A 27-year-old man has been arrested in Canada for stalking a family on social media for about a year. The man has been identified as Imran Yusuf, a Calgary resident. He had been making threats against three members of an Okatoks family since February of last year through fake accounts.

He had also slashed the tires of their vehicle several times since last August. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said the suspect was not known to the family. The suspect was identified after a scientific investigation focused on social media accounts. He has been charged with several serious charges, including making threats to kill, harassing, destroying public property, and threatening to harm animals.

The RCMP and Calgary police are jointly investigating the case. More information about the suspect was obtained and the arrest was expedited when another person received threatening messages from the same accounts.

 

 

The latest figures released by Statistics Canada show that food prices in Canada have reached their highest level in the past two years. As of December, the country's inflation rate rose to 2.4 percent. The end of the Tax Holiday announced by the federal government is being cited as the main reason for the sharp increase in prices.

This is higher than the 2.2 percent expected by economists. With this, Canada has topped the G7 countries in food inflation. Reports indicate that the price of food items from stores has increased significantly, mainly for meat, fish and vegetables. While the price of coffee increased by more than 30 percent in December, the price of beef increased by 16.8 percent. The price of food in restaurants has also increased by 8.5 percent. Experts believe that the withdrawal of tax breaks and changes in contracts between suppliers and retailers are also causing large price fluctuations in the market.

 

 

A 19-year-old Canadian woman was killed after being mauled by wild dogs on Kegari (Fraser Island), a popular tourist destination in Australia. The woman's body was found surrounded by wild animals on Monday morning. They had come to visit this island in Queensland.

The incident came to light at around 6:30 am on Monday. The initial conclusion of the police is that the woman was attacked while she was swimming in the sea at around 5 am. The woman was attacked by 'dingos', a wild dog native to Australia. The search team reached the scene to find them standing around the body in a horrified state.

Dingoes are given special protection on Kegari Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although they do not usually attack humans, authorities point out that such attacks, which do occur rarely, are extremely deadly. The police and the wildlife department have launched a joint investigation into the incident.

Authorities have strictly advised tourists and locals to be extremely careful and avoid close contact with dingoes. The Canadian government, which received information, has promised all necessary assistance to the woman's family.

 

 

Statistics Canada has released the latest figures on mortality and life expectancy in Canada for 2024. The report indicates that deaths due to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and influenza are increasing at an alarming rate in the country. Despite being ranked sixth on the list of causes of death, deaths due to respiratory diseases have increased by 20 per cent compared to last year. The fact that 52 per cent of the deaths in this category were over the age of 85 raises big question marks over the health security of the country's senior citizens.

As has been the case since the 1990s, cancer remains the leading cause of death this time too. Heart disease, accidents and strokes are other major causes on the list. At the same time, deaths due to dementia, a dementia disease, are also rising steadily. In 2024, an estimated 28,000 people died from dementia.
Despite health concerns, the country's average life expectancy has increased, which is encouraging news. The average life expectancy in Canada is currently 81.68 years. This is the same as the pre-COVID (2019) level. Women's life expectancy is 84.29 years and men's life expectancy is 80.03 years.
The greatest improvements in life expectancy have been recorded in the western provinces, such as Alberta and British Columbia.

 

 

Lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity because they are cheaper than natural diamonds, experts say. However, experts say that there is a huge difference in the price of such lab-grown diamonds and caution should be exercised when buying. The report was released by CBC News.

To check the difference in the price of lab-grown diamonds, CBC purchased two identical diamonds through the online marketplace. Both stones were of the same size, color and quality. The diamond purchased from a company called 'Blue Nile' cost about $1,639 including tax. However, the same quality diamond purchased from 'Alibaba' cost only $229. Experts certified that both diamonds are the same in quality.

Experts estimate that each stone could be worth between $900 and $1,900. Such a large price difference suggests that some dealers are charging too much. Observers warn that this could affect the credibility of the lab-grown diamond market. Dealers argue that their brand value and quality testing methods are the reason for the high prices. Experts advise consumers to check the market and accurately determine the value when buying diamonds. As production costs decrease, lab-grown diamonds are likely to fall further in the future.

 

 

PP Cherian

Pennsylvania: An 11-year-old boy shot and killed his father in Pennsylvania, USA, for asking him to sleep and stopping him from playing a game. The victim was 42-year-old Douglas Dietz. Police have arrested his son Clayton Dietz in the incident.

The tragic incident took place on the boy's birthday. After the birthday celebrations at night, his parents sent him to bed without allowing him to play games. Enraged by this, the boy took out a gun kept by his father and shot him in the head while he was sleeping.

The boy found the key to the safe in his father's drawer and loaded the gun inside it and carried out the crime.

