Canada

Measles Cases in Alberta Surge Over the Weekend, Topping U.S. Total

Measles Cases in Alberta Surge Over the Weekend, Topping U.S. Total

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is witnessing a significant rise in measles cases, with 47 new infections reported over the weekend, bringing the province’s total confirmed cases to 1,454 as of July 20, surpassing the entire United States, which had recorded 1,309 cases by July 15. The outbreak remains concentrated in the south health zone, which includes Taber, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat, with 844 cases, accounting for nearly 60% of the total. The north zone follows with 443 cases, and the central zone has reported 108. In contrast, Alberta's major cities continue to see fewer cases. Calgary has reported 43 confirmed…
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Massive Tree Removal in Stanley Park Enters Final Phase Amid Looper Moth Infestation

Massive Tree Removal in Stanley Park Enters Final Phase Amid Looper Moth Infestation

Vancouver (Richa Walia) — The Vancouver Park Board is preparing to move forward with the final stage of a large-scale tree removal operation in Stanley Park, following years of ecological damage caused by a persistent Western hemlock looper moth infestation. The infestation, first identified in 2020, has severely impacted nearly one-third of the park's estimated 600,000 to 700,000 trees. So far, more than 11,000 trees have been removed since active mitigation work began in mid-2023.Officials say the removals are necessary to protect public safety. Many of the dead or dying trees pose a significant risk of falling and have heightened…
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Albertans Cutting Back on Booze, Leading the Nation in Cannabis Spending

Albertans Cutting Back on Booze, Leading the Nation in Cannabis Spending

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alcohol consumption is on a steady decline across Canada, but nowhere has the drop been more dramatic than in Alberta. Once leading the country in booze intake, Albertans are now drinking significantly less, the equivalent of a 4.5-litre Costco-sized vodka bottle per person less each year compared to 2008. In terms of beer, that’s 107 fewer brews annually per person. Back in 2008, Alberta topped the national charts with each adult (aged 15+) consuming 9.7 litres of pure alcohol. Fast forward to last year, and that figure has dropped to 7.6 litres, a decline of 1.9 litres,…
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First Nations Leaders Walk Out of Carney Meeting Over Concerns with Building Canada Act

First Nations Leaders Walk Out of Carney Meeting Over Concerns with Building Canada Act

Gatineau, Quebec (Rajeev Sharma): What was intended to be a conciliatory meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and First Nations leaders turned contentious on Thursday, as multiple Indigenous representatives walked out in protest over the Building Canada Act, citing deep concerns about violations of their rights and lack of genuine consultation. The meeting, held at the Canadian Museum of History, was meant to allay growing unease among Indigenous communities about the act, which was passed last month as part of Bill C-5. The legislation outlines a fast-track framework for infrastructure and resource development projects — including pipelines, mines, ports,…
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Canadian Premiers Convene in Ontario to Strategize Trade and Tariff Response

Canadian Premiers Convene in Ontario to Strategize Trade and Tariff Response

Muskoka, Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): As tensions rise over U.S. tariffs and internal trade barriers, Canada’s provincial and territorial leaders are gathering in Ontario’s picturesque Muskoka region for a three-day summit aimed at charting a coordinated economic response. The annual summer meeting of premiers, hosted this year by Ontario’s Doug Ford, comes as the country faces growing uncertainty in cross-border trade with the United States. The agenda is expected to revolve around escalating tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, as well as longstanding challenges within Canada’s own trade framework. Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to meet with the premiers on…
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Proposed $60M Settlement Reached in B.C. Solitary Confinement Class-Action Lawsuit

Proposed $60M Settlement Reached in B.C. Solitary Confinement Class-Action Lawsuit

Vancouver (Richa Walia): A proposed settlement worth up to $60 million has been reached in a class-action lawsuit concerning the alleged improper use of solitary confinement in British Columbia's correctional facilities. The Quebec-based law firm Proactio, which is administering the case, issued a statement on Saturday announcing the agreement, which still awaits approval from the B.C. Supreme Court. If approved, eligible claimants could receive up to $91,000 in compensation. The lawsuit accuses the B.C. government of violating the rights of inmates by subjecting them to prolonged solitary confinement, resulting in significant emotional, physical, and psychological harm. The class-action includes individuals…
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Calgary Police Investigate Suspicious Death in Downtown Residence

Calgary Police Investigate Suspicious Death in Downtown Residence

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Calgary Police Service’s homicide unit has launched an investigation into the suspicious death of a man found inside a downtown residence early Saturday morning. Officers responded to a call at approximately 7:45 a.m. at a home located in the 600 block of 10th Street S.W. Upon arrival, police discovered the body of a man inside the residence. The circumstances surrounding his death have led investigators to treat the case as suspicious. At this time, no arrests have been made, and police say the investigation remains active and ongoing. An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday to…
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Man Fatally Shot by Police After Allegedly Brandishing Gun During Pursuit: Alberta RCMP

Man Fatally Shot by Police After Allegedly Brandishing Gun During Pursuit: Alberta RCMP

Grande Prairie, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): A man was shot and killed by police in northwestern Alberta late Friday night after he allegedly pulled a firearm on officers during an encounter following an erratic chase, the RCMP confirmed Saturday. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), which oversees police conduct in the province, has launched an investigation into the incident. CBC News has reached out to ASIRT for independent verification. According to RCMP, the incident began shortly before midnight on a rural road near Grande Prairie. Officers on patrol noticed a vehicle being driven erratically and attempted to stop it. The…
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Kings XI Field Hockey Society to Host 28th Annual Protax Block Gold Cup in Calgary

Kings XI Field Hockey Society to Host 28th Annual Protax Block Gold Cup in Calgary

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Kings XI Field Hockey Society (F.H.C) has unveiled the poster for the 28th Annual King’s Protax Block Gold Cup, a premier field hockey tournament in Western Canada. Scheduled to take place from August 15th to 17th, 2025, at Hawkins Field, University of Calgary, the event promises to showcase top field hockey talent from across the region, offering captivating matches and a vibrant community spirit. Admission to the event is complimentary for all spectators, encouraging families, fans, and sports enthusiasts to attend and support local and visiting teams. In an interview with the National Times, Narinder Aujla…
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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Slams Jasper Wildfire Report, Demands Apology

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Slams Jasper Wildfire Report, Demands Apology

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is pushing back forcefully against a report commissioned by the Municipality of Jasper that criticizes her government's role in last summer’s wildfire response, calling the findings “politically motivated” and demanding a public apology. Speaking at a press conference in Edmonton on Friday, Smith said the report unfairly targeted the province and overlooked the collaborative efforts that helped save the mountain town from complete destruction. “I'm very disappointed that this report politicizes what actually should be a very successful example of unified command,” Smith said. “This report came as a shot out of the…
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