Canada

Canada Joins EU’s SAFE Defence Program, Expands Access to European Military Projects

Canada Joins EU’s SAFE Defence Program, Expands Access to European Military Projects

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada has formally joined the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, Defence Minister David McGuinty announced, marking a significant step in deepening defence cooperation with Europe. As per the sources, McGuinty said the agreement would enhance collective security, strengthen defence capabilities and open new opportunities for Canadian firms in European defence markets. He added that the move would also contribute to broader European and Ukrainian security efforts. Canada’s official entry into SAFE comes less than a year after Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a strategic defence and security partnership with the European Union, which included…
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China Grants Visa-Free Entry to Canadians Through 2026 in Diplomatic Reset

China Grants Visa-Free Entry to Canadians Through 2026 in Diplomatic Reset

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian passport holders can now travel to China without a visa for short stays, following a new policy announced by China’s Foreign Ministry. The measure, which takes effect Tuesday, will remain in place until December 31, 2026. Under the arrangement, Canadians may enter China for up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business, visiting family and friends, exchanges, and transit. The same visa exemption will also apply to U.K. passport holders. In a statement released by the ministry, Beijing described the move as part of efforts to encourage international travel and strengthen cross-border engagement. Canada’s Foreign…
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US Court Papers: Nikhil Gupta Said Nijjar Was ‘Also a Target’ in Alleged Assassination Plot

US Court Papers: Nikhil Gupta Said Nijjar Was ‘Also a Target’ in Alleged Assassination Plot

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Fresh disclosures in a United States federal case have revealed that Indian national Nikhil Gupta allegedly told an undercover American agent that slain Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar had also been on a list of targets. According to documents released by the US Department of Justice, Gupta — who has pleaded guilty in connection with a conspiracy to assassinate Sikh separatist figure Gurpatwant Singh Pannun — made the remark to an undercover operative from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on or about June 19, 2023. The date was one day after Nijjar was shot dead by…
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Canada, Denmark Sign Defence Pact to Boost Arctic and NATO Cooperation

Canada, Denmark Sign Defence Pact to Boost Arctic and NATO Cooperation

Munich (Rajeev Sharma): Canada and Denmark have signed a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening security ties and enhancing coordination in the Arctic and across the transatlantic region. Canada’s Defence Minister David McGuinty signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) alongside defence representatives from Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands during the Munich Security Conference on Friday, according to a statement from the Department of National Defence. The agreement outlines expanded collaboration in key areas including defence innovation, industrial partnerships, logistics support, and joint efforts in personnel exchange, training, military exercises and education. Officials said the pact reflects a shared…
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Mikael Kingsbury Wins Canada’s First Gold at Milan Cortina Olympics

Mikael Kingsbury Wins Canada’s First Gold at Milan Cortina Olympics

Livigno (Rajeev Sharma): Canada freestyle skiing legend Mikael Kingsbury clinched Canada’s first gold medal of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, triumphing in the men’s dual moguls event. The 33-year-old from Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, delivered a dominant performance, defeating Japan’s Ikuma Horishima 31-4 in the final of the event, which made its Olympic debut. Australia’s Matt Graham secured the bronze medal. Kingsbury celebrated the victory by pumping his fist on the podium and later tapping his gold medal against the maple leaf emblem on his jacket. The win marked a strong comeback after Kingsbury settled for silver in traditional individual moguls earlier,…
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Massive Toronto Rally Backs Iranian Protest Movement, Urges Ottawa to Act

Massive Toronto Rally Backs Iranian Protest Movement, Urges Ottawa to Act

Toronto (Gaganjot): An estimated 350,000 people filled the streets of Toronto on Saturday in a sweeping show of solidarity with anti-government demonstrators in Iran, according to police. The march, centred in North York and stretching along Yonge Street, called on Canadian officials to formally recognize exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi as a figurehead for a democratic transition in Iran. Participants waved red, white and green flags bearing the historic lion emblem used before Iran’s 1979 revolution, chanting slogans and beating drums as they moved through the city. Organizers said the rally aimed not only to support those protesting in Iran…
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‘Canada Stands With You’: PM Carney Joins Leaders at Vigil for Tumbler Ridge Shooting Victims

‘Canada Stands With You’: PM Carney Joins Leaders at Vigil for Tumbler Ridge Shooting Victims

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney stood alongside national and provincial leaders in Tumbler Ridge, offering solidarity and condolences to a grieving community devastated by this week’s deadly school shooting. The tragedy, which claimed eight lives — including six children — has shaken the small northeastern British Columbia town and sent shockwaves across the country. Residents gathered for a candlelight vigil to honour the victims, reflect on their loss and support one another in the aftermath of the violence. In a rare show of unity, political differences were set aside as leaders from across the spectrum attended the…
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Canada Adds Bronze on Day 8 of 2026 Winter Olympics, Gold Eludes Team

Canada Adds Bronze on Day 8 of 2026 Winter Olympics, Gold Eludes Team

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s medal tally climbed to eight on Day 8 of the 2026 Winter Olympics, but the country is still chasing its first gold of the Games. Speed skater Laurent Dubreuil delivered a podium finish in the men’s 500 metres, capturing bronze after a tightly contested race. The result provided a boost to Canada’s campaign, though the elusive top step of the podium remains out of reach. In short-track speed skating, hopes were high for William Dandjinou in the men’s 1,500 metres. Entering the event as a strong contender for gold, Dandjinou fell short of expectations and finished…
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York Cinemas Cancels Advance Bookings for ‘Jana Nayagan’, Announces Refunds Amid Release Delay

York Cinemas Cancels Advance Bookings for ‘Jana Nayagan’, Announces Refunds Amid Release Delay

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada-based York Cinemas has cancelled all advance bookings for the much-awaited film Jana Nayagan, citing uncertainty over its release timeline. In a statement shared through its official social media platforms, the theatre chain informed patrons that the film is now unlikely to hit screens before April 30. As a result, tickets purchased in advance have been declared invalid, and refund procedures have been initiated. The management advised customers to verify whether their refunds have been processed. Those who have not yet received the amount have been asked to contact the theatre directly to facilitate the reimbursement at…
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India-Canada Partnership in AI Holds Immense Promise, Says University of Waterloo President

India-Canada Partnership in AI Holds Immense Promise, Says University of Waterloo President

Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): Collaboration between India and Canada in the field of artificial intelligence could unlock significant benefits for both nations, according to the head of one of Canada’s premier science and technology institutions. Dr. Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo, described the growing engagement between the two countries as a “remarkable opportunity,” highlighting how their respective strengths can complement each other in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Speaking ahead of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where he is scheduled to participate alongside Canada’s AI Minister Evan Solomon, Goel emphasised that combining Canada’s expertise…
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