Vancouver: 24 hours after the arrest of  three men by Surrey Police Service (SPS) following firing of shots, today police announced they are now charged with Criminal Code offences.

Harjot Singh, a 21-year-old male, has been charged with one count of discharging a firearm into a place contrary to section 244.2(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

Taranveer Singh, a 19-year-old male, has been charged with one count of discharging a firearm into a place contrary to section 244.2(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

Dayajeet Singh Billing, a 21-year-old male, has been charged with one count of discharging a firearm into a place contrary to section 244.2(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

SPS authorities informed that the investigation is ongoing  and additional charges may be forthcoming.

On February 1, 2026, at approximately 3:50 am,  SPS members assigned to Project Assurance, working in collaboration with SPS’s Major Crime Section, were patrolling in Surrey’s Crescent Beach neighbourhood when reports came in of shots fired and a small fire outside a residence near Crescent Road and 132 Street. The three accused were arrested by SPS officers a short time later near 28 Avenue and 140 Street after getting into a rideshare vehicle.

SPS’s Major Crime Section took over the investigation and the three men have now been charged with Criminal Code offences.

All three have been remanded in custody until February 5, 2026. SPS has confirmed they are all foreign nationals and has engaged Canada Border Services Agency.

SPS  has  released  the photos of Harjot Singh, Taranveer Singh, and Dayajeet Singh Billing after determining that the disclosure is necessary to assist with the ongoing police investigation.  SPS hopes that the public release of images can prompt additional witnesses, victims, or associates to come forward with relevant information regarding the activities of one or more on the morning of or before February 1, 2026.

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Vancouver: Surrey Police Service (SPS)  have arrested two men  and  charged with Criminal Code offences following an investigation into an alleged firing of  shots  incident in the early morning hours today.

At approximately 3:50 am, members of SPS  assigned to Project Assurance, working in collaboration with SPS’s Major Crime Section, were in the area of 129 Street and 84 Avenue when they heard what they believed was a gun shot.

SPS officers quickly located a suspect vehicle and stopped it, taking the driver and a passenger into custody. During the arrest,  a loaded handgun was discovered and seized. Project Assurance is an initiative in which SPS proactively patrols neighbourhoods  and business areas,  targeted by extortion and extortion-related shootings.

SPS’s Major Crime Section took over the investigation and two men have now been charged with Criminal Code offences.

Harshdeep Singh, a 20-year-old male, has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and one count of occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm is present.

Hanspreet Singh, a 21-year-old male, has been charged with one count of occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm is present.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Both Harshdeep Singh and Hanspreet Singh have been remanded in custody until January 30. They are both foreign nationals and SPS has engaged Canada Border Services Agency.

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Vancouver: At a time when Canada is battling with shortage of physicians,  Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) in their survey have found that  physicians are wasting  long time on paper work.

As per survey,  Physicians in  Canada spend an average of nine hours per week, or nearly one-fifth of their total working time, on administrative tasks, amounting to about 42.7 million hours per year nationwide. Of this time, respondents estimate that 47% is spent on unnecessary tasks, representing approximately 19.8 million hours. This unnecessary time is equivalent to the work of 9,093 full-time physicians, or about 9% of Canada’s active physician workforce.

“Health care challenges, such as long wait times, emergency department closures, and staffing shortages, affect everyone, including family doctors that own practices. Doctors are spending too much time on work that could be eliminated entirely or done by someone else. Cutting red tape isn’t optional anymore, it’s a critical solution we can’t afford to ignore,” said Corinne Pohlmann, CFIB executive vice-president of advocacy.

Eliminating the 20 million hours of unnecessary paperwork and administrative tasks,  doctors face annually would free up the equivalent of 9,000 full time physicians, according to Losing doctors to desk work: Canadian physicians lose 20 million hours each year to red tape Opens survey.  The findings were released today as part of CFIB’s 17th annual Red Tape Awareness Week.

