SHER E PUNJAB

October 21, 2026

Federal and Ontario governments team up to shield key industries

The federal and Ontario governments are teaming up to deploy $8.7 billion in targeted funding aimed at shielding key industries from aggressive U.S. trade tariffs and accelerating domestic supply chain projects.Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled the joint action plan today, framing the massive injection of cash as a direct defense of Canadian workers and manufacturing amid heightened global market volatility."From mine to mill to assembly line, Canada and Ontario are protecting jobs today and making bold investments that will build a stronger, more resilient, more independent Canadian economy for tomorrow," Carney said.The package prioritizes three pillars of Ontario's industrial economy: steel, automotive manufacturing, and critical minerals development.Under the framework, the two levels of government will create a $5.22-billion Joint Steel Action Fund over five years—with $3.55 billion committed by Ottawa and $1.67 billion from Ontario—to modernize production, open overseas export routes, and pivot domestic steel toward defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing projects. The funding will be paired with strict CBSA trade enforcement against foreign steel dumping and "Buy Canadian" and "Buy Ontario" rules for public procurement.For the auto sector, the plan allocates $2.5 billion in joint capital funding over two years—$1.5 billion from the federal government and $1 billion from Ontario—to help automakers upgrade assembly lines for electric and connected vehicles. In a key regulatory shift, Ottawa will freeze greenhouse gas emission rules for light-duty vehicles at 2026 levels through model year 2029 before resuming annual tightening toward the national 2035 zero-emission vehicle target.To unlock critical minerals in Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire region, the federal government will match Ontario's $1-billion commitment over three years for road infrastructure. The plan also establishes a joint federal-provincial permitting streamline, opens access to federal acceleration funds, and sets up a dedicated First Nations working group to explore economic participation and conservation zones.Ford called the agreement a critical buffer for local supply chains. "The agreement we are announcing today is the next step in our ongoing partnership to provide tariff-impacted workers the certainty and stability they deserve," Ford said.Both governments will establish dedicated automotive and steel task forces to oversee the implementation of the funding and address ongoing trade pressures.

High-Risk Offender Arrested After Breaching Conditions

Canada

October 21, 2026

High-Risk Offender Arrested After Breaching Conditions

Keith Theodore Constantin, age 48, a high-risk offender released on October 11 has been arrested after breaching his court-imposed conditions.Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) issued a public safety alert for Constantin on October 10. This individual has a history of serious criminal convictions, including Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault with a Weapon, Assault with a Weapon, Assault, Robbery, Possession of Explosives, Uttering Threats, and multiple violations of probation orders. Constantin was being monitored by DRPS’ Offender Management Unit since his release on October 11. On Monday, October 19, Constantin breached his court-imposed curfew conditions and was taken into custody.Constantin was held for a bail hearing and remains in custody.

Punjab women's commission summons former minister Maluka

Canada

October 21, 2026

Punjab women's commission summons former minister Maluka

The Punjab State Women’s Commission has issued a su-moto notice against senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former cabinet minister Sikander Singh Maluka over derogatory remarks allegedly made about women during a news interview.The action follows a video circulating on social media in which Maluka used derogatory and inappropriate language targeting women while commenting on the state government's "Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana" welfare scheme.State Women’s Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill condemned the remarks, stating the language undermines women’s dignity, social standing, and equality.In a letter addressed to the Director General of Police, the commission directed that an officer of Superintendent of Police rank investigate the incident under the Punjab State Commission for Women Act, 2001. Police have been instructed to submit an action-taken report via email by Oct. 23, 2026.The commission has also summoned Maluka to appear in person before the panel on Oct. 23 at 11 a.m.

Jhota murder case: Second round of talks between admin and action committee fails

Punjab

October 21, 2026

Jhota murder case: Second round of talks between admin and action committee fails

A second round of talks between a three-member committee of senior female IAS officers and the family of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota ended without a breakthrough late Wednesday evening, despite state assurances of financial compensation and the dropping of pending cases.The meeting, held at the Zila Parishad Hall in Mansa, was convened by the Punjab government to clear hurdles for Jhota’s post-mortem examination and final rites. Senior officials in attendance included Mansa Deputy Commissioner Navjot Kaur, and IAS officers Apneet Riyait and Kanwaljeet Kaur Brar, along with DIG Harjeet Singh and SSP Vaibhav Chaudhary.During the discussions, government representatives announced 500,000 INR ($8,100 CAD) in compensation for each of the four individuals injured during the incident, along with full coverage of their medical expenses. Officials also assured the family that previous police cases registered against Jhota and his father, Bhim Singh, stemming from their anti-drug campaigns, would be dropped.However, Jhota’s family and members of the joint action committee refused to give consent for the autopsy and cremation, demanding that the murder investigation be immediately handed over to India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).The standoff follows the suspension of Deputy Superintendent of Police Harjinder Singh Gill and Drug Inspector Naresh Kumar in connection with the murder, a move confirmed by DIG Harjeet Singh.

