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RCMP Uncover Bomb in Prince George Home, Area Cleared

Nicole
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RCMP Uncover Bomb in Prince George Home, Area Cleared

RCMP evacuate homes in Prince George after finding an explosive device during a warrant search; bomb squad en route as police secure the neighbourhood.

Explosive Device Found in Prince George Home Sparks Evacuations

Discovery During Police Operation

Prince George RCMP say officers uncovered an explosive device on Wednesday morning while conducting a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant in the 1600 block of 8th Avenue. The discovery immediately halted the drug-related investigation as police shifted focus to public safety.

Emergency Response and Location Impact

The device was found inside a residence in a downtown neighbourhood, prompting officers to evacuate nearby homes. Police remain stationed on 8th Avenue to secure the area as the explosive awaits specialized assessment and removal.

Reason for Evacuations and Safety Measures

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jennifer Cooper said residents were asked to leave “out of an abundance of caution,” emphasizing that the priority is preventing any risk to the public. Officers have established a perimeter and are maintaining street closures until the device can be safely neutralized.

Assistance En Route and Next Steps

The RCMP’s explosive disposal unit is travelling from the Lower Mainland to Prince George to handle the device. Local officers will stay on site until the unit completes its assessment. The suspended investigation inside the home will resume once police confirm it is safe to re-enter.

Nearby Fires Add Context to Ongoing Concerns

The discovery comes the same week two separate house fires occurred on 8th Avenue. On Sunday, a blaze in the 1600 block caused an estimated $250,000 in damage. Early Tuesday morning, a second fire in the 2100 block left an unoccupied single-story home gutted, with losses estimated at $300,000.

Investigations Underway and Unanswered Questions

Fire officials are still examining both incidents and have not confirmed whether they are connected or considered suspicious. RCMP have not indicated any link between the fires and the explosive device but say all investigations remain active.

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Canadians Struggle to Cut Ultra-Processed Food Intake

Sarah
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Canadians Struggle to Cut Ultra-Processed Food Intake

Canada faces rising health risks from ultra-processed food. Experts say affordability, housing, and food literacy must improve to help Canadians choose healthier options.

Canadians Struggle to Cut Ultra-Processed Food Intake

Evidence Mounts

A wave of new research published this week in The Lancet links ultra-processed foods to rising rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The findings reinforce warnings from global health experts who say Canadians must urgently reduce their consumption—but current eating patterns show the opposite.

Why Intake Remains High

Although the risks are clearer than ever, ultra-processed foods remain deeply embedded in Canadian diets. Cost is a major factor: a U.S. study in Frontiers in Nutrition found these foods average about 55 cents per 100 calories, while unprocessed alternatives cost nearly three times as much. Convenience and long shelf life also make processed foods appealing for people juggling time constraints or lacking kitchen space.

Where Convenience Shapes Choices

A Statistics Canada analysis suggests Canadians eat the most ultra-processed foods during breakfast—often the busiest time of day. Ready-to-eat items dominate morning routines, reflecting how limited time can push households toward quick, prepackaged options instead of fresh ingredients.

Realities on the Ground

At the Parkdale Community Food Bank in Toronto, executive director Kitty Raman Costa sees these barriers daily. While the food bank distributes fresh produce, she says many clients rely on ultra-processed items because they lack the tools, space or health capacity to prepare meals. Those living with disabilities or without stable housing often have no access to proper refrigeration or kitchen facilities, making fresh food difficult to store or prepare safely.

How Housing Affects Food Choices

Advocates say the solution isn’t only about food—it’s also about housing. Access to safe kitchens, refrigeration and adequate cooking space is essential for enabling healthier choices. Without these basics, many Canadians remain dependent on packaged foods that require little more than a microwave or no preparation at all.

Building Skills for Change

Another challenge is food literacy. Raman Costa notes that clients sometimes hesitate to take unfamiliar produce because they don’t know how to cook it. To bridge this gap, the food bank now offers cooking workshops and a community cookbook featuring simple recipes using common food-bank ingredients.

Nutrition experts agree this approach is crucial. David Ma, professor of human health sciences at the University of Guelph, says low food literacy in Canada directly contributes to high consumption of ultra-processed foods. Improving cooking skills, he argues, is key to shifting long-term habits.