Most physicians (85%) said unnecessary work stems mainly from health-system processes, insurance companies (76%), government forms (59%), pharmacies (58%), and electronic record systems (51%). The most demanding tasks include insurance paperwork, referrals and test requisitions, and electronic documentation. The Disability Tax Credit, private insurance forms, and Canada Pension Plan Disability are among the most time-consuming forms.

The impact goes beyond lost time. Almost all (93%) of doctors say it disrupts work-life balance, 95% feel less fulfilled professionally, while 90% link it to burnout. More than half plan to cut their hours because of administrative burden, and 25% are even considering early retirement.

For individual doctors that means reclaiming up to 199 hours a year, more than a full month of working time.

If the administrative burden on physicians is reduced,  most doctors (79%) would reinvest the freed-up time to improve their work-life balance, 44% would spend more time with existing patients, and 43% would take on new ones , a strong majority (72%) support eliminating some administrative tasks and better system integration, particularly through the interoperability of patient care records (71%), Other top recommendations include simplifying insurer processes, delegating duties to other health professionals, and providing protected, paid administrative time and  Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another potential solution to save time and free up resources, with 28% of physicians currently using at least one AI scribe tool and another 42% expressing interest.

“Reducing paperwork would ease stress and give doctors more time for quality patient care, professional growth and personal well-being. Even small cuts to the physician administrative burden can make a big difference for millions of Canadians,” said Keyli Loeppky, CFIB director of interprovincial affairs.

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Vancouver: The governments of Canada and Quebec are strengthening their collaboration to accelerate housing construction and support community development.

“Too many families in Quebec are still looking for a home that meets their needs. Municipalities need reliable, well‑adapted infrastructure to make that possible. By working closely with the Government of Quebec, we’re creating the conditions to speed up homebuilding, remove barriers, and deliver real solutions for communities.”  Said  Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure.

In order to ensure the harmonized deployment of Build Canada Homes in Quebec, in line with its priorities and jurisdictions, the governments of Canada and Quebec have signed a memorandum of understanding to guide their collaboration. Through a joint Collaboration Table, the two governments will work together to fund affordable housing projects aligned with shared priorities, simplify and accelerate approval processes, and ensure better coordination between government, municipal, and community partners.

The Government of Canada announced a $6 billion pan Canadian envelope for the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) to accelerate the construction and upgrading of infrastructure that is essential for housing: drinking water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and certain solid waste solutions.

“The agreement announced  a major step forward in housing. It is significant and fully respects Quebec’s jurisdiction, priorities, and legislative framework. ”said Caroline Proulx, Minister Responsible for Housing and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

Recognizing that accelerating residential construction necessarily requires major infrastructure investments, the two governments also announced the signing of the Agreement on the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF). Under this agreement, the federal government will invest nearly $1 billion, which Quebec will be able to use in accordance with its guidelines and territorial needs to modernize and develop essential infrastructure—particularly in the areas of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater—necessary for the completion of new housing projects.

CHIF helps communities secure the infrastructure capacity needed to support more housing and increase density. Funding can be invested in projects that improve drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, as well as initiatives to preserve existing capacity, enhance network reliability, or implement waste diversion measures to reduce landfilling.

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Vancouver: Environment and Climate Change Canada’s latest global mean temperature forecast indicates that 2026 will likely be among the hottest years on record, comparable to 2023 and 2025 and approaching 2024, which remains the warmest year ever observed.

“Canadians are already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate, from extreme heat to increased risks to communities and infrastructure. This latest global temperature forecast provides important, science-based information to help governments, decision-makers, and communities better understand what lies ahead and plan accordingly.” Said Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature.

Based on current modelling, the global mean temperature in 2026 is predicted to fall in the range of 1.35 °C and 1.53 °C above pre-industrial levels, meaning that global temperatures will remain at least 1.0 °C above pre-industrial levels for the 13th consecutive year. Looking ahead, Canada’s long-term forecasts indicate that the period from 2026 to 2030 will likely be the hottest five-year period on record.

Produced by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis, the forecast is based on a made-in-Canada climate prediction system that provides early insight into expected global temperature conditions. This means that governments, industry, and communities can use this data with confidence while planning for the impacts of a warming climate.

