Patty Hajdu: COVID-19 is spreading, Canadians have to be prepared for that

RCMP say federal investigators have dismantled two suspected clandestine drug labs in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, leading to the seizure of large quantities of fentanyl, MDMA, cash and firearms. According to RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region, officers arrested three people during the operation. Police said the individuals were later released pending further investigation and no charges have been announced so far. Investigators said a suspected fentanyl production site was uncovered on May 1 in the 41000 block of Keith Wilson Road in Chilliwack. RCMP said officers seized about 40 kilograms of

Iran has released 10 Indian sailors who had been detained since July 2025 following what Indian shipping authorities described as “sustained diplomatic efforts” by India. According to Indian shipping officials, the crew members were aboard the oil tanker MV Harbour Phoenix when the vessel was intercepted by Iranian authorities near Jask Port last year. Officials said the sailors and the vessel were taken into custody before the crew members were later jailed. Indian authorities said the sailors have now been released and arrangements are being made for their return to India at the earliest

A provincial court judge is recommending stronger vaccination campaigns and action on overcrowded housing conditions following the 2020 death of a six-year-old Indigenous boy in northern Alberta. In a fatality inquiry report released Tuesday, provincial court Justice Claus Thietke said the boy died on Nov. 13, 2020, at a local nursing station after experiencing abdominal pain and hours of vomiting. Evidence presented during the inquiry found meningococcus bacteria in the child’s bloodstream caused an infection that led to organ failure. According to the report, the boy lived with about 20 re

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government is entering contract negotiations with Swedish defence company Saab to acquire a new fleet of airborne surveillance aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The federal government has previously said it plans to procure six radar-equipped aircraft intended to strengthen Canada’s aerospace surveillance capabilities and support continental defence operations. According to Carney, the aircraft are needed to address emerging threats, including hypersonic missile technology. Saab manufactures the GlobalEye surveillance aircraft in partnersh

A strike in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday killed Mohammed Odeh, a commander linked to Hamas’s military wing, according to the Israeli military and local family members. Local doctors and witnesses said at least three Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured after a residential building in Gaza City was struck in one of the city’s busiest neighbourhoods. In a statement, the Israeli military said the operation targeted buildings allegedly being used by Odeh as hiding locations. Israeli officials said the strike followed months of intelligence monitoring and tracking of Odeh’s movements