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Deep Cove Fire Destroys Waterfront Home, Dog Missing

A fierce fire destroyed a Deep Cove waterfront home Wednesday. The owners escaped safely, but their dog remains missing.

Deep Cove Waterfront Home Destroyed in Fierce Fire

A large waterfront home in Deep Cove was destroyed by fire Wednesday evening, while a family dog remains missing after the blaze.

The fire broke out around 5 p.m. on Sept. 16 near Strathcona Road. Residents quickly noticed thick smoke and called 911.

However, the source was not clear at first. Then firefighters arrived and found flames tearing through a four-storey home on the beach in the 4800 block of Strathcona Place.

“This was a big one for us,” said District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services assistant chief Scott Ferguson. “We had a really aggressive fire.”

Firefighters Faced Tough Conditions

The fire proved difficult to fight from the start.

First, the steep slope made access hard. Also, the homes sit close together, leaving little room for crews and equipment.

As a result, firefighters had to work from a neighbour’s balcony and cut through bushes to reach the flames. At times, the fire also jumped into nearby trees.

The home was under construction, too. That created another danger.

Part of the scaffolding burned away and began to lean toward firefighters working below. Crews had to watch it closely while battling the fire.

Owners Escaped, but Dog Was Missing

The homeowners got out safely. Their dog, however, could not be found.

Firefighters searched for the animal and tried to get it outside. The owners also called for the dog.

Sadly, the fire had already spread too far.

“It was unfortunate,” Ferguson said.

The search for the dog continued as crews worked to control the blaze.

Fire Boat Helped Stop the Flames

Because the home stood right beside the water, Ferguson called for help from the Vancouver Fire Department’s fire boat.

The boat arrived within about 20 minutes. It then helped firefighters attack the flames from the water.

That support proved important. According to Ferguson, it helped stop the fire from reaching nearby homes and forested areas.

Meanwhile, smoke spread across the water and reduced visibility.

“When I had a look out to the water side, it was like a fog went right across the water,” Ferguson said.

Crews Stayed Overnight

Firefighters eventually knocked down the main flames. Still, the job was far from over.

Crews spent hours checking for hot spots and putting out small flare-ups. Then, a four-person team stayed overnight to keep watch.

Insurance representatives also arrived at the scene. However, Ferguson said the home appears to be a total loss.

Thankfully, the neighbouring home appears to have escaped major damage. At this point, it is expected to have mainly smoke damage.

Investigation Underway

Fire investigators returned to the scene Thursday to find out how the fire started.

Meanwhile, Ferguson praised residents for their quick response during the emergency.

Neighbours helped guide firefighters and showed crews where they could work. Their efforts also helped limit the spread of the fire.

“We had all hands on deck,” Ferguson said. “That was fantastic.”

For now, the investigation continues, while the search for the missing dog remains a major concern for the homeowners.

Southern B.C. Drought Persists Despite Rain

Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Southern B.C. remains in severe drought despite recent rain, with low lake levels, weak river flows and growing water-supply concerns.

Recent rain has done little to ease water worries

VICTORIA — Rain has arrived in parts of southern British Columbia. However, the region is still facing deep drought.

The latest water-scarcity update from the River Forecast Centre shows that the problem remains serious. In fact, many groundwater wells across the southern Interior still have very low water levels.

Meanwhile, several major lakes and waterways are also under pressure.

Okanagan lakes remain at record lows

The situation is especially concerning around the Okanagan.

Both Kalamalka Lake and Okanagan Lake remain at record-low levels. As a result, fish and other aquatic life could lose vital habitat.

Recent rain has not changed the picture much.

In the Okanagan watershed, streamflows remain critically low. Many smaller tributaries are still far below the levels needed to support healthy aquatic ecosystems.

At the same time, the main lake levels remain unusually low.

Rivers are still running well below normal

The drought is also affecting key rivers and creeks.

Flows in the Similkameen and Tulameen rivers remain well below normal. Hedley Creek is also running low.

More importantly, these waterways have shown little response to recent rainfall.

That raises concerns about water supplies in communities across the Thompson-Okanagan.

Water restrictions remain in place

Because of the ongoing shortage, some water-use limits remain active.

