Cuts to federally funded health coverage for refugees and asylum claimants took effect Friday, introducing new out-of-pocket costs for medications and certain health services. According to federal program changes to the Interim Federal Health Program, refugees will now be required to pay $4 per prescription and cover 30 per cent of the cost for supplementary health products and services. These include mental health counselling, dental care, vision care, medical devices and mobility aids such as wheelchairs. Until now, the program provided full health coverage for eligible refugees until they q

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says a newly approved cross-border pipeline expansion could significantly increase the flow of Alberta crude to the United States, following a presidential permit signed by U.S. President Donald Trump. According to a statement from Smith’s office, the permit authorizes the Bridger Pipeline expansion, described as a partial revival of the previously cancelled Keystone XL project. The expansion is part of a joint venture between Calgary-based South Bow and U.S.-based Bridger. Smith said the project could transport more than 500,000 barrels of Alberta oil per day

B.C. Premier David Eby said talks with Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber on the Vancouver Whitecaps' future were ``constructive,'' as relocation concerns grow. Garber is in Vancouver for FIFA Congress events and met with Eby on Wednesday, following reports that the league has discussed relocating the club, with Las Vegas a leading option. Eby released a video Wednesday night saying the province is ``at the table fighting hard'' to keep the team in Vancouver, calling its loss ``not an option.'' David Eby on X:Premier David Eby on X (screengrab)Hours later, a now-deleted post from Garb

Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Member of Parliament and former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson as Canada’s next ambassador to the European Union, according to a news release from the Prime Minister’s Office. Wilkinson, who represents North Vancouver–Capilano, previously served in senior cabinet roles under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, including minister of natural resources and minister of environment and climate change. The Prime Minister’s Office said Wilkinson brings “proven experience, judgment and leadership” to the role as Canada seeks to strengthen its

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming period, in what would be the first trip by a Canadian prime minister to the kingdom in at least two decades. According to government officials, the visit follows an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and comes after recent efforts by both countries to rebuild diplomatic ties that were strained for several years. The dispute dates back to 2018, when the former Trudeau government criticized Saudi Arabia’s justice system and raised concerns about the arrest of women’s rights activists. In response, Saudi

The Vancouver Police Department is seeking help from the public in locating a missing man who was last seen near the 29th Avenue SkyTrain Station on the morning of April 25. Gurminder Dhaliwal is a 46-year-old South Asian man who suffers from liver disease, who has difficulty walking because of his illness. Mr. Dhaliwal is 6'2" and weighs 196 lbs. He was last seen wearing Merrell hiking boots and a blue or grey hoodie with “Team Canada” written on the front. Mr. Dhaliwal’s family wants people to know he is not a risk to the public. If seen, please call 911 and wait with Mr. Dhaliwal un

The federal government says it will provide up to $145 million to support security operations during FIFA World Cup matches scheduled this summer in Toronto and Vancouver. According to a Public Safety Canada news release, the funding responds to “specific operational needs identified by the host provinces and cities,” where 13 matches are set to take place in June and July as part of the tournament co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico. The federal government says the funding is intended to reduce financial pressure on municipal and provincial governments while ensuring law enf

The Punjab cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has approved convening a one-day special session of the Vidhan Sabha on May 1, according to a state government announcement. The session will coincide with International Workers' Day and is expected to focus on issues affecting the working class. The government plans to discuss concerns linked to changes in employment programs, including the replacement of the Centre’s MGNREGA with what it describes as the “Ji Ram Ji Scheme,” as outlined in the cabinet decision. According to the announcement, representatives of labour unions from a

At least five people were killed and seven others injured in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The ministry said that during a ceasefire period in place since October, a total of 823 people have been killed and 2,308 injured. It added that since Israel began military operations in Gaza in October 2023, the cumulative death toll has reached 72,599, with 172,411 people reported injured. The figures have not been independently verified. Israeli authorities have not immediately commented on the latest reported casualties. In