Looking Ahead

Public health researchers say meaningful progress will require structural change—more affordable whole foods, improved housing supports, national investments in food literacy, and school-based policies similar to those in Brazil, where ultra-processed items are restricted in cafeterias. Without coordinated action, Canadians may continue relying on the very foods experts warn are harming long-term health.

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Israeli Strikes Kill 25 in Gaza as Ceasefire Tensions Rise

James
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Israeli Strikes Kill 25 in Gaza as Ceasefire Tensions Rise

Israeli airstrikes killed 25 Palestinians in Gaza, raising new doubts about the fragile ceasefire as both sides accuse each other of violations.

Israeli Strikes Kill 25 in Gaza as Ceasefire Tensions Rise

Deadly Casualties Reported by Local Health Officials

Health authorities in Gaza reported that 25 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday following a series of Israeli airstrikes across Gaza. The strikes occurred in areas controlled by Hamas since the ceasefire implemented on October 10, marking one of the deadliest days since the truce began. Medics confirmed fatalities in Zeitoun, Shejaia, and Khan Younis, with at least 10 deaths in Zeitoun alone.

Locations Targeted in Multiple Strikes

Residents and emergency workers said the attacks struck far beyond an agreed-upon “yellow line”, an informal marker separating Israeli- and Palestinian-controlled zones. Buildings hit included a religious affairs facility in Zeitoun and a UN-run club sheltering displaced families in Khan Younis, intensifying fears for civilians seeking refuge in designated safe areas.

Military Response Following Gunfire on Israeli Forces

The Israeli military confirmed it launched strikes across Gaza, stating that Hamas fighters opened fire on Israeli troops, prompting what it called “targeted responses.” The military reported no injuries among Israeli forces and accused Hamas of repeatedly violating the nearly six-week-old ceasefire.

Ceasefire Under Growing Strain

The renewed violence underscores the fragility of the U.S.-brokered truce—a key component of President Donald Trump’s 20-point post-war Gaza plan. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of undermining the agreement through sporadic attacks and escalatory actions. Mediators warn that continued clashes could unravel remaining diplomatic progress.

Wider Conflict Context and Ongoing Risks

While the October ceasefire initially eased hostilities—allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to devastated neighbourhoods—violence has persisted. According to Palestinian health authorities, 305 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the truce, nearly half of them in a single day last week during retaliatory fire. Israel, meanwhile, says three of its soldiers have died in incidents linked to ceasefire violations.

Humanitarian Concerns Deepening

Aid agencies report that, despite a modest increase in humanitarian access since the truce, instability continues to put displaced families, relief workers, and health infrastructure at significant risk. Local officials warn that each new strike pushes Gaza further from recovery and closer to a collapse of the ceasefire.

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Stock Market Rises as Investors Await Nvidia Earnings

Alex
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Stock Market Rises as Investors Await Nvidia Earnings

 The U.S. stock market edges higher as investors await Nvidia’s high-stakes earnings, a crucial test amid rate uncertainty and AI-fuelled volatility.

Wall Street Gains Momentum as Investors Brace for Nvidia Results

Market Snapshot: Indexes Move Cautiously Higher

U.S. stocks advanced Wednesday morning as investors positioned themselves for a pivotal earnings release from Nvidia, the market’s most influential company. By late morning, the S&P 500 rose 0.4% after an early surge faded, while the Nasdaq gained 0.8%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 98 points, reversing earlier gains. The modest rebound comes as major indexes attempt to break a four-day losing streak triggered by fears that valuations have climbed too quickly and that the U.S. Federal Reserve may scale back expected interest-rate cuts.

Driving Factors: Energy Loan and Retail Earnings Shift Sentiment

Market activity was shaped by a mix of sector-specific developments. Constellation Energy jumped 6.1% after the U.S. Department of Energy approved a US$1-billion loan to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear facility, boosting optimism in the clean-energy sector. Lowe’s also lifted sentiment, climbing 4.8% following stronger-than-anticipated quarterly profits. These gains helped offset pressure from Target, which fell 1.5% after reporting weaker-than-expected revenue and issuing warnings about challenges heading into the holiday shopping season.

Focus Point: Nvidia’s Results Could Steer the Market

All eyes remain on Nvidia, which will release its quarterly earnings after the closing bell. The tech giant rose 2.6% in early trading, recovering part of its month-to-date decline that exceeded 10% on Tuesday. With a valuation that recently topped US$5 trillion, Nvidia now wields more influence over the S&P 500 than any other stock—meaning its results could dictate the market’s near-term direction.

