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

Residents of Atikameg First Nation in northern Alberta were told to shelter in place late Tuesday as RCMP responded to reports of multiple armed individuals in the area. According to a statement from High Prairie RCMP, officers are searching for four men believed to be carrying firearms. Police said the individuals were last seen on Highway 750 near Nahachick Road. Mounties are advising residents to remain indoors and to avoid the area while the investigation is ongoing. Drivers are also being warned not to pick up hitchhikers. Police have not released descriptions of the suspects. RCMP said t

A 12-year-old girl injured in a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., has been moved out of intensive care as she continues her recovery in hospital, according to her father. In a Facebook post, David Gebala said his daughter, Maya Gebala, has been transferred into a recovery and rehabilitation-focused unit at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. He said her condition has improved, noting she appears to be in less pain and has regained some energy. Gebala described his daughter’s time in the intensive care unit as a “whirlwind” of highs and lows, adding that she is now making gradual p

Senior lawyer H.S. Phoolka, known for representing victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Delhi, according to party leaders present at the event. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh were among those who welcomed Phoolka into the party. The development marks a political shift for Phoolka, who was previously associated with the Aam Aadmi Party. Speaking after joining, Phoolka criticized AAP, alleging a gap between its public messaging and internal functioning. He said he had initially joined the party during t

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand has concluded a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, where discussions centred on expanding bilateral trade and Canada’s potential role in safeguarding key global shipping routes in the event of a ceasefire in the Middle East. According to a statement from Anand’s office, talks included the security of the Strait of Hormuz and broader efforts to support regional stability following any cessation of hostilities. Anand said Canada would be prepared to play an active role in limiting global economic disruptions tied to conflict in the region. Durin

A 42-year-old Lethbridge man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a 27-year-old man, marking the third arrest in the case, according to a police news release. The Lethbridge Police Service said the accused was arrested late Monday following the execution of search warrants at two residences on Mt. Crandell Crescent. Two other men were previously arrested on March 28 in relation to the same investigation. Police said officers and EMS responded to a report of an assault at approximately 6:30 a.m. on March 27 at an apartment complex in the 200 block of 7 Avenu