Trump delays tariffs until April 2 but Canada tariffs remains
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Ottawa will suspend a second wave of retaliatory tariffs after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to pause some new duties on Canada and Mexico and reduce potash levies to 10 per cent.
LeBlanc posted on social media that Canada will not proceed with planned retaliatory tariffs on $125 billion of U.S. products until April 2, and will continue to push the Trump administration to drop all of its latest duties.
Continued on Page 6...
2025 budget falls flat for business groups and unions
Reaction continues to pour in just a day after the B.C. budget was tabled in the Legislature by Finance Minister Brenda Bailey.
The province’s fiscal plan includes a record $10.9 billion deficit, but it doesn’t include any
major new initiatives or spending, which has disappointed business groups, unions, and some civic leaders.
The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association says the budget shows that the NDP is out of touch with the economic storm brewing out of the U.S. and, specifically, the Trump tariffs.
“The government is spending as if everything is fine when the reality is, British Columbia is on the brink of a recession,” CEO Chris Gardner stated.
“This budget was out of date before it was even printed. A full-blown trade war with the United States will hammer B.C. exports, drive up costs for builders, and put tens of thousands of jobs at risk,” he added. Continued on Page 7...
Ford gunning for ‘zero tariffs’ imposed on Canadians
Ontario Premier Doug Ford pledges to “hold the line” and says Canadians must not parley with the US on half-tariffs in the hope of averting a full continental trade war. Continued on Page 7...
A Quebec Superior Court judge ruled two people from Akwesasne should face extradition to the U.S., where they face charges related to a human smuggling run across the St. Lawrence River that ended in the drowning deaths of nine people on March 29, 2023. Continued on Page 4...
Trudeau’s grocery bills cost taxpayers $81K in 1 year
The average Canadian family spent $29,989 on groceries in 2022 and 2023 combined, according to Canada’s Food Price Report.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau charged taxpayers $81,428 for household groceries in the 2022-23 fiscal year, according to access to information records obtained by the Canadian
Taxpayers Federation (CTF). Over 2 years, his total food expenses reached $157,642, with taxpayers covering 83% of the costs. The CTF revealed Trudeau spent $188,864 for “food and food preparation” between 2021 and 2023.
Taxpayers paid $157,642 of that amount, while the rest was reimbursed by the Prime Minister’s Office. The figures have sparked criticism as Canadians grapple with soaring grocery prices.
“The fact that Trudeau spent more on food than what the average Canadian worker makes in an entire year is outrageous,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director. Continued on Page 6...
Romanian family (left) and Indian family (right)
B.C. trucking companies are expecting to be hit hard by the newly-imposed tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance reports that about 25 to 30 per cent of B.C. trucking companies move goods across the Canada-U.S. border every day.
While it is not known what the eventual impact will be, the industry says it has seen a soft freight economy over the past 12 to 16 months and the tariff uncertainty will add to that.
A soft freight economy happens when the demand for the movement of goods falls short of the supply of goods, meaning carriers often end up reducing their prices to keep their trucks moving. “What we have to remember is all disputes end and how they end and what we’re left with is very often determined by how we conduct ourselves during the dispute,” Dave Earle, president
and CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance told Global News.
“It’s time to reach across those borders and really firm up those relationships.”
To avoid tariffs, the Trucking Alliance said some companies are looking at ways to move more freight through Canadian ports, rather than U.S. ones, and push for further reductions in inter-provincial trade barriers.
Canada has requested consultations with the United States on "unjustified tariffs" at the World Trade Organization, Canada's ambassador to the WTO in Geneva said on Wednesday.
"The U.S. decision leaves us with no choice but to respond to protect Canadian interests," Ambassador Nadia Theodore said in a statement posted on LinkedIn. A WTO spokesperson confirmed the receipt of Canada's request for consultations. U.S. President Donald Trump's new 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico took effect on Tuesday, along with fresh duties on Chinese goods. The moves, which could upend nearly $2.2 trillion in annual trade, came after
Trump declared that the top three U.S. trading partners had failed to do enough to stem the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the US. Bilateral consultations are the first stage of formal dispute settlement. If within 60 days no solution is found, then Canada could request adjudication by the Geneva-based organisation's Dispute Settlement Body.
PM Trudeau said on Tuesday that Trump's tariffs on Canadian imports were "a very dumb thing to do" . He announced immediate 25% tariffs on C$30 billion worth of U.S. imports. If need be, Canada will target another C$125 billion worth in 21 days' time, he said.
British Columbians crossing the border from the U.S. back into Canada may notice they are being charged more after the start of a trade war between the United States and Canada.
Counter-tariffs on certain U.S. goods are now facing a 25 per cent tariff, in addition to regular duties and taxes, when being brought into Canada.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said the surtax began on Tuesday, March 4, “in response to the U.S.’ imposition of tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. from Canada.” The surtax will only apply to goods that originate in the U.S. and will apply to goods imported for commercial and personal purposes, even when exported from a country other than the U.S. into Canada.
The list includes meat, milk, cream, butter, yoghurt, cheese, bread, pasta, wood products, clothing, suitcases and much more.
These countermeasures will apply to commercial shipments, goods imported by mail or courier, and goods imported by individual travellers above their personal exemptions, the CBSA explained.
Surtaxes will remain in place until the U.S. eliminates its trade-restrictive measures against Canada, the Canadian government said.
Payment of surtax is made in the same way and within the same prescribed time that customs duties and taxes are paid.
When asked about this surtax, B.C. Premier David Eby said that he hopes that people will choose to travel in the province and across Canada and to buy local and buy Canadian before going to the United States. The surtax does not apply to goods that are classified, or that should be classified, in Chapter 98 or Chapter 99 with some exceptions that can be found at those links.
4 of 5 Surrey civic slates fined by Elections BC
Four of Surrey’s five political slates in the 2022 civic election have been fined a collective $10,043 by Elections BC for contraventions of the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act.
They are the Safe Surrey Coalition, led by former mayor Doug McCallum, Surrey First Electors Society, led by former Liberal MP, MLA and White Rock mayor Gordon Hogg, and United Surrey, led by Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal, and Surrey Connect, led by current Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke.
Surrey Forward, led by former MP and NDP MLA Jinny Sims, was not under investigation.
A bulletin issued Wednesday by Elections BC reveals a breakdown of the fines.
Surrey Connect Public Interest Association
has been fined $1,350 for accepting prohibited contributions; financial agent for United Surrey Harvinder Sidhu was fined $900 for accepting prohibited contributions; financial agent for Surrey First Electors Society Bob Bezubiak was fined $750 for accepting prohibited contributions; financial agent for Safe Surrey Coalition Society Katie Young was fined $4,630 for accepting prohibited contributions; and the Safe Surrey Coalition Society has been fined $2,413 for incurring election expenses prior to registration.