The 2026 global mean temperature forecast predicts a range of 1.35 °C to 1.53 °C above pre-industrial levels (from 1850 to 1900), with a central estimate of 1.44 °C. This will be the 13th consecutive year that global temperatures exceed 1.0 °C above pre-industrial levels.

To address the drivers of rising global temperatures, the Government of Canada is taking action to reduce emissions. This includes measures outlined in Budget 2025 and the Climate Competitiveness Strategy—such as the enhanced oil and gas methane and landfill methane regulations announced last month—strengthening our industrial carbon markets and cementing Canada as a clean energy superpower. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions protects human health and reduces climate impacts while supporting economic growth. These efforts help strengthen communities, protect the environment, and support Canada’s transition to a cleaner and more competitive economy.

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When nations take trade decisions, they rarely do so in a vacuum. They respond to pressures – domestic politics, geopolitical anxiety and  economic fatigue  while  the quiet fear of being left behind, also contributes largely. Canada’s recent decision to strike an electric-vehicle (EV) trade arrangement with China must be read through this lens: not as a sudden embrace of Beijing, but as a reluctant recalibration in a world that has become far less forgiving to middle powers.

At a time when global trade is fragmenting into blocs and alliances are strained by protectionism, Ottawa has chosen pragmatism over orthodoxy. By agreeing to sharply reduce tariffs on Chinese EVs in exchange for relief on Canadian agricultural exports — especially canola — Canada has signalled that economic survival sometimes demands uncomfortable choices. But Canada’s recent decision to strike an electric-vehicle (EV) trade arrangement with China,  has consequences that stretch far beyond trade balances as it will  also impact provincial politics, relations with Washington, and the future of Canada’s industrial identity.

Canada’s agriculture sector has long been collateral damage in diplomatic standoffs with China. Canola farmers have endured years of restricted access to one of their largest markets. The reopening of that door was not merely symbolic; it was existential. For Ottawa, continuing to absorb agricultural losses in the name of geopolitical alignment was becoming politically unsustainable.

The EV concession, therefore, is not ideological. It is transactional. Canada lowered its guard on Chinese EV — within limits and quotas — to secure immediate economic relief for a sector that had run out of patience. In doing so, it acknowledged a reality that policymakers often avoid admitting: moral posturing is easier when it does not come at a direct economic cost.

At the federal level, the deal has been framed as balance — diversification without capitulation. Officials argue that Canada cannot afford to tie its economic future entirely to the United States, particularly as American trade policy grows more inward-looking and unpredictable. In this reading, engaging China selectively is not betrayal but insurance.

No province has reacted more sharply than Ontario, where the automotive industry remains both an economic pillar and a political touchstone. Unionized labor forms a tightly woven ecosystem that depends heavily on access to the U.S. market and protection from unfair competition.

Ontario’s leadership fears that even a controlled inflow of low-cost Chinese EVs could destabilise this ecosystem. The concern is not volume alone, but precedent. Once the door is opened — even slightly — it becomes harder to argue for its closure later. Provincial leaders worry that domestic manufacturers, already under pressure from rising costs and technological transition, may find themselves competing with state-subsidised giants operating on an entirely different scale.

Behind the rhetoric lies a deeper anxiety  that Canada’s long-promised EV manufacturing renaissance may never materialise if the market is flooded too early with cheaper imports. For provinces that have invested political capital and public money in courting battery plants and auto investments, the deal feels like a gamble taken without their consent.

No analysis of Canadian trade policy is complete without considering the United States.   Supply chains cross borders seamlessly, particularly in the automotive sector, where vehicles and components may cross the frontier multiple times before completion.

Washington’s discomfort with Canada’s EV deal is therefore unsurprising. The United States has taken a hard line against Chinese electric vehicles, viewing them not only as economic competitors but as strategic instruments of state policy. From Washington’s perspective, a softer Canadian stance risks creating loopholes — real or perceived — in North America’s defensive trade wall.

Yet America’s response has been cautious rather than confrontational. This restraint reflects reality. The U.S. needs Canada — for energy security, continental defence, and climate cooperation. Overreaction would risk destabilising one of its most dependable alliances.

