Canada

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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Canada Seeks Court Order to Keep Classified Information Confidential in Nijjar Case

Canada Seeks Court Order to Keep Classified Information Confidential in Nijjar Case

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian government has applied to the Federal Court for permission to withhold certain classified materials in proceedings connected to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, citing concerns over national security and diplomatic sensitivities. According to filings reported by Global News, lawyers for the federal Attorney General invoked Section 38 of the Canada Evidence Act to prevent the disclosure of information they argue could be harmful to international relations or security interests if made public during the trial. The application indicates that, over the past two years, federal authorities received multiple notices flagging material deemed potentially sensitive…
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Alberta Surpasses 6,100 Kilometres in Caribou Habitat Restoration Since 2019

Alberta Surpasses 6,100 Kilometres in Caribou Habitat Restoration Since 2019

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta says it has restored more than 6,100 kilometres of legacy seismic lines across caribou ranges since 2019, marking a sharp increase in habitat recovery efforts compared to previous years. According to the province, just 87 kilometres were rehabilitated between 2015 and 2019. The acceleration follows the launch of Alberta’s Caribou Habitat Recovery Program, which coordinates large-scale restoration projects aimed at supporting the long-term survival of the species while maintaining economic activity. Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter said the province is pairing conservation with economic growth. He credited partnerships with Indigenous communities and industry for…
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Super-heavy loads affect travel in Edmonton region

Super-heavy loads affect travel in Edmonton region

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Drivers may experience delays as large, slow-moving vessels move from Edmonton to Fort McMurray on Feb. 22, and from Edmonton to Fort Saskatchewan on Feb. 24. Due to their large size and weight, the first load will travel at a maximum speed of 50 km/h, and the second at 40 km/h. The loads will move with guide vehicles, below posted speed limits, using the entire width of the highway, including the shoulder. Route Edmonton to Fort McMurray De-methanizer pressure vessel used in natural gas processing. The first load will leave Thermo Design Engineering in south Edmonton using…
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Alberta Government Advances Expedited Viability Review for Town of Gibbons

Alberta Government Advances Expedited Viability Review for Town of Gibbons

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams, says the province is moving ahead with an expedited viability review for the Town of Gibbons as local officials grapple with mounting financial pressures. In a statement issued following meetings with Gibbons’ mayor and council, Williams said the province has already implemented several measures to stabilize the municipality while the review is underway. These include appointing an official administrator to provide oversight and guidance, temporarily extending the town’s debt limit, and approving a $500,000 grant through the Alberta Community Partnership program. Williams described the viability review as a structured process…
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Alberta Tourism Records Historic $15.2 Billion in Visitor Spending for 2025

Alberta Tourism Records Historic $15.2 Billion in Visitor Spending for 2025

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s tourism sector achieved a new benchmark in 2025, with visitor expenditures totaling $15.2 billion, setting a historic record for the province. The figures reflect robust domestic and international travel demand, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and highlighting Alberta’s growing appeal as a travel destination. The surge in spending is driven by a combination of Alberta’s renowned natural attractions, including Banff and Jasper National Parks, major urban centers such as Calgary and Edmonton, and a calendar of cultural and recreational events. The increase also reflects rising travel confidence following the easing of global pandemic-related restrictions. Government officials emphasized…
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Canada Top Court to Examine Limits on Challenging Rail Service Rulings

Canada Top Court to Examine Limits on Challenging Rail Service Rulings

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear a case that could redefine how railway companies contest regulatory findings related to service obligations. At the centre of the dispute is a November 2023 decision by the Canadian Transportation Agency, which determined that Canadian National Railway Co. (CN) failed to meet its statutory service responsibilities to Alberta Pacific Forest Industries Inc., a major forestry producer. The agency, a quasi-judicial body operating under the Canadian Transportation Act, has the authority to adjudicate complaints involving federally regulated transportation providers. Under that law, parties may appeal agency decisions to the…
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U.S. Supreme Court Voids Trump’s Emergency Tariffs on Canada and Dozens of Nations

U.S. Supreme Court Voids Trump’s Emergency Tariffs on Canada and Dozens of Nations

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): In a landmark ruling with major implications for global commerce, the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down a series of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, concluding that he exceeded his authority by invoking emergency powers to levy duties on Canada, Mexico and numerous other countries. In a majority opinion authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court held that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president unilateral authority to impose sweeping tariffs. The judgment affirms earlier lower court decisions that found the measures unlawful. The tariffs were introduced…
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