DOJ’s Fraud Division, Department of Agriculture, and USDA OIG Uncover Nearly $42M in SNAP Benefit Fraud

Canada

October 21, 2026

DOJ’s Fraud Division, Department of Agriculture, and USDA OIG Uncover Nearly $42M in SNAP Benefit Fraud

The Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the USDA Office of Inspector General today announced a nationwide series of enforcement actions targeting fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and related USDA programs.Between Sept. 1, and today, the Fraud Division, 13 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and the Utah Attorney General’s Office conducted the Department’s first National USDA Benefits and Program Fraud Enforcement Surge. This coordinated effort resulted in actions against more than 40 defendants whose alleged or proven schemes caused nearly $45 million in intended losses to the federal government. Nearly $42 million of that amount involved fraud against SNAP benefits, which provide monthly food assistance to low-income individuals and families. Another case involved attempted fraud against a USDA crop‑insurance program designed to help farmers recover from covered losses.“These schemes siphoned millions from taxpayers and robbed struggling Americans of the benefits they depend on so fraudsters could use them for their own selfish purposes,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Through our partnership with the Department of Agriculture, this nationwide surge exposed and disrupted criminal networks that targeted vulnerable American families. The Department of Justice will continue working to root out fraud in every federal agency and program.”“Every instance of SNAP fraud has two victims: families in dire need and taxpayers. Today, we are reminding fraudsters that we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins of USDA. “Thank you to USDA’s OIG and our state and federal partners for working with us to bring justice to families harmed by criminals. Under the Trump Administration, food stamp fraud ends now.”“The human cost of these fraud schemes is measured not in spreadsheets, but in the panic of a mother whose card is declined and the hunger her children endure because someone hijacked their benefits,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “These schemes inflict real harm on real American families, and they erode the trust taxpayers place in programs designed to keep Americans fed. That is why the Fraud Division is acting with urgency, not just to prosecute fraud, but to protect the people who depend on these lifelines.”“SNAP fraud despicably robs from low-income Americans that rely on the program for food assistance and diverts taxpayer funds to line the pockets of fraudsters and bankroll other criminal activities like guns and drugs that make American communities less safe,” said Inspector General John Walk of USDA OIG. “No more! USDA OIG is committed to support Vice President Vance’s leadership to disrupt fraud schemes and send criminals straight to prison. I am honored to stand with Vice President Vance today and grateful for our special agents whose work as part of this nationwide surge brought significant law enforcement actions against fraudsters in dozens of cases across the country. This surge is only the beginning. USDA OIG will continue to unite behind our partners in the whole-of-government fight to eliminate fraud and hold fraudsters to account.”“SNAP benefit fraud steals from American taxpayers and from the families who depend on these benefits to put food on the table”, said Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “Homeland Security Investigations is working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to identify and dismantle the criminal networks that use skimming devices, stolen identities, fraudulent retailers, and other schemes to exploit this critical program. Those who profit by stealing public benefits should know that HSI will pursue the evidence, follow the money, and hold them accountable.”

RCMP remind residents of fireworks restrictions ahead of Halloween, urge safe and responsible behaviour

Canada

October 21, 2026

RCMP remind residents of fireworks restrictions ahead of Halloween, urge safe and responsible behaviour

With Halloween approaching, the North Vancouver RCMP is reminding residents to follow local fireworks laws and take precautions to keep the community safe. Fireworks are prohibited in the City of North Vancouver and on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) lands.The District of North Vancouver and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) require permits for fireworks, with use subject to local restrictions. Always check with your municipality or Nation for details on restrictions and permit requirements.Violating local fireworks laws can result in fines or charges, while misuse can cause serious injuries and property damage.“It’s important to remember that fireworks don’t just affect the person setting them off. The noise can be frightening for children and pets and bystanders can be injured through no fault of their own,” says Cst. Paul Reece of the North Vancouver RCMP Youth Support Team. “We’re asking all residents to follow local restrictions and consider how their actions affect others in the community.”North Vancouver RCMP will have additional resources on shift over the Halloween weekend. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to discuss Halloween plans and expectations with their children. Reckless or destructive behaviour can put others at risk of injury and lead to criminal charges.Residents are also encouraged to use the RCMP Online Crime reporting tool to avoid long wait times on the non-emergency line. Any resident of North Vancouver can use online crime reporting if the incident took place within the jurisdiction of the North Vancouver RCMP.