The boy confessed to his mother and police that he had killed his father. He told the police that he had not thought about what would happen when he shot him and that he did it out of anger.

The boy, who is currently being held in the Perry County Jail, will be arraigned in court on January 22. Dietz and his wife adopted Clayton in 2018.

 

 

Warning labels are now mandatory on food products available in supermarkets in Canada. This came into effect on January 1. The change is to help people make healthy food choices. Accordingly, if the products are high in saturated fat, sodium (salt), and sugar, it must be clearly stated on the front of the package.

According to Health Canada's new directive, this black and white label must be provided on the top of the package in a way that consumers can identify at a glance. This new change is to prevent lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes and to help people make healthy food choices. This new label on the front is in addition to the nutrition table currently on the back of the package. Generally, if a food contains more than 15 percent of the daily requirement, it is considered 'high'. This label is mandatory on packages containing these types of substances.

Nutritionists say that these labels would be of great benefit given the increasing obesity and related diseases among adults and children in Canada. This regulation would be stricter for junk foods and processed foods.

 

 

Alberta hospitals are facing a severe crisis this winter as a surge in respiratory illnesses has hit. Provincial authorities have reported a sharp increase in flu cases since mid-December. As of January 3, 653 people are being treated for the flu in hospitals. Of these, 51 patients are in intensive care units (ICUs). Doctors warn that hospitals are struggling to treat the additional patients.

Alberta's new chief medical officer, Dr. Vivian Sutter, has released new information assessing the situation. Dr. Vivian Sutter said that despite the severe strain on the health system, staff are doing their best to care for patients. The health ministry explains that the rapid increase in cases is the main reason for the congestion in hospitals. More beds and temporary facilities are being prepared in hospitals to cope with the crisis.

The opposition NDP has demanded that Premier Daniel Smith's government be prepared to acknowledge that the current situation is a 'crisis'. She also noted that more support is needed for health workers. New reports indicate that Alberta is going through its most severe flu season in years.

 

 

 

New studies have been released that clarify the changes that occur when you stop taking popular weight loss drugs. Researchers have found that many patients quickly regain their weight after stopping the drug. The study was conducted on drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which are used to treat obesity. These drugs help in weight loss by controlling appetite and blood sugar levels.

When you stop using the drug, the body returns to old habits. It was found that most people regained a large part of the weight they lost within a year of stopping the drug. This study proves that obesity is not something that can be solved in a short time, but that it is a condition that needs to be taken care of for a long time. Doctors warn that if you stop taking the drug alone without making changes to your lifestyle, you may gain weight again. The best results will only be achieved if you eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get proper medical care. The study also shows that weight regain may affect blood pressure and the risk of diabetes.

Experts say that patients should be prepared for continued treatment or other methods. These findings underscore that maintaining a low weight after drug treatment is a major challenge.

 

 

Canada's highest-paid CEOs list out. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) has released its annual report on the top 100 CEOs in 2024. Shopify CEO Tobias Lutke tops the list with a net worth of $205.5 million.

Gregory L. Ebel, CEO of Calgary-based Enbridge Inc., is in seventh place with $23.7 million in 2024. He took over in June 2023. Suncor Energy CEO R.M. Kruger makes the list with $14.2 million. His rank, which was in third place last year, has dropped to 31 this time. The average salary of Canada's top 100 CEOs reached a record $16.2 million in 2024. Bell's Mirko Bibik and Loblaw's Per Bank are also prominent figures on the list.

 

 

 

Canada's national census operations will begin in May. Every household in Canada is required to fill out a census questionnaire. Survey to understand the country's population, people's lifestyle and the services they require. Statistics Canada conducts a census once every five years.

Most people receive a short form census asking for basic information like age, gender, language spoken. One-fourth of households will also receive a long form census covering more information such as employment, residence, income, culture etc. Census data is essential for planning schools, transportation, health programs. Statistics Canada employs approximately 32,000 employees across the country to conduct census operations.

'Numerators' who collect information, 'Crew Leaders' who lead teams are the main positions. Hourly wages range from $25.87 to $31.32.

 

 

Canada government moves forward with decision to cut immigration. Reports indicate that there will be a significant decrease in the number of newcomers entering the country in various categories by 2026.

As part of reducing the immigration rate, Canada will limit the number of permanent residents in 2026. Ottawa aims to reduce the number of permanent residents from 395,000 in 2025 to 380,000. This large decline is recorded in the position where 483,640 people were admitted in 2024. However, immigration lawyer Ravi Jain noted that immigrants are still necessary to support Canada's job sector. He also warned that the country's job growth depends largely on new arrivals.

