Canada

PM Mark Carney, President Emmanuel Macron Discuss Gaza Crisis and Two-State Solution

PM Mark Carney, President Emmanuel Macron Discuss Gaza Crisis and Two-State Solution

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney held a call today with French President Emmanuel Macron to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for coordinated global action to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East. During their conversation, Prime Minister Carney commended President Macron for his leadership in advancing dialogue on the two-state solution, particularly through France’s recent collaboration with Saudi Arabia to convene the United Nations High-Level Conference on a Two-State Solution. The two leaders explored the next steps required to build on the commitments made at the conference earlier this week. Prime…
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Canada to Recognize Palestinian State, Announces Prime Minister Mark Carney

Canada to Recognize Palestinian State, Announces Prime Minister Mark Carney

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. In a landmark statement issued on Tuesday, Carney emphasized that Canada remains committed to a two-state solution, describing it as “an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.” However, Carney noted that the traditional path toward a two-state solution has become “no longer tenable,” citing factors such as Hamas terrorism, ongoing settlement expansion in the West Bank…
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Alberta Invests $1.3M to Protect and Sustain Rangelands for Future Generations

Alberta Invests $1.3M to Protect and Sustain Rangelands for Future Generations

Edmonton: The Government of Alberta has announced a $1.3 million investment under the Rangeland Sustainability Program (RSP) to safeguard the province’s rangelands, ensuring their health, biodiversity, and long-term resilience. The funding will support academic institutions, Indigenous organizations, non-profits, and grazing associations in developing innovative solutions for sustainable rangeland management. Projects include adaptive grazing practices, grassland bird and bee biodiversity conservation, education initiatives, and community outreach. “Our rangelands are an important natural asset, providing food for livestock, supporting rural communities and helping conserve Alberta’s biodiversity. Managing them responsibly benefits all Albertans and expands recreational access,”said Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and…
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Retired RCMP Officer Charged with Aggravated Assault in 2019 Eckville Shooting

Retired RCMP Officer Charged with Aggravated Assault in 2019 Eckville Shooting

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has charged a retired RCMP officer with aggravated assault following a 2019 shooting incident in Eckville, Alberta. On April 6, 2019, ASIRT was directed by the Director of Law Enforcement to investigate an RCMP shooting that left a vehicle occupant injured after being shot in the cheek during a stolen property investigation. ASIRT’s investigation concluded there were reasonable grounds to believe an offence had been committed. The case was then referred to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS), which determined the evidence met the standard for prosecution. As a result,…
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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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