"These penalties conclude the investigations into the elector organizations Surrey Connect, United Surrey, Surrey First Electors Society and Safe Surrey Coalition Society announced in April 2024," the bulletin issued on Feb. 26 states.
Kulbir Mahi passes away
One of the original South Asian photographers and videographers in Metro Vancouver. Kulbir Mahi, has passed away. He was 70 years old.
Starting in the 1980s, Kulbir started a photo studio named Mahi Photo Studio, first on Victoria Drive and then on Fraser Street and on Scott Road in Surrey. He did everything from birthday parties and weddings to press conferences for close to 40 years.
Originally from Punjab, Kulbir was ill recently and passed away in Vancouver Hospital last Friday. He leaves behind a daughter, Stephanie. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 12 at 10 a.m. at Hamilton Harron Funeral Home at 5390 Fraser Street in Vancouver Bhog will follow at Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara (Ross Street Temple) at 8000 Ross Street in Vancouver at 12 p.m.
BC Second World War museum says it must move due to issues with nearby homeless shelter
A Vancouver Island war museum says it is being forced to move due to problems associated with a neighbouring homeless shelter.
Courtenay’s HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial pays tribute to the 59 men who died when their warship, the Corvette HMCS Alberni, was sunk off the English Coast during the Second World War.
The museum is located inside a small mall on Cliffe Avenue next to the Connect Temporary Shelter and Service Hub. The building that was leased from the city was intended as a temporary space for the area’s homeless population, but that was five years ago.
“Our visitor numbers dropped severely, Lewis Bartholomew, HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial founder, told Global News. “They are equal to the COVID closures.
“Because the visitors don’t want to come down to this part of town.” The museum operators say
they know there is a need for housing, but the expectation when Connect moved in was that it would be there for six to 12 months before a new location would be found.
While BC Housing has now identified a new permanent location, completion of the building is at least three years away.
“The expectation at the time was six to 12 months for a new location that was more permanent and more purpose-built would be located,” Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells told Global News.
The three staff members left at the museum, who have been putting in their own money to keep things up and running, say it is now too late.
“We’ve had three deaths of people who have overdosed on probably fentanyl,” Bartholomew said. “One woman parked three blocks away and called my cellphone and asked if I would escort her down here to the mall.”
The museum’s lease expires in October.
Canadian ex-Olympian, alleged drug kingpin added to FBI 10 most wanted list
A former Canadian Olympic snowboarder and alleged drug kingpin has been added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Ryan James Wedding is wanted for allegedly running and participating in a transnational drug trafficking operation that routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and Southern California to Canada and other locations in the United States. Additionally, it is alleged that Wedding was involved in orchestrating multiple murders in connection with his drug crimes, according to the FBI. The U.S. Department of State’s Narcotics Rewards Program is now offering a reward of up to US$10 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Wedding.
to export cocaine; continuing criminal enterprise; murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime and attempt to commit murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime. The FBI said Wedding is considered armed and dangerous.
Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles Field Office for the FBI, said at a press conference on Thursday that Wedding and 15 other defendants are currently charged in the drug trafficking operation.
“He is a fugitive and we have been seeking his whereabouts since last year,” Davis said.
RCMP said Wedding also goes by the names: “Giant,” “Public Enemy” and “El Jefe.”
The FBI said he may be living in Mexico. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Wedding on Sept. 17, 2024 for numerous charges including, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; conspiracy
“Ryan Wedding continues to pose one of the largest organized crime threats to Canada, even as a fugitive,” Liam Price, director general, International Special Services of the RCMP, said in a statement.
Ontario's Doug Ford says he could cut electricity to US over tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he's willing to cut off power supply to the US if President Donald Trump continues with tariffs against Canada.
Ford announced his retaliatory plans shortly after Trump implemented a 25% tariff against Canadian imported goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy.
He said he would implement his own 25% surcharge on Canadian electricity exports to three US states: Michigan, New York and Minnesota.
If the US tariffs are escalated, he said, he would consider completely cutting those states off from Canadian power. About 1.5m Americans in those states get their electricity from Canada.
Ford's response comes after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his own retaliatory measures – including an immediate 25% tariff on C$30bn ($20.7, £16.2) of goods from the US.
As the leader of Ontario, Canada's most
Quebec
judge rules
populous province and largest economy, Ford is able to wield his own carrot and stick.
He banned US companies from bidding on Ontario infrastructure projects, and he cancelled a $100m deal with Elon Musk's Starlink internet provider.
He also said he's reached out to lawmakers in those three US states to urge them to put pressure on Trump to back off tariffs against Canada - or risk leaving their own constituents in the dark.
He also urged premiers in other Canadian provinces to follow suit.
But the timing of Ford's promised tariffs is not clear. Ford told media he would implement the tariff on electricity if Trump's tariffs "persist".
He said he is looking for ways to avoid passing new legislation, which could take weeks.
"We need to act immediately," he said.
"If they go further into April, then we'll cut off their electricity," he added.
2 should face USA extradition in human smuggling river deaths
Continued from Page 1...
Justice Gregory Moore said the federal Crown presented enough evidence to meet the low evidentiary standard for this stage of the extradition process.
"This is a very limited role and intended only to decide as to whether there is a prima facie case, whether a … crime has been committed," said Moore.
"The extradition judge did not hear a trial, and the process before the judge is intended to be expeditious, [deciding] only whether a trial should be held."
The federal justice minister will make the final determination on the extradition. Stephanie Square and Rahsontanohstha Delormier are both wanted into the U.S. to face an indictment filed with the U.S. Federal Court for the Northern District of New York in connection with the drowning deaths of a family of four from India and a Romanian-Canadian family of four with two young children.
While the alleged roles of Square and Delormier in the tragedy are very different, their cases were heard together during this phase of the extradition process. Romanian citizens Florian Iordache, Cristina Iordache and their two Canadianborn children, Evelin, 2, and Elyen, 16 months,
drowned on March 29, 2023, when the boat they travelled in capsized in stormy weather on the St. Lawrence River.
They shared the boat with a family of four from India, father Pravindbhai Chaudhari, mother Dakshaben Chaudhari, and their two adult children, son Mitkumar and daughter Vidhiben.
The boat launched from Cornwall Island headed for the southern banks of the St. Lawrence, but never made it.
The bodies of the two families were pulled from the river between March 30 and 31.
The body of Casey Oakes, the Akwesasne resident who was at the boat's tiller, was found in July. Akwesanse is a Haudenensaunee community that is severed by the Canada-U.S. border. It sits about 120 kilometres west of Montreal and its territory is split between Ontario, Quebec and New York State.
