Canada

PM Mark Carney, Singapore PM Lawrence Wong Discuss Stronger Trade Ties and Future Collaboration

PM Mark Carney, Singapore PM Lawrence Wong Discuss Stronger Trade Ties and Future Collaboration

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney held a call today with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, as both leaders reaffirmed the 60-year diplomatic relationship between Canada and Singapore and explored ways to strengthen economic co-operation in a changing global trade environment. The two prime ministers emphasized the importance of leveraging the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to unlock new opportunities for both nations. They also discussed boosting trade and investment, with a particular focus on the agri-food and nuclear energy sectors. Carney and Wong welcomed the ongoing progress toward a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement, highlighting its…
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VIRSA Foundation to Host 9th Annual Mela Virse Da in Abbotsford on August 9

VIRSA Foundation to Host 9th Annual Mela Virse Da in Abbotsford on August 9

Abbotsford, (Richa Walia): The VIRSA Foundation is organizing the 9th Annual Mela Virse Da, a vibrant celebration of Punjabi culture, heritage, and womanhood, scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM at 4582 Bell Road, Abbotsford. This ladies-only event promises an engaging afternoon filled with energetic performances, traditional music, cultural expression, and community bonding. The event will feature renowned performers including Eknoor Dhaliwal, Simar Deol, Raman Sandhu, Charanjit Channi, Deep Kaur, Vijay Yamla, Kamaljit Neeru, and Baljinder Sandhu. Adding to the occasion, Dr. Balwinder Kaur Brar, Bachint Kaur from Calgary and Sarabjit Mangat…
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Southern Alberta Begins Cleanup After Weekend of Heavy Rain and Giant Hail

Southern Alberta Begins Cleanup After Weekend of Heavy Rain and Giant Hail

Southern Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Residents of southern Alberta are once again in recovery mode after another powerful storm struck the region over the weekend, bringing heavy rain and hailstones as large as tennis balls that caused widespread damage. On Sunday night, around 8 p.m., the Cardston area, roughly 90 minutes southeast of Calgary, was hit hard. The storm lasted about 20 minutes but left a lasting impact, shattered windows, dented vehicles, snapped trees, and destroyed crops. Severe Vehicle Damage Trevor Jones, manager of operations at Carstar Auto Repair, described the damage as overwhelming.“By 10 a.m. Monday, one insurer had already…
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Canada Commits $40M to Support Palestinians, Pushes for Path Toward Statehood

Canada Commits $40M to Support Palestinians, Pushes for Path Toward Statehood

New York (Rajeev Sharma): Canada is stepping up its role in the Middle East peace process, pledging $30 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza and $10 million to support the Palestinian Authority’s governance reforms as part of a broader push for the creation of a future Palestinian state. While Canada has not joined France in formally recognizing a Palestinian state, Ottawa has made clear it is prepared to help lay the groundwork for one that includes both Gaza and the West Bank, provided it is governed democratically and free from Hamas control. Aid and Statehood Support Foreign Affairs Minister Anita…
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B.C. Premier Demands Equal Federal Support for Ferry Users After Ottawa Cuts Fares in Eastern Canada

B.C. Premier Demands Equal Federal Support for Ferry Users After Ottawa Cuts Fares in Eastern Canada

Victoria (Richa Walia): Premier David Eby is calling on the federal government to increase its support for ferry users in British Columbia after Prime Minister Mark Carney fulfilled his promise to cut ferry fares by 50% in Eastern Canada. Eby pointed out a stark funding gap: while Ottawa provides approximately $300 per person in subsidies for East Coast ferry users, those in B.C. receive just $1 per person. “We need the federal government to take a serious look at this policy and ensure fair treatment for ferry users in British Columbia,” Eby said Monday. Eastern Canada Gets Big Cuts, B.C.…
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Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Enter “Intense Phase” as Deadline Nears: PM Mark Carney

Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Enter “Intense Phase” as Deadline Nears: PM Mark Carney

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday that trade negotiations with the United States have entered an "intense phase" with a critical deadline approaching this Friday. “Canadians don't deserve this uncertainty… they want a resolution that makes sense for Canada,” Carney said at a press conference. “These negotiations are complex, but we are standing firm for Canadian interests.” Tariff Tensions Rise The talks follow escalating tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who last week suggested that a trade deal with Canada might not happen. “We haven't really had a lot of luck with Canada,” Trump said. “I…
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Canada Condemns Hong Kong’s Global Arrest Warrants for Pro-Democracy Activists, Including Canadians

Canada Condemns Hong Kong’s Global Arrest Warrants for Pro-Democracy Activists, Including Canadians

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian government has strongly condemned Hong Kong authorities after they issued international arrest warrants for 19 overseas pro-democracy activists, including several Canadian citizens and individuals with close ties to Canada. In a statement released, Global Affairs Canada criticized the move as a clear case of transnational repression, warning that threats, intimidation, or coercion targeting Canadians will not be tolerated. “The individuals targeted yesterday under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law in Hong Kong include Canadians and people with close ties to Canada,” the statement read. “This attempt by Hong Kong authorities to conduct transnational repression abroad will…
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N.W.T. Public Health Warns of Measles Risk Amid Surge in Alberta Cases

N.W.T. Public Health Warns of Measles Risk Amid Surge in Alberta Cases

Yellowknife (Rajeev Sharma): With measles cases on the rise in Alberta, health authorities in the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) are warning residents about a potential risk of exposure, especially for those traveling through the neighbouring province during the summer. Dr. Kami Kandola, the territory’s Chief Public Health Officer, emphasized the importance of checking vaccination records, noting that the virus’s resurgence in Alberta could impact northern travelers. “We're keeping a close eye on the situation,” Dr. Kandola said. “There’s concern that the infection could make its way north with returning travelers.” According to Alberta’s latest health data (as of July 24), 1,511…
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B.C. Man Escapes Cougar Attack with Minor Injuries After Punching Predator

B.C. Man Escapes Cougar Attack with Minor Injuries After Punching Predator

Smithers, B.C. (Richa Walia): A man in British Columbia’s northern Interior is recovering from minor injuries after a dramatic encounter with a cougar that he says ended when he punched the animal in the face. According to a statement from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, the incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Saturday near Lake Kathlyn, close to Smithers, approximately 1,000 kilometres northwest of Vancouver. The man, who was working in the area at the time, reported that the cougar suddenly approached and struck him in the upper body. Acting quickly, he punched the wild cat in the face, causing…
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Nanaimo Councillor Urges Province to Shut Down Overdose Prevention Site Near City Hall

Nanaimo Councillor Urges Province to Shut Down Overdose Prevention Site Near City Hall

Nanaimo, British Columbia (Richa Walia): A motion set to be introduced at Nanaimo City Council may escalate tensions between the municipality and provincial health officials over a supervised drug use facility located adjacent to city hall. According to the agenda for Monday’s meeting, Councillor Ian Thorpe plans to table a proposal requesting that Island Health formally shut down the overdose prevention site on Albert Street. Thorpe signaled his intent during the council's July 21 session, saying the city must tell the province it has “had enough” of the escalating disorder in the area. The call for closure follows a contentious…
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