Statistics Canada reported that population growth decreased by 0.2 per cent in the last half of 2025. The government is also planning to make big cuts to the number of student visas. It will drop from 437,000 in 2025 to just 155,000 in 2026. Temporary worker admissions will fall to 230,000. This is more than 135,000 fewer than last year. Refugee admissions will also fall slightly. They are expected to reach 56,200 in 2026. The new law, Bill C-12, will tighten refugee rules and give the government the power to cancel applications.

 

 

 

The situation is getting worse following a major failure in the water supply network in Calgary. The 'Bearspaw South Feeder Main', the main pipeline that supplies 60 percent of the city's water, broke on December 30. Mayor Jerome Farkas has asked city residents to immediately reduce their water use.

He warned that the city's water supply is dangerously low, which will affect the operations of the fire department and other emergency services. He stated on social media that the current situation is moving towards a point where it could even be life-threatening.

Although the authorities have withdrawn the 'use only boiled water' recommendation imposed in the areas around 16th Avenue where the failure occurred, water use is still not under control.

The government has issued strict instructions to the city's 1.6 million residents to reduce unnecessary water use. The municipality has released footage of the damaged pipes being removed. It is estimated that repairs will take at least two weeks to complete. Traffic restrictions are currently in place on major roads along the Trans Canada Highway.

 

 

As temperatures plummet in Northern Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has warned that moose are flocking onto highways in droves. They are mainly looking for road salt and to avoid driving through snow. Moose herds have been spotted on routes including Highway 527. Police said collisions with these animals, which weigh about 550 kilograms (1,200 pounds), can be extremely serious.

Police warn that such accidents are likely to increase at night due to poor visibility. Moose are difficult to spot from a distance at night due to their dark color. Footprints in the snow on the roadside, movement on the sides, or the sudden flashing of brake lights from vehicles in front should be considered signs that the animals are nearby. Authorities advised that if you see moose, do not try to scare them away by honking your horn, but rather park your vehicle safely and allow them to move away on their own.

 

 

Ontario Provincial Police are thanking two citizens who helped an on-duty police officer during a heavy snowfall on Highway 21 in Ontario on New Year’s Eve. On the Saugeen First Nation, a police officer was trying to arrest a man who was walking on a busy road when he noticed him. However, the suspect struggled with the officer to prevent the arrest, and the situation escalated.

In the dangerous situation, two passersby stopped their vehicles and came to the aid of the police officer. Their intervention helped subdue the suspect, said South Bruce OPP Constable Cody Lyons. They left the scene before the police officer could thank them. Police praised the bravery of these anonymous citizens on social media for their fearless action during a crisis.

 

 

With the number of people on the waiting list for surgery in Alberta increasing, the provincial government has introduced Bill 11 legislation aimed at addressing the crisis. The new law will allow doctors to work in both public and private health systems simultaneously.

There are currently about 83,000 Albertans waiting for surgery. The number of people on this list has increased significantly compared to previous years, with 43 per cent of people still waiting after the scheduled time for surgery, according to reports. The reform will bring positive changes to the province’s health sector, said Nadeem Ismail, director of health policy at the Fraser Institute.

He said that private facilities will be helpful for surgeons who want to work longer hours and increase their income, and that it will not affect operations in the public system at all. The government hopes that the dual-model system will help bring back nurses and unemployed doctors who left Alberta in search of better working conditions. However, there are still differences of opinion among experts about how effective the move will be in the health sector.

 

 

New laws regarding carbon monoxide alarms have come into effect in Ontario. To ensure the safety of families, the government has now made it mandatory for more homes and buildings to install carbon monoxide alarms.

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that has no smell, taste or colour. It can cause serious health problems and even death if not detected in time. Alarms are required in homes with fuel-burning appliances, furnaces, stoves or fireplaces. Alarms are also required in homes with attached garages, as smoke from vehicles can enter the home. Apartments, condos, hotels, motels and retirement homes must also comply with these laws.

Landlords and building owners are responsible for installing alarms in the correct locations. Alarms should be installed near bedrooms and other areas of the building where the gas could spread. Officials said the new changes will help prevent accidents caused by carbon monoxide. The fire department has also told residents to check the alarms regularly to make sure they are working properly.

 

 

 

Canada is preparing to implement new tax reforms starting in 2026. These reforms are mainly aimed at providing relief to low- and middle-income earners. At the same time, there will be a slight increase in the share of wages deducted to strengthen pension benefits. Experts say that most of the changes are small and will not affect ordinary people in a big way.

One of the main changes is the reduction in income tax rates. The minimum income tax rate will be reduced from 15 percent to 14 percent. This lower rate will now apply to income up to $ 58,523. This change will save families about $ 750 to $ 840 a year. In addition, a new tax credit will be allowed for personal support workers from 2026 to 2030. Those with an annual income of at least $ 22,000 can claim up to $ 1,100. This applies to those who work in hospitals, nursing homes and other health centers.