The Chaudhari family, in Canada on visitors visas, paid $100,000, and the Iordaches, facing deportation, paid about $15,000 to a human smuggling network allegedly led by a Montreal man named Thesingarasan Rasiah. Both families wanted to enter the U.S.
The RCMP charged Rasiah, who is in custody, with numerous human smuggling related charges in June 2024.
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Canada sabotaged its own
oil industry and is now paying the price
After blocking key pipelines for years, theTrudeau government is scrambling. With US tariffs looming, the chickens have come home to roost
By Gwyn Morgan -The Feb. 11 edition of the Financial Post washeadlined: “West-Eastpipeline talks perk up oil patch ears as U.S. targets Canada.” Federal IndustryMinister François-Philippe Champagne was quoted assaying mean you need pipelinesthat go west-east.” Wow, what an insightful revelation! For decades, Liberalgovernments have stymied pipelines to both the eastand west coasts, forcing oil producers to sell to U.S.refiners at huge captive-market discounts. In 2010, Enbridge filed a regulatory application for theNorthern Gateway pipeline from Alberta to Kitimat. The innovative project would have carried diluted oils and scrude to the seaport, where the condensate would beremoved and shipped back to dilute more crude.
After four years of hearings, environmental reviews andstakeholder consultations, the Harper cabinet approvedthe project. But in 2016, that was struck down after a legal appeal byIndigenous bands claiming insufficient consultation.Enbridge launched a new round of consultation, only tosee Prime Minister Justin Trudeau block the project,saying no pipelines should cross the newly createdGreat Bear Forest Reserve.
After six years and multiplelawsuits, a pipeline that could have been onstream for adecade was dead. In 2014,TransCanadaCorporation filed aregulatoryapplication for the Energy East project, which wouldhave converted a natural gas pipeline no longer in useto carry western oil to Ottawa. A new pipeline wouldthen transport the oil to Montreal refineries beforecontinuing past Quebec City to the Irving refinery inSaint John, N.B. construction, an unused pipeline would be employed for90 per cent of the distance. Quebec would get Canadianoil, removing the hazard of tankers travelling up the St.Lawrence carrying oil from Algeria, Saudi Arabia andAngola. And Canada would finally get access tointernational oil markets.
Inexplicably, this project was cancelled after the Quebecgovernment announced it would block it. Donald Trump’s tariff threats seem to have shiftedQuebecers’ views.
A recent poll suggests 59 per centnow favour a new Energy East project. But once burned,twice shy—it’s highly unlikely any pipeline companywould wade into those volatile political waters again. Paradoxically, the only pipeline that has achieved accessfor Canadian oil to tidewater ended up being owned bythe federal government.
Continued from Page 1...
“Here’s a crazy idea: how about the prime minister pays for their own groceries like everyone else.”
That equals about $288 weekly.
In contrast, Trudeau’s taxpayer-funded grocery bills averaged $1,515 per week, over five times higher.
The Privy Council Office, which manages the prime minister’s residence expenses, stated Trudeau’s reimbursements are calculated using Statistics Canada data adjusted for inflation.
“The prime minister reimburses amounts related to food based on Statistics Canada data on household spending, which is adjusted using the consumer price index to account for inflation,” according to the records.
However, the records do not specify how much was spent on personal groceries versus official events hosted at his residence. In 202223, Trudeau’s total grocery costs hit $97,645, with taxpayers covering $81,428.
The previous year, his expenses totaled $91,218, leaving taxpayers responsible for $76,214.
Terrazzano argued taxpayers should not foot the bill for the prime minister’s personal groceries.
“It’s one thing for the prime minister to bill taxpayers for government business, but taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook for a single cent of the prime minister’s personal groceries,” said Terrazzano.
“The current policy needs to change, the government needs to improve transparency on this spending, and anyone who wants to be the next prime minister needs to commit to not billing taxpayers for their personal groceries.”
Trudeau earns an annual salary of $406,200, which is nearly six times the average Canadian worker’s income of about $70,000.
Taxpayers also fund his personal chef, who earns between $68,468 and $79,234 per year.
The British Columbia and federal governments have signed a four-year, $670-million pharmacare agreement, giving universal access to contraceptive and diabetes medications.
“Through this historic agreement, BC residents will receive public coverage for a range of contraceptives and diabetes medications at little to no cost,” the federal government said in a statement.
“The funding from this agreement will also improve access to diabetes devices and supplies.”
According to the government, this will support 1.3 million British Columbians with a range of contraceptives and almost 550,000 residents with diabetes to access essential medications.
“This additional coverage is a significant step toward improving health care for women and gender diverse people throughout their lifetimes.”
“As part of today’s agreement, B.C. will also enhance pharmacare coverage for its residents by providing free public coverage of hormone replacement therapy to treat menopausal symptoms for all residents,” the government said in the statement. B.C. residents can expect to begin receiving coverage for these products in March 2026.
policy and government relations, with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce said now is not the time for another costly and unnecessary pharmacare agreement.
“This agreement with British Columbia could restrict the range of necessary medications by forcing everyone, even those who already have employer-provided drug coverage, onto a government plan,” he said in a statement.
“In all likelihood, this plan will cover only a fraction of what British Columbians currently access through their employer insurance plans.
“National pharmacare isn’t necessary. Ottawa
However, Liam MacDonald, director of
can work with provinces to fill the small gaps in drug coverage for a fraction of the cost, while maintaining the beneficial role played by private insurers. Not only would this improve access to medications, but it would also be more fiscally responsible.”
Trump delays tariffs until April 2 but Canada tariffs remains
Continued from Page 1...
Trump's order, read out Thursday in the Oval Office, linked the tariff relief to maintaining the flow of automobile parts that comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, known as CUSMA, and to helping farmers who need potash for fertilizer. It fulfilled a pledge the president made after a conversation with the Big Three automakers — Stellantis, Ford and General Motors — on Wednesday.
An explanatory statement issued by the White House said there would be no tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico that claim and qualify for CUSMA preference.
Trade lawyer William Pellerin, a partner at McMillan LLP in Ottawa, said his understanding is the latest order means all goods, automotive and otherwise, which meet rules of origin requirements in CUSMA would be duty-free.
However, rules of origin requirements can be complex under the trade pact.
Markets have been in turmoil since Trump followed through Tuesday on his threat to impose a sweeping 25 per cent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, with a lower 10 per cent charge on Canadian energy.
Ottawa responded with retaliatory tariffs on
$30 billion in American goods the same day. The second wave of Canadian levies was set to take effect 21 days later.
Trump said there will be "a little short term interruption" but he doesn't "think it will be big."
"This is not a moment to celebrate," said Matthew Holmes, chief of public policy for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. "The economy is not a toy to play with. Constant threats and economic uncertainty have taken their toll."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned that Canada "will continue to be in a trade war that was launched by the United States for the foreseeable future."
