Canada

WestJet Strike Ends: Tentative Deal Reached After Travel Chaos Leaves Thousands of Passengers Stranded

WestJet Strike Ends: Tentative Deal Reached After Travel Chaos Leaves Thousands of Passengers Stranded

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have reached a tentative agreement, bringing an end to a strike that disrupted hundreds of flights and created major travel uncertainty during the peak summer vacation season. The agreement between WestJet and CUPE, which represents approximately 4,400 flight attendants at the Calgary-based airline, was reached early Monday after a brief but disruptive work stoppage. The key issue behind the dispute was flight attendants’ demand to be paid from the time they report for duty until they finish their shifts, rather than primarily being compensated only for time when…
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CHCC Gala 2026 Commences in Calgary with Grand Celebration of Culture, Business Excellence and Community Unity

CHCC Gala 2026 Commences in Calgary with Grand Celebration of Culture, Business Excellence and Community Unity

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) Gala 2026 commenced in Calgary with great enthusiasm and elegance, bringing together hundreds of entrepreneurs, professionals, elected officials and community leaders from across Canada. The prestigious evening celebrated the achievements of the Hindu business community while promoting entrepreneurship, cultural heritage and national unity. The event opened with a spiritually uplifting atmosphere as Sushree Mishra presented a graceful Ganesh Vandana, invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha for prosperity and success. This was followed by the chanting of sacred Vedic mantras by Acharya Vinod Sodial, who blessed the gathering and prayed for…
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Highway 63 Paving Project to Begin in Fort McMurray on August 3, Traffic Delays Expected

Highway 63 Paving Project to Begin in Fort McMurray on August 3, Traffic Delays Expected

Fort McMurray (Rajeev Sharma): Motorists travelling through Fort McMurray should prepare for traffic disruptions as a major paving project on Highway 63 is set to begin on August 3. According to officials, construction work will be carried out daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. along a 10-kilometre stretch of Highway 63, extending from Beacon Hill Drive to north of the Confederation Way interchange in both directions. To facilitate the resurfacing work, traffic management measures, including alternating lane closures and single-lane alternating traffic, will be in effect throughout the construction period. Commuters are likely to experience delays and are encouraged…
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Calgary’s Nirmal Singh Uppal’s Mother Mata Jasvir Kaur Ji Passes Away; Bhog and Antim Ardas on August 7 in Barnala

Calgary’s Nirmal Singh Uppal’s Mother Mata Jasvir Kaur Ji Passes Away; Bhog and Antim Ardas on August 7 in Barnala

Calgary/Barnala (Rajeev Sharma): The Uppal family is mourning the loss of their beloved mother, Mata Jasvir Kaur Ji, mother of Calgary resident S. Nirmal Singh Uppal and S. Harjeet Singh Uppal, and wife of Late S. Harnek Singh Uppal. Mata Jasvir Kaur Ji passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, after completing her earthly journey. The family has informed that the Bhog of Sri Sehaj Path Sahib and Final Antim Ardas for the eternal peace of the departed soul will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Gurdwara Dukh Bhanjan Sahib, Village Dhaner,…
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Alberta’s International Student Protests Raise Questions About PGWP Eligibility and Canada’s Education System

Alberta’s International Student Protests Raise Questions About PGWP Eligibility and Canada’s Education System

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s international student protests have continued in recent weeks, drawing attention to Canada’s international education system and the rules governing the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. Hundreds of graduates have demonstrated in Alberta after learning they are not eligible for PGWPs, despite completing programs at designated learning institutions. Many students say they invested significant financial resources to study in Canada with the expectation of gaining Canadian work experience after graduation. The protests include graduates connected to programs offered through Portage College partnership arrangements and CIOT College. Students say they were under the impression that their programs would…
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WestJet Strike Countdown Begins: 72-Hour Notice Sparks Travel Chaos, Airfares Surge Across Canada

WestJet Strike Countdown Begins: 72-Hour Notice Sparks Travel Chaos, Airfares Surge Across Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Thousands of Canadian travellers are facing uncertainty after WestJet flight attendants served a 72-hour strike notice, putting the airline on the brink of a labour disruption ahead of the August long weekend. Unless a last-minute agreement is reached, a strike or lockout could begin as early as August 2, threatening to disrupt travel plans for tens of thousands of passengers across Canada and on international routes. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing approximately 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, says cabin crew should be paid for every hour they are on duty, including time spent boarding passengers,…
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Ontario Explores Future Energy Potential at Former Nanticoke Coal Site

Ontario Explores Future Energy Potential at Former Nanticoke Coal Site

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): The Ontario government has announced $500,000 in "growth readiness funding" for Haldimand County to evaluate potential new energy projects at the site of the former Nanticoke coal-fired generating station. Closed in 2013, the facility—once the largest coal plant in North America—is being considered for a return to power generation to help meet the province's projected 90 per cent increase in electricity demand by 2050. Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce stated that the funding will support community consultations and planning for "firm" energy sources—reliable power that can be generated on demand. While no technology has been selected,…
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Trump Escalates Trade Row with Canada Over Access to Alcohol Market

Trump Escalates Trade Row with Canada Over Access to Alcohol Market

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has escalated his trade dispute with Canada, accusing provincial governments of unfairly restricting the sale of American alcoholic beverages. The White House claims that several Canadian provinces use government-controlled liquor outlets to effectively shut out US beer, wine, and spirits from retail shelves, putting American producers at a severe disadvantage. The accusation brings renewed focus to a long-standing friction point between the two trading partners, where provincial distribution systems heavily regulate alcohol sales and market access. According to reports, the restrictions imposed by Canadian provincial liquor boards have severely constrained market opportunities for…
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Canada Deports 10,607 People in First Half of 2026 as Immigration Enforcement Intensifies

Canada Deports 10,607 People in First Half of 2026 as Immigration Enforcement Intensifies

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed that 10,607 individuals were removed from Canada between January 1 and June 30, 2026, as the federal government continues to strengthen immigration enforcement across the country. The figures are published in the CBSA’s official “Immigration Removal Statistics – 2026” report, which provides monthly and annual data on immigration removals. According to the report, Indian nationals accounted for the highest number of removals, with 3,323 people deported, followed by Mexico (1,573), Haiti (431), the United States (372), and Colombia (354). The data further reveals that 8,551 of those removed were…
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July 31–August 2: Calgary Set for Thrilling 14th Hawks Hill Field Hockey Tournament; National Times Media Proud Media Partner & Sponsor

July 31–August 2: Calgary Set for Thrilling 14th Hawks Hill Field Hockey Tournament; National Times Media Proud Media Partner & Sponsor

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Panjab Sports & Cultural Club Calgary is all set to host the 14th Hawks Hill Field Hockey Tournament from July 31 to August 2, 2026, at the University of Calgary – Hawkings Turf Field. The three-day tournament will bring together talented field hockey teams, sports enthusiasts, families, and supporters for an exciting weekend of competitive action, sportsmanship, and community celebration. Recognized as one of Calgary’s premier field hockey events, the tournament continues to promote athletic excellence while strengthening cultural and community ties. National Times Media is proud to be the Media Partner and Sponsor of this…
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