Canada

October 21, 2026

Richmond RCMP targets dangerous driving

Richmond RCMP continues to target dangerous driving behaviours through enforcement, education, and community-driven traffic initiatives.Throughout September, Richmond RCMP officers issued more than 1,509 Motor Vehicle Act violation tickets as part of targeted operations focusing on speeding, distracted driving, school zone safety, impaired driving and vehicle defects.September traffic violations at a glanceDistracted driving: 371Speeding: 254Driver's licence infractions: 211Seatbelt violations: 68Impaired driving (drug/alcohol): 31One of the month's most significant initiatives was a joint distracted driving enforcement operation involving partner agencies and community volunteers. During the operation, officers issued 177 violation tickets, including 106 tickets related to electronic device use while driving.Several excessive speeding incidents resulted in immediate vehicle impoundments, including:A vehicle travelling 138 km/h in a 50 km/h zone.Vehicles travelling up to 140 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.A motorcycle travelling 151 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.A vehicle travelling 111 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. Road Safety Unit officers also conducted extensive back-to-school enforcement throughout Richmond, focusing on school zone compliance, seatbelt use, child restraint safety, and e-scooter education. Enforcement and educational initiatives were delivered at schools across the city. In response to community concerns, officers carried out targeted enforcement at numerous complaint locations, including No. 3 Road, Francis Road, Westminster Highway, and Bridgeport Road. Ongoing projects also targeted street racing, loud vehicles, and illegal vehicle modifications. “Distracted driving, excessive speed, and aggressive driving behaviours continue to be among the leading risks on our roadways,” says Corporal Niels Hermes, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit. “Through enforcement, education, and community partnerships, we are committed to making Richmond's roads safer for everyone.” The Richmond RCMP reminds all motorists to drive distraction-free, obey posted speed limits, remain alert in school and playground zones, and ensure their vehicles comply with provincial safety regulations.

Update into suspicious person/occurrence: investigation concluded

Canada

October 21, 2026

Update into suspicious person/occurrence: investigation concluded

The Nanaimo RCMP has concluded its investigation into a report involving an individual who was believed to have been following two youth near Dover Bay Secondary School. The incident in question occurred just before 3 PM on October 15, on Waldbank Road near Sechelt Drive.As a result of information received, the individual identified themselves to police and cooperated fully with investigators. Through the course of the investigation, officers determined that there is no ongoing risk to public safety. Officers also learned that the individual lives with significant intellectual challenges and was experiencing personal difficulties at the time of the incident. Investigators are satisfied that there was no criminal intent and no evidence to suggest a threat to the community."We recognize that incidents such as this can be concerning for those involved and for the public," said Inspector Donovan Tait, Operations Officer for the Nanaimo RCMP. "We appreciate the community's assistance in helping us identify the individual and bring the investigation to a timely conclusion."The Nanaimo RCMP asks members of the public to respect the privacy of the individual and their family. No further information will be released.

West Shore RCMP investigate multiple impaired driving collisions

Canada

October 21, 2026

West Shore RCMP investigate multiple impaired driving collisions

RCMP are investigating a single-vehicle collision that occurred near the 2000-block of the Trans-Canada Highway in Langford on October 17. At approximately 9:26 p.m., Frontline officers responded to a report of a sedan that had crashed into the rock wall running alongside the south bound lanes. Investigators determined the sedan was travelling northbound when it crossed the median into the southbound lanes and collided with a rock wall. When officers arrived on scene the vehicle was engulfed in flames, that were put out by Langford Fire Department. The driver and passenger were transported to the hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was arrested in relation to impaired driving, and a blood demand was made to determine the driver's blood alcohol level. The investigation is ongoing. Remarkably no other vehicles were struck in this incident. Just a few days later in the early morning hours of October 20th, West Shore RCMP received several reports of a vehicle driving erratically in the area of Goldstream Ave, including one report of the vehicle crashing into a fence. Police located the vehicle and driver who was suspected to be impaired by alcohol. The driver provided breath samples into an approved roadside screening device registering a “Fail” result. The 21-year-old male driver was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition, the vehicle was impounded for 30 days. In the first 9 months of 2026, West Shore RCMP have take 144 impaired drivers off the streets. Impaired driving is a preventable crime. Please plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home.

Man charged for sexually assaulting teen

Canada

October 21, 2026

Man charged for sexually assaulting teen

A 50-year-old man faces charges of Sexual Assault and Assault by Winnipeg police after a teen had reported the incident to the police. In September 2026, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Sex Crimes Unit received a report regarding a teen that had been sexually assaulted.Investigators determined that the teen and an adult male had met at a gathering in a southwest suburb of Winnipeg. The teen later accompanied the suspect to his residence where they were sexually assaulted.The Winnipeg Police Service was contacted and the Sex Crime Unit assumed control of the investigation.On October 14, investigators arrested the suspect without incident. The man faces charges of Sexual Assault and Assault and was released on an undertaking pending future court proceedings.

Federal and Ontario governments team up to shield key industries

Man charged for sexually assaulting teen

Jhota murder case: Second round of talks between admin and action committee fails

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Sher-E-Punjab Top 10 News

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Federal and Ontario governments team up to shield key industries

High-Risk Offender Arrested After Breaching Conditions

Punjab women's commission summons former minister Maluka

Jhota murder case: Second round of talks between admin and action committee fails

DOJ’s Fraud Division, Department of Agriculture, and USDA OIG Uncover Nearly $42M in SNAP Benefit Fraud

RCMP remind residents of fireworks restrictions ahead of Halloween, urge safe and responsible behaviour

Richmond RCMP targets dangerous driving

Update into suspicious person/occurrence: investigation concluded

West Shore RCMP investigate multiple impaired driving collisions

Man charged for sexually assaulting teen

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