Trudeau and Trump spoke Wednesday in a call the prime minister described as "colourful" and the Wall Street Journal said was "heated" and "included profanity."
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told business news channel CNBC earlier Thursday an agreement was likely because Canada had done an "enormous" amount of work on fentanyl.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said his government is still going ahead with a 25 per cent surcharge on electricity shipped to 1.5 million Americans in Minnesota, New York and Michigan starting Monday.
BC's 2025 budget falls flat for business groups and unions
Continued from Page 1...
The province’s budget forecasts a real GDP growth of 1.8 per cent in 2025, but the ICBA believes that number is “wildly optimistic” given the damage expected from the tariffs.
“Instead of acting decisively to strengthen the economy, this budget doubles down on reckless spending and ballooning debt. The Eby Government’s fiscal mismanagement has left B.C. vulnerable at the worst possible time,” Gardner added.
Meanwhile, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has been left unimpressed.
Locke says her city and community have been overlooked, with no new projects announced for the city despite its rapid growth and the ensuing demands that go with it.
“Our residents deserve equitable support from the provincial government to build a brighter future for all who call Surrey home. Yet time and again, we see clear evidence that Surrey is not receiving its fair share of funding and resources for transportation, education, healthcare, and social infrastructure,” she said in a statement.
“This continued neglect is both frustrating and unfair—not to mention damaging to our families. We have reached a critical tipping point: it is time for our city to be recognized and prioritized,” she added.
Locke touched on the province’s ailing health-
care system- including emergency room wait times and closures, schools in Surrey bursting at their seams, overcrowded public transit systems, and the newly implemented U.S. tariffs.
“We have nearly 400 portables — more portables than some districts have students — forcing thousands of our children to learn in cramped temporary spaces. The Surrey School District faces a significant budget shortfall of $16 million this year alone, despite already implementing deep cuts,” she explained.
“Surrey is on track to become the first city in British Columbia to reach a population of one million. It is time we receive the respect and resources this milestone demands. The provincial government must start laying the groundwork to support our city’s growth by investing in critical infrastructure, affordable housing, and accessible public services,” she said.
“Rest assured, we will continue to advocate for Surrey’s rightful share, ensuring a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous future for everyone who calls this remarkable city home.”
Echoing Locke, BC Nurses Union President Adriane Gear says while the province is funding capital infrastructure, more money needs to be set aside for things like staffing shortages.
Anderson says the ballooning provincial deficit could impact B.C.’s credit rating and the cost of borrowing.
Ford gunning for ‘zero tariffs’ imposed on Canadians
Continued from Page 1...
“Am I the only guy with a backbone to go after Trump?” Ford asked a radio talk show host on Wednesday, according to Blacklock's Reporter.
“We want zero tariff. We don’t want half the amount of tariffs.”
In an interview broadcast on The Morning Rush With Bill Carroll on Radio CFRA Ottawa, Ford said compromise was out of the question.
“The attack was unprovoked and we are going to fight, simple as that.”
“If they want to meet us halfway, no, there is no halfway. We do not want tariffs on Canadians.”
“You hold your line?” asked Carroll.
“We hold our line and counter tariff, tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar,” replied Ford. “They want to tariff us for 10% or 15 then they are getting a tariff. These tariffs do not work. All they do is hurt people.”
“We have a great team of premiers and we’re all working hard. I am going to give some credit here. I know people will lose their minds, but over the last few weeks Prime Minister Trudeau has done a better job than he has in 10 years. But he’s leaving and we’re going to continue fighting.”
“Sometimes you think up there, am I the only guy with a backbone to go after Trump?”
“I don’t care. I am going to protect the people of Ontario and the people of Canada because we are in the right position.” Ontario is America’s third largest trading partner after Mexico and China, by federal estimate.
Ford reiterated his threat to cut hydroelectricity exports to Great Lakes states if Americans escalate the trade war.
“Is this something you would actually be willing to do?” asked Carroll.
“It would be the last resort,” replied Ford.
“The last thing I want to do is cut off their electricity.”
“I have three great governors in New York and Michigan and Minnesota I have an excellent relationship with. It’s unfortunate, but when your country is under attack and they want to close down plants, take food off people’s tables until they can’t pay their mortgages and rent and they’re under full economic attack, I am going to use every tool in our toolkit.”
“Make no mistake about it, they know I am serious. I am not a bluffer. When I say I am going to do something I get it done. And if they start hurting families anywhere in Canada, especially Ontario, well, the lights are going off. When I say I am going to do it, just watch me.”
PICS pledges to buy local Canadian products as much as possible. Our women transitional homes, senior housing, PICS head office, and other locations will follow the same practice” said PICS President & CEO, Satbir S. Cheema. Canada is not for SALE and we are not 51st State”, said the Board Chair, Maninder Grewal. The movement is to raise awareness about the
brands we use daily and inspire people to buy Canadian-made products. We are proud to launch it on National Flag of Canada Day as a celebration of our patriotism. We plan to host fun challenges and create educational content to promote Canadian brands worldwide”, said Phalak Betab, Director of Marketing, Communications & Fundraising.
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Body found in Langley home after explosion possibly linked to illegal drug extraction lab
A body has been found in a home that exploded in Langley on Friday morning.
RCMP said in an update on Monday morning that officers are working with the BC Coroners Service to identify the deceased person, which they previously stated was a woman.
In addition, the RCMP said that preliminary examination of the scene has investigators focused on the cause of the explosion and fire, which may be consistent with what is found at an illegal drug extraction lab.
However, officers said it may take some time to conclude.
“We looked at the expertise provided by the Township of Langley Fire Department, that is one of the angles that we’re still looking at, preliminary, that’s what we’re saying at this time, however, everything will be looked at until a definitive conclusion is found,” Sgt. Zynal Sharoom with Langley RCMP said. Two people were critically injured in the explosion and were air-lifted to the hospital on Friday. One home was
destroyed, along with at least four more homes, including one that was operating a daycare, were significantly damaged. The blast also triggered an evacuation of the area.
New security video from across the street showed the moment the house exploded.
Neighbour Mark Mullens ran to help after he heard the explosion and saw two people crawling out of the home.
“These two gentlemen kind of crawled up out of the rubble and you know (were) wearing aprons,” Mullens told Global News
“Their clothes were all tattered and ripped, their hair was all singed, their skin burnt.”
3 injured in possible impaired-driving crash in Delta
Three people are in hospital, including one in critical condition, after a head-on collision in Delta Wednesday afternoon. The Delta Police Department says 62B Street has been closed since 3 p.m. following a crash near 60 Avenue.