Even so, the decision leaves a subtle but unmistakable tension in the air. Ottawa is reminded that stepping out from Washington’s shadow, even carefully, carries real consequences. Every move toward trade diversification has a diplomatic cost, and even small departures from U.S. expectations draw scrutiny. Canada now finds itself on a narrow ledge, trying to reassure its closest ally while holding on to the freedom to act in its own economic interest.

Beyond the boardrooms and policy briefings, the effects are felt most sharply everyday by  Canadians. Through the lens of climate policy, the stakes are high. More affordable EV could accelerate emissions reductions and make clean transportation attainable not just for wealthy urban residents, but for families and communities across Canada.  In this narrow sense, the deal aligns with Canada’s environmental ambitions more convincingly than many domestic subsidies ever have.

But this benefit carries its own contradictions. Cheaper imports may weaken domestic innovation, discouraging investment in Canada’s manufacturing sector. It is a paradox at the heart of the agreement: it advances sustainability while potentially compromising the economic foundations that make that progress possible.

Canada’s relationship with China in recent years has been defined more by tension than by reconciliation. Diplomatic stand-offs, retaliatory trade measures, and deep-seated mistrust have left scars that a single agreement cannot erase. The EV deal does not erase this history; nor does it signal trust. It signals fatigue.

Beijing, for its part, sees opportunity. Re-entering the Canadian market, even in a limited capacity, helps normalise Chinese technology and manufacturing at a time when it faces exclusion elsewhere.

Canada’s decision on electric vehicles reveals a broader reality for middle powers in a world dominated by great-power rivalry. Principles do  matter, but influence also  matters more. Countries , which are  without the economic clout of the United States or China should steer carefully.

The deal is neither a triumph nor a surrender. It is a calculated risk taken in an unforgiving global environment. Whether it pays off will depend on what follows — investment in domestic industry, protection for workers, transparency in implementation, and steady diplomacy with allies.

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Vancouver: At the peace bridge port of entry from Buffalo into Fort Erie, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)  have seized 42 kg of suspected heroin from a tractor- trailer, attempting to enter Canada.

“This seizure is a great example of the excellent work and collaboration between the CBSA, the OPP and BEST. Partnerships and information sharing between law enforcement agencies yield real results for Canadians. The CBSA is committed to protecting the border and keeping illicit narcotics off our streets. ”said  Michael Prosia, Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region CBSA.

In December 2025, OPP members from the multi-agency Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), which includes the CBSA, initiated an intelligence-led investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity and the alleged importation of heroin from the U.S. into Canada.

On Thursday, December 18, 2025, based on intelligence from the OPP, CBSA Intelligence and the National Targeting Centre identified a suspect tractor trailer attempting to enter Canada at the Peace Bridge port of entry. Upon primary inspection, border services officers referred the tractor trailer for examination. With the assistance of a CBSA detector dog, border services officers detected and seized 42 kg of suspected heroin concealed in the trailer. The CBSA also seized the tractor and trailer as offence-related property, and two cellphones. All seized items were turned over to the custody of the OPP.

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $6.98 million. This investigation remains ongoing.

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Vancouver: Municipalities across Canada are getting a financial boost to prepare for the impacts of climate change, with Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities announcing $7.1 million in new funding for 80 local projects aimed at climate adaptation.

The projects were selected following a call for applications that was launched in June 2024. The investments made through the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative help advance the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan and the National Adaptation Strategy and support municipalities across Canada to build long-term climate resilience.

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Vancouver: G7 nations have condemned the deliberate use of violence and the killing of protestors, arbitrary detention, and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators in Iran.

In a statement the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High representative of the European Union, have stated they are gravely concerned by the developments surrounding the ongoing protests in Iran.

“We strongly oppose the intensification of the Iranian authorities’ brutal repression of the Iranian people, who have been bravely voicing legitimate aspirations for a better life, dignity and freedom, since the end of December 2025.” reads the statement.

