Canada

Lethbridge Home Ordered Closed After Year-Long Probe Into Alleged Drug Activity

Lethbridge Home Ordered Closed After Year-Long Probe Into Alleged Drug Activity

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A residential property in north Lethbridge has been shut down by Alberta Sheriffs after authorities linked it to ongoing suspected drug-related activity, following a lengthy investigation triggered by complaints from local residents. The action was taken under the province’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) program, which secured a court order requiring the home at 1226 13 Avenue North to remain closed for 90 days beginning July 7. The closure is scheduled to remain in effect until October 5, while additional conditions imposed by the court will continue through October 2028. The investigation began in March 2025 after…
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Foreign Crime Networks Face U.S. Crackdown as B.C. Communities Demand Stronger Action Against Extortion Gangs

Foreign Crime Networks Face U.S. Crackdown as B.C. Communities Demand Stronger Action Against Extortion Gangs

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): A major law enforcement crackdown in the United States targeting alleged international organized crime networks has reignited concerns over the growing threat of extortion, intimidation and targeted violence affecting communities in British Columbia, especially in Surrey and the Lower Mainland. The latest action by U.S. authorities against individuals accused of involvement in transnational criminal activities has drawn strong reactions from B.C. opposition leaders, who say the move highlights the need for a more aggressive approach to organized crime investigations and prosecutions within the province. For years, South Asian communities and local business owners in parts of…
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Alberta and Ontario Unite for Northern Shield Corridor, Europe in Sight

Alberta and Ontario Unite for Northern Shield Corridor, Europe in Sight

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): In a bold move that could reshape Canada’s energy map for decades, Alberta and Ontario have joined forces to advance the proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor, a major pipeline initiative designed to move Alberta crude oil eastward to Ontario refineries and eventually open new export routes to Europe through Atlantic ports. Premier Danielle Smith described the corridor as a nation building project that would strengthen Canada’s energy independence, create thousands of jobs, and reduce the country’s reliance on the United States as the dominant gateway for Canadian oil exports. She said the project represents an opportunity for…
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Calgary Stampede Faces New Challenge: Attendance Drops as Rising Costs and Changing Visitor Habits Spark Debate

Calgary Stampede Faces New Challenge: Attendance Drops as Rising Costs and Changing Visitor Habits Spark Debate

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Calgary Stampede, one of Canada’s most celebrated cultural events, has entered the spotlight this year as early attendance numbers show a decline compared with 2025, raising questions about affordability, visitor experience and the future direction of the iconic festival. Stampede officials reported that 327,456 people attended during the first three days of the 2026 festival, compared with 338,971 visitors during the same period in 2025, marking a decrease of more than 11,000 attendees. The slowdown comes after a record-breaking period, with last year’s Stampede welcoming nearly 1.47 million visitors, close to the all-time attendance record set…
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From Community Celebration to Political Controversy: Redstone Stampede Breakfast Draws Thousands, Ends in Dispute

From Community Celebration to Political Controversy: Redstone Stampede Breakfast Draws Thousands, Ends in Dispute

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma) : A successful community celebration that brought together nearly 6,000 residents at the Redstone Community Association’s Stampede Breakfast became the centre of a political discussion after a disagreement emerged between organizers and NDP MLA Gurinder Brar over event protocol, stage scheduling, and political representation. The annual Stampede Breakfast was attended by thousands of families, volunteers, community leaders, elected representatives, and dignitaries. The event featured live music, breakfast, family activities, and opportunities for residents to meet Alberta Premier Denielle Smith, Calgary’s Mayor Jeromy Farkas, Dy. Police Chief Asif Rashid and other public officials. Organizers described the gathering…
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Citizen Initiative Petition on Alberta Independence Enters Verification Stage After Court Order

Citizen Initiative Petition on Alberta Independence Enters Verification Stage After Court Order

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The process of verifying signatures collected for Alberta’s proposed independence referendum officially began on July 6, following a direction from the Court of Appeal that allowed Elections Alberta to move ahead with the review while legal proceedings continue. The petition, titled “A Referendum Relating to Alberta Independence,” seeks public support for a constitutional referendum asking whether Alberta should separate from Canada and become an independent state. Although the proposal remains the subject of an ongoing legal challenge, the court has instructed the province’s election authority to complete the signature verification process and report its findings. The petition…
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Alberta Emerges as AI Leader After Reinventing Government Technology; Shares Open Blueprint with Other Governments

Alberta Emerges as AI Leader After Reinventing Government Technology; Shares Open Blueprint with Other Governments

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has positioned itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence adoption in the public sector after using AI-powered systems to overhaul decades-old government technology in a fraction of the time traditionally required. The provincial government has also made its transformation model publicly available, inviting governments worldwide to adopt similar practices. According to the Alberta government, the initiative has modernised critical digital infrastructure that supports essential public services, including emergency response, registries, social benefit programs and cybersecurity. Officials say tasks that once demanded years of manual effort can now be completed within hours using advanced AI tools. As…
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Alberta Backs Proposed Cross-Canada Oil Pipeline, Says Project Will Boost Energy Security and Economic Growth

Alberta Backs Proposed Cross-Canada Oil Pipeline, Says Project Will Boost Energy Security and Economic Growth

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has welcomed Ontario's proposal for a new cross-country oil pipeline, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening Canada's energy network and improving access to domestic and international markets. The proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor would connect Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia, Ontario, creating a route of approximately 3,300 kilometres. The project is intended to transport Alberta crude directly to refineries in eastern Canada while also improving export opportunities through ports connected to international shipping routes. In a statement issued on Monday, Smith said the initiative would support Alberta's long-term objective of increasing oil…
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Alberta Boosts Highway 63 Repair Budget with $15 Million Allocation for Maintenance

Alberta Boosts Highway 63 Repair Budget with $15 Million Allocation for Maintenance

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has announced a major increase in funding for the maintenance of Highway 63, committing $15 million specifically for repairs on the crucial route as part of a broader expansion of the province’s highway maintenance budget. In a statement released on Saturday, Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen said the government is responding to public concerns over deteriorating road conditions and acknowledged the advocacy of Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Brian Jean and Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Tany Yao. The province is adding more than $22.4 million to its overall highway maintenance program, representing…
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Canadian Police Tighten Crackdown on Punjabi-Origin Gangster; Extortion, Drugs and Illegal Arms Case Widens

Canadian Police Tighten Crackdown on Punjabi-Origin Gangster; Extortion, Drugs and Illegal Arms Case Widens

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian authorities have intensified their action against a Punjabi-origin man accused of being part of an organised crime network after fresh investigations allegedly uncovered his links to extortion, illegal firearms and stolen luxury vehicles. The accused, who had earlier secured bail in a weapons and narcotics case, has now been arrested again and handed over to investigators in Ontario. The accused, identified as Safaldeep Singh, first came under police scrutiny after officers stopped a speeding vehicle in Edmonton during a routine patrol. What initially appeared to be a traffic violation soon turned into a major criminal investigation…
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