Orders are already limiting water use in the Salmon River and Bessette Creek watersheds.

In addition, voluntary irrigation shutoffs have been in place since August in the Lower Nicola, Upper Nicola and Coldwater river watersheds.

These measures aim to protect limited water supplies and reduce pressure on local rivers.

Much of southern B.C. remains under drought stress

The provincial drought portal continues to show high water-scarcity levels across several southern Interior areas.

These include the Okanagan, Nicola and Coldwater river regions, as well as the Similkameen.

Furthermore, September has been drier than normal across much of B.C. Some parts of southeastern B.C., however, have received rainfall closer to normal.

Even so, the recent rain has not been enough to reverse the larger water shortage.

The dry spell is far from over

For now, southern B.C. remains locked in a difficult water situation.

Rain can help. However, the latest data show that short bursts of precipitation are not enough to quickly restore groundwater, lakes and rivers.

As a result, water conservation remains important while communities continue to face low water levels across the southern Interior.

 

Trump Announces Greenland Security Deal With Denmark

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Trump says the U.S. and Denmark reached a Greenland security deal that would expand the U.S. military presence while preserving Danish sovereignty.

Trump says Greenland deal is in place

A new chapter may be opening in the long-running dispute over Greenland.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that his administration has reached a security agreement with Denmark and Greenland. The deal would allow the United States to expand its military presence on the Arctic island.

Trump said the agreement gives Washington permanent control over Greenland’s security needs. He also said the U.S. would begin planning a larger military footprint on the mineral-rich territory.

However, the deal does not transfer Greenland to the United States.

Denmark says Greenland will remain sovereign

Denmark’s government offered a different emphasis.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s office said the agreement recognizes Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenland’s territorial integrity. It also recognizes the right of Greenland’s people to decide their own future.

That point matters because Trump has spent months pushing for greater U.S. control over Greenland.

In the past, he called on Denmark to sell the island to the United States. He also refused to rule out military action to gain control of the territory.

Now, the proposed agreement would expand U.S. security access without changing Greenland’s formal status.

More U.S. military activity could follow

Trump said the United States would move quickly to expand its military presence.

Greenland already hosts a major U.S. military facility at Pituffik Space Base. The island also sits in a key Arctic location between North America and Europe.

As a result, Washington sees Greenland as important to its wider security plans.

Trump also said U.S. rivals would face limits on military bases and sensitive investments in Greenland unless Washington gives written approval.

The deal still needs approval

Despite Trump’s announcement, the agreement is not yet fully in force.

Denmark and Greenland are expected to sign the pact with the United States during next week’s United Nations General Assembly meetings.

However, both the Danish and Greenlandic parliaments must still approve the agreement.

So, while Trump has declared a deal, the final legal steps have yet to happen.

A major shift after months of tension

The announcement comes after a period of sharp tension between Washington, Copenhagen and Nuuk.

Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly said that Greenland is not for sale. They have also rejected efforts to change the island’s status without the consent of its people.

The new agreement could therefore mark a significant change in the dispute.

Instead of seeking formal ownership, the United States would gain a larger security role while Denmark and Greenland retain their sovereignty.

Why Greenland matters to the U.S.

Greenland is the world’s largest island and has major strategic value.

Its location gives it importance for Arctic defence, airspace monitoring and access between North America and Europe. In addition, Greenland has valuable mineral resources.

At the same time, the Arctic is becoming more important to several major powers, including the United States, Russia and China.

For Washington, a stronger military presence could therefore serve several security goals at once.

What happens next?

For now, the focus shifts to the formal agreement.

The three governments are expected to work toward signing the pact next week. After that, parliamentary approval in Denmark and Greenland will be needed before the agreement can take effect.

For Greenland, the key issue remains sovereignty and self-determination.

For the United States, the focus is on security and a larger military presence.

And for Denmark, the agreement offers a way to work with Washington while maintaining its stated position on Greenland’s territorial status.

The next few weeks should show whether the proposed deal becomes a lasting part of Arctic security policy.

Alberta Boys Found Safe in B.C. After Alleged Abduction

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Two Alberta boys, aged four and six, have been found safe in B.C. after an alleged abduction. Their mother and her partner face charges.

