Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

03 Apr

Citizenship Surge Flows North as Trump’s Canada Remarks Stir Quiet Shift Among Americans

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, Trending, World NewsDonald Trump

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Amid renewed political friction between Washington and Ottawa, a lesser-noticed trend is emerging: a growing number of Americans are seeking to establish legal ties with Canada through ancestry-based citizenship. The development comes in the backdrop of repeated remarks by Donald Trump suggesting closer integration between the two nations, including controversial references to Canada as a potential “51st state.” Canadian leadership has firmly rejected such notions, with Mark Carney reiterating that the country’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. While political rhetoric escalated, demand for Canadian citizenship among US residents has quietly surged following the implementation of Bill C-3 in December…

03 Apr

Canada Pushes for Stronger Economic Ties With China After High-Level Beijing Talks

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCanada

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada has stepped up efforts to deepen trade and financial cooperation with China, as François-Philippe Champagne wrapped up a multi-day visit to China aimed at strengthening bilateral economic engagement. The visit, part of Ottawa’s broader strategy to diversify global partnerships, focused on expanding collaboration with one of Canada’s largest trading partners. The minister was accompanied by senior officials including Tiff Macklem and Peter Routledge, along with representatives from major Canadian businesses and financial institutions. During his stay in Beijing, Champagne held key discussions with Chinese leaders, including Vice Premier He Lifeng. The talks centred on global economic…

03 Apr

Edmonton Home Sealed After Drug Activity Probe Following Resident Complaints

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingEdmonton

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Authorities in Edmonton have shut down a residential property linked to ongoing illegal activity, following months of complaints from local residents and a detailed investigation by enforcement agencies. The action was carried out by the Alberta Sheriffs under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit after a year-long probe into a house in north Edmonton. The investigation began in April 2025 when neighbours raised concerns about unusual activity, including a steady flow of short-term visitors and individuals loitering or behaving erratically in the vicinity. Officials said the inquiry uncovered consistent evidence of drug-related operations at the site.…

03 Apr

Calgary Crackdown Uncovers Foreign Links in Extortion Cases Targeting South Asian Community

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCalgary

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Authorities in Calgary have intensified their probe into a growing number of extortion cases, with investigators pointing to overseas coordination and the involvement of temporary visa holders in several incidents. According to officials, the cases—many of which have targeted members of the South Asian community—are part of a broader and complex network that appears to extend beyond Canada’s borders. Calgary Police Service Chief Constable Katie McLellan said investigators have identified a considerable number of individuals linked to the cases, though not all have been formally charged yet. She emphasised that law enforcement is proceeding cautiously, building strong…

03 Apr

Dubai’s Iconic Sikh Shrine Closes Doors Temporarily Following Official Advisory

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsDubai

Dubai (Rajeev Sharma): Amid heightened security precautions, Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara has suspended all public activities until further notice, acting on directions issued by authorities in the emirate. The gurudwara management stated that the move is intended to safeguard devotees and staff, underlining that the decision was taken in full compliance with official instructions. It described the closure as a preventive step in view of the prevailing situation. Members of the Sikh community have been requested to remain patient and extend their support during this period, with the management assuring that any updates regarding reopening will be communicated promptly. The…

02 Apr

Canada Post to end door-to-door delivery by September 2026

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada Post, community mailboxes, home delivery ending

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): It’s official, Canada Post is moving ahead with a sweeping restructuring plan that will permanently end door-to-door mail delivery for the remaining four million Canadian addresses that still receive it. Following a directive from the federal government earlier this week, the Crown corporation confirmed on March 31, 2026, that it will transition these addresses to community mailboxes. The full phase-out is expected to be completed by this September, marking a major turning point in the organization’s efforts to avoid "existential" financial collapse. The decision comes after a period of extreme financial instability, with Canada Post reporting cumulative…

02 Apr

Alberta Tightens Rules on Weed Control at Oil and Gas Sites to Protect Farmland

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Government of Alberta has introduced new regulatory measures to tackle the growing issue of weeds and agricultural pests on oil and gas sites, aiming to safeguard farmland and support rural landowners. Under updated provisions in the Oil and Gas Conservation Regulation, enforced through the Oil and Gas Conservation Act, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has been granted expanded powers to ensure companies take responsibility for maintaining their sites. The move comes as part of broader efforts to balance industrial activity with agricultural sustainability. Stronger Enforcement Powers The revised rules allow the AER to direct oil and…

02 Apr

Alberta Moves Ahead with Budget 2026 Reforms to Strengthen Economy, Insurance and Social Support

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Government of Alberta has introduced a series of legislative measures under Budget 2026 aimed at improving public spending efficiency, strengthening key sectors and supporting vulnerable groups across the province. The proposed amendments, part of the Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, are designed to direct resources where they are most needed, while also enhancing investment opportunities and modernising regulatory frameworks. Officials say the changes will play a crucial role in preparing Alberta for future economic and social demands. New Direction for Auto Insurance A central focus of the reforms is the transition to a “care-first” auto insurance…

02 Apr

Sister Shares Emotional Clip of Slain YouTuber, Reveals Her Last Known Moments Before Tragic Killing

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, Punjab, TrendingNancy Grewal

Jalandhar/Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma/Gurpreet Singh): A haunting video capturing the final moments of Punjabi-origin YouTuber Nancy Grewal has surfaced online, offering a glimpse into her routine just hours before her death in Canada. The clip, posted by her sister Alisha Grewal, has stirred grief and concern among followers and the wider community. The footage shows Nancy leaving her residence on the afternoon of March 4, calmly walking toward her car with a bag in hand. According to details shared by the family, the video was recorded shortly after 3 PM. She appears composed and focused, seemingly heading to work—unaware that it…

02 Apr

Early End to Iran Conflict May Tilt Regional Balance, Experts Warn

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsIran

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Growing indications from Washington that the military campaign against Iran could wind down soon have triggered fresh debate among global observers, with many warning that a premature conclusion may leave deeper strategic risks unresolved. U.S. President Donald Trump has recently hinted at bringing operations to a close within weeks, even without a comprehensive agreement with Tehran. While such a move could ease immediate military tensions, analysts caution it may allow Iran to retain significant leverage—particularly over vital energy routes in the region. Strategic Advantage Through Disruption Central to these concerns is Iran’s ability to influence maritime traffic…