SHER E PUNJAB

November 3, 2026

OIPC for BC investigating Crime Stoppers breach

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia (OIPC) is investigating whether the British Columbia Crime Stoppers Society took adequate steps to protect personal information gathered from people who reported tips in BC.Under the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), the OIPC has jurisdiction over organizations (including non-profits) that collect, use and disclose the personal information of people living in British Columbia. Organizations are required under PIPA to make reasonable security arrangements to protect personal information that they hold. Due to the sensitive nature of the personal information held by Crime Stoppers, individuals do not need to complain to the OIPC if they believe they have been affected by the breach. As this is an active file before the office, the OIPC is not able to provide further information.

Burnaby RCMP Traffic Services to focus on school zone safety this fall

Canada

November 3, 2026

Burnaby RCMP Traffic Services to focus on school zone safety this fall

Helping kids get to and from school safely in fall weather conditions will be the focus of a November enforcement campaign for Burnaby RCMP Traffic Services. As we get further into the fall, conditions are typically darker and rainy, inclement weather is more common. This combination of lower visibility and wet roads increases the risk for pedestrians: according to ICBC, nearly half of crashes involving pedestrians take place between October and January. Burnaby Traffic Services officers will be concentrating on school zones for their latest enforcement initiative throughout the month of November. Officers will be at schools throughout the city, ensuring students and staff are staying safe on the roads and drivers are obeying school zone speed limits of 30 kilometres an hour from 7AM to 10 PM, Monday to Friday. “This is the time of year when we know poor visibility and inclement weather increase the risk on our roads, and we want to make sure kids are safe on their way to school and returning home,” said Sgt. Gary Johal with Burnaby RCMP Traffic Services. “While we always reinforce school zone safety at the beginning of the school year, November is a great time for a reminder given the changing conditions.” Safety tips for drivers: Slow down and drivers for the conditionsStay focussed on the road – avoid distractionsKeep an eye out for pedestrians all along your drive – not just at intersections and crosswalksEnsure your lights and wipers are functioning properly

SPS Investigating Shooting in Central Surrey

Canada

November 3, 2026

SPS Investigating Shooting in Central Surrey

Surrey Police Service (SPS) is investigating a shooting incident that took place last night in the Surrey Central area of the city.At approximately 9:42 pm on November 2, SPS Frontline officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 9000 block of Snowdon Place. At this location officers found evidence of a shooting and signs of injury, but no suspects or victim were on scene. Other SPS Frontline members attended the hospital and located a male suffering from a gunshot wound. That 22-year-old man remains in hospital in critical condition.SPS’ Major Crime Unit has assumed conduct of the investigation.Despite the investigation being in the early stages, there is no indication that it is extortion related.SPS investigators are requesting that anyone with information concerning the shooting, or who were in the area at the time and have dashcam or CCTV footage, to contact Surrey Police Service’s non-emergency 604-599-0502 and quote file number 26-119173 (SP).

Youth injured in alleged dangerous driving incident involving dozens of riders

Canada

November 3, 2026

Youth injured in alleged dangerous driving incident involving dozens of riders

A 15-year-old youth is recovering from minor injuries following an incident involving approximately 25 e-scooter, e-bike, and motorbike riders in Vancouver on Halloween night. Several families flagged down officers in Kerrisdale, reporting that a group of approximately two dozen riders dressed in similar costumes were driving dangerously and almost hit them. One responding patrol car was almost hit by a 15-year-old youth riding an e-dirt bike. The youth was allegedly travelling at 50-60 km/h, blew through multiple stop signs, and refused to stop for police before colliding with another vehicle. He was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Most e-dirt bikes are designed for off-road use and are not permitted on public streets and highways. The incident is currently being investigated by the Collision Investigation Unit and charges have not yet been recommended.