Two brothers found safe in British Columbia

Two young Alberta brothers are safe after police found them in British Columbia more than two months after they were allegedly taken from their home.

The boys, aged four and six, were found Thursday at a rural property in West Kelowna, B.C., according to the RCMP.

Thankfully, police say both children are in good health.

For now, the brothers remain with B.C. child protection services. They are expected to return to Alberta.

Amber Alert was issued in July

The case began in early July.

Police said the boys had been taken from Valhalla Centre, a small Alberta community about 63 kilometres northwest of Grande Prairie.

Soon after, authorities issued an Amber Alert to help locate the children.

Alerts were also issued in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. However, those alerts were later cancelled as the investigation continued.

Meanwhile, RCMP officers kept working to locate the brothers and determine where they had been taken.

Mother and partner face charges

Police have now arrested the boys’ mother and her partner.

Both have been charged with contravening a custody order, the RCMP said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The boys’ safe recovery brings an important development to a case that had stretched on for weeks. However, police have not released further details about the circumstances that led officers to the West Kelowna property.

Museum of Vancouver Unveils Spooky Halloween Events

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Museum of Vancouver is hosting five Halloween events in October 2026, from a murder mystery and comedy show to ghost stories and gaming history.

Museum of Vancouver Unveils Spooky Halloween Events

Halloween is creeping closer to Vancouver. This year, the Museum of Vancouver is joining the fun with a packed lineup of spooky events.

From a comic murder mystery to ghost stories, there is something for families, history fans and Halloween lovers alike.

A Halloween lineup with a Vancouver twist

The Museum of Vancouver will host five special events throughout October.

The lineup mixes history, comedy, storytelling and a little mystery. So, whether you love a good scare or simply want a different night out, there is plenty to explore.

The museum has also announced that visitors who dress up on Halloween can enjoy decorations and candy.

Solve a murder at the museum

The spooky season starts with Murder at the Museum: A Killer Comedy Whodunnit on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The story centres on a mysterious death and a room full of suspects. However, the audience does not just watch the action.

Instead, guests become part of the investigation.

Six people from the audience will take on suspect roles. Meanwhile, other guests will work in teams to study clues, question suspects and piece together the case.

The 90-minute event runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $46 for general admission.

History gets a Halloween makeover

Next up is Haha, History! A Halloween Comedy Show on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Hosted by Myles Anderson, the evening will use objects from the museum’s collection to uncover unusual stories from Vancouver’s past.

The event blends local history with comedy. Plus, guests are encouraged to come in costume.

The show runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. General admission costs $38, while a table for two costs $78 and includes two drinks. Museum gallery admission is included with the ticket.

Kids can enjoy a spooky story too

Families can join Spooky Storytime for Kids! on Friday, Oct. 30.

Children will hear a ghost story inspired by Philippine and Chinese folklore. Afterward, they can make their own Chinese Opera Mask.

The event is recommended for children aged three and up. It runs from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.

Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children aged three to 18.

Ghost stories from different cultures

Later that same evening, the museum will host Around the Fire: Ghost Stories Across Cultures.

Storytellers Nathalie De Los Santos and Cynthia Liu will share supernatural tales inspired by Philippine and Chinese folklore.

Then, guests can join in.

Visitors will be invited to share ghost stories from their own cultures, family traditions or personal experiences.

The event runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $28 for general admission. Costumes are also encouraged, with spooky prizes up for grabs.

A gaming-history pop-up rounds out the month

The Halloween lineup wraps up on Saturday, Oct. 31, with Press Start: A Vancouver Game History Pop-Up.

The event will explore Vancouver’s connection to video game history. Better yet, visitors in costume can attend the pop-up for free.

That gives Halloween visitors another reason to stop by the museum while celebrating the city’s creative history.

Something spooky for everyone

This year’s Museum of Vancouver lineup goes beyond traditional Halloween scares.

Instead, the events bring together mystery, comedy, local history, family storytelling and cultural traditions.

So, whether you want to solve a fictional murder, laugh at Vancouver’s past, listen to ghost stories or explore gaming history, the museum has a Halloween option waiting for you.