Broader Impact: AI Momentum and Valuation Concerns

Nvidia’s performance is widely viewed as a barometer for the global surge in artificial intelligence investment, as companies rely on its chips to expand AI capabilities. AI-linked stocks have been instrumental in pushing U.S. markets to record levels over the past year. Still, skepticism is building over whether the rapid pace of AI spending will translate into long-term economic productivity. Some analysts caution that the current enthusiasm mirrors the dot-com bubble of the early 2000s, raising the possibility of an overheated market.

Outlook: Profit Expectations Will Guide Market Sentiment

Investors are now watching whether Nvidia can deliver another round of blockbuster profits—an outcome that would help justify its rapid growth and ease concerns about inflated valuations. With rate uncertainty lingering and AI optimism under scrutiny, tonight’s earnings release may determine whether Wall Street can regain stable footing or faces further volatility.

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Breslau Residents Get Relief on Surprise $14K Utility Bill

Chuck
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0
Breslau Residents Get Relief on Surprise $14K Utility Bill

Woolwich council waives interest and extends deadlines after Breslau residents object to decade-old $14K water and sewer bill.

Breslau Residents Get Relief on Surprise $14K Utility Bill

Council Responds After Residents Push Back

A Woolwich Township council meeting Tuesday night drew Breslau homeowners seeking answers after receiving unexpected bills of nearly $14,000 for water and sewer work completed almost a decade ago. Their concerns prompted a lengthy debate and ultimately a decision to ease payment terms.

How a 2014 Project Led to a 2024 Bill

The charges stem from a 2014 neighbourhood vote in which 77 per cent of residents supported extending municipal water and sewer service. Construction wrapped in 2016, but the township entered litigation with the contractor shortly afterward. That dispute was only resolved in 2024, delaying cost recovery and triggering the sudden invoices mailed last week.

Why Residents Questioned the Process

Twenty-five property owners on four affected streets challenged the short timelines and high interest tied to a proposed 20-year repayment plan. Speaking for his neighbours, resident Mark Schmidt told council the tight deadlines were unmanageable and the 6.7 per cent interest rate would nearly double payments over two decades. Residents also asked for transparency on the bylaw authorizing the levy and the 2014 voting process.

Council Weighs Covering the Full Cost

Two councillors—Evan Burgess and Bonnie Bryant—moved to have the township cover the full $348,754.75 project cost, arguing poor communication over nine years unfairly burdened residents. Other councillors pushed back, warning that absorbing the cost would strain infrastructure reserves, hinder future projects, or trigger tax increases. The motion was defeated 4–2, though council agreed a new policy is needed to prevent similar situations.

What Relief Measures Were Approved

Coun. Eric Schwindt introduced an alternative motion that received unanimous support. Under the approved changes, residents who choose the 20-year plan will have the interest waived entirely. Homeowners also gained significantly more time to decide how they will pay and to settle the amount if paying in full.

What Happens Next for Affected Homeowners

Breslau residents now have until May 1, 2026 to notify township staff of their preferred payment method and until September 2026 to pay the bill in full. Mayor Sandy Shantz said council recognizes the financial stress created by the delayed billing and pledged continued support as the township works to rebuild trust.

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Quebec Liberals Probe Alleged Vote-for-Cash Scandal

Claire Bennett
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0
Quebec Liberals Probe Alleged Vote-for-Cash Scandal

Quebec Liberal leader Pablo Rodriguez orders an independent probe into allegations party members were paid to support him in the leadership race.

Quebec Liberals Launch Independent Probe

Leadership in Crisis

Quebec Liberal Party Leader Pablo Rodriguez moved swiftly on Wednesday to contain growing turmoil inside the party. He called for an independent investigation after media-obtained text messages suggested some members may have been paid to support his bid during last spring’s leadership race.

Allegations Surface Through Leaked Messages

The Journal de Montréal published excerpts from messages exchanged between two individuals reportedly involved in Rodriguez’s campaign efforts. The texts referenced the sale of party membership cards and money allegedly used to recruit voters—claims that prompted immediate concern within the party’s upper ranks.

Leader Calls for Full Transparency

In a written statement, Rodriguez said he had instructed the party president to hire an external, fully independent firm to conduct a comprehensive review. He emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and pledged to ensure “full light” is shed on the situation to maintain party credibility.

