Canada

Alberta Government Advances Expedited Viability Review for Town of Gibbons

Alberta Government Advances Expedited Viability Review for Town of Gibbons

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams, says the province is moving ahead with an expedited viability review for the Town of Gibbons as local officials grapple with mounting financial pressures. In a statement issued following meetings with Gibbons’ mayor and council, Williams said the province has already implemented several measures to stabilize the municipality while the review is underway. These include appointing an official administrator to provide oversight and guidance, temporarily extending the town’s debt limit, and approving a $500,000 grant through the Alberta Community Partnership program. Williams described the viability review as a structured process…
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Canada Top Court to Examine Limits on Challenging Rail Service Rulings

Canada Top Court to Examine Limits on Challenging Rail Service Rulings

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear a case that could redefine how railway companies contest regulatory findings related to service obligations. At the centre of the dispute is a November 2023 decision by the Canadian Transportation Agency, which determined that Canadian National Railway Co. (CN) failed to meet its statutory service responsibilities to Alberta Pacific Forest Industries Inc., a major forestry producer. The agency, a quasi-judicial body operating under the Canadian Transportation Act, has the authority to adjudicate complaints involving federally regulated transportation providers. Under that law, parties may appeal agency decisions to the…
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U.S. Supreme Court Voids Trump’s Emergency Tariffs on Canada and Dozens of Nations

U.S. Supreme Court Voids Trump’s Emergency Tariffs on Canada and Dozens of Nations

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): In a landmark ruling with major implications for global commerce, the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down a series of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, concluding that he exceeded his authority by invoking emergency powers to levy duties on Canada, Mexico and numerous other countries. In a majority opinion authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court held that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president unilateral authority to impose sweeping tariffs. The judgment affirms earlier lower court decisions that found the measures unlawful. The tariffs were introduced…
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China Grants Visa-Free Entry to Canadians Through 2026 in Diplomatic Reset

China Grants Visa-Free Entry to Canadians Through 2026 in Diplomatic Reset

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian passport holders can now travel to China without a visa for short stays, following a new policy announced by China’s Foreign Ministry. The measure, which takes effect Tuesday, will remain in place until December 31, 2026. Under the arrangement, Canadians may enter China for up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business, visiting family and friends, exchanges, and transit. The same visa exemption will also apply to U.K. passport holders. In a statement released by the ministry, Beijing described the move as part of efforts to encourage international travel and strengthen cross-border engagement. Canada’s Foreign…
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‘Canada Stands With You’: PM Carney Joins Leaders at Vigil for Tumbler Ridge Shooting Victims

‘Canada Stands With You’: PM Carney Joins Leaders at Vigil for Tumbler Ridge Shooting Victims

British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney stood alongside national and provincial leaders in Tumbler Ridge, offering solidarity and condolences to a grieving community devastated by this week’s deadly school shooting. The tragedy, which claimed eight lives — including six children — has shaken the small northeastern British Columbia town and sent shockwaves across the country. Residents gathered for a candlelight vigil to honour the victims, reflect on their loss and support one another in the aftermath of the violence. In a rare show of unity, political differences were set aside as leaders from across the spectrum attended the…
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Canada Adds Bronze on Day 8 of 2026 Winter Olympics, Gold Eludes Team

Canada Adds Bronze on Day 8 of 2026 Winter Olympics, Gold Eludes Team

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s medal tally climbed to eight on Day 8 of the 2026 Winter Olympics, but the country is still chasing its first gold of the Games. Speed skater Laurent Dubreuil delivered a podium finish in the men’s 500 metres, capturing bronze after a tightly contested race. The result provided a boost to Canada’s campaign, though the elusive top step of the podium remains out of reach. In short-track speed skating, hopes were high for William Dandjinou in the men’s 1,500 metres. Entering the event as a strong contender for gold, Dandjinou fell short of expectations and finished…
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Alberta Premier Defends Judicial Reform Stance, Calls Funding Threat a Negotiation Tool

Alberta Premier Defends Judicial Reform Stance, Calls Funding Threat a Negotiation Tool

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has pushed back against mounting criticism over her recent remarks on judicial reform, saying her warning about withholding court funding was intended as a bargaining strategy rather than an attack on judicial independence. Speaking during her weekend call-in radio program, Smith said her government’s objective is to open dialogue with Ottawa and arrive at an arrangement that she believes would be balanced and respectful to the province. She argued that Alberta is seeking an equal voice in the process of appointing judges, not a confrontation with the federal government. Smith’s comments follow a…
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Dashmesh Culture Centre and Police Agencies Hold Successful Community Safety Town Hall

Dashmesh Culture Centre and Police Agencies Hold Successful Community Safety Town Hall

Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): Dashmesh Culture Centre, in collaboration with the Calgary Police Service (CPS), successfully organized a Community Safety and Awareness town hall meeting to address growing concerns about crime and public safety in the area. The meeting was held in response to recent incidents involving extortion threats, intimidation, and gun violence that have created fear and uncertainty among residents and business owners. The town hall provided a platform for open and direct engagement between the community and law enforcement agencies. Representatives from the Calgary Police Service (CPS), RCMP, ALERT, and Crime Stoppers participated in the meeting, engaging directly…
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Canada, France establish diplomatic presence in Greenland amid Arctic geopolitics

Canada, France establish diplomatic presence in Greenland amid Arctic geopolitics

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada and France formally opened new diplomatic missions in Greenland on Friday, a move widely seen as a gesture of solidarity with Denmark and a signal of growing international focus on the strategically important Arctic territory. Canada inaugurated its consulate in Nuuk with Foreign Minister Anita Anand leading the delegation. She was accompanied by Governor General Mary Simon, underscoring Ottawa’s emphasis on Arctic cooperation and Indigenous engagement. Canadian officials said the mission will strengthen collaboration with Greenland on climate change, Arctic security and Inuit issues, while also expanding Canada’s diplomatic footprint in the region. France simultaneously announced…
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Strong Alberta contingent set to compete at Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games

Strong Alberta contingent set to compete at Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta will have a significant presence on the world stage next year, with 45 athletes from the province selected to compete for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina, Italy. The athletes, drawn from communities across Alberta, will take part in a wide range of disciplines, reflecting the province’s depth in winter sport. Their selection highlights years of training, persistence and support from provincial programs designed to help high-performance athletes compete internationally. Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko said the athletes embody Alberta’s strong sporting culture and commitment to excellence. He noted…
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