B.C. Ferries Cancels Sailings After Mechanical Issues

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B.C. Ferries cancelled several sailings Tuesday after mechanical problems hit vessels serving Swartz Bay, Tsawwassen and Gabriola Island.

Two Swartz Bay sailings cancelled

Travellers faced delays Tuesday after mechanical problems forced B.C. Ferries to cancel several sailings.

The first disruption involved the Queen of New Westminster. A problem with the ferry’s propulsion system led to two cancelled trips between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen.

The 10 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen was cancelled. So was the noon sailing from Swartz Bay.

As a result, some passengers had to change their travel plans.

B.C. Ferries said its Customer Service Centre was contacting affected passengers. Staff were checking whether travellers could move to another Tuesday sailing.

However, some bookings could not be moved. In those cases, the ferry operator said fares and fees would be refunded.

Gabriola Island service also hit

Meanwhile, another ferry problem caused more trouble for travellers between Nanaimo Harbour and Gabriola Island.

The Island sarelquun had a propulsion-system issue. That led to four cancelled sailings.

From Nanaimo Harbour, the 11:50 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. trips were cancelled.

From Descanso Bay on Gabriola Island, the 1:10 p.m. and 2:20 p.m. trips were also cancelled.

More cancellations were possible

B.C. Ferries warned that further cancellations were possible as crews dealt with the mechanical problems.

Therefore, travellers planning to sail Tuesday were urged to check their sailing status before heading to the terminal.

For passengers already booked on a cancelled trip, B.C. Ferries said customer service staff would provide information about available options.

The disruptions affected two key Vancouver Island routes. However, the operator said passengers whose bookings were cancelled would receive refunds of applicable fares and fees.

Project South: Cop Allegedly Planned Illegal Toronto Shops

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Newly unsealed court documents allege a Toronto cop planned illegal cannabis shops and erotic massage parlours as part of Project South.

New court documents have added another startling detail to Ontario’s sweeping Project South investigation.

A Toronto police officer allegedly helped plan illegal cannabis dispensaries and erotic massage parlours in the city. According to newly unsealed documents, the alleged plan also involved protecting those businesses from police and bylaw enforcement.

The allegations form part of a much larger investigation into suspected corruption, organized crime and other serious offences.

Officer allegedly had a key role

Toronto police Const. Timothy Barnhardt is among 27 people charged in Project South.

Eight of those suspects are current or former police officers.

According to the documents, Barnhardt allegedly helped identify locations for illegal cannabis shops and massage businesses. He also allegedly agreed to help keep those locations away from enforcement action.

Investigators say the plan included giving businesses advance warning about inspections.

The documents also allege that cash bribes could have been arranged for police and bylaw officers. In addition, investigators say police databases could have been used to shield the businesses.

Alleged plan went beyond finding locations

The documents suggest the alleged operation involved several people.

Barnhardt and Brian Da Costa are identified by investigators as key figures. Several other accused people are also named in the material.

However, the allegations have not been proven in court.

Barnhardt’s lawyer declined to comment on the latest allegations. Da Costa’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment, according to The Canadian Press.

Project South began with a different investigation

Project South did not start as an investigation into illegal cannabis stores.

Instead, York Regional Police began looking into an alleged attempt to harm an Ontario correctional worker.

As investigators followed that case, they say they uncovered possible links to police officers and organized crime.

Then, the investigation widened.

Police eventually announced dozens of charges in February 2026. Those charges included allegations involving bribery, drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit murder.

Newly unsealed documents shed more light

The latest details come from information-to-obtain documents, commonly called ITOs.

Police submit these documents when they seek search warrants. They explain the evidence investigators say supports a warrant request.

However, an ITO does not prove the allegations inside it.

The court has released more of the documents after media organizations challenged publication restrictions. At the same time, some material remains covered by a publication ban.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Laura Bird said greater public access was important while also recognizing the need to protect the accused’s right to a fair trial.

Police databases are also part of the allegations

The documents raise another concern: the alleged misuse of police information.

Investigators say Barnhardt provided confidential information to Da Costa. They further allege that some of that information was connected to other criminal activity.

Earlier evidence released in the case also described police database searches involving people connected to the wider investigation.

