Canada

Spike in Hostility Towards Immigrants Alarms Support Groups Across Alberta

Spike in Hostility Towards Immigrants Alarms Support Groups Across Alberta

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Amid heated national debates surrounding immigration, organizations that assist newcomers in Alberta are reporting a troubling rise in racially motivated hostility, both online and in public spaces. Shamaila Akram, a community advocate with Calgary’s Centre for Newcomers, says she has grown used to being the target of racial slurs—but remains deeply concerned about the growing anxiety among new immigrants, especially women. "Many of our clients are now coming in with severe stress or even panic attacks after being subjected to harassment right outside our offices," Akram shared. "Women in hijabs have been particularly targeted, and some have…
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Fatal Small-Plane Crash Reported Near Deer Lake, Newfoundland Airport

Fatal Small-Plane Crash Reported Near Deer Lake, Newfoundland Airport

Newfoundland (Rajeev Sharma): A small aircraft went down Saturday evening near the Deer Lake Regional Airport in western Newfoundland, resulting in at least one fatality, authorities have confirmed. The crash occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. NT, just outside the airport boundary in the town of Deer Lake, which is home to about 5,000 residents. Emergency services, including the RCMP and first responders, quickly arrived at the scene. The aircraft involved was a Piper Navajo twin-engine plane, owned by Kisik Geospatial and Aerial Survey, a B.C.-based aerial mapping company. In a public statement, the company’s owner and accountable executive, Andrew Naysmith,…
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Three Workers Rescued After 60-Hour Ordeal in B.C.’s Red Chris Mine

Three Workers Rescued After 60-Hour Ordeal in B.C.’s Red Chris Mine

British Columbia (Richa Walia): Three workers trapped deep underground for over 60 hours at the Red Chris mine in northern British Columbia have been safely rescued and reunited with their families. The rescue operation, described as meticulously planned and executed, concluded late Thursday night after intense efforts to reach the drillers, who had been stranded since Tuesday morning due to two successive rockfalls.Newmont Corp., the mine operator, confirmed the workers were brought to the surface at 10:40 p.m. PT. Identified by their employer Hy-Tech Drilling as Kevin Coumbs from Ontario, Darien Maduke from B.C., and Jesse Chubaty from Manitoba, the…
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How the Red Chris Mine Rescue Can Shape the Future of Mining Safety?

How the Red Chris Mine Rescue Can Shape the Future of Mining Safety?

British Columbia (Richa Walia): The recent rescue operation at British Columbia's Red Chris mine, which saw three workers brought to safety after being trapped underground for over 60 hours, is offering valuable insights for future emergency response efforts across the mining industry. Mining company Newmont Corp., which operates the site, has pledged a full investigation into the rockfall that led to the entrapment, aiming to identify causes and prevent similar incidents. Experts say the findings will not only help improve safety protocols at Red Chris, but across the entire sector. Danny Taillefer, Deputy Chief Mine Rescue Officer at Ontario Mine…
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Alberta Proposes Annual Watercraft Pass to Combat Invasive Mussels; Public Input Sought

Alberta Proposes Annual Watercraft Pass to Combat Invasive Mussels; Public Input Sought

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is considering introducing an annual pass for all types of watercraft, including boats, canoes, kayaks, and jet skis, as part of a broader strategy to shield the province’s waterways from invasive species. In a statement released Friday, Alberta's Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas outlined the proposal, emphasizing that it is primarily aimed at preventing the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels. The government is now calling on the public to weigh in through an online survey, which will help shape the final framework of the initiative. The survey poses several key questions…
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Mark Carney Pledges to Uphold Indigenous Rights During Talks with Inuit Leaders in Inuvik

Mark Carney Pledges to Uphold Indigenous Rights During Talks with Inuit Leaders in Inuvik

Inuvik (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting Indigenous rights and treaties, even as Canada looks to fast-track nation-building infrastructure projects. Carney made the pledge as he kicked off a day of nation-to-nation discussions in Inuvik with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair Duane Ningaqsiq Smith. “These discussions are essential as we move forward together, not just with infrastructure, but with reconciliation at the centre,” said Carney. “Advancing major national projects must never come at the expense of Indigenous rights, treaties, or meaningful consultation.” The meeting, held in the…
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Alberta Turns to Grassroots Diplomacy to Reshape Canada-U.S. Relations

Alberta Turns to Grassroots Diplomacy to Reshape Canada-U.S. Relations

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): As Canada seeks to reset its relationship with the United States, Alberta is stepping up with a bold new approach: grassroots diplomacy. The provincial government has committed $6.5 million to support the New North America Initiative (NNAI), a policy-driven effort housed at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. The initiative aims to shift the traditional centre of Canada-U.S. engagement—both geographically and ideologically—away from elite circles and toward local communities. It will prioritize regional engagement, collaborative research, and bottom-up solutions to cross-border challenges. “With the ongoing strain in Canada-U.S. relations, it’s clear that conventional approaches haven’t…
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Three Miners Rescued from Northern B.C. Mine After Hours Underground

Three Miners Rescued from Northern B.C. Mine After Hours Underground

British Columbia (Richa Walia): Three miners who were trapped underground in a remote northern B.C. mine have been successfully rescued, bringing relief to families and the broader mining community. The incident occurred at a mine site in northern British Columbia, where the trio became stranded after what officials described as an “unexpected ground fall” disrupted regular operations. Emergency protocols were activated immediately, and specialized rescue teams were deployed to bring the miners to safety. After hours of intense rescue efforts, all three miners were brought to the surface without serious injury. Medical staff were on-site to assess their condition, and…
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MP Sukhman Gill opening constituency office in Abbotsford

MP Sukhman Gill opening constituency office in Abbotsford

Abbotsford (Richa Walia): Sukhman Gill, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Abbotsford South Langley, will officially launch his constituency office on Friday, July 25, at Garden Park Tower (#205–2825 Clearbrook Road) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Gill stated, "It is a profound honor to serve the people of Abbotsford-South Langley, and I am thrilled to establish this new office." He further emphasized that this space will serve as a central hub for community engagement, support, and advocacy – a place where constituents can seek assistance with concerns and receive solutions or clear guidance. At 25 years old, Gill achieved…
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Three Workers Trapped in BC’s Red Chris Mine Have Food, Water, and Air, Operator Confirms

Three Workers Trapped in BC’s Red Chris Mine Have Food, Water, and Air, Operator Confirms

British Columbia (Richa Walia): Three workers remain trapped underground at the Red Chris copper and gold mine in northwestern British Columbia, but are safe and have access to essential supplies, according to mine operator Newmont Corp. The incident occurred on Tuesday, following two separate “fall of ground” events that blocked access to the area where the workers were operating. The workers had moved to a designated refuge station after the first collapse, but a second fall later blocked their exit. Newmont said the refuge bays—designed to support up to 16 people for at least three days—are stocked with food, water,…
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