 strike deadline approaches

WestJet and the union representing approximately 4,400 flight attendants have signed an operational wind-down agreement outlining procedures to safely land aircraft and return cabin crew home in the event of a strike. Flight attendants could begin strike action as early as Aug. 2 if the two sides fail to reach a new collective agreement. A work stoppage could disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers during the August long weekend. Under Canada's labour rules, the union must provide at least 72 hours' strike notice before any job action can begin. If notice is issued, some flight cancel
manslaughter-charge-laid-after-fatal-assault-outside-nanaimo-nightclub
BCJul 29, 2026

Manslaughter charge laid after fatal assault outside Nanaimo nightclub

A 33-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal assault outside a downtown Nanaimo nightclub, according to the Nanaimo RCMP. Police said the incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. on July 17 outside the Sweet Spot Lounge, where an altercation left a 27-year-old man with serious injuries. The victim was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died despite medical efforts. The investigation was led by the Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit. Following the investigation, officers arrested a 33-year-old suspect, who has since been charged with manslaughter. The char
about-10-000-federal-public-servants-apply-for-early-retirement-program
CanadaJul 29, 2026

About 10,000 federal public servants apply for early retirement program

About 10,000 federal public servants have applied for the federal government's early retirement program, introduced as part of its plan to reduce the size of the public service. According to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, 10,006 applications had been received as of Tuesday, following last week's application deadline. The program was offered to eligible employees after the government began sending information packages to about 68,000 public servants in December. Employees aged 50 and older with at least 10 years of federal employment and a minimum of two years of pensionable service
gordie-howe-international-bridge-sees-7-500-vehicle-crossings-in-first-12-hours
CanadaJul 29, 2026

Gordie Howe International Bridge sees 7,500 vehicle crossings in first 12 hours

Approximately 7,500 vehicles crossed the Gordie Howe International Bridge during the first 12 hours after the new Canada–U.S. border crossing opened to traffic, according to bridge officials. The bridge officially opened on Monday. The first private vehicle to cross carried members of hockey legend Gordie Howe's family, while an Onfreight Logistics truck became the first commercial vehicle to use the new crossing. Most of the traffic on opening day consisted of private and local vehicles. Officials said many commercial truck operators are still completing the required customs and border docu
AlbertaJul 29, 2026

Edmonton sets record for wettest summer before August begins

Edmonton has already recorded its wettest summer on record before the start of August, following weeks of persistent rainfall that has caused localized flooding and forced the cancellation of several events across the city. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Edmonton had received 580 millimetres of precipitation by Tuesday morning. The total surpasses the previous summer record of 417 millimetres, set between June and August in 1953. Environment Canada says Edmonton typically receives an average of 213.3 millimetres of precipitation during the three-month period from June thro

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three-dead-16-injured-in-calgary-bus-crash-and-explosion
AlbertaOct 16, 2026

Three Dead, 16 Injured in Calgary Bus Crash and Explosion

Three people have died and 16 others, including a police officer, were injured in a bus collision and fire in Calgary on Thursday. All three deceased were passengers on the same bus. Two of the victims have been identified, while the identity of the third is still being confirmed. According to police, the crash involved two transit buses and several other vehicles in the northeastern part of the city. A bus carrying compressed natural gas tanks caught fire, followed by a powerful explosion within seconds. One bus driver managed to escape unharmed, while the driver of the second bus was taken t
punjab-and-haryana-high-court-clears-bhagwant-manns-proposed-france-visit
IndiaOct 16, 2026

Punjab and Haryana High Court Clears Bhagwant Mann’s Proposed France Visit

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has overturned the Centre’s decision to deny political clearance for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s proposed visit to France. According to reports, Mann may now leave for France tomorrow. The Union Ministry of External Affairs had refused permission, citing security concerns and the absence of a formal invitation from the French government. The Punjab government challenged the Centre’s decision in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court’s ruling today has provided relief to the state government. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is scheduled to
burnaby-man-sentenced-to-3-5-years-in-prison-for-online-sextortion-of-teenage-girls
BCOct 16, 2026

Burnaby Man Sentenced to 3.5 Years in Prison for Online Sextortion of Teenage Girls

A 22-year-old man from Burnaby has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for online sextortion involving underage girls. The accused, Anwar Jelassi, obtained nude images from eight or nine girls aged 15 to 18 whom he met on social media between October 2022 and December 2023. The victims were from Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. He threatened to expose their images to extort money from them. According to reports, Jelassi sent an online message to a 17-year-old victim from Ontario who refused to pay him, threatening to ruin her life until her entire family had seen her nude images
eby-slams-b-c-conservatives-warns-their-promises-could-leave-5b-budget-hole
BCOct 16, 2026

Eby Slams B.C. Conservatives, Warns Their Promises Could Leave $5B Budget Hole

B.C. NDP Leader David Eby has launched a sharp attack on the B.C. Conservative Party during an election rally in Coquitlam, as the provincial election campaign enters its final stretch. Eby accused B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson of making promises that could create a massive $5 billion hole in the provincial budget, claiming the party has no clear roadmap to cover the shortfall. According to Eby, the consequences of the Conservatives’ proposals would be particularly damaging to the province’s education and health-care sectors. Outlining his own party’s plans, Eby said his govern
canada-updates-express-entry-rules-for-pr-offering-more-points-for-high-wage-jobs
CanadaOct 16, 2026

Canada Updates Express Entry Rules for PR, Offering More Points for High-Wage Jobs

Canada has introduced changes to its Express Entry system for permanent residency (PR), giving additional points to candidates with Canadian work experience or job offers in high-wage sectors such as engineering. According to an announcement made by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab on Friday, candidates with Canadian work experience or qualifying high-wage job offers will receive additional points under the updated system. The government will define a high-wage job as one that pays at least 1.3 times the national median wage. Candidates with higher-paying job offers will be eligible for