Canada

Canada PM Mark Carney to Visit India: A Strategic Reset in Bilateral Ties

Canada PM Mark Carney to Visit India: A Strategic Reset in Bilateral Ties

Ottawa/New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to arrive in India on February 26, marking his first official visit to the South Asian nation since taking office in March last year. This high-profile diplomatic mission signals a significant turnaround in a relationship that reached a historic low during the tenure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. For years, bilateral ties were strained by several contentious issues, most notably India’s concerns regarding Canada’s handling of elements supporting the Khalistani agenda on its soil. The visit is the opening leg of a broader three-nation Indo-Pacific tour that will…
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Golden Homecoming: Brad Jacobs Leads Canada to Men’s Curling Glory at Milan Cortina

Golden Homecoming: Brad Jacobs Leads Canada to Men’s Curling Glory at Milan Cortina

Milan (Rajeev Sharma): In a dramatic display of precision and composure, Brad Jacobs skipped his Calgary-based rink to an Olympic gold medal on Saturday, defeating Great Britain’s Bruce Mouat 9-6 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. The victory marks a return to the top of the podium for the Canadian men's program and secures a second Olympic gold for Jacobs, who previously won the title in 2014. The final was a tactical heavyweight bout between the world's top two teams. Facing a raucous, pro-British crowd, the Canadian foursome of Jacobs, Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert navigated a back-and-forth…
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Nestlé Enters Advanced Talks to Sell Remaining Ice Cream Business to Froneri

Nestlé Enters Advanced Talks to Sell Remaining Ice Cream Business to Froneri

London, Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): In a strategic shift to simplify its global portfolio, Nestlé has announced it is in advanced negotiations to sell the remainder of its ice cream business to Froneri, its long-standing joint venture partner. The deal, which includes operations in Canada, Asia, and parts of Latin America, marks a definitive move by the Swiss food giant to exit the direct management of a category it now deems a "distraction." The potential sale specifically impacts the Canadian market, including the significant production facility in London, Ontario. Employing over 750 people, the London plant on Wilton Grove Road has…
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“Alberta is Canada” Rallies Draw Hundreds Amid Resurgent Separatist Debate

“Alberta is Canada” Rallies Draw Hundreds Amid Resurgent Separatist Debate

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharama): In defiance of freezing -20°C temperatures, hundreds of Albertans gathered on Saturday at city halls in Calgary, Edmonton, and Medicine Hat to voice their opposition to the province's burgeoning sovereignty movement. The "Alberta is Canada" rallies served as a grassroots counter-response to the Alberta Prosperity Project and the "Stay Free Alberta" petition, which is currently seeking signatures to trigger a referendum on independence. The demonstrations featured a diverse coalition of voices, ranging from Indigenous advocates to queer community organizers. Nicole Johnston, an Indigenous advocate and event organizer, emphasized that any path toward separation is profoundly complicated by…
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Danielle Smith Pushes for Quebec-Style Immigration Powers as Referendum Debate Intensifies

Danielle Smith Pushes for Quebec-Style Immigration Powers as Referendum Debate Intensifies

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith is standing firm on her call for Alberta to gain greater authority over immigration, drawing both support and sharp criticism as the province prepares for a fall referendum that includes several immigration-related questions. Speaking during her weekend radio program, Smith defended proposals that would significantly alter how newcomers access provincial services. The measures form part of a broader nine-question referendum scheduled for October, which the government says will give Albertans direct input on key policy directions. Proposed Changes to Services and Voting Rules Among the questions voters will consider is whether individuals with temporary…
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Alberta Unveils Sweeping Nine-Question Referendum, Stirring Debate Over Scope and Intent

Alberta Unveils Sweeping Nine-Question Referendum, Stirring Debate Over Scope and Intent

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is heading into unfamiliar political territory after Premier Danielle Smith announced a wide-ranging referendum that will place nine separate questions before voters this fall — a move rarely seen in Canadian history. Set for Oct. 19, the ballot will ask Albertans to weigh in on issues spanning immigration policy, provincial autonomy and potential constitutional reforms. The governing United Conservative Party (UCP) says the initiative is designed to give residents a stronger voice in shaping how the province responds to federal decisions. During a televised address, Smith framed the referendum as a safeguard against what she described…
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Ontario and Western Provinces Fast-Track Early Alcohol Sales for Olympic Gold Medal Final

Ontario and Western Provinces Fast-Track Early Alcohol Sales for Olympic Gold Medal Final

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): In a rare move to accommodate sports fans across the country, the Ontario government has announced that bars and restaurants may begin serving alcohol as early as 6:00 a.m. ET this Sunday. The temporary policy shift, announced by Premier Doug Ford, comes just in time for the Canadian men’s hockey team’s gold medal showdown against the United States at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. The decision followed a dramatic 3-2 semifinal victory over Finland, secured by a late-game goal from star forward Nathan MacKinnon. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) clarified that this provincial edict applies…
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A New Chapter for PHAC: Dr. Joss Reimer Takes the Helm as Canada’s Top Doctor

A New Chapter for PHAC: Dr. Joss Reimer Takes the Helm as Canada’s Top Doctor

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The federal government has officially appointed Dr. Joss Reimer as Canada’s next Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO), filling a high-profile vacancy left by Dr. Theresa Tam's retirement last June. Dr. Reimer, a veteran physician and former President of the Canadian Medical Association, was formally introduced by Health Minister Marjorie Michel on Friday. She is slated to begin her three-year term on April 1, 2026, assuming leadership of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) during a period of mounting clinical and social challenges. Dr. Reimer is widely recognized for her previous role as the medical lead for…
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National Times Media Dedicates March to Women Empowerment, Announces Special Feature on Women Entrepreneurs

National Times Media Dedicates March to Women Empowerment, Announces Special Feature on Women Entrepreneurs

Calgary (Arvind): National Times Media has announced a special initiative titled “Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs March Special” in honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, with a focus on women empowerment and business leadership. The campaign invites female entrepreneurs and business owners to participate in an exclusive interview and business promotion segment, which will be featured across National Times Media’s digital platforms and in its print edition. The initiative is being offered as a 100 % free promotion with no charges, aimed at inspiring and empowering women in business. Interested participants can register by emailing nationaltimesab@gmail.com after which the organizing…
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Canada Fast-Tracks Gulfstream Certifications Amid Escalating Trade Tensions with U.S.

Canada Fast-Tracks Gulfstream Certifications Amid Escalating Trade Tensions with U.S.

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian government has officially moved to approve a select number of Gulfstream business jets for operation, a decision that arrives during a period of intense diplomatic friction between Ottawa and Washington. This regulatory shift follows recent threats from the Trump administration involving significant cross-border tariffs and the potential de-certification of various trade agreements. The approval by Transport Canada marks a strategic pivot in the nation’s aviation oversight, as officials navigate a complex landscape of economic pressure and industrial necessity. Historically, the certification process for high-end American aerospace products in Canada has been a meticulous and often…
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