Canada

Alberta Honours 25 Community Justice Champions at Lethbridge Ceremony

Alberta Honours 25 Community Justice Champions at Lethbridge Ceremony

Lethbridge (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta has recognized 25 individuals for their contributions to safer, stronger and more resilient communities through this year’s Community Justice Awards. The biennial awards honour people whose work spans a wide range of community and justice services. Recipients include police officers, lawyers, correctional workers, victim advocates, youth volunteers and emergency management professionals. The awards were presented during a ceremony in Lethbridge on October 2, highlighting the efforts of Albertans working to support victims, prevent crime and violence, strengthen access to justice and prepare communities for emergencies. Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis said the awards…
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Alberta Invests $5 Million to Upgrade AUArts as University Marks 100 Years

Alberta Invests $5 Million to Upgrade AUArts as University Marks 100 Years

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is providing $5 million to Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) to modernize its facilities and improve learning opportunities as the institution marks its centennial year. The funding will support upgrades to classrooms and teaching areas, while creating additional spaces where students can study, collaborate and work on creative projects. The investment will also bring new computers, projectors, sound equipment and specialized digital technology to the university. The announcement comes following this year’s Alberta Culture Days celebrations, which highlighted the role of arts, culture and creativity in communities across the province. Advanced Education Minister Myles…
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Todd Schierling Launches Delta North Campaign with Community Leaders and Door-Knocking Initiative

Todd Schierling Launches Delta North Campaign with Community Leaders and Door-Knocking Initiative

Delta (Richa Walia): Todd Schierling, BC NDP candidate for Delta North in the 2026 provincial election, held a campaign launch event followed by a door-knocking initiative, bringing together party representatives, community leaders, campaign volunteers and supporters. The gathering was attended by Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta North and provincial minister; Harry Bains, former provincial minister and longtime MLA for Surrey; and Sahib Thind, who was associated with an upcoming announcement concerning Surrey North. Todd Schierling, a veteran firefighter and community volunteer, serves as President of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association and as a Suppression Fire Captain with Surrey Fire…
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Alberta Pharmacy Rules Change as New Drug and Dispensing Measures Take Effect

Alberta Pharmacy Rules Change as New Drug and Dispensing Measures Take Effect

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Several changes affecting pharmacy services, prescription dispensing and drug coverage have come into force across Alberta, with new rules taking effect October 1. The updated framework is designed to reduce unnecessary pharmacy visits for people taking long-term medications while maintaining more frequent dispensing for patients who require closer pharmacist supervision. Under the new system, Albertans with stable, ongoing prescriptions can receive up to a three-month supply at a time. The change is expected to reduce the number of trips patients need to make to pharmacies and lower the frequency of dispensing charges over the course of a…
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BBDA Hosts Community Dialogue on Burnaby Development, Growth and Property Rights

BBDA Hosts Community Dialogue on Burnaby Development, Growth and Property Rights

Burnaby (Amrit Dhot): The Burnaby Builders and Developers Association (BBDA), a non-profit advocacy organization, hosted an evening of discussion focused on development, urban growth and property rights, bringing together community members and stakeholders to discuss issues shaping Burnaby’s neighbourhoods. The event, held at Royal Palace Banquet Hall, 7845 Edmonds Street, Burnaby, featured Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley as the special guest. Organized by the Burnaby Builders and Developers Association, the gathering provided an opportunity for attendees to engage in conversations about the city’s development priorities, neighbourhood growth and the importance of protecting property rights. The event’s central theme, “An Evening on…
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ASIRT Probes RCMP Response After 47-Year-Old Man Dies at Whitecourt Hotel

ASIRT Probes RCMP Response After 47-Year-Old Man Dies at Whitecourt Hotel

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is examining the circumstances surrounding the death of a 47-year-old man following an interaction with RCMP officers at a hotel in Whitecourt. The incident occurred late on September 17, when Whitecourt RCMP were called to a local hotel shortly after 11:30 p.m. Police had been responding to a report concerning a man who was believed to be intoxicated. Officers arriving at the property found the man unconscious in a hallway. They learned that he was a long-term resident of the hotel and, with assistance from hotel staff, gained access to…
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CentreBC Backs Pacific Link Pipeline, Pledges $60 Million for Skilled Trades

CentreBC Backs Pacific Link Pipeline, Pledges $60 Million for Skilled Trades

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko has welcomed the federal government’s decision to designate the proposed Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest, while announcing a commitment to increase funding for skilled-trades training in British Columbia by $60 million. Sturko said the large-scale energy project could bring significant investment and employment opportunities to the province, making workforce preparation an important part of ensuring local residents can benefit from the construction and related economic activity. The Pacific Link pipeline is expected to carry as much as one million barrels of crude oil each day from Alberta to a…
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Alberta Hails Pacific Link Pipeline Listing as Project of National Interest

Alberta Hails Pacific Link Pipeline Listing as Project of National Interest

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has welcomed the federal government’s decision to designate the proposed Pacific Link oil pipeline as a project of national interest, calling the move an important step toward expanding Canada’s energy infrastructure and access to international markets. In a statement issued October 1, Smith said the designation under the Building Canada Act could strengthen Canada’s energy security while creating new economic opportunities for Alberta and other parts of the country. The proposed pipeline is expected to have the capacity to transport one million barrels of oil per day to Canada’s west coast. The project…
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Jee Aayan Nu Presents Diwali – Festival of Lights in Aldergrove

Jee Aayan Nu Presents Diwali – Festival of Lights in Aldergrove

Langley (Richa Walia): Aldergrove will come alive with the colours, music and traditions of Diwali on Saturday, October 24, 2026, as Jee Aayan Nu presents Diwali – Festival of Lights. The special evening will support the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society, combining cultural celebration, family entertainment and an opportunity to give back to an important local cause. Speaking with National Times, Sunita Sharma and Seema Dubey shared details of the event and highlighted its focus on bringing families and friends together while supporting a meaningful cause. The event begins at 6:30 PM at Langley Banquet Hall, 3227 264 Street…
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Rangtaali 2.0 Dandiya Night 2026 Set to Bring Music, Dance and Culture to Port Coquitlam

Rangtaali 2.0 Dandiya Night 2026 Set to Bring Music, Dance and Culture to Port Coquitlam

Port Coquitlam (Richa Walia): The festive spirit is set to take over Port Coquitlam as PTDance Company, founded by Preeti Singh in 2022, presents Rangtaali 2.0 – Dandiya Night 2026 on Sunday, October 25. The event promises an energetic evening of Garba, Dandiya, music, dance and Indian cultural celebration, bringing families and friends together for an evening of joy, entertainment and tradition. Speaking with National Times, Preeti Singh shared details of the upcoming event and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for people to come together, celebrate cultural traditions and enjoy an evening of music and dance. The event will…
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