Those allegations remain before the courts and have not been tested at trial.

What happens next?

For now, the Project South allegations remain just that — allegations.

The newly released documents provide investigators’ account of what they believed was happening when they sought search warrants. They do not establish guilt.

Meanwhile, more material could emerge as court proceedings continue and additional documents are considered for release.

The case also raises broader questions about police oversight, access to confidential databases and how suspected corruption can go undetected.

For Toronto residents, however, one thing is clear: Project South has grown far beyond its original investigation, with newly unsealed records offering a deeper look at the allegations surrounding the case.

Montreal Rail Worker Killed in Overnight Train Accident

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A 30-year-old CPKC rail worker died after a train struck him in Montreal early Saturday. Police and federal investigators are examining the incident

Rail worker dies after train strikes him in Montreal

A 30-year-old railway worker has died after a train struck him while he was working on the tracks in Montreal early Saturday morning.

Montreal police said the deadly incident happened at about 3 a.m. near De Lorimier Avenue and Notre-Dame Street.

The area sits in the Ville-Marie borough, close to the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

Police are now working to determine exactly what happened.

Worker was on the tracks when train moved

Manuel Couture, a spokesperson for the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), said the worker was on the tracks when a train started moving.

Police identified the victim as a 30-year-old man.

Meanwhile, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) confirmed that the man worked for the railway company.

The worker was carrying out duties at the Port of Montreal when the fatal incident occurred.

CPKC expressed its condolences to the man’s family, friends and co-workers.

The company also said it is working with investigators as they examine the circumstances.

“Safety and well-being remain our highest priority,” the company said.

Union calls for answers

The incident has also drawn a response from Teamsters Canada.

The union said its thoughts are with the worker’s family and fellow rail employees.

Teamsters Canada leaders François Laporte and Paul Boucher said a rail worker went to work and never returned home.

The union also said it remains in contact with workers affected by the tragedy.

In addition, Teamsters Canada said it will seek answers from government officials and railway companies as the investigation continues.

Police and safety investigators examine scene

The SPVM’s south division is leading the police investigation.

Crime scene technicians are also examining the location and collecting evidence.

At the same time, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has sent investigators to the scene.

The federal agency said its team will gather information and assess the incident.

For now, investigators have not released further details about what led to the worker being struck.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Surrey Man Faces 22 Charges After Four Shootings

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A Surrey man faces 22 charges after four shootings, including three attacks on one home and a fourth that injured a man in Cloverdale.

Surrey man charged in four shootings

A 37-year-old Surrey man now faces 22 charges after police linked him to four shootings across the city.

The Surrey Police Service announced the charges Friday against Marco Matias, who investigators say targeted the same Guildford home three times in December 2025.

Police also connected Matias to a fourth shooting in Cloverdale last month. That incident left one man with minor injuries.

Three shootings hit the same Surrey home

Police first responded to a home near 110 Avenue and 140 Street on Dec. 7, 2025.

Investigators found that someone had fired shots at the residence in what appeared to be a drive-by shooting.

However, the incident did not end there.

Police returned to the same home twice more that month after more shots were fired.

Fortunately, no one suffered injuries in any of the three attacks.

Investigators described the shootings as targeted. At the same time, police said they were not connected to extortion or the ongoing B.C. gang conflict.

Firearm charges tied to December attacks

Court records show Matias faces three counts of several firearm-related offences tied to the December shootings.

Those charges include:

  • Reckless discharge of a firearm
  • Possession of an unauthorized firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
  • Possession of a firearm contrary to an order

He faces three counts of each of those offences in connection with the three December incidents.

Fourth shooting injured a man

Eight months later, police responded to another shooting.

Officers were called early on Aug. 12 to a home near 60 Avenue and 177 Street in the Cloverdale neighbourhood.

Two people were targeted during the incident. One person suffered minor injuries.

Police later linked Matias to the shooting.

As a result, he faces 10 more charges related to that case. The charges include two counts of discharging a firearm and one count of aggravated assault, along with several other firearm offences.

Matias remains in custody

Matias remains in police custody while the case moves through court.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 16.

The charges have not been proven in court. Matias is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.

Canada’s Digital Sovereignty: Who Controls Our Data?