Context of Internal Turmoil

The revelations come at a sensitive moment for the Liberals, following the suspension of MNA Marwah Rizqy from caucus earlier this week. Her removal stemmed from what the party described as a “breach of trust” after she dismissed her chief of staff, Geneviève Hinse, without consulting Rodriguez.

Escalating Tensions Inside the Party

Rizqy, who had served as parliamentary leader since June, has not publicly commented in detail on the decision. The internal dispute had already fueled speculation of leadership strain, and the new allegations add further instability as the party attempts to rebuild its public image.

Next Steps in the Inquiry

The independent investigation is expected to examine the authenticity of the text messages, the conduct of individuals allegedly involved, and any financial irregularities linked to leadership-race organizing. Party officials have not yet provided a timeline for the probe’s completion, but Rodriguez insisted that accountability remains the priority.

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PWHL Enters New Era as Eight-Team Season Drops the Puck

Willy
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PWHL Enters New Era as Eight-Team Season Drops the Puck

The PWHL launches its third season with two expansion teams, rising talent and Olympic-year stakes as Vancouver and Seattle join the race for the Walter Cup.

PWHL Opens Expanded Third Season Amid Rising Expectations

A league-wide reset as the season begins

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) opened its third season on Friday, marking the start of its long-anticipated eight-team era. With Vancouver and Seattle debuting after an aggressive expansion draft, the league enters a pivotal year shaped by roster upheaval, Olympic interruptions, and heightened competitive parity.

New teams debut on the West Coast

In Vancouver and Seattle, fans witnessed history as both expansion clubs took the ice for the first time. Built from scratch through generous expansion rules, the Goldeneyes and Torrent assembled veteran anchors and emerging stars to quickly become Walter Cup contenders. Their inaugural matchup in Vancouver set the stage for the league’s newest regional rivalry.

A schedule shaped by Olympic commitments

This season’s 30-game calendar includes an extended mid-season break to accommodate Olympic participation, placing added pressure on teams to build early momentum. Opening night featured Toronto visiting reigning champion Minnesota, while the Goldeneyes hosted the Torrent in their franchise debut. CBC and CBC Gem will broadcast 17 games, including weekly Saturday matchups beginning Nov. 29.

Team-by-Team Outlook for the New Season

Montreal enters as the team to beat

Montreal Victoire weathered expansion better than any other club, retaining its core while adding depth across all positions. Strategic signings and draft picks bolstered an already dominant lineup centred around Marie-Philip Poulin. With a strengthened blue line and reinforced centre depth, Montreal begins the season as the consensus favourite—though Ann-Renée Desbiens’ heavy workload remains a concern.

Vancouver’s fast build raises early expectations

Vancouver’s front office assembled one of the league’s deepest defensive groups, led by Emerance Maschmeyer in net and supported by high-end additions such as Sophie Jaques and Claire Thompson. A versatile forward mix, including Sarah Nurse and Michela Cava, gives the Goldeneyes scoring options across all lines. Their challenge will be chemistry—something existing teams have had two seasons to develop.

Seattle relies on youthful firepower

Seattle took a different approach, selecting a young, dynamic core supported by veteran leaders like Hilary Knight and Alex Carpenter. With fast, physical play as their identity, the Torrent expect strong goaltending from Corinne Schroeder behind a bolstered defence. Their ceiling is high, but sustained consistency will determine how quickly they ascend.

Rising Stakes Across the Original Six

Toronto faces a rebuild after heavy losses

Toronto endured significant departures through expansion and free agency, losing top scorers and key playmakers. Yet the Sceptres retain star power in Daryl Watts and a fully healthy Natalie Spooner, while new defensive anchor Ella Shelton adds stability. Goaltending duties shift to Elaine Chuli, who steps into a starting role for the first time.

Minnesota aims for a Walter Cup three-peat

Despite losing core defenders to expansion, the two-time champions remain formidable. Led by Taylor Heise and supported by elite goaltending from Maddie Rooney and Nicole Hensley, Minnesota’s depth and playoff pedigree keep them firmly in contention. New additions like Abby Hustler could offset scoring losses if they transition quickly.

Boston seeks scoring answers

Boston improved its defence by adding top draft pick Haley Winn, expected to complement captain Megan Keller. With Aerin Frankel in net, the Fleet can compete nightly, but replacing Hilary Knight’s scoring remains the team’s biggest challenge. Health and timely contributions from new arrivals will dictate their trajectory.

