Canada

B.C. Adds More Than 3,000 New Student Seats as Schools Open for September

B.C. Adds More Than 3,000 New Student Seats as Schools Open for September

LANGFORD (Richa Walia) – As students prepare to head back to class, the Province of British Columbia is opening new schools and expanding existing ones, creating more than 3,000 additional student seats across growing communities this September.“We’ve been working hard to build and deliver new schools to meet the needs of students now and in the future,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Our historic investments in school infrastructure are already making a meaningful difference, and we look forward to welcoming young learners into new classrooms this fall.”In Langford, one of B.C.’s fastest-growing cities, the new SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary will…
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E-Scooter Surge in Calgary Fuels Accidents, Prompts Calls for Enhanced Legislation

E-Scooter Surge in Calgary Fuels Accidents, Prompts Calls for Enhanced Legislation

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The increasing adoption of e-scooters in Calgary has raised significant safety concerns, marked by a notable rise in accidents, injuries, and public complaints. Residents and officials contend that reckless riding, speeding on sidewalks, and inadequate helmet use are primary contributing factors to this issue.The number of e-scooter-related injuries and hospitalizations has increased substantially in Calgary and Alberta, with a 21-22% rise in emergency department and urgent care visits between 2022 and 2023 for Alberta. Medical professionals in Calgary are witnessing more severe injuries, such as broken jaws and spine injuries, frequently resulting from hazardous rider behavior like…
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Canadian Homes Vanish From Listings as Confidence Cracks in Real Estate

Canadian Homes Vanish From Listings as Confidence Cracks in Real Estate

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s real estate market, once one of the hottest in the world, is facing mounting pressure as sellers increasingly pull their listings, reflecting deep uncertainty and fears of a broader capital flight crisis. Realtors across Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary report a growing trend of homeowners withdrawing properties from the market after receiving lower-than-expected offers. “Sellers are reluctant to accept a 10–15% dip in valuation compared to peak prices,” said a Vancouver-based broker. “Many prefer to wait it out rather than sell at a loss.” The trend is compounded by capital flight, with foreign investors redirecting funds to…
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PM Mark Carney Marks Labour Day with Tribute to Canadian Workers and Unions

PM Mark Carney Marks Labour Day with Tribute to Canadian Workers and Unions

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement on Labour Day, highlighting the contributions of Canadian workers and the enduring role of unions in shaping a fairer economy. Carney noted that many of the protections enjoyed, including weekends, minimum wages, safer workplaces, and employee benefits, were the result of long-standing union struggles. He praised organized labour for championing fairness and dignity for all, not just for their members, but for society at large. Looking ahead, the Prime Minister emphasized that his government is committed to ensuring Canadians are equipped to succeed in an evolving global economy. “Workers are…
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Wildfires Disrupt Back-to-School Season as Canadian Families and Schools Struggle to Restore Normalcy

Wildfires Disrupt Back-to-School Season as Canadian Families and Schools Struggle to Restore Normalcy

St. John’s, Newfoundland (Richa Walia)– For Scott Chandler of Conception Bay North, September usually means a hectic but welcome routine of school and extracurriculars for his son Rhys. This year, however, the family is still reeling from the loss of their home and Rhys’s school, Cabot Academy, in the devastating wildfires that swept through the region in early August.Forced to evacuate multiple times in just weeks from Victoria to Carbonear and then Harbour Grace Chandler says the emotional toll on his third-grader has been immense. “All your clothes, your games, your video games are gone,” he recalls telling his son.…
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Guru Nanak Darbar Red Deer organised 1st Nagar Kirtan Event

Guru Nanak Darbar Red Deer organised 1st Nagar Kirtan Event

Red Deer (Rajeev Sharma): Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Red Deer achieved a historic milestone by hosting its 1st Nagar Kirtan, attracting hundreds of devotees and community members from across Alberta. The vibrant procession, featuring devotional singing, prayers, and cultural displays, was led by the Guru Granth Sahib Ji carried on a beautifully decorated float. Devotees walked in reverence while local Sikh youth groups showcased Gatka and other performances, highlighting Sikh heritage. According to Gurcharan Singh, President of Guru Nanak Darbar, this Nagar Kirtan celebrated Sikh faith, traditions, and values of equality, peace, and community service. Langar, a free community…
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Alberta Privacy Commissioner Urges AI Regulation Amid Growing Role in Health Care

Alberta Privacy Commissioner Urges AI Regulation Amid Growing Role in Health Care

National Times Bureau, August 31: The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) of Alberta is calling on the provincial government to establish a regulatory framework to govern the use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly as it expands rapidly into Alberta’s health-care system.In its latest report, the OIPC noted that the “active adoption” of AI in health care is already underway. The watchdog suggested Alberta could benefit from a standalone AI law that complements existing privacy legislation, protecting residents from risks tied to the collection and use of personal and health information.Earlier surveys conducted by the OIPC showed mixed…
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Keyways Mortgage Surrey Office Offers Customized Homebuyer Solutions

Keyways Mortgage Surrey Office Offers Customized Homebuyer Solutions

Surrey, (Richa Walia): Keyways Mortgage has officially launched its new office in Surrey, providing a comprehensive range of mortgage solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of the city’s growing community.While conversing with National Times, Vinay Sharma and Shubha Chaudhury stated that they are committed to guiding clients through every step of their homeownership journey, offering expert advice and support. From first-time homebuyer programs to refinancing and specialized mortgage products, the office will serve as a one-stop destination. Vinay Sharma stated that the services offered include Pre-Approval to help clients determine their comfortable budget before shopping, Construction Loans with lenders…
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Wildfire Surge in British Columbia as Lightning Strikes Spark New Blazes

Wildfire Surge in British Columbia as Lightning Strikes Spark New Blazes

Vancouver (Richa Walia) – The number of wildfires raging across British Columbia surged this week as hot, dry weather gave way to thunderstorms and lightning, igniting dozens of new blazes in the province’s southern regions.According to BC Wildfire Service figures released Friday, active fires jumped to more than 110, up from 68 on Wednesday. Over 40 are classified as out of control, a sharp increase compared to only a handful earlier this week. Officials reported 37 new fire starts in the past 24 hours, while 10 were declared out.Clusters of new wildfires have been reported in remote areas northwest of…
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Team Alberta brings it home at Canada Summer Games

Team Alberta brings it home at Canada Summer Games

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is celebrating Team Alberta’s impressive performance at this year’s Canada Summer Games. Over 17 days of spirited competition, Alberta’s athletes demonstrated their dedication, talent and sportsmanship, capturing 81 medals and finishing fourth overall. Alberta’s government provided more than $1.6 million to support Team Alberta at this year’s event, including $744,000 in operations and logistics funding through the 2025 Canada Summer Games Operating Grant. In the lead-up to the games, $900,000 was provided over three years to provincial sporting organizations for athlete training and selection. Team Alberta’s strong showing included 22 gold, 30 silver and 29…
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