83 new COVID-19 deaths in Quebec, total number rises to 1,682

Surrey Police Service and the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit are asking potential victims and witnesses to come forward following arrests in a child exploitation investigation that began last year. Investigators say the case involves alleged offences that occurred over several years and may include additional victims who have not yet been identified. Police say the investigation was launched in October 2024 by the Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit after receiving information related to alleged child sexual abuse material dating back to 2021. A man and a woman were later identifi

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a series of senior public service appointments, reorganizing key deputy minister roles as the federal government prepares for a busy policy agenda in the new year. Among the most prominent changes, Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josée Hogue has been named deputy minister of justice and deputy attorney general of Canada. Hogue previously led the federal public inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian elections, which concluded earlier this year that there was limited evidence of successful interference affecting election outcomes. At the Depa

Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun his annual year-end news conference, a closely followed event where he traditionally addresses domestic concerns and outlines Moscow’s position on major global issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. The televised session is once again combined with a nationwide call-in program, allowing citizens from across Russia to submit questions directly to the president. The format has been a fixture of Putin’s leadership and is often used to reinforce his authority while presenting the Kremlin’s narrative on economic conditions, governance, and for

European Union leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with a 90 billion euro interest-free loan aimed at supporting the country’s military operations and stabilizing its economy over the next two years. The decision was confirmed Friday by European Council President Antonio Costa following late-night negotiations among member states. In a statement posted on social media, Costa said the funding package for 2026 and 2027 reflects the bloc’s long-term commitment to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. Details on how the loan will be financed have not yet been

The Supreme Court of India has declined to grant interim bail to senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a disproportionate assets case, while issuing a notice to the Punjab government seeking its response to his bail plea. A bench of the top court directed the state government to file its reply within four weeks. The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 19, after the state submits its response. Majithia is facing charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, with investigators alleging he amassed assets worth more than Rs. 540 crore beyond his known sourc