New York embraces a fresh identity

After an off-season overhaul, the Sirens now revolve around star forward Sarah Fillier and two high-impact draft picks, Kristýna Kaltounková and Casey O’Brien. Their retooled attack promises speed and creativity, but the blue line remains a question mark after losing key defenders and their starting goaltender.

Ottawa adjusts after a major turnover

Last season’s runner-up faces an uphill climb after losing top scorers and key defenders. While goaltender Gwyneth Philips returns as a proven starter, Ottawa’s offensive uncertainty looms large. Additions including Anna Shokhina and Fanuza Kadirova offer potential upside, but the team’s identity may once again lean heavily on defence and goaltending.

A Season Defined by Growth, Pressure, and Opportunity

With two new markets, revamped rosters, and Olympic-year disruptions, the PWHL’s third season represents both a test and a showcase for the fastest-growing women’s hockey league in the world. From Montreal’s pursuit of dominance to the Pacific Northwest’s inaugural chapter, every team enters the season with something to prove—and a clearer path than ever to the Walter Cup.

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Report Says Sexual Violence Survivors Face Systemic Betrayal

Nicole
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Report Says Sexual Violence Survivors Face Systemic Betrayal

A federal report says Canada’s justice system fails sexual violence survivors through disbelief, delays, and systemic barriers, urging 43 major reforms.

Report Says Sexual Violence Survivors Face Systemic Betrayal

A Landmark Investigation Reveals Deep System Failures

A new federal report released Wednesday in Ottawa concludes that sexual violence survivors across Canada are being “systemically betrayed” by the criminal justice system. The nearly 300-page investigation, led by Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime Benjamin Roebuck, draws on more than 3,000 interviews, surveys, and case reviews conducted since March 2024.

Experiences of Survivors Show Patterns of Disbelief

The report finds that many survivors face skepticism from police and Crown attorneys at the very moment they seek help. According to the survey of 1,000 survivors, 93% feared law enforcement would not believe them. Only 51% ultimately reported their assault, and just 70 convictions resulted from 102 cases that made it to trial—an outcome Roebuck says reflects a system “in open disrepute.”

Structural Barriers Discourage Reporting

Roebuck’s analysis shows that many survivors remain silent not by choice, but due to systemic barriers and institutional failures. These include limited access to resources, inconsistent regional support, and harmful investigative practices such as the use of “KGB statements,” recorded testimonies that warn victims about potential prosecution for inconsistencies. The report argues these practices treat survivors as suspects from the start.

Calls for Change Focus on Equity and Accessibility

To address these issues, the report outlines 43 recommendations in 10 categories. High among them is specialized training for police and courts to better support survivors based on gender, age, race, income, immigration status, religion, culture, and mental health. It also urges the federal government to ensure sexual assault evidence kits are equally accessible in northern and remote communities and to fully implement the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice.

Delays and Stays Undermine Justice

The report warns that trial delays continue to derail sexual assault cases following the Supreme Court’s R. v. Jordan decision, which imposes strict time limits on proceedings. Since that ruling, more than 268 sexual assault cases have been dropped due to delays. In 2022–23, sexual assault charges were the most likely of any criminal offence to be stayed or withdrawn, with almost one-third exceeding legal timelines.

Concerns Over Access to Private Therapeutic Records

Roebuck also raises alarms over broad rules allowing defence attorneys to access victims’ deeply personal documents, including medical files, journals, or even therapy notes. In one example provided during a background briefing, an alleged victim was questioned in court about a dream she had shared with her psychiatrist. The report warns this practice forces survivors to choose between mental-health care and legal protection.

Improving Survivor Experience in Courtrooms

The investigation recommends strengthening protections during court testimony by expanding access to testimonial aids such as screens, support persons, or alternative methods of providing evidence. While these tools exist nationwide, availability varies significantly between regions. The report proposes automatic access and requires judges to issue written explanations if aids are denied.

Procedural Reforms and Data Transparency

Additional recommendations include expanding restorative justice options, tightening rules around when therapeutic records can be introduced, and preventing Crown or defence counsel from reviewing victim impact statements before a finding of guilt. Roebuck also urges governments to improve national data collection to track outcomes and measure whether reforms are reducing systemic barriers for survivors.