Police say both drivers and one passenger were taken to hospital, but did not disclose any details about which was in critical condition.
“One driver has been
detained for impaired driving,” the DPD added in a release.
As of 7:20 p.m., 62B Street remains closed in both directions from 60 Avenue to 65B Avenue.
Police say it will remain closed as collision analysts work to collect evidence at the scene.
Drivers entering or exiting the Tilbury Industrial Park are asked to take 80 Street at Highway 17 or River Road at Highway 17
Man accused in violent South Surrey home invasion now facing 12 charges
A man accused in a terrifying string of home invasions in South Surrey last week appeared in court on Monday, where prosecutors boosted the number of charges he’s facing to 12.
David William Charles Hoffman is facing charges of assault, attempted robbery, breaking and entering and mischief in relation to the violent incident at the Breakaway Bays modular home park early Wednesday morning.
Following his arrest he was taken to Peace Arch Hospital, where he’s also accused of assaulting an
RCMP officer and trying to take their weapon. He’s charged with assaulting a peace officer by choking, suffocating or strangling, attempting to disarm an officer and assault in relation to that incident.
Hoffman’s court proceedings were put over until Friday. He remains in custody.
Gordon Fletcher, president of the Breakaway Bays Residents’ Association, said the community is “pretty shook up,” and hoping the accused is denied bail.
BC pressured to speed up involuntary treatment rollout after attack on VPD officer
The B.C. government is facing pressure on the pace of its rollout of involuntary treatment in the wake of another apparently random violent attack. A Vancouver police officer was slashed and seriously injured in the Downtown Eastside on Tuesday night. Charged in the attack is Solaris Onatta Running Dey, who remains in custody.
Dey was convicted four years ago of strangling his girlfriend to death in 2018, and in handing down a sentence, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Michael Tammen concluded it was “clear he was suffering from a mental illness.” Not long before the killing, he was hospitalized involuntarily with psychotic symptoms
under B.C.’s Mental Health Act. Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar-type substance use disorder and substance-induced psychotic disorder, he would appear to be the ideal candidate for secure, involuntary treatment — one of the BC NDP’s pre-election campaign promises.
But while B.C.’s 2025 budget nodded towards work already underway on the file, it did not lay out any specific new spending measures.
That’s drawn heat from the BC Conservatives who focused heavily on crime and public safety issues in their election campaign, including involuntary treatment.
Leader John Rustad said the government is not moving quickly enough on the file.
Surrey parking lot shooting victim identified as Jaskaran Singh Minhas
Homicide investigators have identified the victim of a “brazen shooting in a high-traffic area” on Monday evening as 29-year-old Jaskaran Singh Minhas.
At about 5:30 p.m., Minhas was gunned down in the parking lot of the Scott Road Crossing shopping centre in the 7900-block of 120th Street. Surrey police officers found Minhas behind the wheel of a vehicle with life-threatening injuries and he died before being taken to hospital.
Delta police were called about a vehicle on fire minutes later at 64th Avenue and Westview Drive. It’s been confirmed as a vehicle linked to the shooting. Cpl. Freda Fong of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Tuesday that Minhas is known to police and she alleged he had ties to organized crime. IHIT’s newly formed integrated gang homicide unit is leading the investigation, said Fong. “This was a targeted, brazen shooting in a high-traffic area,” says Fong.
“Those involved displayed a complete disregard for public safety.
“This shooting has the hallmarks of a targeted, gang-related homicide and the (anti-gang team) will be taking lead. We believe there are at least two suspects involved and investigators are working diligently to identify all parties.”
Though Fong said Minhas was on police radar, a search of B.C. court records show Minhas had several driving offences but no serious charges.
Surrey Police Service Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton told Postmedia News late Monday that emergency services received several calls late Monday afternoon from the “very busy” location near Scott Road and 80th Avenue.
Houghton said the driver of a vehicle was shot in the outdoor lot at the southeast corner of the intersection. Photos from the scene showed a grey Volkswagen Tiguan with several bullet holes in the windshield.
Former BC MLA Mike de Jong ousted from federal
Conservative nomination race
Former B.C. finance minister Mike de Jong has been campaigning for nearly a year to clinch the Conservative Party of Canada nomination in the riding of Abbotsford-South Langley, but he’s now been told he’s not qualified to be a member of Parliament.
De Jong won eight terms in the B.C. legislature, serving as finance minister, attorney general and several other portfolios as a B.C. Liberal under Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark, and he said it was “mystifying” that the federal Conservatives considering him “unworthy.”
He said the party informed him with a “three-line message” that it wouldn’t allow him to contest the nomination in the riding and that his application to be in the nomination race had been denied. De Jong said he was both surprised and disappointed, and felt sorry for the volunteers who had helped him try to get the nomination.
has served provincially for three decades.
“I wasn’t seeking some kind of an appointment or special status. I understood it was a nomination and when you enter these races you can either win or lose,” he said. “That I would be told at this stage that I was deemed unworthy or unqualified to even compete for the position was, candidly, a little hard to take.” De Jong said the nomination application process was “comprehensive” and he said he’s not “prone to speculate” about what the problem with his candidacy may have been.
“It sounds like someone didn’t like me,” he said.
“When candidates go into these campaigns, we are reliant on the hard work of volunteers,” he said. “And in this case, it was a very lengthy campaign.”
He said he was puzzled that the federal Conservative party had deemed him “unworthy” or “unqualified” to run in the community where he
He said he endorsed Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre when he was seeking the party’s leadership, having avoided federal politics as a member of the now-defunct B.C. Liberals, which included both federal Liberals and Conservatives in its ranks. “At no point was I confronted or approached about anything that anyone was troubled by or wanted to explore,” he said. “As a 30-year member of the legislative assembly, I’ve disclosed on a yearly basis everything about my financial circumstances. I don’t have any secrets after 30 years in public life.” “So yeah, it’s all a bit mystifying,” he added.
Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) is moving to expand its network of natural gas pipelines in northern British Columbia in a move that would boost supply of the fossil fuel across B.C., Alberta and the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
In a presentation to investors Tuesday, the Calgary-based oil and gas company said the Birch Grove project is expected to increase the total capacity of the T-North section of the B.C. pipeline by around 179 million cubic feet a day. The $400-million expansion will drive a pipeline into B.C.’s Montney shale basin and is expected to come online by 2028.
The announcement came the same day U.S. President Donald Trump's administration imposed a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods, and a 10 per cent tariff on its energy products. On Wednesday, Washington said it would put a one-month pause on tariffs applied to vehicles coming into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico.
The tariffs have prompted a number of Canadian oil and gas proponents to call for an expansion of fossil fuel projects. Lisa Baiton, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, called for an urgent policy overhaul to allow viable projects to proceed. She said diversifying exports into Asia and Europe would promote long-term stability, and that securing Ontario and Quebec's energy
supply must be a national priority as well.
