Canada

Indian Associations of Calgary Unite for Historic Participation in Stampede 2025 Parade

Indian Associations of Calgary Unite for Historic Participation in Stampede 2025 Parade

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): In a remarkable display of unity and cultural pride, all major Indian associations in Calgary have come together to participate collectively in the 2025 Calgary Stampede Parade, scheduled to take place on July 4th.This year, a contingent of 85 participants, representing the heritage and culture of different states of India and all Indian associations from across the city, will showcase the vibrant traditions of all Indian states, featuring traditional attire, music, regional dance forms, and folk elements. The group's colorful and diverse cultural performance will embody the message of “Unity in Diversity.” This collaborative effort marks a…
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India, Canada Strike Intelligence-Sharing Deal on Crime and Terror

India, Canada Strike Intelligence-Sharing Deal on Crime and Terror

Toronto/New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In a move that could redefine South Asian geopolitics and internal security dynamics, Canada and India have entered into a landmark intelligence-sharing agreement aimed at tackling transnational crime and terrorism. The agreement, finalized under the leadership of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, represents a sharp policy shift and is widely seen as an attempt to restore diplomatic warmth following a year of tense relations over the Khalistan issue. “Our law enforcement needs tools and cooperation across borders. This is about empowering our protectors and taking the fight to those who hide behind jurisdictional gaps,” said PM…
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Canada PM Mark Carney Condemns Iran’s Missile Strikes, Reaffirms Support for Israel’s Right to Defend Itself

Canada PM Mark Carney Condemns Iran’s Missile Strikes, Reaffirms Support for Israel’s Right to Defend Itself

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed serious concern over the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, denouncing Tehran's missile attacks and affirming Canada’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense. In a strongly worded statement released earlier today, Carney said: "Iran’s nuclear program has long been a cause of grave concern, and its missile attacks across Israel threaten regional peace." The Prime Minister convened Canada’s National Security Council to assess the rapidly developing situation and review measures to protect Canadian citizens and diplomatic missions across the Middle East. “Today, I convened our National Security Council to receive…
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WSO Condemns India’s Plot to Target Jagmeet Singh; Modi G7 Invite Endangers Sikhs

WSO Condemns India’s Plot to Target Jagmeet Singh; Modi G7 Invite Endangers Sikhs

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is appalled by shocking revelations reported by Global Times that a suspected agent of the Government of India had former NDP leader and Member of Parliament Jagmeet Singh under close surveillance while he served in office.  The targeting by India posed a credible risk to Jagmeet Singh’s life and prompted a duty to warn and police protection. The suspected Indian agent was associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which the Indian government has been accused of using to commit violence in Canada.  These revelations follow a series of deeply troubling…
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G7 Summit Triggers Major Traffic Disruptions Near Calgary Airport

G7 Summit Triggers Major Traffic Disruptions Near Calgary Airport

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): As Calgary prepares to welcome world leaders for the upcoming G7 Summit, residents and travellers are being urged to plan for significant traffic disruptions around Calgary International Airport from Sunday, June 15 to Wednesday, June 18, 2025. To accommodate the secure arrival and departure of delegates, the Airport Trail N.E. Tunnel—a critical route for airport-bound traffic—will be closed beginning at 1 a.m. on Sunday, June 15, and will remain inaccessible through June 18. Alternate Routes & Key Closures:• Travellers approaching the airport from eastern Calgary are advised to use Country Hills Boulevard N.E. → Barlow Trail N.E.…
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Canada Closes Work Permit Loophole Exploited by Foreign Workers, Including Many Indians

Canada Closes Work Permit Loophole Exploited by Foreign Workers, Including Many Indians

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada has officially closed a loophole in its immigration system that allowed thousands of temporary foreign workers, including a large number from India, to extend their stay through so-called “dummy” work permit extension applications. In a significant policy shift announced in the June 2025 update by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the government has tightened rules around "maintained status", which previously allowed temporary residents to remain in Canada legally while their extension applications were being processed, even when those applications lacked genuine employment backing. What Were Dummy Extension Applications? Dummy applications were essentially placeholders, work or…
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Alberta Resumes Procurement of US Alcohol and Gaming Machines following Tariff Protest Pause

Alberta Resumes Procurement of US Alcohol and Gaming Machines following Tariff Protest Pause

Calgary(Rajeev Sharma): The province of Alberta has reinstated the purchase of U.S.-manufactured alcohol and video lottery terminals, merely three months after Premier Danielle Smith implemented restrictions in response to American tariffs on Canadian goods.Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally confirmed the reversal, stating that the move reflects a "renewed commitment to open and fair trade" with the United States. In March, Premier Smith announced that Alberta would cease purchasing American alcohol and gaming equipment and suspend new contracts with U.S. companies. Although liquor stores in Alberta are privately operated, all products must be procured through the provincial government's supply chain.The initial…
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G7 Summit Invitation Signals New Era in India-Canada Ties, Says Mark Carney

G7 Summit Invitation Signals New Era in India-Canada Ties, Says Mark Carney

Ottawa/New Delhi (National Times): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has revealed the rationale behind inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, despite India not being a formal member of the group. Carney, who recently assumed office after a sweeping electoral victory, said India’s global stature made its participation essential. "India is the fifth-largest economy in the world and the most populous country. Its presence is necessary, especially in view of the emerging world order," Carney said, underscoring New Delhi’s growing influence on the global stage. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Carney…
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Canada Introduces Bill C-3 to Expand Citizenship Rights and Restore Status to “Lost Canadians”

Canada Introduces Bill C-3 to Expand Citizenship Rights and Restore Status to “Lost Canadians”

Ottawa, Canada (National Times): In a historic move aimed at making Canadian citizenship more inclusive and equitable, the federal government has tabled Bill C-3: An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025). The legislation is designed to reverse the effects of the controversial “first-generation limit” on citizenship by descent, which has long impacted families of Canadians born abroad. The bill was announced by The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, who described it as a necessary step to remove unfair barriers that have denied citizenship to children of Canadians living outside the country. The Problem: First-Generation…
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Mass Shooting in Toronto’s Lawrence Heights Leaves One Dead, Five Injured

Mass Shooting in Toronto’s Lawrence Heights Leaves One Dead, Five Injured

Toronto (National Times): A mass shooting rocked Toronto's Lawrence Heights neighbourhood on Tuesday evening, leaving one person dead and five others injured, according to police reports. The incident took place around 8:30 PM near the intersection of Flemington and Zachary Road, close to Ranee Avenue and Allen Road. Emergency services rushed to the scene following multiple reports of gunfire in the area. Toronto Police confirmed that one individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while five others were transported to local hospitals with varying degrees of injuries. The identities and conditions of the victims have not yet been released. Authorities…
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