Canada

Premier Danielle Smith has named Martin Long as Alberta’s new Minister of Infrastructure

Premier Danielle Smith has named Martin Long as Alberta’s new Minister of Infrastructure

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Martin Long, MLA for West Yellowhead, was sworn in as Minister of Infrastructure on Feb. 27. Minister Long has served as the Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism in the former Jobs, Economy and Innovation ministry, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business in Jobs, Economy, and Trade, and most recently as the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “I am pleased to welcome Martin to Alberta’s cabinet. He is an extremely hard worker and I have full confidence in his ability to work with me and our cabinet colleagues to deliver on our government’s priorities, focusing on keeping…
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Canada Vows Strong Response if US Imposes Tariffs

Canada Vows Strong Response if US Imposes Tariffs

Ottawa (National Times): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a stern warning regarding the potential imposition of tariffs by the United States, asserting that Canada will respond immediately and forcefully if such measures are enacted. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trudeau emphasized that his government is doing everything possible to prevent the tariffs from taking effect but will not hesitate to retaliate if necessary. "We will continue working to prevent these tariffs, but if on Tuesday the US imposes unjustified tariffs on Canada, we will have an immediate and extremely strong response, as Canadians expect," Trudeau stated, as reported…
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Alberta News: RTR Bill Improves Housing, Trades and Charities

Alberta News: RTR Bill Improves Housing, Trades and Charities

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government has tabled its ninth Red Tape Reduction bill to reduce regulatory burdens for Albertans and businesses further. Since 2019, Alberta’s government has eliminated more than 209,000 regulatory requirements and implemented hundreds of red tape reduction initiatives. These efforts have generated cumulative savings of more than $2.9 billion for Albertans. Proposed amendments are designed to maintain that momentum. The Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 introduces more key changes to streamline processes and improve services across multiple sectors. If passed, proposed changes will allow for electronic communication in the exchange of documents between landlords and tenants, improve…
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Alberta’s Minister of Education Announces Updates to Exemptions for In-Person Learning

Alberta’s Minister of Education Announces Updates to Exemptions for In-Person Learning

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s Minister of Education, Demetrios Nicolaides, has announced updates to ministerial orders regarding exemptions to in-person learning options, emphasizing the government’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards despite ongoing strikes. Nicolaides reaffirmed that Alberta Education places trust in school boards to determine the best educational programming for their students. He noted that school divisions are expected to have plans in place to ensure continuity of learning during labour disruptions. To protect the safety and well-being of students and staff during recent strikes, the Edmonton Public School Division, Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Board of Education, Fort McMurray School…
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Alberta’s government working with municipalities to tackle social disorder

Alberta’s government working with municipalities to tackle social disorder

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Enhancing law enforcement coordination between the province and municipalities is crucial to strengthening enforcement efforts in the ongoing fight against fentanyl and the illicit drug trade. A more unified response among law enforcement agencies is crucial to effectively and efficiently addressing the fentanyl crisis and its devastating effects on Albertans. At the request of the provincial government, more than 800 community peace officers from 34 large- and mid-sized municipalities will immediately begin coordinating operations with local police to more effectively combat social disorder stemming from the use of illicit drugs, including deadly fentanyl. “We know a law…
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Trump Ally Pushes for Canada’s Removal from Five Eyes Amid 51st State Proposal

Trump Ally Pushes for Canada’s Removal from Five Eyes Amid 51st State Proposal

February 26, 2025 – Peter Navarro, a close ally of Donald Trump, is calling for Canada’s removal from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, following Trump’s suggestion to incorporate Canada as the 51st state of the United States, according to The Financial Times. Five Eyes Under Scrutiny The Five Eyes alliance, established in 1941, includes the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It is considered one of the most sophisticated intelligence-sharing networks in the world, allowing its members to exchange sensitive information on global security threats. Navarro’s push to expel Canada signals a significant shift in US foreign policy…
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Alberta News: Updating regulation, licensing of addiction treatment

Alberta News: Updating regulation, licensing of addiction treatment

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is proudly building the Alberta Recovery Model, a continuum of mental health and addiction care that includes prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery. The model is based on the fact that recovery is possible, and Albertans deserve the best care to support them on their path of recovery. The Mental Health Services Protection Act provides a foundation to ensure safe, quality mental health and addiction care, and the authority to establish licensing programs for mental health and addiction services. Services for bed-based addiction treatment, narcotic transition, drug consumption and psychedelic drug treatment are currently licensed under the act.…
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Delivering care close to home in La Crete

Delivering care close to home in La Crete

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring all Albertans have access to high-quality care when and where they need it, including in remote Alberta communities. The new La Crete Maternity and Community Health Centre will provide enhanced access to maternal health and advanced ambulatory care, underscoring the Alberta government’s dedication to meeting the health care needs of communities across the province. “Every Albertan deserves high-quality health care close to home. This expanded access will ensure Albertans living in La Crete and the surrounding areas will receive timely, exceptional care when they need it most.”Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health…
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Alberta Infrastructure Minister Pete Guthrie Resigns Amid AHS Procurement Allegations

Alberta Infrastructure Minister Pete Guthrie Resigns Amid AHS Procurement Allegations

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has accepted the resignation of Minister of Infrastructure Pete Guthrie, following concerns he raised about allegations made by the former CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS) regarding the province’s procurement processes. In a statement, Premier Smith reaffirmed the seriousness of the allegations, which are currently under investigation by the Auditor General. She emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that her administration is fully cooperating with the review to ensure a swift resolution. Additionally, Smith has directed senior civil servants to retain a credible third-party investigator with strong legal expertise to…
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Canada Tightens Immigration Rules, Granting Border Officials More Power

Canada Tightens Immigration Rules, Granting Border Officials More Power

Ottawa, February 24, 2025 – Canada has introduced new immigration regulations that give border officials expanded authority to cancel study and work permits under specific conditions. The move, which took effect on January 31, could impact thousands of Indian students, workers, and tourists.The changes come months after Canada suspended its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme, a fast-track process that benefited many Indian students. With stricter oversight now in place, concerns are growing over potential visa delays, financial losses, and rising uncertainty among foreign nationals. New Rules Grant Border Officers More Control The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations have been…
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