Canada

Dinesh K. Patnaik: India’s New Hope to Rebuild Relations With Canada

Dinesh K. Patnaik: India’s New Hope to Rebuild Relations With Canada

National Times Bureau (Rajeev Sharma): India has formalized a critical diplomatic reset by appointing veteran IFS officer Dinesh K. Patnaik as its High Commissioner to Canada on August 28, 2025, a move that many hope signals the beginning of a revival for strained India-Canada relations. Patnaik is expected to assume his post in Ottawa imminently. A 1990-batch Indian Foreign Service diplomat, Patnaik has reinforced his credentials over a long and distinguished career. He has held foreign postings in Geneva, Dhaka, Beijing, and Vienna, and served as Ambassador to Cambodia and Morocco, Deputy High Commissioner in London, and Director General of…
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Clashes Break Out at Anti-Immigration Rally in Toronto’s Christie Pits Park

Clashes Break Out at Anti-Immigration Rally in Toronto’s Christie Pits Park

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): A rally organized by anti-immigration activists at Christie Pits Park turned tense, as a significantly larger group of counter-protesters arrived to denounce the event, leading to scuffles and multiple arrests. The demonstration, dubbed the “Canada First Patriot Rally,” was spearheaded by Joe Anidjar, a self-identified nationalist and online personality known by the handle @PuckDaddy93. Promoted as a patriotic, family-friendly gathering, the rally called for sharp restrictions on immigration, mass deportations, and what organizers referred to as “remigration”—a term critics link to extremist ideologies in Europe. Although organizers expected a strong turnout, the rally drew an estimated 100…
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Parliamentary Secretary Kody Blois Wraps Up China Trade Mission with Focus on Canola Dispute

Parliamentary Secretary Kody Blois Wraps Up China Trade Mission with Focus on Canola Dispute

Beijing, China (Rajeev Sharma): Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Kody Blois, has concluded a four-day trade mission to China, where he joined a Saskatchewan-led delegation focused on easing tensions over agricultural trade — particularly the ongoing dispute surrounding Canadian canola exports. From September 6 to 9, Blois participated in high-level meetings alongside Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe as part of a broader effort to address barriers affecting Canada-China trade relations. Central to the discussions were Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola products, a long-standing issue that has impacted Canadian farmers and disrupted bilateral trade. Productive Dialogue with Chinese Officials During the…
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Alberta MLA Heads to Alaska to Promote Cross-Border Energy Cooperation

Alberta MLA Heads to Alaska to Promote Cross-Border Energy Cooperation

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is set to strengthen its role in North American energy cooperation as MLA Shane Getson travels to Anchorage, Alaska, to represent the province at the annual meeting of the U.S.-based Energy Council. Getson, who serves as the MLA for Lac Ste. Anne–Parkland and the Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Corridor Development, will join legislators from 14 energy-producing U.S. states, alongside representatives from Alberta and Saskatchewan, for discussions on energy policy, cross-border trade, and regional collaboration. The Energy Council’s forum is recognized as a significant venue for state and provincial lawmakers to share insights, build partnerships, and address…
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Langley City and Bellingham Reinforce Cross-Border Amity with Tree Planting Ceremony

Langley City and Bellingham Reinforce Cross-Border Amity with Tree Planting Ceremony

Langley City, BC (Richa Walia) : Langley City and the City of Bellingham commemorated over a century of peace and friendship on Friday with a symbolic tree planting ceremony in downtown Langley City, underscoring their enduring neighbourly connection across the U.S.-Canada border. The event brought together elected officials from both communities to celebrate their shared history, environmental stewardship, and the importance of maintaining a strong cross-border relationship. Speaking with National Times, Langley City Mayor Nathan Pachal stated, “In an era where division often dominates the narrative, this ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of what unites us. Our communities share…
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PM Mark Carney announces first projects to be reviewed by the new Major Projects Office

PM Mark Carney announces first projects to be reviewed by the new Major Projects Office

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): In a rapidly shifting global landscape, we need to act decisively to build a stronger, more competitive, and prosperous economy for Canadian workers. To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced last month the launch of the new Major Projects Office (MPO). The MPO will work to fast-track nation-building projects by streamlining regulatory assessment and approvals and helping to structure financing, in close partnership with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and private investors. The MPO will help to identify projects that are in Canada’s national interest and accelerate their development, including by creating a single set of conditions –…
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Alberta Minister to Attend Global Women’s Shelter Summit, Strengthen Family Violence Prevention Strategy

Alberta Minister to Attend Global Women’s Shelter Summit, Strengthen Family Violence Prevention Strategy

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): In a move to further Alberta’s efforts in tackling family violence, Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton will participate in the upcoming 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters. The international gathering brings together frontline experts, policymakers, and advocates from across the globe to share innovative strategies and strengthen collaborative action. The conference will serve as a platform for Alberta to engage with global leaders on cutting-edge solutions and evidence-based programs aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals and families from domestic violence. “Our government is committed to making sure that those facing family violence can access safety and…
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Police Probe Burnaby Shooting That Left One Dead, Vehicle Fire Under Investigation

Police Probe Burnaby Shooting That Left One Dead, Vehicle Fire Under Investigation

Burnaby (Rajeev Sharma)– Homicide investigators in British Columbia are examining a fatal shooting in Burnaby that left one man dead on Wednesday evening.RCMP said officers responded to reports of gunfire in north Burnaby, about 13 kilometres from Vancouver, and found a man dead at the scene. Roughly 15 minutes later, police were called to a vehicle fire in South Burnaby.The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken charge of the case and is working to determine whether the two incidents are linked. Early findings suggest the shooting may have been targeted.Authorities are appealing for witnesses who may have seen either…
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Prime Minister Carney Unveils Indigenous Advisory Council for New Major Projects Office

Prime Minister Carney Unveils Indigenous Advisory Council for New Major Projects Office

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant move aimed at reshaping Canada’s economic future, Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the official members of the Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) that will guide the federal government’s newly established Major Projects Office (MPO). This announcement marks a key step in the government’s push to build transformative national infrastructure while honoring Indigenous rights and participation. A New Era for Nation-Building Projects Launched in August and headquartered in Calgary, the MPO is designed to accelerate and coordinate the construction of large-scale infrastructure projects deemed vital to Canada's future economic competitiveness. The initiative stems from the…
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Alberta Legislature Set to Resume Fall Session on October 23

Alberta Legislature Set to Resume Fall Session on October 23

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta's legislature will reconvene on October 23 as the provincial government prepares to outline its legislative agenda for the second half of its mandate. The session will begin with a speech from the throne, laying out the government's priorities for the months ahead. Government House Leader Joseph Schow formally notified the Speaker, citing public interest as the reason for calling the assembly back into session. The proceedings will commence at 1:30 p.m., with all eyes on the upcoming policy directions amid economic and social pressures facing the province. Focus on Affordability, Public Services, and Jobs In a…
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