Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

24 Sep

ASIRT Investigates Fatal Police Shooting in West Edmonton

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingWest Edmonton

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating a fatal police shooting following a domestic violence call in Edmonton’s Donsdale neighbourhood. The Edmonton Police Service was called to a home shortly before 10 a.m. on September 13 after receiving a 911 report involving domestic violence and an active shooter. When officers arrived, they secured the area and assisted two women and an infant who had managed to leave the residence. According to the incident update, a man later exited the home carrying a shotgun. Police issued commands for him to drop the weapon before officers shot…

24 Sep

Alberta Launches WorkFirst Talent Exchange to Connect Job Seekers With Employers

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has launched a new online employment platform aimed at helping job seekers find suitable opportunities while giving employers faster access to qualified workers. The WorkFirst Alberta Talent Exchange uses technology to match candidates with employers based on their skills and experience rather than relying primarily on traditional job titles. The province says the approach could help employers identify capable workers whose abilities may not be fully reflected on conventional resumes. The platform is part of Alberta’s nearly $250-million investment in transforming employment services under WorkFirst Alberta, which is designed to help residents secure and maintain meaningful…

24 Sep

Alberta Announces $4.9 Million to Expand Mental Health Supports for First Nations Students

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is providing $4.9 million to First Nations and First Nations education authorities operating on-reserve schools to expand access to specialized learning and mental health supports for students. The funding is being delivered through the Specialized Learning and Mental Health Supports Grant, with the province saying the investment will help schools respond to the needs of students in their own communities. The grant can be used for a range of initiatives, including mental health screening and assessments, staff training, mental health education, wellness navigators, specialized instruction and programs designed to create safer and more supportive learning…

24 Sep

Surrey Police Board Meeting Cancellation Draws Criticism From Linda Annis

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsSurrey

Surrey (Rajeev Sharma): A decision to cancel a scheduled Surrey Police Board public meeting has drawn criticism from Surrey First councillor and mayoral candidate Linda Annis, who has questioned whether the cancellation will prevent residents from receiving answers on several major policing issues. Annis said the board’s September 24 meeting was cancelled shortly before Surrey’s October 17 municipal election and alleged that the move would prevent questions being raised about the transition to the Surrey Police Service, the search for a permanent chief constable and the departure of former Chief Constable Norm Lipinski. The Surrey Police Board had previously announced…

24 Sep

BENGALI CULTURE TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS BONGMILANTI BRINGS DURGA PUJA 2026 TO NEW WESTMINSTER

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingCanada, Surrey

Surrey (Richa Walia): New Westminster is preparing to welcome a major celebration of Bengali heritage this October as Bongmilanti presents Durga Puja 2026, bringing together families, friends and community members for three days of tradition, devotion, music and cultural connection. Taking place from October 10 to 12 at New Westminster Secondary School, the celebration is more than a religious observance, it will provide an important opportunity for Bengali families across Metro Vancouver to maintain cultural traditions, introduce younger generations to their heritage and strengthen connections within the community. For many Bengali families living away from their homeland, Durga Puja serves…

23 Sep

B.C. EARLY ELECTION SHOCK: EBY SENDS PROVINCE TO POLLS OCTOBER 24

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish ColumbiaBritish Columbia

Surrey (Rajeev Sharma): British Columbia is heading to the polls on October 24 after Premier and B.C. NDP Leader David Eby called an early provincial vote Tuesday, abruptly shifting the political calendar nearly two years ahead of the previously scheduled 2028 vote. Announcing the decision in Victoria, Eby said British Columbia is confronting what he called an “existential moment” arising from the Canada-U.S. trade conflict. He said a fresh mandate is needed to address the economic challenges facing the province. The move comes as B.C.’s political landscape undergoes a major shake-up, particularly within the Opposition Conservatives. Former Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne…

23 Sep

PM Modi Slated to Visit Canada This December as Trade Talks Advance

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Indiabilateral relations, Canada visit, Mark Carney, PM Modi, Trade Pact

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for a diplomatic journey to Canada late this year, highlighting promising strides in negotiations surrounding an extensive commercial agreement. Addressing media representatives during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Carney reflected on the health of bilateral engagement and the prospective schedule for formalizing an economic pact. He characterized the partnership with New Delhi as vital to Ottawa's global strategy, underscoring joint priorities across international security, commercial expansion, and cultural links. The anticipated trip builds on a commitment made by both heads…

23 Sep

Amrit Pal Singh Dhot’s Community Profile Draws Renewed Attention in Delta North

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada

North Delta entrepreneur and former BC United candidate remains active in business and community initiatives DELTA, B.C. (Rajeev Sharma): Amrit Pal Singh Dhot, a North Delta entrepreneur and longtime community advocate, is drawing renewed attention in the constituency as British Columbia prepares for the 2026 provincial election. Dhot is the founder of the North Delta-based Dhot Group and has maintained an active presence in the local business and community landscape. His work has brought him into contact with small-business owners, families, seniors, youth and community organizations across Delta. Beyond his business activities, Dhot has participated in civic and community initiatives,…

23 Sep

B.C. PREMIER DAVID EBY CALLS SNAP ELECTION FOR OCTOBER 24 AS PROVINCE ENTERS HIGH-STAKES CAMPAIGN

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada

Surrey (Rajeev Sharma / Amrit Dhot): British Columbia is officially heading into a provincial election, with Premier David Eby calling an early vote for October 24, 2026, less than two years into his government’s current mandate. Eby travelled to Government House in Victoria on Tuesday and formally asked Lieutenant-Governor Wendy Cocchia to dissolve the legislature, triggering the provincial election campaign. The election call comes after days of speculation that the premier would seek an early mandate. Eby has pointed to the continuing economic uncertainty surrounding the Canada-U.S. trade relationship and policies pursued by U.S. President Donald Trump. He described the…

22 Sep

Six Killed, Eight Injured in Saudi Airstrikes on Yemen’s Mokha

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsYemen

SANAA, Yemen (Rajeev Sharma)— At least six people were killed and eight others injured after Saudi-led airstrikes hit the Red Sea port city of Mokha, according to reports from Yemen on Tuesday. The reported casualties included two children and a woman among those killed. A child and a woman were also reportedly among the injured. The figures have not been independently verified. The strikes come as Yemen faces renewed fighting involving the Houthi movement, which has expanded its presence along parts of the country's Red Sea coastline in recent weeks. Mokha, a strategically important port, has become a key point…