Support Resources

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, crisis lines and services are available through the Government of Canada and the Ending Violence Association of Canada. If in immediate danger, call 911.

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U.S. to Brief on Crime Ring Tied to Canadian Olympian

James
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U.S. to Brief on Crime Ring Tied to Canadian Olympian

U.S. officials to unveil new details on a crime ring linked to a Canadian Olympian-turned-fugitive after a key arrest in Montreal.

U.S. Plans Major Briefing on Case Linked to Canadian Fugitive

Key Figures Step Forward

Senior U.S. officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, are set to address a high-profile cross-border criminal investigation on Wednesday. The briefing will detail developments stemming from the arrest of Atna Onha, a 40-year-old Montreal man allegedly connected to a sprawling drug and murder enterprise.

Arrest in Montreal Sparks Renewed Focus

Onha—known by the aliases Tupac and 2-Pac—appeared in a Montreal courtroom by videoconference Tuesday after being taken into custody earlier that morning by the RCMP at the request of the FBI. While the charges remain sealed, sources indicate they relate to a homicide and an international cocaine-trafficking network.

Links to Organized Crime

Radio-Canada sources report that Onha has longstanding ties to biker gangs and Mafia groups operating in Montreal. His arrest is being viewed as a potential turning point in dismantling a broader criminal organization with deep roots in both Canada and the United States.

Washington to Host High-Level Announcement

The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. ET Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Alongside Bondi and Patel, RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme is expected to participate, underscoring the cross-border coordination behind the investigation.

Fugitive Olympian at the Centre of Probe

The case is closely linked to the ongoing pursuit of Ryan Wedding, a former Team Canada snowboarder who competed at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah. Now considered an alleged drug kingpin, Wedding is wanted on U.S. federal charges connected to three murders, a major cocaine-trafficking conspiracy, and leading a continuing criminal enterprise.

Massive Reward Highlights Case’s Urgency

Wedding is currently among the FBI’s 10 most-wanted fugitives. The U.S. State Department is offering up to $10 million for information leading to his capture—the highest reward on the agency’s list. Investigators hope the arrest in Montreal will yield critical leads in the international manhunt.

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Abbotsford Home Hit in Targeted Shooting, Say Police

Nicole
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Abbotsford Home Hit in Targeted Shooting, Say Police

A targeted early-morning shooting struck an Abbotsford home amid an ongoing extortion investigation. No injuries reported as police seek dashcam footage.

Abbotsford Home Struck in Targeted Shooting Linked to Extortion Case

Early-Morning Gunfire

An Abbotsford home was hit by gunfire early Tuesday morning after a targeted shooting linked to an ongoing extortion investigation, according to local police. The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) says officers responded at approximately 3:43 a.m. on Nov. 18 to reports of shots fired in the 2500 block of Janzen Street.

Scene Officers Encountered

When officers arrived, they found two unoccupied vehicles parked in the driveway of the home struck by bullets. Police say the residents were inside and asleep at the time of the shooting. No one was injured.

Police Determining Motive

APD reported the attack was deliberate and connected to an “ongoing extortion investigation.” Authorities did not release further details about the nature of the extortion case but confirmed the residence had been intentionally targeted rather than randomly chosen.

Investigative Steps Underway

Police are now gathering evidence from the scene and reviewing nearby surveillance footage. Officers remain in the neighbourhood to conduct further inquiries as part of the broader investigation into the extortion-related activity.

Call for Witnesses and Footage

Investigators are urging anyone who was in the Janzen Street area between 3:15 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. to come forward. Drivers with dashcam recordings or residents with security video that may have captured the incident are asked to contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225.

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Swedish Royals Begin Three-Day State Visit to Canada

Sarah
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Swedish Royals Begin Three-Day State Visit to Canada

Swedish royals King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia arrive in Ottawa for a three-day state visit focused on diplomacy, trade, and support for Ukraine.

Swedish Royals Arrive in Ottawa for Rare State Visit

Historic Arrival in the Capital

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia landed in Ottawa today, marking the Swedish royal family’s first visit to Canada since 2006. Their arrival begins a three-day state visit intended to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries. The royal couple is accompanied by senior government ministers and representatives from more than two dozen Swedish companies.

