Canada Archives - National Times

28 Mar

Two Snowmobilers Rescued After Falling Through Thinning Ice on Georgian Bay

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, OntarioGeorgian Bay snowmobile accident, Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, Robin’s Point Road rescue, Southern Georgian Bay OPP, Tay Township ice rescue

Tay Township, Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Emergency crews in Tay Township, Ontario, successfully executed a dramatic ice rescue late Friday evening, March 27, 2026, after a snowmobile crashed through the ice on Georgian Bay. Southern Georgian Bay OPP received a distress call just before 10:00 PM reporting that a sled had gone through the ice several hundred metres offshore near Robin’s Point Road. Two snowmobiles were reportedly travelling together when one broke through the rapidly thinning surface, causing both riders to plunge into the frigid water. The riders' survival was credited largely to their use of survival flotation suits, which kept…

28 Mar

Canada Enacts Stricter Asylum Framework, Sparking Debate Over Refugee Protections

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingCanada

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The government of Canada has introduced sweeping changes to its asylum system with the implementation of a new law aimed at tightening border controls and accelerating refugee claim procedures. The legislation, known as Bill C-12 or the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, officially came into force after receiving royal assent on March 26, 2026. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the law introduces stricter eligibility criteria for asylum seekers, faster processing timelines, expanded data-sharing powers among government agencies, and increased authority for officials over immigration-related documents. One of the most significant provisions targets delayed…

27 Mar

Medical Licence of Toronto Psychiatrist Revoked Over Profiteering from 1,400 Fake COVID Exemptions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCOVID-19 exemption letters scam, Dr Celeste Jean Thirlwell, medical misconduct Ontario, Ontario Physicians and Surgeons Discipline Tribunal, Toronto doctor licence revoked

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): The Ontario Physicians and Surgeons Discipline Tribunal has officially revoked the medical licence of Toronto psychiatrist Dr. Celeste Jean Thirlwell following a disciplinary hearing regarding her professional conduct during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a decision released on February 11, 2026, the tribunal found that Dr. Thirlwell issued 1,425 medical exemption letters for vaccinations, masking, and testing requirements over a brief three-month window in late 2021. The tribunal concluded that she acted for personal profit, charging first-time patients $300 per letter while bypassing the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). The investigation revealed a highly organized, "word-of-mouth" operation where…

27 Mar

Canadian Dollar Extends Weekly Decline to Two-Month Low Amid Middle East Uncertainty

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCAD to USD exchange rate, Canadian dollar decline March 2026, Middle East war economic impact, oil price impact on CAD, safe-haven demand USD

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian dollar (CAD) weakened for its fourth consecutive day on Friday, March 27, 2026, hitting a two-month low as investors abandoned risk-sensitive currencies in favour of safe havens like the U.S. greenback. The "loonie" was trading at 1.3850 per U.S. dollar, or approximately 72.20 U.S. cents, its weakest intraday level since late January. Market sentiment has been heavily weighed down by fading optimism for a swift resolution to the Iran-Israel conflict, prompting a scramble for safety across global financial markets. Currency strategists note that "high-beta" or risk-sensitive currencies—including the Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand dollars—are facing…

27 Mar

Faith in Action: Masihi Life Church Calgary Spreads Hope Through Blood Donation and Community Service

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCalgary, Canada

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): In a powerful demonstration of faith translated into action, Masihi Life Church Calgary has successfully organized a meaningful blood donation camp, becoming true vessels of compassion by delivering hope, healing, and life to those in need. The initiative saw the participation of 26 dedicated donors, whose selfless contributions reflect the church’s deep-rooted commitment to serving humanity. Speaking with National Times, Pastor Samir George expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the donors and organizers, acknowledging their unwavering spirit of giving and their role in making the initiative a success. Masihi Life Church Calgary, a community-focused religious organization, continues…

27 Mar

Canada Clears Bill to Ban Public Display of Khalistan-Linked Terror Symbols

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Ontario, TrendingCanada

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a major legislative move, House of Commons of Canada has approved a new law aimed at curbing the public use of symbols associated with banned Khalistan-linked groups, marking a shift in the country’s approach to tackling hate-related offences. The proposed legislation, titled Combatting Hate Act Bill C-9, was passed during its third reading with a majority vote and now heads to the Senate for further scrutiny before it can be enacted. Under the bill, the intentional display of flags, emblems or symbols connected to organisations designated as terrorist entities—such as Babbar Khalsa International and International Sikh…

27 Mar

Our Global Village Charitable Foundation to Host “Sandhook Sheeshean Wala 2026” – A Ladies-Only Cultural Evening

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBritish Columbia, Canada, TrendingCanada, Surrey

Surrey ( Richa Walia): The Our Global Village Charitable Foundation is set to host a vibrant and culturally rich event titled “Sandhook Sheeshean Wala –2026”, a special ladies-only gathering celebrating tradition, community, and entertainment. The event will take place on March 28, 2026, at the elegant Grand Taj Hall, with doors opening at 5:00 PM. Designed to bring women together in a festive and empowering environment, the evening will feature cultural performances, entertainment, and a delicious dinner, creating a memorable experience for all attendees. This unique celebration aims to highlight cultural heritage while fostering unity and connection among women from…

26 Mar

Canada Pushes for New Defence Bank at G7 Meet in France

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAnita Anand G7, Canada defence bank, defence financing SMEs, Mark Carney defence strategy, NATO cooperation, Ukraine war support

Vaux-de-Cernay , France (Rajeev Sharma): Canada is set to propose the creation of a new defence financing institution to G7 nations, aimed at supporting small and medium-sized defence firms struggling to access capital. Speaking at the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Vaux-de-Cernay, Foreign Minister Anita Anand said the proposed Defence and Security Resilience Bank (DSRB) would pool funds to strengthen military supply chains and boost production capacity. The initiative is part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s broader push to enhance cooperation among allies, including NATO members, amid rising global security concerns. The proposal comes as top diplomats from leading Western…

26 Mar

Air Canada CEO Apologises for English-Only Message After Fatal Crash

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAir Canada crash, Canada bilingualism issue, LaGuardia Airport incident, Mark Carney criticism, Michael Rousseau apology

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau on Thursday apologised for issuing condolences only in English following a fatal plane crash, drawing criticism from Mark Carney. Rousseau said he was “deeply saddened” that his inability to speak French shifted attention away from the grief of victims’ families. The controversy erupted after an Air Canada aircraft collided with a fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport, resulting in the deaths of both pilots. Prime Minister Carney criticised the English-only message, calling it a lack of “judgment” and “compassion,” especially given that French is one of Canada’s official languages. Although Air…

26 Mar

Ambe Society to Host Musical Ram Katha in Calgary on March 29, 2026

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAmbe Society Calgary, Musical Ram Katha Canada, Ramayana bhajan event Calgary, Rishi Nagar event

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Ambe Society is set to bring an evening of spirituality, devotion, and musical storytelling to Calgary with a special Musical Ram Katha by spiritual speaker Rishi Nagar. Scheduled for March 29, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the event will take place at Moon Light Banquet Hall, 2886 Sunridge Way NE, Calgary, Alberta. Devotees and community members are invited to gather for this soulful experience that blends narration of the sacred Ramayana with devotional music and bhajans.The Musical Ram Katha promises to offer a unique spiritual atmosphere, combining traditional storytelling with live musical elements, allowing…