"We are at a significant moment in Canada's history — we need to seize this moment," she told the Canadian Press.
"The choices we make today will determine whether we become a global energy leader or continue to fall behind."
Critics, however, say doubling down on expanding oil and gas export infrastructure would be a mistake.
Tracey Saxby, executive director of the
environmental group My Sea to Sky, has long opposed the construction of more fossil fuel infrastructure. That includes the Enbridgebacked Woodfibre Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) export terminal slated for construction near Squamish, B.C.
Teens accused of assaulting younger relatives
Two teenagers are facing charges of rape and sexual assaults committed against their younger relatives last month.
This was revealed in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ sexual offenses statistics for last month.
There was one incident where a 15-year-old boy was charged with the rape and sexual assault of his 12-year-old cousin brother.
In another incident, a 17-year-old boy was charged with the rape and sexual assault of his 10-year-old stepsister.
Meanwhile, four of the eight recorded victims of sexual offenses recorded are minors.
The ODPP says there were eight indictments filed in the High Court with a total of 15 counts of sexual offences. It says there were nine offenses
of rape, one for indecent assault and five for sexual assault. The ODPP says there were six female victims and two male victims.
There were five incidents where the victims and the accused were related to one another.
A 68-year-old man was charged with indecent assault and sexual assault of his eight-year-old niece while in another incident, a 43-year-old man was charged with the rape of this 19- yearold niece. A 32-year-old man was charged with the rape of his 16-year-old nephew, however, this matter was discontinued after the victim could not be located or contacted. A 33-year-old man was charged with two counts of sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman during a drinking party. In another incident, an 18-year-old man was charged with the rape of a 34-year-old woman.
Long-term resilience for Fiji's future
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says that there are many challenges and opportunities before us.
In his right of reply, Rabuka states that as parliamentarians, the President has reminded them to learn from the many challenges they face and apply the lessons gained to maximize their opportunities.
The Prime Minister assures that, as a government, they will continue to develop and implement policies that prioritize unity, good governance, economic stability, sustainable development, and national security.
He adds that they will not focus solely on short-term growth but will place greater emphasis on long-term resilience. Rabuka also emphasizes that they will ensure Fiji remains strong in the face of global uncertainties. He further states that no one should be left behind.
Rabuka says that the government responds to concerns and complaints when notices are brought to their attention regarding deteriorating roads, bridges, or any other infrastructure.
He stresses that the government fully embraces the vision of making things easier for everyone.
I was urged to leave the Coalition and lead a party - Tabuya
Government MP Lynda Tabuya says a lot of people have urged her to leave the Coalition Government while some suggested she join another party.
While responding to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s opening address in Parliament, she says some have even asked her to lead a party.
The former Minister for Women says what she has learned about leadership is that people do not want perfect or smart leaders, but what people want is resilient leaders who can withstand challenges, navigate crises and keep going.
underrepresented in leadership, workplace equality still persists, and violence against women continues to rise.
Tabuya adds that true leadership is about compassion, empathy and equality, and it is not about being perfect.
She also highlighted that women are still
Tabuya urges parliamentarians and all stakeholders to do more to combat these issues.
She says during her tenure as Minister for Women, she focused on stronger child protection laws and better support for families in need by introducing the Child Care and Protection Act of 2024 and the Child Justice Act of 2024.
She adds they launched new programs to combat poverty and stood up for gender equality and women's rights with a national action plan to prevent violence against women and girls.
Employers told to follow employment laws
The Ministry of Employment is once again dealing with reports of nonpayment of wages for local workers as well as ill treatment of migrant workers.
The ministry has issued a stern warning to employers not adhering to the provision of the employment law. Permanent Secretary Maritino Nemani says reports reveal that many workers are subjected to unfair wages, unsafe working conditions, and poor accommodation.
social justice and enhance workplace productivity. Nemani adds that non-compliance with employment laws not only undermines the rights of workers but also hampers overall productivity and morale within the organization. The PS Employment is also urging trade unions to collaborate with non-compliant employers to create a supportive environment that enhances worker well-being and development.
Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau is confident that over the next 18 months and by the end of the four-year term of the Coalition Government, the major water issues of SuvaNausori, Tamavua and Sakoca areas will be just memories of the past.
While responding to the President’s speech in Parliament today, Ro Filipe says the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant has a capacity of 60 million litres per day but is currently operating at 75 million litres per day to meet growing demand.
He says the Water Authority of Fiji, has developed a comprehensive strategy which includes the installation of a trash boom at the Savura Intake, bypass pumping systems
to improve management flow management at the Tamavua Treatment Plant and maximizing chemical intervention. Ro Filipe says the major upcoming improvement projects also include the Sawani to Colo-i-Suva pipeline, pump station, and reservoir project. He says the tender has been approved and the contractor is expected to commence work next month.
The Minister confirms the project is estimated to take 12 to 18 months at a cost of $35 million.
Ro Filipe also says the other improvement includes the new 20 million litres per day water treatment plant, and this is expected to tender this month, and they are targeting groundworks to start in August this year.
He says these violations undermine the dignity of the workers and pose significant risks to their health and well-being. He says it is critical for employers to adhere strictly to the minimum employment terms and conditions to ensure
The ministry will be conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance and will take necessary actions against those non-compliant employers who fail to meet the minimum employment standards set by law.
FBI identifies Pak national as "national security priority", deports him from US
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), shared details of a Pakistani national Syed Rizvi who arrived "illegally" in the US and was sent back on February 25. In an X post shared on Thursday evening, the FBI said that it partnered with agencies across America to "remove a Pakistani national identified as a national security priority."
The statement issued by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in this regard read, "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Dallas removed an illegally present Pakistani national identified as a national security priority to his home country Feb 25."
ICE Dallas shared the details of the Pakistani national. "Syed Rizvi, 56, a Pakistani national was ordered removed from the U.S. after being identified by U.S. intelligence sources as a national security priority, designated as removable per the Immigration and Nationality Act."
It noted that Rizvi was residing in Dallas, Texas without authorization prior to his removal. "ERO Dallas arrested Rizvi Jan. 31, following a routine traffic stop. He was ordered removed by an immigration judge Jan. 24. Rizvi entered the United States legally Sep.20, 2017 near the New York port of entry and he violated the terms of his admission", the statement said.
Enforcement and Removals Operations Dallas Field Office acting Director Josh Johnson said, "Illegal aliens suspected or known to have ties to organizations that threaten public safety will not find refuge in the US." He also added, "Our most important priority is to arrest and remove those who pose an imminent danger to the citizens of the U.S." The details of Rizvi's deportation comes after FBI Director Kash Patel made a bold statement, reaffirming the US government's commitment to tracking down terrorists worldwide.
