Canada

Free summer fun at all Alberta museums and sites

Free summer fun at all Alberta museums and sites

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta makes culture more accessible with free and discounted summer admission for kids and youth at all provincial museums and historic sites until September 2. On July 4, Alberta joined the Canada Strong Pass program to help more people access and enjoy the history and culture our province has to offer. This summer, general admission to all Alberta museums and historic sites will be free for children and teens aged 17 and under, and half-price for young adults aged 18-24, making it easier than ever to discover the province’s rich history and culture. “Our government is excited…
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Delta Land Co. Inc fined for workplace fatality

Delta Land Co. Inc fined for workplace fatality

Calgary (National Times): A land development and management company has been fined $350,000 related to a workplace death. Delta Land Co. Inc., as an employer, pleaded guilty on June 30 in the Red Deer Court of Justice to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code for permitting a worker to remain within range of a moving part of a powered mobile equipment. The company was fined $350,000 including the 20 per cent victim fine surcharge. The Crown withdrew six other counts. The charges stem from an incident that occurred at a resort development site at Gull Lake…
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Stantec Settles U.S. False Claims Allegations for $4 Million Over EPA Brownfields Grants

Stantec Settles U.S. False Claims Allegations for $4 Million Over EPA Brownfields Grants

Edmonton, July 8, 2025 — Edmonton-based engineering and design firm Stantec Inc. has agreed to pay US$4 million (C$5.5 million) to resolve allegations that it violated the U.S. False Claims Act in connection with federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brownfields grants, the U.S. Department of Justice announced this week.The settlement stems from claims that between 2014 and 2022, Stantec subsidiaries including Stantec Consulting Services and Cardno Consulting, acquired by Stantec in 2021 improperly helped draft requests for proposals and statements of work for EPA brownfields assessment grants, then competed for and won those same grants.Federal regulations strictly prohibit contractors involved…
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British Columbia Increases Tax Credit to Boost Video Game and VR Development Industry

British Columbia Increases Tax Credit to Boost Video Game and VR Development Industry

Vancouver (Richa Walia): In a move to strengthen British Columbia’s position as a hub for interactive digital media, the provincial government has announced a significant increase in tax incentives for developers of video games, virtual reality simulators, and related technologies. Premier David Eby revealed that starting September 1, the Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit will rise from 17.5% to 25%, providing additional support for companies like Electronic Arts and others operating in B.C. The credit, which was previously temporary, will also be made permanent, giving long-term financial clarity to businesses in the sector. “This is about future-proofing British Columbia’s economy,”…
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Premier Danielle Smith hosts Stampede Breakfast at McDougall Centre

Premier Danielle Smith hosts Stampede Breakfast at McDougall Centre

Calgary: Premier Danielle Smith hosted a Stampede Pancake Breakfast at Calgary’s McDougall Centre, perpetuating a long-standing annual tradition aligned with the Calgary Stampede.Dressed in western attire, Premier Smith, alongside Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, Ontario Premiere Doug Ford and Saskatchewan premiere Scott Moe flipped and served pancakes to thousands of Calgarians who attended the morning event. The attendees enjoyed live music, warm hospitality, and the festive Stampede spirit. Premier Smith addressed the crowd and made a significant announcement that Alberta will pursue nuclear energy as part of its long-term strategy to meet growing energy demands and support clean technology development.…
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Trump Pushes Global Trade Deals with Tariff Threats, Canada Exempt for Now

Trump Pushes Global Trade Deals with Tariff Threats, Canada Exempt for Now

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he will be sending letters to as many as 15 countries worldwide, pressing them to strike new trade deals under threat of fresh tariffs.Trump said the correspondence would inform targeted nations that they face new tariffs dubbed “Liberation Day” duties if negotiations fail. His administration has signaled those tariffs could take effect in August.The president initially launched his global trade offensive in April but quickly scaled back the most severe measures, granting a 90-day window for talks. So far, the Trump administration has only reached preliminary trade frameworks with two…
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Alberta-Ontario MOUs fuel more pipelines and trade

Alberta-Ontario MOUs fuel more pipelines and trade

National Times Bureau (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta and Ontario will sign agreements to drive oil and gas pipelines, energy corridors, and repeal federal policies blocking investment and growth.Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) during Premier Ford’s visit to the Calgary Stampede, outlining their commitment to strengthen interprovincial trade, drive major infrastructure development, and grow Canada's global competitiveness by building new pipelines, rail lines and other energy and trade infrastructure.The two provinces agree on the need for the federal government to address the underlying conditions that have harmed the energy industry in…
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Evacuation Order Issued as Whelan Creek Wildfire Threatens Homes Near Kelowna

Evacuation Order Issued as Whelan Creek Wildfire Threatens Homes Near Kelowna

Kelowna (National Times) A fast-moving wildfire near Kelowna has prompted emergency officials to issue an evacuation order for several homes threatened by the Whelan Creek wildfire burning in the Ellison area, east of Kelowna International Airport. The Regional District of Central Okanagan confirmed that seven properties along Rockface Road and Dead Pine Drive are under immediate evacuation orders. Residents of these homes are expected to remain displaced overnight as firefighting efforts continue. In addition, an evacuation alert has been issued for 106 nearby addresses, with authorities urging residents to stay ready to leave at a moment’s notice. The wildfire, first…
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Redstone Community Association to Host 2nd Annual Stampede Breakfast on July 12

Redstone Community Association to Host 2nd Annual Stampede Breakfast on July 12

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Redstone Community Association is preparing to host its second annual Stampede Breakfast on Friday, July 12, promising a vibrant celebration replete with food, games, music, and fun activities for all ages.In an interview with National Times, association committee members Piara Singh expressed enthusiasm about the growing community participation. "This is our second year, and the enthusiasm is even greater," said organizers Sanjeev and Vivek. "Many residents have volunteered to contribute diverse types of food, demonstrating the true spirit of community." They also added, Premier Danielle Smith will also attend this event with other dignitaries. The event…
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Indians in Canada Face Steep Housing Costs in Top Cities

Indians in Canada Face Steep Housing Costs in Top Cities

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s vibrant Indian diaspora continues to grow across major cities, but soaring housing prices are posing significant challenges for families hoping to own a home.According to recent figures, Toronto remains the city with the highest Indian population, exceeding 650,000 residents. However, the average home price in Toronto has climbed to $1.1 million, requiring a family income of at least $250,000 to afford a property comfortably.Vancouver, which hosts more than 260,000 people of Indian origin, tops the chart with the highest average house price among the five cities at $1.24 million. Families there would need to earn around…
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