Canada

Half-Tonne Opium Bust at B.C. Port: Drug Smugglers’ Sophisticated Plot Crushed by CBSA

Half-Tonne Opium Bust at B.C. Port: Drug Smugglers’ Sophisticated Plot Crushed by CBSA

DELTA, B.C. (Rajeev Sharma): In a major blow to international drug trafficking networks, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has seized more than 520 kilograms of opium hidden inside industrial paper rolls at the Tsawwassen Container Examination Facility in Delta, British Columbia. The massive drug haul was uncovered after intelligence gathered by the CBSA’s National Targeting Centre, Pacific Regional Intelligence Section, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) identified a suspicious marine shipping container. When the shipment arrived for inspection, CBSA detector dog teams alerted officers to the possible presence of narcotics. A subsequent X-ray examination revealed abnormalities inside several…
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Alberta Launches 10-Year Cancer Care Blueprint to Improve Treatment and Patient Outcomes

Alberta Launches 10-Year Cancer Care Blueprint to Improve Treatment and Patient Outcomes

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has introduced a comprehensive long-term strategy aimed at transforming cancer care across the province, with a focus on faster diagnoses, improved access to treatment and stronger support for patients and families over the next decade. The newly unveiled Strategic Plan for Cancer 2036 outlines a vision for strengthening every stage of cancer care, from prevention and screening to treatment, recovery and long-term support services. Provincial officials say the initiative was shaped through extensive consultation with healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, caregivers and community organizations. The strategy comes at a time when demand for cancer services continues to…
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Surrey Police Charge Drug Trafficking Suspect After Major Drug Bust in Project Phantom

Surrey Police Charge Drug Trafficking Suspect After Major Drug Bust in Project Phantom

Surrey (Rajeev Sharma): Surrey Police Service (SPS) has announced arrests, charges, and significant drug seizures following a four-month investigation known as “Project Phantom,” targeting individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities in Surrey. The investigation began in February 2026 when SPS’s Prolific Offender Unit (POU) launched an operation into several individuals suspected of trafficking illegal drugs, including fentanyl. During the course of the investigation, officers gathered evidence linking alleged drug trafficking activities to a residence in Surrey. On May 21, 2026, POU detectives obtained and executed a search warrant under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) at the residence.…
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Thousands Gather as Rath Yatra Commences in Calgary with Message of Unity and Devotion

Thousands Gather as Rath Yatra Commences in Calgary with Message of Unity and Devotion

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The annual Rath Yatra commenced in Calgary with great enthusiasm and spiritual fervour as hundreds of devotees and community members gathered to participate in the colourful procession celebrating Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The event began with traditional prayers, devotional chanting, and cultural performances before the beautifully decorated chariots set out on their journey through the city. Devotees of all ages joined the procession, singing bhajans, dancing, and pulling the sacred chariots while spreading a message of peace, harmony, and universal brotherhood. Organizers said the Rath Yatra symbolizes the journey of faith and devotion and…
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Premier Smith and Mayor Farkas Clash Over Stampede Noise Rules as Cowboys Tent Debate Escalates

Premier Smith and Mayor Farkas Clash Over Stampede Noise Rules as Cowboys Tent Debate Escalates

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A political dispute has intensified between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas over newly implemented noise regulations and curfew restrictions affecting Stampede outdoor venues, including the Cowboys Music Festival, sparking a wider debate on nightlife, public safety, and neighbourhood impact. Mayor Jeromy Farkas has strongly defended the city’s decision to introduce stricter noise controls following hundreds of complaints received during the 2025 Stampede season. The new regulations require weekday concerts to end by midnight, reduce allowable decibel levels, and enforce a gradual step-down in sound throughout the night. The mayor stated that “no permit…
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Alberta Government Reverses Planned Alcohol Pricing Change for Bars and Restaurants

Alberta Government Reverses Planned Alcohol Pricing Change for Bars and Restaurants

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has stepped in to halt proposed changes to alcohol pricing in bars and restaurants, directing the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) to maintain the existing pricing structure. The move comes after concerns were raised about the potential impact of revised minimum pricing rules on businesses operating in the hospitality sector. Provincial officials said the decision was made to provide greater stability and predictability for both business owners and consumers. Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally announced that the government had instructed AGLC to immediately reverse the planned adjustment. He…
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Woman Shot by Police on Deerfoot Trail Dies; ASIRT Launches Investigation

Woman Shot by Police on Deerfoot Trail Dies; ASIRT Launches Investigation

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma) : A woman who was shot by a Calgary police officer during a confrontation on Deerfoot Trail Sunday afternoon has died in hospital, prompting an independent investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT). According to the Calgary Police Service, the woman had been evading police and driving dangerously across Calgary and surrounding areas for nearly 24 hours. Investigators say her actions included driving the wrong way on one-way streets, running red lights, and being involved in multiple collisions. The incident came to a head at approximately 4:17 p.m. when officers successfully boxed in the…
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Alberta Invites Public Feedback on Proposed Ardley Reservoir Project

Alberta Invites Public Feedback on Proposed Ardley Reservoir Project

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government has launched a public consultation process on a proposed reservoir near Ardley along the Red Deer River, seeking residents’ views on a project aimed at improving long-term water security across central Alberta. The initiative comes as the province looks for ways to address increasing pressure on water resources driven by population growth, economic expansion and recurring drought conditions. Officials say the proposed reservoir could play a key role in enhancing water storage capacity while also helping manage flood risks. Residents will be able to participate through a series of engagement opportunities, including community meetings, virtual…
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Alberta Strengthens Security Measures Ahead of Calgary Stampede

Alberta Strengthens Security Measures Ahead of Calgary Stampede

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta authorities are introducing enhanced security arrangements for this year’s Calgary Stampede, with provincial and municipal law enforcement agencies joining forces to improve public safety during one of Canada’s largest annual events. The initiative will see members of the Alberta Sheriffs and the Calgary Police Service working together under a newly established cooperation framework aimed at supporting crowd management and maintaining order throughout the festival period. Officials said the partnership marks a significant step in coordinating resources during the Stampede, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Canada and around the world each year. Dedicated…
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Canada Overhauls Refugee Framework with New Deadlines and Digital Processing Measures

Canada Overhauls Refugee Framework with New Deadlines and Digital Processing Measures

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a move aimed at improving the efficiency of its immigration system, Canada has introduced a fresh set of refugee and asylum regulations that seek to accelerate case processing while addressing a growing backlog of applications. The reforms, implemented through Bill C-12, introduce new timelines for claimants and expand administrative powers available to immigration authorities. One of the key changes requires individuals entering Canada through irregular border routes to submit asylum applications within a specified period after arrival. Officials say the measure is designed to ensure that protection claims are assessed promptly and to prevent lengthy delays…
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