Canada

AHS Audit Sparks Concern Over EMS Funding Mismanagement

AHS Audit Sparks Concern Over EMS Funding Mismanagement

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Health Services (AHS) is demanding repayment of millions after an internal audit found $4.1 million in overpayments to a private ambulance provider, with nearly $1 million flagged as misused funds.The revelation has drawn sharp criticism from both the public and political leaders, who argue that weak oversight has allowed serious financial mismanagement to continue unchecked for years. “This is not only about wasted dollars, it’s about accountability in a system people depend on during emergencies,” said one Calgary community advocate. Paramedics on the frontlines say the disclosure adds to growing frustration. Many note they are told…
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Public Safety Crisis Grips B.C. Communities as Local Leaders Prepare for Key Talks in Victoria

Public Safety Crisis Grips B.C. Communities as Local Leaders Prepare for Key Talks in Victoria

Victoria, B.C (Richa Walia): As mayors and councillors from across British Columbia gather in Victoria for the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention, the issue dominating conversations is not housing or infrastructure—but downtown disorder and rising concerns over public safety. From northern towns to coastal cities, municipal leaders say they’re grappling with the fallout of increasingly visible and complex social issues on their streets. The concerns range from drug use and mental health crises to repeat criminal activity and deteriorating public confidence in safety. In Smithers, the town has taken the unusual step of hiring private security to patrol…
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India, Canada Agree to Reset Ties with Focus on Security Cooperation

India, Canada Agree to Reset Ties with Focus on Security Cooperation

National Times Bureau (Rajeev Sharma): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday said India and Canada have agreed to work together on a “new chapter” in bilateral ties, with counter-terrorism and organised crime forming the core of their renewed cooperation.The statement came after National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin in New Delhi for wide-ranging discussions. The two sides reviewed security cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, and the challenge of transnational organised crime.New Delhi has often accused Canada of overlooking Khalistan separatist groups and their nexus with crime syndicates. Indian officials insist these networks not only push…
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South Asian Community Partnership Summit Brings Together Police, Leaders, and Community Voices in Calgary

South Asian Community Partnership Summit Brings Together Police, Leaders, and Community Voices in Calgary

Calgary (Dr. Rajeev Sharma): The uTurn Project, in collaboration with the Calgary Police Service South Asian Police Advisory Board and the Diversity Resource Team, successfully hosted the South Asian Community Partnership Summit at Rio Banquet Hall. The event drew community members, government representatives, and advocacy leaders to discuss restorative justice, domestic violence prevention, cultural awareness, and building stronger South Asian communities. The day began with a welcome by Nalini Plesche, who served as emcee, followed by blessings from Reverend Tony Snow, Elder, and a land acknowledgement. Among the dignitaries present was Hon. Muhamad Yaseen, Associate Minister of Multiculturalism, Government of…
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Suraksha Initiative at University of Calgary to Combat Hinduphobia and Hate Crimes

Suraksha Initiative at University of Calgary to Combat Hinduphobia and Hate Crimes

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), in collaboration with the CoHNA Youth Action Network (CYAN), the University of Calgary, and the Calgary Police Service’s Hate Crime Prevention Team, will host an awareness event entitled “Suraksha: Combating Hinduphobia and Addressing Hate Crimes.” The program is scheduled for Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Hunter Student Commons, University of Calgary, with gates opening at 4:00 PM.The event will feature discussions on raising awareness about Hinduphobia, tackling hate crimes, and building stronger community-police partnerships.Organizers state that the initiative aims to create safer, more…
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Calgary Police Department Faces Challenges with Officers on Leave or Accommodations Due to Mental and Physical Health Issues

Calgary Police Department Faces Challenges with Officers on Leave or Accommodations Due to Mental and Physical Health Issues

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): According to a recent memo from the Calgary Police Commission included in the city's 2026 budget preview, approximately one in five Calgary police officers are currently on leave or working in accommodated roles due to physical or mental health challenges. The memo indicates that 13% of officers are in accommodated positions, while 6% are on leave, highlighting concerns over officer wellness and staffing levels. Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan emphasized the service's commitment to supporting the health and wellness of its members, including those on leave or requiring accommodations. She acknowledged that such absences can impact operational…
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Minister Nate Horner Issues Update on Teacher Bargaining Talks, Outlines Key Issues Remaining

Minister Nate Horner Issues Update on Teacher Bargaining Talks, Outlines Key Issues Remaining

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board, Nate Horner, has provided a public update on the status of ongoing negotiations between the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) and the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA). In a statement released Friday, Minister Horner confirmed that the two parties met earlier in the day at a resolution conference convened by the Alberta Labour Relations Board (LRB) to address an unfair labour practice complaint filed by TEBA against the ATA. Following the meeting, the LRB issued a consent order, signaling an agreement between both sides to resolve the complaint…
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Canada and Mexico Elevate Ties with New Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Joint Action Plan

Canada and Mexico Elevate Ties with New Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Joint Action Plan

Mexico City (Rajeev Sharma): In a landmark meeting held at the National Palace in Mexico City, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced the elevation of bilateral relations through the creation of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a new chapter in Canada–Mexico cooperation. Joined by cabinet members from both governments, the leaders emphasized their shared ambition to deepen collaboration, strengthen regional ties, and promote inclusive prosperity, particularly in light of ongoing global shifts. A Partnership for the Future The upgraded partnership reflects what both leaders described as a “forward-looking and dynamic relationship” aimed at navigating…
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Heat Records Shattered Across B.C. as Late-Summer Temperatures Trigger New Wildfires

Heat Records Shattered Across B.C. as Late-Summer Temperatures Trigger New Wildfires

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma) — Several communities in British Columbia set new daily heat records this week as temperatures surged well above seasonal norms in the final days of summer.Environment Canada confirmed that 10 locations broke or tied their previous September 17 records on Wednesday. Kamloops reached 34.1°C, surpassing the old record of 32.2°C set in 1937. Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Salmon Arm, and Cache Creek also reported record-breaking highs.The BC Wildfire Service said the brief but intense hot spell has led to a slight uptick in wildfire activity. As of Thursday morning, 128 fires are active across the province, with seven…
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Edmonton’s Festival City Spirit Shines with Government Support

Edmonton’s Festival City Spirit Shines with Government Support

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Edmonton once again lived up to its title of Canada’s Festival City this summer, as more than 20 festivals filled the streets and stages with music, art, theatre, and food. Thousands of visitors flocked to the city, contributing to the local economy while experiencing Alberta’s vibrant culture. To keep the momentum alive, Alberta’s government invested heavily in the festival season. More than $450,000 was provided through community grants to help cover programming, hosting, and equipment costs. In addition, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts supported local presenters with over $1 million in funding, benefitting major events like…
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