Canada

Threatening Call Targeting Calgary Gurudwara Sparks Concern; Police Investigating Amid Rising Community Tensions

Threatening Call Targeting Calgary Gurudwara Sparks Concern; Police Investigating Amid Rising Community Tensions

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A reported threatening phone call targeting the Dashmesh Culture Centre in Calgary has prompted concern within the local Sikh community, with Calgary Police Service investigating the circumstances surrounding the communication. According to the Gurudwara committee, a call received on Saturday allegedly included a threat that a group of approximately 75 people would come to the Gurudwara and attempt to damage or demolish the building. The committee also alleges that the call contained racially offensive comments. The allegations have not been independently verified, and the identity and intentions of the caller have not been established. Gurudwara Chairman said…
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Alberta Hails Ottawa’s EV Mandate Reversal as “Victory” for Consumers

Alberta Hails Ottawa’s EV Mandate Reversal as “Victory” for Consumers

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter have welcomed the federal government’s decision to scrap its electric vehicle mandate, calling the move a significant win for Albertans and a reversal of a policy the province had strongly opposed. In a joint statement, Smith and Hunter said Alberta had consistently argued that the federal EV policy would raise costs for consumers and businesses while placing additional pressure on provincial electricity infrastructure. The Alberta government had previously identified the federal EV mandate among nine federal laws and policies it considered harmful to the province’s…
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Alberta Cracks Down on Illegal Lenders After Guilty Pleas and Fines

Alberta Cracks Down on Illegal Lenders After Guilty Pleas and Fines

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A major investigation into illegal lending practices targeting consumers in Alberta has resulted in several guilty pleas, financial penalties and court-imposed restrictions, following allegations of excessive interest rates, harassment and intimidation. The province’s Consumer Investigations Unit (CIU) began probing the activities in 2025 after receiving complaints from consumers. Investigators found that some Quebec-based businesses were presenting themselves as legitimate lenders while allegedly offering loans at unlawful rates and using aggressive methods to recover money from borrowers. Authorities also uncovered the use of Telephony Denial of Service (TDoS) attacks. The technique was allegedly used to flood telephone systems…
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Alberta Welcomes Ontario Court Ruling on Bike Lanes, Says Minister

Alberta Welcomes Ontario Court Ruling on Bike Lanes, Says Minister

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has welcomed a recent Ontario Court of Appeal ruling concerning bike lanes, saying the decision reinforces the authority of elected governments to determine transportation policies in the public interest. Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen said the ruling supports the principle that governments can make changes to transportation infrastructure according to the needs of their communities. In a statement issued Saturday, Dreeshen said the court's decision was a positive development for elected governments and argued that there is no constitutional entitlement to a bike lane. The minister said Alberta's transportation policies would…
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Alberta Welcomes Oil Producers’ Backing for Proposed West Coast Pipeline

Alberta Welcomes Oil Producers’ Backing for Proposed West Coast Pipeline

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean has welcomed a commitment from oil producers to support the development of a proposed pipeline linking Alberta’s energy sector with Canada’s west coast. Jean issued the statement after the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (EPAC) wrote to the federal government on August 14, outlining the expected participation of its members in the proposed project. According to the minister, EPAC indicated that a significant number of its upstream oil-producing companies are expected to commit volumes to the pipeline. The association represents producers responsible for more than 40 per cent of…
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INDIYEAH FEST 2026: Calgary’s Indian Community Unites for Indian Independence Day

INDIYEAH FEST 2026: Calgary’s Indian Community Unites for Indian Independence Day

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): More than 21 Indian associations and community organizations are joining forces on August 15 to celebrate Indian Independence Day through INDIYEAH FEST 2026, bringing Calgary’s diverse Indian community together on one platform. In an interview with National Times, representatives from various Indian organizations said the celebration reflects the unity, togetherness and collective strength of Calgary’s Indian community. They emphasized that coming together and standing by one another sends a strong message of community solidarity. The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) will also participate in the event, including the community walk. Organizers say this marks the first…
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Alberta Launches 100-Year Plan to Secure Water Supply Amid Population and Economic Growth

Alberta Launches 100-Year Plan to Secure Water Supply Amid Population and Economic Growth

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is beginning work on a long-term strategy aimed at ensuring the province has enough reliable water to meet the needs of communities, agriculture and industry over the next century. The provincial government has issued a request for proposals for a white paper on Alberta’s long-term water security, seeking practical and innovative ways to increase water availability and improve how the resource is managed. The initiative comes as Alberta's population and economy continue to expand, increasing demand for water across municipalities, farms, agri-food operations and industries. Study to examine major water infrastructure The proposed white paper will…
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Alberta Invests $1.5 Million to Expand Whitecourt Newsprint Mill, Create New Jobs

Alberta Invests $1.5 Million to Expand Whitecourt Newsprint Mill, Create New Jobs

Whitecourt (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is putting more than $1.5 million toward the expansion of Alberta Newsprint Company’s Whitecourt facility, backing an almost $50-million modernization project aimed at strengthening the province’s forestry industry and creating new employment opportunities. The funding is being provided through Alberta’s Investment and Growth Fund. The expansion is expected to allow the mill to produce multiple grades of paper and move into higher-value products, helping the company respond to changing market demand. Expansion to create 13 permanent jobs The project is expected to generate 13 permanent full-time positions along with 25 temporary construction jobs during…
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“WE WERE TOLD TO KEEP PROTESTING, BUT WHEN CBSA AND POLICE ARRIVED, NO ONE CAME”: PORTAGE STUDENTS QUESTION SUPPORT BEHIND 20-DAY PROTEST FOR JUSTICE

“WE WERE TOLD TO KEEP PROTESTING, BUT WHEN CBSA AND POLICE ARRIVED, NO ONE CAME”: PORTAGE STUDENTS QUESTION SUPPORT BEHIND 20-DAY PROTEST FOR JUSTICE

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A protest for justice involving international students and graduates linked to Portage College has entered its 20th day, following a significant development on the previous day when Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers and the Calgary Police Service attended the demonstration. The protest, which began over refused Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications, took a dramatic turn on its 19th day. According to information provided to National Times, CBSA officers conducted immigration-status checks and reportedly served some individuals with “Notice to Appear” documents under subsection 44(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). The exact number of…
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Oversized Load to Cause Delays Between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan

Oversized Load to Cause Delays Between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Motorists travelling between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan may face delays over the next few days as a super-heavy, oversized load makes its way along a designated route, authorities said. The massive shipment is scheduled to begin its journey from Dacro in Edmonton late Wednesday, August 12, before continuing towards its destination near Fort Saskatchewan. Because of its exceptional size and weight, the load will travel at a maximum speed of 30 km/h. Guide vehicles will accompany the convoy throughout the movement. The load will operate below the posted speed limits and, where required, occupy the full width…
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