Buddha Air flight lands safely in Kathmandu despite losing front wheel
A domestic aircraft of Nepal's Buddha Air landed safely at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Thursday despite losing its front wheel (nose landing gear) during takeoff from Janakpur.
According to officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the aircraft, with the call sign 9N-ANH, took off from Janakpur Airport at around 4.45 pm (NST) and landed safely at 5.10 pm (NST).
"The pilots of the plane that took off from Janakpur Airport at 4:45 pm on Thursday were not aware of the wheel falling off during the takeoff, nor did the plane's indicators show any unusual activities during the flight," Gyanendra Bhul, deputy spokesperson at CAAN, told ANI
over the phone.
After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, a routine technical inspection was conducted. During the inspection, the nose landing gear was found to be missing, prompting an immediate search. The missing wheel was later found near the runway at Janakpur Airport.
"The wheel was later found at the turning point of the runway at Janakpur Airport. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident," the official added. All 62 passengers on board were safe, and the aircraft has been grounded as CAAN conducts a detailed investigation.
This is not the first incident involving Buddha Air.
AAP, BJP indifferent to farmers: Warring
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief and Ludhiana MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has accused both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being vehemently anti-farmer and working tirelessly against the interests of the state.
On the 101st day of farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike, Warring expressed anguish over the continued silence of both the AAP government in Punjab and the BJP government at the Centre towards the legitimate demands of farmers.
“This blatant ignorance by
both AAP and the BJP towards the struggles and rightful demands of our farmers only exposes their anti-farmer mindset. It proves how hollow their promises have always been,” said Warring.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveniently befriends Punjab during elections, but his actions throughout his tenure have repeatedly worked against the state and its hard-working farmers. Similarly, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who leads AAP, the B-Team of the BJP, has time and again betrayed our farmers in the time of need,” alleged the Congress leader.
Structures built using drug money razed
The state government on Thursday demolished several illegal properties belonging to drug peddlers.
In a major operation, the Amritsar Corporation, with support of the Punjab Police, demolished a two-storey house and shops constructed by drug traffickers using heavy machinery.
Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, who oversaw the operation, said the move would send a strong message against drug trafficking.
The demolished properties belonged to Gurmeet Singh and Sandeep Singh, alias Sonu. Gurmeet has three cases lodged against him, including seizure of 325 grams of smack and 350 grams of heroin, respectively.
Sandeep has four cases registered against him, including three at Sarai Amanat Khan, and one in Mohali under the NDPS Act. In a separate operation, the Khanna police and civic body demolished six structures at meat market. These properties were built illegally
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jyoti Yadav said two peddlers — Aslam and Sunil — were already booked in five drug-related cases. Though Sunil is currently in judicial custody, Aslam is on the run.
Other smugglers, including Shindi, Mohendro, Pappu and Gulshan also face cases related to drug trafficking and illegal liquor trade. “Their illegal properties have been razed and the police teams are working to apprehend them,” said the SSP.
Additionally, the Khanna police had frozen three properties belonging to drug peddlers in Payal subdivision on Wednesday, added Yadav.
A CBI court today sentenced former Patti police station SHO Sita Ram, 80, to life imprisonment and ASI Rajpal Singh, 57, to five-year jail term for a fake encounter of two Tarn Taran youths in 1993.
The court sentenced Sita Ram under Sections 302, 201 and 218 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Rajpal Singh, who was a constable when the encounter took place, under Section 201 of the IPC read with Section 120-B, said CBI public prosecutor Anmol Narang.
A fine of Rs 2.70 lakh and Rs 50,000 has been imposed on Sita Ram and Rajpal Singh, respectively. A compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh each has been awarded to the families of the victims, Sukhwant Singh and Gurdev Singh, which is to be paid out of the fine. The court had acquitted five other accused in the case giving them the benefit
of doubt. Four other accused — Sardool Singh, Amarjit Singh, Didar Singh and Sameer Singh — had died during the pendency of trial.
In all, 11 police officials were charged with kidnapping, illegal confinement and murder. The CBI conducted the preliminary inquiry and recorded statement of one Gian Singh on November 27, 1996, and later registered a case against ASI Norang Singh and others of the Kairon and Patti police stations in February 1997. According to the CBI, on January 30, 1993, Gurdev Singh, alias Deba of Galalipur, Tarn Taran, was picked up from his house by a police team headed by ASI Norang Singh, the then incharge of the Kairon police post in Tarn Taran. On February 5, 1993, Sukhwant Singh of Bahmniwala village was taken away by ASI Didar Singh of the Patti police station.
SKM calls off Punjab dharnas, plans fresh protests against AAP MLAs on March 10
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has decided to recall all its dharnas from Punjab, following a meeting held in Ludhiana. The decision marks a shift in the SKM’s strategy, as it plans to organise fresh protests against the AAP government.
According to Baldev Singh Nihalgarh, SKM will hold dharnas at the residences of all AAP MLAs on March 10, as a show of resentment against the government. This move is seen as an escalation of SKM’s agitation, as it targets the ruling party’s elected representatives.
The decision comes after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann walked out of a meeting with SKM leaders, which was called to resolve issues with farmers’ unions and cancel a scheduled protest on March 5.
Two members of Chaura gang held, arms seized
The Punjab Police have arrested two key members of the Pavittar Chaura gang and seized four pistols and ammunition from them. The arrests were made by AIG (Counter-Intelligence) Sukhminder Singh Mann from an undisclosed place in Batala police district. Those arrested were identified as Kanwalpreet Singh, alias Kanwar, of
seized weapons included one 9mm Glock pistol, one .30 bore pistol and two .32 bore pistols along with four magazines and 39 cartridges. They were in regular touch with US-based gangster Pavittar Singh Chaura. He hails from Chaura village in Batala police district. The gangsters were carrying out activities in Punjab at the behest of Chaura.
Pakistani Canadian asks US Supreme court to stop his extradition to India
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian national accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has filed an urgent plea before the US Supreme Court, seeking an emergency stay on his extradition to India. Rana claims that he faced a significant risk of torture by Indian authorities, if extradited.
Rana, a close associate of prime accused David Coleman Headley, is currently under supervised detention at a metropolitan detention centre in Los Angeles. He completed a 14-year prison sentence in 2023. In his petition, Rana argued that his extradition would violate both international and US legal protections against torture.
“A stay is necessary and needed on an emergency basis because the government is likely to surrender petitioner to India if a stay is not granted,” the plea stated. Earlier in January, the US Supreme Court had denied Rana’s petition for a writ of certiorari, which sought to
block his extradition to India. The writ had been filed in November 2024, challenging a lower court’s ruling that had approved his extradition. A writ of certiorari is a legal mechanism that allows a higher court to review a lower court’s decision.
