Canada

Alberta Announces Nearly $21 Million to Strengthen Support for Sexual Violence Survivors

Alberta Announces Nearly $21 Million to Strengthen Support for Sexual Violence Survivors

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has announced nearly $21 million in funding to expand specialized services for people affected by sexual violence and abuse, with investments aimed at improving access to support for survivors, children, youth and families across the province. As part of the funding package, the government will provide $17 million to 15 sexual assault centres and the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services. The allocation includes an additional $3.3 million towards the province's commitment to increase funding for sexual assault centres by $10 million by 2028-29. The province is also committing $3.7 million in annual funding…
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Sikh Truck Driver Attacked at Edmonton Walmart, Police Probe Possible Hate-Motivated Assault

Sikh Truck Driver Attacked at Edmonton Walmart, Police Probe Possible Hate-Motivated Assault

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): An alleged assault on a Sikh truck driver inside a Walmart store in Edmonton has triggered concern within the Sikh community, with police examining the incident as a possible hate-motivated offence. The victim has been identified as Talwinder Singh Atwal, a British Columbia-based truck driver who was in Edmonton for work. The incident reportedly took place on August 6 at the Walmart Supercentre on Tamarack Way. Footage of the confrontation later appeared on social media, bringing the case into public focus. According to details emerging from the incident, Atwal was allegedly confronted by a man and a…
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Toronto Man Accused of Armed Sexual Assault and Illegal Recording Surrenders to Police

Toronto Man Accused of Armed Sexual Assault and Illegal Recording Surrenders to Police

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): A 21-year-old Toronto man accused of recording a sexual assault at gunpoint earlier this summer has surrendered to authorities, Toronto Police confirmed. The suspect, identified as Devon Plooard, turned himself in to police on Monday following an active search for his whereabouts. The investigation began over the weekend when officers responded to a sexual assault call in the area of Gerrard Street East and Coxwell Avenue. During the initial inquiry, investigators learned that the suspect had allegedly sexually assaulted a victim back in May. Police allege that during the May incident, the suspect produced a firearm, pointed…
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Ontario Wildfire Season Reaches Historic Record as Crews Make Progress on Out-of-Control Blazes

Ontario Wildfire Season Reaches Historic Record as Crews Make Progress on Out-of-Control Blazes

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris reported that provincial emergency response crews are making notable progress against active wildland blazes, with dozens of fires extinguished over the last two weeks and significantly fewer burning out of control. While the overall number of fire starts this season remains relatively consistent with historical averages, the total land area burned has far surpassed previous years. Ontario recorded its largest single wildfire in provincial history this season, which reached a peak footprint of 3,500 square kilometres roughly double the size of the province's previous record-holding blazes. The severe fire conditions…
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Four Chelmsford Teenagers Charged After Firing BB Guns and Fireworks at Pedestrians in Downtown Sudbury

Four Chelmsford Teenagers Charged After Firing BB Guns and Fireworks at Pedestrians in Downtown Sudbury

Sudbury (Rajeev Sharma): Four teenagers from Chelmsford, Ontario, are facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly firing BB guns and fireworks at pedestrians from a pickup truck in downtown Sudbury. The Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) received several emergency calls shortly before 10:00 p.m. reporting that occupants of a moving pickup truck were discharging fireworks and pellet guns at individuals in the downtown core. As officers began searching the area, additional reports came in indicating the suspects were continuing to shoot at pedestrians, resulting in one person being struck by a BB pellet. Through the initial investigation, police obtained the truck's…
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CALGARY POLICE OFFICER SHOT DURING TRAFFIC STOP , SUSPECT FOUND DEAD IN BOW RIVER

CALGARY POLICE OFFICER SHOT DURING TRAFFIC STOP , SUSPECT FOUND DEAD IN BOW RIVER

CALGARY (Rajeev Sharma): A Calgary police officer was shot Monday morning during a traffic stop in the southwest community of Spruce Cliff, triggering a major police operation and a dramatic pursuit through Edworthy Park. According to information released by the Calgary Police Service, the incident began at approximately 11:45 a.m. on August 10, when officers conducting a traffic stop encountered an occupant who allegedly opened fire, striking one officer. The injured officer was transported to hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Police say the suspect then fled on foot toward Edworthy Park and the Bow River. During…
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AHS INVESTIGATES E. COLI CASES LINKED TO PRAIRIE WINDS PARK WATER FACILITIES

AHS INVESTIGATES E. COLI CASES LINKED TO PRAIRIE WINDS PARK WATER FACILITIES

CALGARY ( Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Health Services (AHS) and public health officials are investigating three cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) associated with exposure to the water facilities at Prairie Winds Park in Calgary. According to public health information, individuals who visited the spray park or wading pool between July 25 and August 4 may have been exposed to the bacteria. The investigation is continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the cases and whether there are any additional infections connected to the facility. As a precautionary measure, the City of Calgary-operated spray park and wading pool have been temporarily…
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Tress Lounge Terminates Canadian Franchise Deal, Calgary Franchisee Alleges $400,000 Dispute

Tress Lounge Terminates Canadian Franchise Deal, Calgary Franchisee Alleges $400,000 Dispute

CALGARY ( Rajeev Sharma): Tress Lounge has terminated its Master Franchise Agreement with CORPWELL MAGNUM CAPITAL INC., effective March 14, 2026, and says the company and individuals associated with it are no longer authorized to represent Tress Lounge, sell its franchises or enter into agreements on its behalf in Canada. The notice names CORPWELL MAGNUM CAPITAL INC., 17835558 Canada Inc. (operating as Tress Lounge Canada), Kamalpreet Khaira and Chris Gill, also known as “Kricpy Khera,” along with their respective representatives and affiliates. The development has also prompted concerns from Dheeraj Chadha, a Calgary-based Tress Lounge franchisee involved in opening a…
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Canadian Hindu Diaspora Welcomes Upcoming Cultural Visit by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

Canadian Hindu Diaspora Welcomes Upcoming Cultural Visit by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

Alberta ( Rajeev Sharma): In response to public discussions surrounding the visit, representatives from Canadian Hindu leadership and community organizations expressed strong support and enthusiasm. Community representatives highlighted that meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat offers a meaningful opportunity for diaspora members to connect over cultural heritage, voluntary social service initiatives, and peaceful community integration. Hindu leaders noted that cultural and spiritual visits foster constructive dialogue, emphasizing that local diaspora organizations welcome the chance to host peaceful gatherings that celebrate shared values. RSS spokespersons confirmed that the scheduled events remain focused on routine cultural outreach, civic service, and community harmony.As…
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ASIRT Investigates Calgary Police Shooting Involving Man Armed With Bow and Arrow

ASIRT Investigates Calgary Police Shooting Involving Man Armed With Bow and Arrow

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating a police shooting in southwest Calgary after officers used multiple less-lethal and lethal options during an encounter with a 36-year-old man armed with a bow and arrow. The incident took place shortly before 2 a.m. on July 30 at a residence in the 1000 block of Bridlemeadows Manor S.W. Police had initially been called after receiving a report that a man was firing a bow and arrow in a backyard. Officers had also attended the same address earlier that night. According to ASIRT, police learned that the man was…
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