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Canada relies heavily on foreign tech firms. Here’s why digital sovereignty matters, what it means for our data and what Ottawa is doing about it.

Canada’s data may be closer to foreign hands than you think

What happens to Canadian data when it runs through technology owned by companies outside Canada?

That question is becoming harder to ignore.

Canada depends on major foreign technology providers for cloud services, software and digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is pushing that dependence even further.

So, a bigger question is emerging: Can Canada truly control its digital future if much of its technology sits outside Canadian hands?

That is the heart of the growing debate over digital sovereignty.

So, what does digital sovereignty mean?

Put simply, digital sovereignty means having the power to control and protect your own digital systems, data and technology.

It goes beyond where a file is stored.

Canada also needs to know who can access that data, who runs the systems behind it and what happens if a foreign supplier changes its rules.

The federal government says digital sovereignty covers data, operations and technology. It also says complete digital independence is not realistic because modern technology is deeply connected across borders.

In other words, Canada does not need to build every piece of technology itself.

However, it does need enough control to make its own choices.

Why foreign tech dependence matters

Many of the world’s biggest cloud and technology companies are based outside Canada.

That brings clear benefits. These companies offer powerful tools, huge computing capacity and services that can be hard to build from scratch.

But there is a trade-off.

If Canada becomes too dependent on a small number of foreign suppliers, it could face higher costs, fewer choices and greater risks during a political or commercial dispute.

There is also the question of foreign laws.

A company may operate in Canada while also facing legal duties in another country. That can create difficult questions about who may seek access to data and under what rules.

The issue becomes even more important when the information involves government services, national security or sensitive personal data.

AI is raising the stakes

Artificial intelligence has added a new layer to the debate.

AI systems need data, computing power and large digital platforms. As Canada expands its use of AI, reliance on foreign infrastructure could grow too.

That is why Ottawa has been looking at ways to build more Canadian capacity.

The federal government says it wants to support Canadian technology, diversify suppliers and explore sovereign cloud and AI services. It has also said it plans to develop a made-in-Canada AI platform for government use.

This does not mean Canada is trying to shut out foreign technology.

Instead, the goal is to have more choices.

Canada is looking for more control

Shared Services Canada has been working on a range of measures aimed at strengthening Canada’s digital independence.

For example, the government has been exploring sovereign cloud services that would prioritize Canadian-owned and controlled providers.

It is also investing in Canadian technology capacity and looking at ways to reduce dependence on a small group of suppliers.

Sensitive government information already faces rules around where it should be stored and handled.

Under federal digital policy, departments are expected to prioritize computing facilities in Canada for sensitive information such as Protected B, Protected C and classified data.

Still, keeping data in Canada is only part of the solution.

Location is not the whole story

A Canadian data centre does not automatically mean Canadian control.

The company running the technology matters too.

So does the software.

So does access.

And so does the ability to move the data or services elsewhere if a supplier becomes unavailable.

That is why the federal government’s framework looks at more than data storage. It also considers legal rules, supply chains, security, privacy, workforce skills and operational resilience.

The goal is not digital isolation

There is a common misunderstanding about digital sovereignty.

It does not necessarily mean Canada should build a completely separate internet.

That would be unrealistic.

Canada’s economy depends on global technology and international connections. Businesses, universities, governments and consumers all rely on services that cross borders every day.

Instead, digital sovereignty is about having enough control and resilience to avoid being trapped.

That means having alternatives.

It means keeping critical skills in Canada.

It means reducing dangerous dependencies.

And, above all, it means making sure Canadians can still make important digital decisions for themselves.

Why this matters to everyday Canadians

The issue may sound like something for government officials and technology experts.

It is not.

Digital infrastructure touches almost every part of daily life.

Banking. Health services. Government records. Business systems. Communications. AI tools.

If those systems fail, change suddenly or become subject to rules outside Canada’s control, Canadians could feel the effects quickly.

That is why digital sovereignty is becoming a broader economic and national-security issue.

Canada faces a difficult balancing act

Building more Canadian technology will cost money.

It will also take time.

Foreign technology providers already offer services at enormous scale. Canadian companies cannot simply replace that infrastructure overnight.

