Canada

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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Child Poverty on the Rise in Canada After Years of Decline

Child Poverty on the Rise in Canada After Years of Decline

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): After years of steady decline, child poverty in Canada is once again on the rise. Recent data reveals that nearly 1.4 million children were living in poverty in 2022, marking a troubling reversal of progress made between 2015 and 2022. During that period, government initiatives such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) played a key role in reducing child poverty rates. However, economic pressures—including inflation, rising living costs, and the expiration of pandemic-era financial support programs—have led to an increase in financial hardship for many families. Advocacy groups are calling for stronger action to address the issue,…
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Canada Reconsiders F-35 Fighter Jet Deal with US, PM Mark Carney Explores ‘Other Options’

Canada Reconsiders F-35 Fighter Jet Deal with US, PM Mark Carney Explores ‘Other Options’

Calgary (National Times): In a significant policy move, Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has instructed Defence Minister Bill Blair to review the country's planned purchase of America’s F-35 fighter jets. The directive comes with a call to explore alternative options “given the changing environment,” according to Blair’s spokesperson on Saturday. Canada’s Original F-35 Purchase Plan Two years ago, Canada agreed to acquire 88 F-35 jets, legally committing funds for the first 16 aircraft as part of its long-term defense strategy. The planned acquisition was set to be the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in over…
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Eighteen new schools are on the way for Calgary and area

Eighteen new schools are on the way for Calgary and area

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): More people are calling Alberta home, which means more students are enrolling in schools across the province, leading to increasing enrolment pressures. Since 2020, student enrolment in Alberta has grown by almost 89,000 students, with much of this growth concentrated in the Calgary metro region. To ensure every student has the space to grow and thrive, Alberta’s government is making more investments in new and ongoing school projects across the province. Budget 2025, if passed, will kick-start 18 new school projects in the Calgary metro area, adding 14,400 new and updated student spaces. In total, there are…
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