Local Generosity Brings Delta One Step Closer to Its First-Ever MRI Scanner

Canada

November 3, 2026

Local Generosity Brings Delta One Step Closer to Its First-Ever MRI Scanner

For 17 years, Ivy Tam has called Ladner home. Now, her latest act of generosity is helping usher in a new era of medical technology for Delta Hospital, bringing critical care closer to home for thousands of local residents.Tam has made a major $100,000 gift to the Elevating Care: Bringing MRI to Delta campaign. The ambitious fundraising initiative, spearheaded by the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation (DHCHF), aims to raise $18 million to fund cutting-edge MRI equipment and the necessary facility renovations to introduce MRI services to Delta Hospital for the first time in its history.A Growing Need for Care Close to HomeFor many Delta residents, accessing advanced diagnostic imaging currently means embarking on stressful journeys outside the community. Last year alone, more than 5,400 Delta residents had to travel elsewhere just to receive outpatient MRI scans.Once fully operational, the new MRI facility at Delta Hospital is projected to perform up to 10,000 scans annually, drastically cutting down travel time for local patients and relieving pressure on regional healthcare networks.For Tam, supporting the initiative was a natural response to a clear community need."I believe it is important to help when we can, especially when there is a need close to home," Tam said. "Healthcare touches all of us at some point in our lives. Bringing MRI services to Delta will make a meaningful difference for patients and families, and I am pleased to play a small part in helping make it happen."A History of Giving BackThis $100,000 contribution is far from Tam’s first effort to strengthen local healthcare. Since establishing a connection with the Foundation in 2025, she has consistently invested in the well-being of her neighbors through targeted, high-impact contributions:Long-Term Care: A $100,000 gift supporting the Beedie Long-Term Care Centre campaign.Emergency Department: Funding to replace aging patient chairs in Delta Hospital’s Emergency Department.Diagnostic Imaging: Her latest $100,000 boost toward the $18 million MRI goal.Lisa Hoglund, CEO of the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation, praised Tam’s ongoing commitment to local healthcare excellence."Ivy’s generosity reflects the incredible spirit of our community," Hoglund noted. "Her support of local healthcare has been both thoughtful and impactful, from long-term care and emergency care enhancements to now helping bring MRI services to Delta. We are deeply grateful for her commitment and leadership."A Strategic Healthcare PartnershipThe MRI expansion represents a collaborative effort between the public health authority and the local community foundation:Partner | Key ResponsibilitiesDelta Hospital & Community Health Foundation | Lead the campaign to raise the necessary $18 million in community donor support for equipment and renovations.Fraser Health | Oversee physical construction, operational staffing, and ongoing clinical management of the MRI unit.With supporters like Ivy Tam leading the way, the Elevating Care campaign continues to build momentum, moving Delta Hospital ever closer to delivering state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging right in the heart of Ladner.

Abbotsford to include solid waste fees in utility bills starting January 2027

Canada

November 2, 2026

Abbotsford to include solid waste fees in utility bills starting January 2027

The City of Abbotsford is changing how it collects solid waste fees, with the charges set to be added to water and sewer bills beginning January 1, 2027.Currently, residents pay solid waste fees once a year through their property tax notices. Under the new system, the charges will be included in regular utility bills, allowing residents to spread the cost throughout the year instead of making a single annual payment.Customers who pay their bills on or before the due date will also be eligible for discounted rates, following a system similar to the one currently used for water consumption charges.For residents receiving utility bills every two months, the solid waste fee will first appear on the bill issued at the end of March 2027. In the Clearbrook area, where billing takes place quarterly, the change will take effect with the first bill issued at the end of April 2027.The transition will happen automatically, meaning residents will not need to take any action to switch to the new billing system.According to the city, the revised approach will make it easier for residents to monitor their charges and manage payments throughout the year. It will also provide greater flexibility when residents move or temporarily suspend their solid waste collection service, allowing fees to be adjusted or discontinued accordingly.File Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Carney’s second budget to focus on affordability, business growth and infrastructure

World

November 2, 2026

Carney’s second budget to focus on affordability, business growth and infrastructure

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s second federal budget, scheduled to be tabled Thursday, is expected to include new measures to address affordability, tax incentives for businesses, and investments in infrastructure, defence and culture, according to senior government officials familiar with the plans.The budget is also expected to provide further details on previously announced initiatives, including plans to attract private investment into Canada’s four largest airports. It is also expected to explain how the government intends to meet its commitment to balance the federal government’s operating budget one year ahead of schedule.Foreign direct investment is another area likely to feature prominently. The government is expected to provide more information about the amount of investment flowing into Canada and identify the sectors and projects attracting that capital, according to a senior official.The budget is also expected to include an update on the Canada Strong Fund, which Carney announced in April as Canada’s first national sovereign wealth fund.The government’s fiscal plan will centre on three broad priorities: investing in Canadians, strengthening the country’s identity and promoting economic growth, the official said. The source is familiar with the budget but was not authorized to speak publicly about its contents.Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne shared the budget’s title and cover on social media last week, ahead of its scheduled release.

Sudan Reports 18 Attacks on National Power Grid in Just One Week

World

November 2, 2026

Sudan Reports 18 Attacks on National Power Grid in Just One Week

Drone strikes hit three electricity substations in eastern and northern Sudan on Monday, causing widespread power outages and bringing the total number of attacks on the national grid to 18 over the past week. Sudan's military government has accused Ethiopia of aiding the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in targeting civilian power infrastructure, filing formal complaints with the UN Security Council and the African Union. Meanwhile, the Sudanese army reported further defections from the RSF in Blue Nile state, with defecting commanders confirming claims of foreign support.

Canada

November 2, 2026

Canada and U.S. Resume Trade Talks to Ease Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum and Autos

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has initiated renewed trade talks between Canada and the U.S., focusing on easing Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber, and autos. This sudden push comes ahead of the U.S. midterm elections as tariffs face pushback in key battlegrounds, with Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump both confirming constructive discussions on a potential deal. While previous talks collapsed due to last-minute U.S. demands and disagreements over auto tariffs, both sides are working toward a resolution that could also address broader energy exports.Image Source: Wikemedia Commons

Bangladesh Forms New Wage Board Amid Garment Workers' Protests

World

November 2, 2026

Bangladesh Forms New Wage Board Amid Garment Workers' Protests

Bangladesh has witnessed many garment factories being hit or closed due to ongoing unrest among its employees for the poor salary packages. The workers are protesting for increasing their minimum monthly income of 12,500 taka ($101) to 30,000 taka ($242), which results in clashes with the police, who use tear gas and sound bombs. In order to address this issue, a new wage board has been created by the government while the factory owners say that they will impose "no work, no pay" policy due to high costs of production and reduced world demands.