Official Welcome Ceremony at Rideau Hall

The day’s events began with a formal welcome at Rideau Hall, where Chief Justice Richard Wagner led the Canadian delegation greeting the King and Queen. The ceremony reflects Canada’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Sweden, a longstanding partner in trade, security, and democratic governance.

Tribute at National War Memorial

Shortly after the welcome, the royal couple travelled to the National War Memorial. There, they laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honour Canada’s fallen military members. The symbolic tribute underscores the shared values of defence, peacekeeping, and international solidarity that bind both nations.

High-Level Meetings on Parliament Hill

In the afternoon, the King and Queen are scheduled to meet Prime Minister Mark Carney and senior Canadian officials on Parliament Hill. Discussions are expected to focus on expanding bilateral trade, technological collaboration, and Arctic cooperation. Their visit includes meetings with leaders from Canada’s scientific, cultural, and business sectors.

Joint Support for Ukraine Reaffirmed

Global Affairs Canada confirmed that today’s agenda includes a special session on Canada–Sweden coordination in supporting Ukraine. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand will join Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch and Ukrainian-Canadian community representatives to reaffirm ongoing humanitarian and military assistance. The dialogue aims to reinforce allied unity amid continued Russian aggression.

State Dinner at Rideau Hall

The first day of the royal visit concludes with a state dinner hosted by the Governor General at Rideau Hall. The event will honour the King and Queen and highlight the deep people-to-people connections between Canada and Sweden. Officials from both countries, along with members of the business and diplomatic communities, will attend the evening celebration.

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Toys “R” Us Shrinks as Canada’s Retail Landscape Shifts

Nicole
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Toys “R” Us Shrinks as Canada’s Retail Landscape Shifts

Toys “R” Us Canada is rapidly downsizing as competition, e-commerce and rising costs reshape the country’s toy retail market, leaving only 40 stores nationwide.

Toys “R” Us Shrinks as Canada’s Retail Landscape Shifts

A Changing Shopping Experience

In Langley, B.C., families still wander the bright aisles of the remaining Toys “R” Us store, where children test out figurines and explore colourful displays. Parents say the space feels safe and familiar, but many note they often browse rather than buy — a reflection of how consumer behaviour is evolving.

A Retail Giant Under Pressure

Across Canada, the once-dominant chain is facing financial strain as discount retailers and e-commerce platforms outpace traditional toy stores. The company’s footprint has fallen from 103 stores to just 40, with several locations — including Burnaby, Richmond and Vancouver’s flagship Broadway store — closing in the past two years. Analysts say rising costs, competition from Walmart and Amazon, and shifting preferences toward digital entertainment have eroded the brand’s long-held advantage.

How the ‘Category Killer’ Rose to Power

When Toys “R” Us entered Canada in 1984, its massive standalone stores transformed the toy industry. Offering unmatched selection and scale, the chain outcompeted independent toy retailers and mall-based shops. Industry experts recall how the brand became a “category killer,” reshaping consumer expectations for toy shopping and contributing to the decline of long-standing chains such as Toys & Wheels.

Why the Market Shifted

By the early 2000s, digital disruption began erasing the company’s dominance. Video games, electronics, and emerging online marketplaces diverted teenagers and families to new forms of entertainment. Meanwhile, big-box rivals stocked toys year-round at lower prices, pushing specialty retailers into a margin battle they couldn’t win. Retail strategists say this combination of market fragmentation and aggressive competition marked the beginning of a long decline.

Operational Strains Behind Closures

As leases increased and retail spending softened, the financial model that supported 30,000-square-foot stores became unsustainable. Analysts note that many locations could only remain viable at a fraction of their original size. With fewer customers and growing operational costs, Toys “R” Us began selling real estate and exiting key urban markets. Several former sites — including Vancouver’s prominent Broadway address — are now primed for redevelopment under new municipal plans.

What Comes Next for Toy Retail

Experts say the shrinking chain doesn’t mean physical toy stores are obsolete. Demographic shifts, including younger families moving into suburbs like Langley, may preserve select locations. However, the future likely belongs to smaller, specialized retailers offering curated experiences rather than massive big-box formats. For communities losing their Toys “R” Us anchor stores, the challenge will be finding suitable replacements in an already strained commercial real estate market.

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Surrey Restaurant Hit by Gunfire in Suspected Extortion Case Surrey,...

Grocery Industry Code Set to Take Effect January 2026

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Canada to Launch Grocery Code of Conduct in 2026 Canada...

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