Canada

Canada Federal Elections 2025: Gujaratis Step Into Canadian Politics

Canada Federal Elections 2025: Gujaratis Step Into Canadian Politics

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): While Canada prepares for its 45th federal election on April 28, 2025, the Indian diaspora has started to play an influential role in the nation’s politics. This year marks a significant shift in development, as candidates of Gujarati origin are making their electoral debut, while Punjabi politicians look to secure another term in office. The Indian-origin communities in Canada represent a vibrant tapestry of cultures, including Punjabis, Gujaratis, Malayalis, and Bengalis. While many Indian immigrants have established themselves in Canada through skilled professions or academic pursuits, Punjabis and Gujaratis are particularly prominent in entrepreneurial and business circles.…
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Canada Enforces 25% Tariff on Select US Vehicle Imports Amid Trade Tensions

Canada Enforces 25% Tariff on Select US Vehicle Imports Amid Trade Tensions

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canada has officially started enforcing a 25 percent tariff on certain automobile imports from the United States, marking a significant development amid the ongoing trade dispute with Washington. The tariff's enforcement took effect just after midnight on Wednesday. It is reportedly a direct response to US tariffs imposed under the administration of President Donald Trump. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne issued a statement on Tuesday, stating Canada’s resolve: “Our government will continue to push back strongly against any unjustified and unreasonable trade actions.” The new tariff, initially unveiled by Prime Minister Mark Carney last week, targets vehicles imported…
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Canada Increases Minimum Wage, A Huge Relief for Indian Workers and Students

Canada Increases Minimum Wage, A Huge Relief for Indian Workers and Students

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): In a move aimed at easing financial pressure amid soaring living costs, the Canadian government has announced a major relief for Indian workers and students through an increase in the federal minimum wage. The decision is expected to particularly benefit the large Indian diaspora residing in the country. Effective from April 1, the hourly federal minimum wage for employees in federally regulated private-sector jobs has been increased from CAD 17.30 to CAD 17.75. The 2.4 percent hike showcases Canada’s efforts to adjust wages in line with inflation, as determined by the annual Consumer Price Index. Steven MacKinnon,…
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Canada Issues Updated Travel Advisory for the US Following Actor’s Detention

Canada Issues Updated Travel Advisory for the US Following Actor’s Detention

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Canadian government has revised its travel advisory for citizens heading to the United States, warning travelers to prepare for heightened security checks and possible scrutiny at U.S. border crossings. The update comes a month after Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney — known for her role in American Pie — was reportedly detained by U.S. immigration authorities in San Diego, California. Stricter Checks and Device Screenings In the advisory updated on April 4, Ottawa cautioned Canadian travelers to be "compliant and forthcoming" when interacting with U.S. border officials. The updated guidance also notes that American authorities are authorized…
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Canadian PM Mark Carney Visits BAPS Mandir on Ram Navami; Hindu Group Raises Concerns Over Representation

Canadian PM Mark Carney Visits BAPS Mandir on Ram Navami; Hindu Group Raises Concerns Over Representation

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto to participate in Ram Navami celebrations, extending his greetings to the Hindu community during the auspicious occasion. Marking his first visit to the temple, Carney joined worshippers in celebrating the start of the Ram Navami festival, which signifies the culmination of the nine-day Navratri celebration and honors the birth of Lord Ram. On Sunday, Carney wrote to X (formerly Twitter): “Joined Hindu community members at the @BAPS_Toronto Mandir yesterday for the first day of Ram Navami celebrations. Thank you for sharing your traditions and…
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1 in Canada: Albertans recycle more than other Canadians

1 in Canada: Albertans recycle more than other Canadians

National Times Bureau, April 3, 2025: After narrowly being beaten out by Prince Edward Island in 2022, Alberta is back on top, regaining the highest beverage container return rate in all of Canada. In 2024, Albertans returned more than two billion cans, bottles and other containers, or 85 per cent of all non-refillable beverage containers. The national average was a paltry 76 per cent. Runners-up include Saskatchewan at 84 per cent, British Columbia at 83 per cent, Ontario at 75 per cent and Quebec at 68 per cent. Alberta also continues to rapidly gain in the North American rankings, going…
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Why Russia, Canada, and Other Countries Were Left Out of Trump’s Tariff List

Why Russia, Canada, and Other Countries Were Left Out of Trump’s Tariff List

New Delhi (National Times): Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently unveiled a new wave of tariffs, targeting countries with rates as high as 50%. However, some nations—including Russia, Canada, Mexico, North Korea, and Cuba—were notably absent from the list, sparking discussions about why they were spared. Exemptions for Canada and Mexico While Canada and Mexico were not included in Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement, this doesn’t mean they’ve escaped trade restrictions altogether. The U.S. had already imposed a 25% tariff on imports from both countries earlier this year, while Canadian energy and potash were subject to a lower 10% rate.…
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Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney Calls for Snap Election on April 28

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney Calls for Snap Election on April 28

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canada's newly appointed Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has called for a snap election, set for April 28, after dissolving Parliament, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday. This move comes less than two weeks after Carney succeeded Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister. In a statement, Carney emphasized the need for a strong mandate to address the ongoing trade tensions with the United States, which have been exacerbated by President Donald Trump's actions. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa after meeting with Governor-General Mary Simon, Carney expressed that Canada is facing "the most significant crisis of our lifetimes" due to Trump’s…
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Alberta News: Supporting Indigenous business development

Alberta News: Supporting Indigenous business development

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Budget 2025, if passed, provides $10 million in annual funding for the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) to help community-owned Indigenous businesses buy or upgrade the equipment and infrastructure they need to create jobs and contribute to sustainable, thriving communities. Since it launched in 2014, the ABIF program has supported more than 105 community-owned businesses with more than $58 million in capital grants, helping create almost 1,000 jobs for Indigenous people in Alberta. Between 2022 and 2024, Alberta’s government doubled annual ABIF funding from $5 million to $10 million, leading to a record number of ABIF grants…
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Avalanche warning issued for parts of Alberta and B.C.

Avalanche warning issued for parts of Alberta and B.C.

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): In partnership with Alberta Parks, Parks Canada, and the Province of British Columbia, Avalanche Canada has issued a Special Public Avalanche Warning for the central Rockies. The avalanche warning is in effect immediately and remains in place through Monday, March 24. The warning is widespread and applies to avalanche forecast regions including areas in and adjacent to: Kananaskis Country Banff National Park Jasper National Park Kootenay National Park Yoho National Park “With a special public avalanche warning in effect for Kananaskis Country, we want to make sure anyone heading to the mountains exercises extreme caution. All backcountry…
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