On February 14, during a joint press conference with PM Narendra Modi in Washington, US President Donald Trump announced Rana’s extradition to India.
Rana’s legal team has raised concerns about his deteriorating health, stating that the 64-yearold was unlikely to survive long enough to stand trial in India. They also highlighted India’s criminal justice system, citing US State Department reports that document instances of custodial torture and mistreatment of detainees. Rana further claimed that his identity as a Muslim of Pakistani origin and his past service in the Pakistan Army would increase his risk of mistreatment in India.
UK strongly condemns Jaishankar security breach in London
The UK on Thursday strongly condemned the security breach involving a pro-Khalistan extremist rushing towards External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s convoy, saying such attempts to “intimidate, threaten, or disrupt” public events are “completely unacceptable”.
It came after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called on the UK to “live up to their diplomatic obligations” after a man from a small group of protesters chanting pro-Khalistan slogans and waving separatist flags attempted to breach the security perimeter as Jaishankar left the Chatham House think tank in London on Wednesday evening.
The protester was swiftly taken aside by officers of the Metropolitan Police, which said that no arrests had been made. “We strongly condemn the incident that took place outside
Rahul
Chatham House yesterday (Wednesday) during the External Affairs Minister’s visit to the UK,” a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said.
“While the UK upholds the right to peaceful protest, any attempts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events are completely unacceptable. The Metropolitan Police acted swiftly to address the situation, and we remain fully committed to ensuring the security of all our diplomatic visitors, in line with our international obligations,” the spokesperson said.
meets Dharavi leather hub workers
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, visited the Dharavi leather hub in Mumbai on Thursday to interact with workers and understand the challenges they face.
Dharavi, one of the largest leather hubs in the world, houses hundreds of leather manufacturing units and employs over one lakh workers. Rahul toured several units, including the one founded by Sudheer Rajbhar, and engaged with both workers and entrepreneurs.
In a series of posts on X, Rahul reflected on his visit, highlighting the story of Rajbhar and the broader issues faced by Dalit youth in India. He wrote, “Rajbhar encapsulates the life and journey of lakhs of Dalit youth in India. Extremely talented, brimming with ideas and hungry to succeed but lacking the access and opportunity to connect with the elite in his field.” He praised Rajbhar for leveraging the skills of Dharavi’s artisans to create a globally recognised brand, stating, “He understood the latent skill of the artisans of Dharavi and created a brand that is recognised in the most esteemed corridors of fashion globally.” Rahul emphasised the importance of inclusive production networks that empower skilled workers across sectors. He also underscored the need for knowledge-sharing, mentioning that he brought a craftsman from Sultanpur to meet Rajbhar and learn how design and innovation can transform businesses. Rahul was presented with leather bags and wallets by the workers as tokens of appreciation for him and his family.
Luring poor parents with money, providing training to young children, and mingling with guests brought financial gains to the “Band, Baaja and Baarat” gang, who stole cash and valuables from weddings in Delhi.
The national capital witnesses two wedding seasons annually, one during February-March and the other during November-December. With multiple weddings taking place simultaneously, the gang targeted these venues, making off with gold, silver, and cash. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police arrested four gang members, including a juvenile, officials announced on Thursday. Police received a tip-off that the gang members would arrive at a
bus stop near Shastri Park Metro Depot, en route to their village in Madhya Pradesh.
DCP (Crime Branch) Apoorva Gupta said that during interrogation, the suspects disclosed that they hailed from Gulheri in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh. “They would visit Delhi NCR and metro cities in North India during the wedding season to commit crimes.” The DCP added that analysing the CCTV footage revealed that they spent a considerable time at the venue, making themselves comfortable and familiar with the guests. “They were never in a hurry, had their dinner there, and patiently waited for the opportune time to strike. They were well-dressed to mingle with the guests and waited for the opportune time to strike,” the official said.
The kingpin furthermore disclosed small details or tricks they prescribed to commit theft.
“In their village, they used to lure parents of children between the ages of 9 and 15 years by offering Rs 10 to 12 lakh for a year. Once the deal was finalised, the money was handed over to the parents in two or more instalments, and the child would be hired for the theft for a year,” a police official said.
An Air India flight from Chicago to Delhi returned to the US city after being airborne for more than ten hours on Thursday, with the airline saying the return was due to a technical issue. However, a source aware of the development told PTI that the aircraft had to return as many of the lavatories were clogged.
The flight was operated with a Boeing 777337 ER aircraft and returned to Chicago’s ORD airport after being airborne for over ten hours, according to information available on flight tracking website flightradar24.com. There
are 10 lavatories, including two for first-class passengers, in the Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft operated by Air India and has little over 340 seats, including first, business and economy class seats, the source said. The source also said only 1 lavatory was functional.
New Delhi [India], March 6 (ANI): As per the Ministry of External Affairs, two Indian nationals, Muhammed Rinash Arangilottu and Muraleedharan Perumthatta Valappil, were convicted on murder charges and handed out death sentences in the UAE.
The highest court of UAE, the Court of Cassation, upheld the sentences, the XP Division stated. The UAE authorities informed the Embassy on February 28 that these two sentences have been carried out. The families of the concerned have been informed.
The Embassy is in touch with them and facilitating their participation in the last rites, as per XP Division said. Meanwhile, Indian national
Praveen Kumar Gampa (27), a student pursuing postgraduation at the University of WisconsinMilwaukee in the US, was shot in a suspected robbery attempt in Wisconsin on Wednesday. The family, based in Telangana, was alarmed when a stranger answered Gampa’s call. They later found out about his death.
Gampa’s father, Raghavulu, said he received a WhatsApp call from his son on Wednesday morning but missed it.
When Raghavulu called back, a stranger answered, claiming to have found his son’s phone. The family suspected something was wrong. Their worst fears were soon confirmed. India’s Consulate General in Chicago expressed sadness over Gampa’s death.
Shahzadi Khan who was executed in the United Arab Emirates after being convicted for killing her employer's child was buried in Abu Dhabi and representatives of the deceased paid their respects to her mortal remains, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. The Embassy provided all possible consular and legal assistance, including sending mercy petitions and pardon requests to the Government of UAE for the Indian nationals, the statement said.
Earlier in the day, the burial of the 33-yearold Indian national hailing from Uttar Pradesh's Banda district was conducted today in Abu Dhabi as per regulations of the UAE authorities, as per the MEA.
Raghavulu said, “Gampa went to the US in August 2023. Recently, he came in December and went back in January.
On February 21, he paid the entire college fees by clearing the 11 lakh due. We appeal to all parents not to send their children abroad; let them study here. My son was doing a job here after his BTech. He wanted to study further.”