They have also announced that the members of the G7 remain prepared to impose additional restrictive measures if Iran continues to crack down on protests and dissent in violation of international human rights obligations.

“We are deeply alarmed at the high level of reported deaths and injuries. We condemn the deliberate use of violence and the killing of protestors, arbitrary detention, and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators. We urge the Iranian authorities to exercise full restraint, to refrain from violence, and to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens, including the rights to freedom of expression, to seek, receive and impart information, and the freedom of association and peaceful assembly, without fear of reprisal.”

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Vancouver: Federal and Provincial officials joined Municipal leaders and law enforcement for a summit aimed at combatting extortion and other emerging threats in Brampton, Ontario, marking a key step in strengthening collaboration, improving coordination among enforcement agencies, and disrupting cross-border criminal networks targeting local businesses and residents.

“Today’s summit underscored the importance of working together to disrupt criminal networks and protect businesses and residents in Peel Region. By launching the Regional Integrated Drug Enforcement Team and enhancing local efforts to combat extortion and support victims, we are building on the Peel extortion task force and leveraging federal intelligence, including CBSA resources, to deliver a coordinated, community-focused response.”said  Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety.

The Government of Canada is providing Peel Regional Police with up to $1 million to bolster the Service’s work to combat extortion, support and provide services to victims, and build on efforts already underway through its extortion task force. The task force provides rapid, community-level response, and leverages intelligence from federal partners including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which acts rapidly to remove foreign nationals involved in criminality, including extortion, demonstrating the effective impact of coordinated enforcement among all partners. The CBSA is committed to supporting the task force to accelerate their important efforts.

“As the Member of Parliament for Brampton North—Caledon, I know the fear that organized crime and extortion create in our community. I also know how hard our Peel Regional Police are working to take down these organized criminal networks. To support them in their effort, we’ve introduced tougher laws and invested in better intelligence sharing, law and border enforcement resources, as well as prevention initiatives to keep Peel Region safe for everyone.” Said Ruby Sahota, Secretary of State, Combatting Crime.

The Federal government will establish a new Regional Integrated Drug Enforcement Team (RIDET) in partnership with the Government of Ontario and local authorities. Backed by a federal investment of $4 million over four years, provided through Canada’s Border Plan, the RIDET will bring together law enforcement resources from multiple agencies and jurisdictions in a centralized hub to share information and intelligence and increase law enforcement coordination to disrupt organized crime groups.

Budget 2025 commits $1.8 billion over four years to strengthen federal law enforcement. The RCMP will add 1,000 new personnel to increase federal investigative capacity and tackle financial crimes, addressing the most serious criminal threats including organized crime, cybercrime, and national security. As well, Budget 2025 also  provides funding for 1,000 new CBSA officers across multiple frontline and operational functions. New legislation, such as Bill C-14—the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, would make bail harder to obtain and impose tougher sentences for extortion-related offences.

“Extortion is a serious crime that preys on fear and erodes public safety in our communities. Today’s summit reflects how leaders from across the country are working together to disrupt threats such as extortion and organized crime. The Government of Canada has taken decisive action with the introduction of Bill C-14 (Bail and Sentencing Reform Act), which would strengthen our bail and sentencing laws, including making bail harder to get for individuals charged with violent extortion. Intimidation and violence have no place in our society.”said  Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., M.P., Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

To prevent gun and gang violence before it starts, the Federal government  has committed over $390 million through the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund, including $121 million for Ontario, since 2023. These investments are complemented by the $250 million Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF), which helps municipalities deliver local initiatives that prevent gun and gang violence. Peel Region alone has received $8.14 million through the BSCF to strengthen community safety and provide young people with positive alternatives.

Ontario has invested $160 million in Peel Region through public safety grant programs that support local policing and community safety initiatives, since 2018. This funding provides flexibility to implement initiatives that address policing needs and priority risks related to community safety and well-being. Part of the funding includes $4.5 million that has been allocated towards Peel Regional Police’s Gang Response Strategy, under  the Guns and Gangs Violence Reduction Strategy, among other initiatives focused on gang suppression, prevention, and enforcement.

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