Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

12 Jan

Alberta Doctors Push for Health Emergency Declaration Amid Hospital Overcrowding

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Mounting pressure on emergency rooms in Edmonton has prompted Alberta doctors to urge the provincial government to declare a public health state of emergency, as hospitals struggle to cope with severe overcrowding during the peak flu season. The call was renewed earlier this week when the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) appealed to the province to invoke emergency measures for the second time, warning that the health-care system is under unsustainable strain. Emergency physicians across the city have been sharing firsthand accounts of packed wards, long wait times and patients being treated in hallways due to a lack…

12 Jan

Tensions Surge: Iran’s Internal Crisis Raises Possibility of U.S. Military Action

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsIran

Washington / Tehran ( National Times): Iran’s escalating internal turmoil marked by mass protests, a severe security crackdown, and mounting economic pressure is sparking international alarm and fueling speculation that the United States could be drawn closer to military action. The situation on the ground remains volatile. Analysts warn that continued instability, combined with Iran’s nuclear ambitions and assertive regional posture, could force Washington to reconsider its strategy if the unrest threatens regional stability or U.S. interests. While U.S. officials continue to stress diplomacy, sanctions, and deterrence as their primary tools, heightened unrest has put the American government and its…

12 Jan

Speeding Faces Zero Tolerance as Calgary Boosts Enforcement

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCalgary, Canada News

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Calgary motorists are being advised to exercise increased caution on city roads this January as photo radar enforcement expands across several neighbourhoods. Authorities say the enhanced enforcement is aimed at improving road safety, particularly during winter conditions when roads are more hazardous. Mobile photo radar units will be operating in the following areas: Albert Park / Radisson Heights, Banff Trail, Cranston, Elbow Park, Erin Woods, Glenbrook, Mahogany, Ogden, Sandstone Valley, Signal Hill, Strathcona Park, and Tuscany. In addition to mobile speed enforcement, 57 red-light cameras remain active at major intersections throughout Calgary, monitoring traffic violations and helping…

11 Jan

Calgary Woman Sentenced After Years on the Run Over $2M Fraud Case

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaCalgary fraud case, Carol Lloyd sentencing, workplace fraud Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma) — A Calgary court has sentenced a 66-year-old woman to more than four years in prison after she repeatedly fled to the United Kingdom to avoid prosecution for a massive workplace fraud worth nearly $2 million. Carol Lloyd was handed a four-year, two-month sentence on Friday after pleading guilty to fraud over $5,000. The court credited her for time already spent in custody in both Canada and the U.K., leaving her with approximately two years remaining to serve. In addition to the prison term, Justice Brandy Shaw ordered Lloyd to pay a fine equal to the amount…

11 Jan

Calgary Prepares to Ease Water Limits as Major Pipe Repair Nears Completion

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaBearspaw South Feeder Main, Calgary water restrictions, Water Conservation

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma) — City officials say Calgary could begin easing water-use restrictions early next week as repairs to a critical water main move closer to completion, though residents are being warned that conservation efforts will return in the spring. Michael Thompson, Calgary’s general manager of infrastructure services, said a damaged portion of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main has been replaced and crews are now refilling the line. The process involves pumping roughly 22 million litres of water — enough to fill nine Olympic-sized swimming pools — back into the system before testing water quality. “About seven kilometres of pipe…

11 Jan

Carney Signals Reset in Canada–China Ties Ahead of Beijing Visit, Trade and Tariffs in Focus

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada-China relations, China visit, electric vehicle tariffs, Mark Carney, trade talks

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): As Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for his first official visit to China next week, his government has signalled a possible shift in Canada’s long-strained relationship with Beijing, with a renewed focus on dialogue, trade and economic cooperation. Carney’s parliamentary secretary, MP Kody Blois, said the visit reflects the prime minister’s intent to “recalibrate” ties with China after years of diplomatic tension. Speaking in an interview aired Sunday on Rosemary Barton Live, Blois said Carney believes there are opportunities for partnership despite existing differences. “The trip next week is a continuation of that turning point in the…

11 Jan

Stephen Gogolev’s Comeback Peaks with First National Title, Olympic Dream Within Reach

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanadian figure skating, men’s singles skating, national championships, Olympic qualification, Stephen Gogolev

National Times Bureau (Rajeev Sharma): After years of injury setbacks and uncertainty, Stephen Gogolev has scripted a powerful comeback by winning his first Canadian men’s figure skating title, placing himself on the verge of Olympic selection. The 21-year-old Toronto native topped the podium at the Canadian figure skating championships on Saturday, delivering a commanding free skate that underscored his return to top form. Skating to Sergei Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Gogolev landed two quadruple jumps along with seven clean triples, earning 175.90 points in the free program. Combined with his strong short program, he finished with a total score…

11 Jan

Pereira and Michaud Clinch First Canadian Pairs Title After Dramatic Upset

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanadian championships, Canadian figure skating, Lia Pereira, Trennt Michaud

Bureau (Rajeev Sharma): Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud claimed their first Canadian figure skating championship in dramatic fashion on Saturday, overturning a significant deficit to defeat reigning world champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps. The breakthrough moment came unexpectedly for the Canadian pair as they stood in the mixed zone, answering media questions, when a nearby screen displayed the final scores. Pereira and Michaud realised in real time that they had surged to the top of the standings, capturing gold for the first time in their partnership. Pereira and Michaud delivered a powerful free skate, reviving their “Gladiator” routine from…

11 Jan

Canada Poised to Absorb Major Impact from U.S. Political Upheaval in 2026: Report

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingCanada

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada could face the most significant international consequences from political instability in the United States next year, according to a new assessment released Friday by global risk consultancy Eurasia Group. The report argues that decades of predictability in Canada–U.S. relations have effectively come to an end, warning that continued volatility south of the border will directly affect Canada’s economy, trade security, and foreign policy direction. According to the analysis, U.S. President Donald Trump’s consolidation of executive power and aggressive use of state institutions has implications far beyond American politics. Eurasia Group says these developments are reshaping Canada’s…

11 Jan

Unseasonably Mild Temperatures Force Temporary Closure of Edmonton’s Ice Castles

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingEdmonton

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Edmonton’s popular winter attraction, Ice Castles, has been forced to shut its doors temporarily as an unexpected spell of warm weather settles over the city. The attraction, located in Fan Park, had only been open for about two weeks after launching during extreme cold conditions. However, organizers announced through social media that operations will be suspended starting Saturday and are expected to resume the following Friday, weather permitting. Visitors who purchased tickets for dates during the closure will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer their tickets to a later visit. Organizers expressed regret…