At the same time, doing nothing could leave Canada increasingly dependent on decisions made elsewhere.

The answer, therefore, is likely to be balance.

Canada can continue using global technology while building stronger domestic alternatives.

It can work with foreign companies while protecting sensitive information.

And it can embrace AI while ensuring that Canadians retain meaningful control over the systems that support it.

The bigger question: who controls Canada’s digital future?

Canada’s digital sovereignty debate is ultimately about power.

Who controls the infrastructure?

Who controls the data?

Who can access it?

And who gets to make the final decision when Canadian interests clash with those of a foreign company or government?

There are no easy answers.

However, one thing is becoming clear: digital sovereignty is no longer just a technology issue.

It is becoming part of Canada’s conversation about security, economic independence and national control.

And as AI becomes more deeply woven into Canadian life, that conversation is likely to become even more important.

Melfort RCMP Officer Won’t Face Charges After Arrest

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A Melfort RCMP officer won’t face charges after a woman’s arm was broken during a mental-health arrest. SIRT raised concerns about the force used.

RCMP Officer Won’t Face Charges After Hospital Arrest

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An RCMP officer who broke a Saskatchewan hospital patient’s arm during an arrest will not face charges, despite a police watchdog finding grounds for assault.

RCMP officer will not be charged

A Saskatchewan RCMP officer who broke a woman’s arm during a hospital arrest will not face criminal charges.

The decision comes despite the province’s Serious Incident Response Team, or SIRT, finding reasonable grounds to believe the officer committed assault causing bodily harm.

The incident happened outside Melfort Hospital in July 2025.

However, Saskatchewan’s Public Prosecutions office has decided there is not enough evidence to support a conviction.

Woman’s arm broke during arrest

According to the SIRT report, Melfort RCMP were called to the hospital on July 2, 2025.

The 38-year-old woman was receiving mental health care. She had left the hospital despite medical advice.

An RCMP officer arrived and tried to arrest her under the Mental Health Services Act.

A struggle then began in the hospital parking lot.

During the struggle, the officer placed pressure on the woman’s right arm. The arm was already handcuffed.

The report says the arm then broke with an audible sound and became visibly displaced.

The woman was later taken back into the hospital for treatment.

Watchdog raised concerns over force

SIRT reviewed body-camera footage, parking lot surveillance video and witness statements.

The review also included a written statement from the officer. He agreed to speak with investigators.

The report says the woman ran from the officer and swung her arm at his head. Her arm hit him and knocked off his hat.

The officer then tackled her.

Video and witness accounts also showed the officer repeatedly demanding that she give him her hands.

At one point, he struck her in the head with his fist. He then told her she was under arrest for assaulting a police officer.

The officer handcuffed her right wrist. He then applied pressure to the same arm.

That was when the woman’s arm fractured.

SIRT points to “significant issues”

SIRT said police can use force when it is reasonably necessary to carry out their duties.

However, investigators found concerns about how the officer handled the arrest.

The report points to the officer’s apparent anger during the confrontation.

It also highlights his decision to apply pressure to an arm that was already handcuffed.

SIRT said those factors raised “significant issues” about the level of force used.

The woman later tested positive for substances including cocaine and methamphetamine, according to the report.

Crown says conviction was unlikely

Despite SIRT’s findings, the Crown decided not to proceed with charges.

Noel Busse, a spokesperson for Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, said prosecutors must use a different test when deciding whether criminal charges should be laid.

The Crown must consider whether the available evidence can support a conviction in court.

It must also consider possible legal defences, including the Criminal Code rules around reasonable police force.

After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors concluded there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction.

As a result, no criminal charge will be laid against the officer.

RCMP review could follow

The case is not necessarily finished from a disciplinary standpoint.

SIRT said its report will be sent to the RCMP and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP.

Those bodies can review the officer’s conduct and consider whether discipline is appropriate under the RCMP Code of Conduct.

So, while the officer will not face a criminal charge, the incident may still lead to further review.

The case also highlights the difficult line police must navigate when using force during mental health-related calls.

For now, Saskatchewan prosecutors have concluded that the evidence does not meet the threshold needed for a criminal conviction.