Canada

Premier Danielle Smith is heading to Montreal and Ottawa from April 9 to 11

Premier Danielle Smith is heading to Montreal and Ottawa from April 9 to 11

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith is heading to Montreal and Ottawa from April 9 to 11 to explore avenues to enhance interprovincial and international trade and investment ties. While in Montreal, Premier Smith will be focused on building connections and opportunities between Alberta and Quebec in meetings with Quebec-based private sector leaders in energy, manufacturing, aviation and transportation. Discussions will be centered on highlighting Alberta as a partner of choice for trade and investment, as well as identifying opportunities to remove red tape and barriers to interprovincial trade. “As a nation, we are facing a great amount of uncertainty…
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Alberta’s Education Minister Proposes changes to Education Act

Alberta’s Education Minister Proposes changes to Education Act

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides has proposed changes to the Education Act that would respond to changes in the education system and respond to feedback from Albertans. If passed, the Education Amendment Act, 2025, would respond to feedback from parents and education partners. These changes would reflect the wide range of programming that private schools offer, strengthen democratic accountability in school boards, and increase clarity and efficiency in the teacher discipline process. If passed, the act would also align school board and francophone school boards’ joint use and planning agreement requirements with their municipal partners. Finally, changes to the Education…
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Alberta proposes amendments to modernize and streamline municipal processes

Alberta proposes amendments to modernize and streamline municipal processes

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring that Albertans’ local governments are strong and collaborative and that their investments in new homes are protected. That is why Alberta’s government is proposing amendments through the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 to modernize and streamline municipal processes in the Local Authorities Election Act, the Municipal Government Act, and the New Home Buyer Protection Act. These amendments build upon previous legislative changes. “We’re proposing updates to legislation to ensure that Albertans’ local governments deliver them the best results by working collaboratively, and that their investments in new homes are protected. Our proposed amendments are based off…
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Alberta’s Ethnocultural Grant Program supports community-driven multicultural initiatives across province

Alberta’s Ethnocultural Grant Program supports community-driven multicultural initiatives across province

Calgary (National Times): Alberta’s government is committed to fostering a province where people from all backgrounds are valued and respected. One way of doing this is through the Ethnocultural Grant Program that supports vibrant and welcoming multicultural communities. Budget 2025 provides $12 million over three years to continue promoting cross-cultural knowledge and understanding while celebrating and supporting cultural diversity and Indigenous cultures. “Alberta is filled with vibrant, multicultural communities, and these grants support community-led initiatives that provide many ethnocultural groups with the opportunity to share their unique heritage with Albertans. This is multiculturalism in action.”Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Immigration and…
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Alberta Govt Advancing cancer care and organ tissue services

Alberta Govt Advancing cancer care and organ tissue services

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is ensuring that key health care services are well supported within the new refocused health care system. Significant progress has been made to achieve the goal of providing better care to all Albertans, no matter where they live. Three of the four provincial health agencies are now operational: Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, and Recovery Alberta. Assisted Living Alberta will be operational later this year. As the work to transition AHS to a hospital-based service provider under the oversight of Acute Care Alberta continues, Alberta’s government is taking additional steps to ensure that Alberta’s…
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Mark Carney Counters Harper’s Remarks, Highlights His Role in Managing 2008 Economic Turmoil

Mark Carney Counters Harper’s Remarks, Highlights His Role in Managing 2008 Economic Turmoil

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal leader Mark Carney responded firmly on Tuesday after former Prime Minister Stephen Harper downplayed his economic leadership during a political rally supporting Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Speaking at a campaign event in Edmonton on Monday night, Harper drew comparisons between Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre, both of whom previously served under his government. Harper voiced his preference for Poilievre, stating that he himself managed Canada's response to the 2008 financial crisis, implying Mark Carney overstated his own involvement. However, Mark Carney, who served as Governor of the Bank of Canada during the…
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Canada Federal Elections 2025: Gujaratis Step Into Canadian Politics

Canada Federal Elections 2025: Gujaratis Step Into Canadian Politics

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): While Canada prepares for its 45th federal election on April 28, 2025, the Indian diaspora has started to play an influential role in the nation’s politics. This year marks a significant shift in development, as candidates of Gujarati origin are making their electoral debut, while Punjabi politicians look to secure another term in office. The Indian-origin communities in Canada represent a vibrant tapestry of cultures, including Punjabis, Gujaratis, Malayalis, and Bengalis. While many Indian immigrants have established themselves in Canada through skilled professions or academic pursuits, Punjabis and Gujaratis are particularly prominent in entrepreneurial and business circles.…
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Canada Enforces 25% Tariff on Select US Vehicle Imports Amid Trade Tensions

Canada Enforces 25% Tariff on Select US Vehicle Imports Amid Trade Tensions

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canada has officially started enforcing a 25 percent tariff on certain automobile imports from the United States, marking a significant development amid the ongoing trade dispute with Washington. The tariff's enforcement took effect just after midnight on Wednesday. It is reportedly a direct response to US tariffs imposed under the administration of President Donald Trump. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne issued a statement on Tuesday, stating Canada’s resolve: “Our government will continue to push back strongly against any unjustified and unreasonable trade actions.” The new tariff, initially unveiled by Prime Minister Mark Carney last week, targets vehicles imported…
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Canada Increases Minimum Wage, A Huge Relief for Indian Workers and Students

Canada Increases Minimum Wage, A Huge Relief for Indian Workers and Students

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): In a move aimed at easing financial pressure amid soaring living costs, the Canadian government has announced a major relief for Indian workers and students through an increase in the federal minimum wage. The decision is expected to particularly benefit the large Indian diaspora residing in the country. Effective from April 1, the hourly federal minimum wage for employees in federally regulated private-sector jobs has been increased from CAD 17.30 to CAD 17.75. The 2.4 percent hike showcases Canada’s efforts to adjust wages in line with inflation, as determined by the annual Consumer Price Index. Steven MacKinnon,…
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Mark Carney Visits Calgary to Support Liberal Candidates

Mark Carney Visits Calgary to Support Liberal Candidates

Calgary, (Rajeev Sharma): Liberal Party leader Mark Carney made a high-profile stop in Calgary today as part of his national tour to boost Liberal candidates ahead of the federal election on April 28. With a public event set for 7:30 PM MDT and doors opening an hour earlier, the visit marks a strategic effort to energize local supporters and flip traditionally conservative ridings.Carney, who recently took over the Liberal leadership, is banking on his reputation as a steady economic voice to rally undecided voters. His Calgary appearance follows campaign stops in Vancouver earlier this week, where he emphasized economic resilience…
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