26 new COVID-19 cases reported in B.C.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has brushed aside Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent remarks at the World Economic Forum, calling them “political noise” and cautioning that Canada’s growing trade engagement with China could complicate future negotiations with Washington. In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Lutnick said Canada already holds “the second-best deal in the world” under existing North American trade arrangements and suggested Carney was unfairly criticizing the United States. Lutnick also warned that Ottawa’s recent agreement with China could disrupt the upcomin

The Abbotsford Police Department says officers responded to 180 calls for service over the past 24 hours as part of ongoing efforts to maintain public safety across the city. Police say patrol officers arrested six people on outstanding warrants during the reporting period. Officers also carried out 34 patrols and safety checks at homes and businesses, focusing on areas connected to recent reports of extortion related violence. Police have said in previous updates that visible patrols are intended to reassure residents and support those affected. Traffic enforcement was also a key focus, with

Alberta’s education minister says a failed recall petition against him signals continued support for the United Conservative government’s agenda rather than dissatisfaction among voters. Demetrios Nicolaides said in a letter to constituents that the unsuccessful campaign reinforces the province’s current direction on education and other priorities, adding that the outcome encourages the government to continue with its work. He described the result as a validation of policies introduced over the past year. Nicolaides was the first MLA among more than two dozen members of Alberta’s legis

More than 30 Alberta lawyers, including two former Progressive Conservative justice ministers, are publicly criticizing the provincial government, saying its recent conduct toward the justice system is unacceptable and risks weakening democratic institutions. In an open letter published this week, the group argues that recent legislation and public comments by government officials have contributed to what they describe as growing pressure on judicial independence. The letter raises concerns that repeated attacks on courts and legal oversight bodies could undermine public confidence in the rule

Three people were killed and another man was seriously injured following a shooting in the small New South Wales community of Lake Cargelligo on Thursday, according to state police. Emergency crews were called to a residential address in the town, located about 600 kilometres west of Sydney, after reports of gunfire. Police said two women and one man were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth victim, a man, was taken to hospital with serious but stable injuries. Authorities said the suspected shooter or shooters had not been located as of Thursday evening. New South Wales Police established a