Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

22 Jul

Alberta Expands Alcohol Trade Deal With Eight Provinces, Pushes for Nationwide Market Access

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, British Columbia, Canada, OntarioAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has broadened its efforts to remove interprovincial trade barriers by signing a new direct-to-consumer alcohol sales agreement with eight Canadian provinces, a move the provincial government says will create fresh business opportunities for local liquor producers and offer consumers greater choice. In a joint statement issued on Monday, Premier Danielle Smith and Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally announced that Alberta has reached agreements with Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and British Columbia. Under the arrangement, Alberta-based breweries, wineries, distilleries and other liquor manufacturers will…

22 Jul

New Ivor Strong Bridge Marks Major Progress in Deerfoot Trail Upgrade Project

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingDeerfoot

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's ambitious Deerfoot Trail Improvements Project has achieved another key milestone with the completion of the new Ivor Strong Bridge, bringing the province one step closer to easing traffic congestion along one of Calgary's busiest roadways. Provincial officials announced that traffic will begin shifting onto the newly constructed bridge from July 27, allowing rehabilitation work to commence on the existing structure. The phased transition is designed to maintain traffic flow while long-term upgrades continue across the corridor. Once the project is fully completed, the new bridge will accommodate all southbound traffic, while the refurbished existing bridge will…

22 Jul

Langley City Voters to Decide Future of Major Community Facility Expansions in October Election

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingLangley City

LANGLEY ( Richa Walia): Langley City residents will have an opportunity to shape the future of two major community infrastructure projects during the upcoming Local Government Election on October 17, 2026, through a non-binding Community Opinion Vote. Along with their regular election ballot, eligible voters will receive a separate ballot asking whether they support continued planning for two proposed projects: the expansion of Timms Community Centre alongside the development of a new Performing Arts and Cultural Centre, and the expansion of Al Anderson Pool to provide year-round public access. City officials said the proposed projects represent significant long-term investments that…

21 Jul

“Our Treaty Rights Are Not Up for Referendum”: First Nations Draw a Red Line as Alberta Separation Debate Intensifies

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s independence debate has entered a new and more contentious phase, with First Nations across the province issuing a strong warning that any move toward provincial separation cannot override or alter constitutionally protected Treaty and Indigenous rights. Indigenous leaders have made it clear that they have not consented to any proposal that could affect their treaties, emphasizing that no referendum or provincial legislation can change their nation-to-nation agreements with the Crown. The warning comes as Alberta prepares for a non-binding referendum on the province’s future relationship with Canada. While Premier Danielle Smith has repeatedly stated that she…

21 Jul

Niagara Indian Association Marks Founding Day; CHCC and NIA Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada

St. Catharines, Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): The Niagara Indian Association (NIA) celebrated its Inauguration and Founding Day with a grand community gathering at its newly established centre in St. Catharines, bringing together community leaders, elected representatives, business professionals, and members of the Indo-Canadian community. A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) and the Niagara Indian Association (NIA). The agreement is aimed at strengthening collaboration in business development, entrepreneurship, cultural initiatives, community engagement, and networking opportunities for the Indo-Canadian community across Canada. Representing CHCC, Dr. Rakesh…

21 Jul

Racial Harassment of Punjabi Truck Drivers Raises Alarm in Australia; Calls Grow for Stronger Protection

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsAustralia

Canberra (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh reports of racial discrimination against Punjabi truck drivers in Australia have triggered widespread concern, with members of the transport community alleging that abuse and intimidation have become increasingly common on the country's highways. Industry organisations have denounced the incidents, warning that such hostility not only affects drivers' well-being but could also compromise road safety. An investigation by Australian broadcaster ABC has highlighted several accounts from Indian-origin truck drivers who claim they have faced harassment because of their language, appearance and cultural identity. Drivers alleged that speaking Punjabi over CB radio channels or wearing turbans has made…

21 Jul

Heavy Monsoon Spell Puts Himachal on High Alert; Educational Institutions Shut in Vulnerable Areas

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, TrendingHimachal

Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): Relentless monsoon showers have intensified across Himachal Pradesh, prompting authorities to issue fresh weather warnings and enforce precautionary measures in several districts. As heavy rainfall continues to batter the hill state, schools in parts of Chamba district and Theog subdivision of Shimla have been ordered to remain closed to ensure the safety of students and staff. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a Red Alert for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur, warning of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places. Officials have cautioned that the prevailing weather conditions could trigger landslides, flash floods, falling boulders and…

21 Jul

Alberta Minister Dan Williams Begins Province-Wide Tour to Engage with Municipal Leaders

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams, has launched a province-wide summer tour aimed at strengthening collaboration with municipalities, discussing local priorities and reviewing infrastructure projects supported through provincial funding. Over the next two weeks, the minister is expected to visit more than 90 municipalities, meeting elected representatives to better understand the issues facing communities while highlighting development initiatives that are contributing to regional growth. Williams said the tour is designed to create direct dialogue with municipal leaders and gain first-hand insight into both the successes and the challenges experienced by local governments. He added that the…

21 Jul

Alberta Launches Campaign to Stop Release of Goldfish and Other Invasive Fish into Natural Waterways

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has renewed its efforts to safeguard the province's lakes, rivers and wetlands by urging residents not to release pet fish or aquatic plants into natural water bodies. Through its "Don't Let It Loose" awareness campaign, officials are calling on Albertans to help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species that threaten local ecosystems. Environmental authorities say goldfish, despite being common household pets, can become a serious ecological problem when introduced into the wild. Once released, they reproduce quickly, compete with native fish for food, disturb aquatic vegetation and contribute to declining water quality. According…

21 Jul

Alberta Opens Vote-by-Mail Registration for October 2026 Referendum

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Albertans eligible to vote in the October 19, 2026 Referendum can now apply for Vote by Mail, with Elections Alberta officially opening online applications for Special Ballots. The initiative is intended to provide voters with greater flexibility ahead of polling day, particularly those who may be unable to cast their vote in person. According to Elections Alberta, every eligible elector can request a Special Ballot without having to provide any specific reason. Officials say the option allows voters to complete their ballot at a convenient time and location, giving them adequate opportunity to review the referendum questions…