The lifetime capital gains exemption limit on the sale of small businesses, farms and fishing properties will be increased to $1.25 million. Contributions to the Canada Pension Plan will increase; employers and employees will have to pay more accordingly. The annual investment limit for the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) will remain at $7,000 in 2026.

 

 

 

Life in the eastern regions of Canada has come to a standstill following heavy snowfall. The meteorological department has declared an orange alert in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Road and air traffic has been completely disrupted due to winds blowing at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour and heavy snowfall. Heavy ice formation on the roads due to ice rain in Ottawa and Montreal is causing accidents.

Power supply to lakhs of homes was cut off after trees were uprooted in heavy winds and snowfall. More than 60,000 customers are reported to be in the dark in Ontario alone. The government has strictly advised people to avoid unnecessary travel as a severe blizzard continues in the Toronto and London areas. Environment Canada has warned people to be cautious as severe weather is likely to continue in the coming days. Cold winds are expected to continue through Monday and Tuesday, bringing the year to a close with severe winter weather.

 

 

 

The city of Calgary is gearing up for 2026 with music, dancing and a colorful fireworks display. The main festivities will take place at Eau Claire Plaza and Prince’s Island Park starting at 8 p.m. on December 31. Live music, skating and food trucks will add to the festivities. The New Year will be ushered in with a colorful fireworks display at Prince’s Island Park at midnight. Mayor Jerome Farkas wished the city’s residents a Happy New Year.

The city has provided free shuttle bus services for those coming to participate in the festivities. Bus services will be available every 45 minutes from 9 p.m. on December 31 to 1:30 a.m. on January 1. These special services are being operated from Lot 59 on Memorial Drive to various parts of the city in view of the severe cold and limited parking facilities. The authorities have also arranged for the facility to watch the fireworks live online for those who are unable to attend in person.

 

 

A smart dog named 'Roscoe' who found money buried in snow is now a social media star. The incident took place in Calgary. Roscoe unexpectedly found a $50 bill during a normal walk through the snow. Roscoe's hobby is digging and sniffing the snow when he goes for a walk. But that day, Roscoe went searching for a bill buried under the snow. His owner immediately recorded the footage and shared it on social media. It didn't take long for it to go viral.

In just two days, Roscoe became an internet superstar with more than eighty thousand likes and more than six hundred thousand views. People have watched the video more than six hundred thousand times. Social media is filled with interesting comments like "Can you lend us Roscoe?" and "I want a dog like this too." The owner didn't throw away the money Roscoe found in vain. He bought a new 'rope toy' as a gift for his beloved dog. This interesting news is a reminder once again of how much joy pets bring us.

 

 

 

Canada's most dangerous winter roads are in Ontario, a new study report says. The study was conducted by Samsara, a company that works in the field of vehicle safety. The study used accident data collected using sensors and cameras in vehicles between 2022 and 2025.

Six of the ten most dangerous winter roads in Canada are in Ontario. The most dangerous road is Erieau Road near Lake Erie. The study points out that the risk of this road is six times higher than other roads on the list. Strong winds and humidity from Lake Erie seriously affect this road. This narrow two-lane road is exacerbated by snow caused by the lake. Also on the list are Highway 17 in Kenora-Dryden, Highway 11 in Heist-Kapuskasing, and the Queen Elizabeth Way in Burlington Skyway. The Mississauga and Scarborough sections of the busy Highway 401 are also high-risk areas in winter, according to data collected using artificial intelligence sensors.

 

 

Alex Robb, a paramedic from Edmonton, has shared his concerns about the heavy workload facing paramedics in Alberta and the increasing ambulance wait times. He says the current situation is beyond bearable. Alex Robb has been serving as an advanced care paramedic for the past ten years.

Despite the steady increase in the number of patients seeking help, the lack of sufficient staff is creating a major crisis. The Alberta Paramedic Union has also stated that the biggest challenge they are facing is keeping employees on the job. Alex Robb pointed out that the regular 12-hour shifts are often extended to 14 hours with the increased workload.

Ambulances are having to rush when calls for help come from different parts of the city. There are also situations where you have to turn back after sounding the siren and getting another emergency message. He added that seeing the plight of patients waiting for an ambulance for a long time is very distressing.

 

 

Sharon Haskel, an Israeli deputy foreign minister, has warned of a rise in terrorism in Canada. She said there are "serious problems" in Canada that require urgent attention. Sharon Haskel criticized Canada's handling of protests and extremist groups.

Sharon Haskel accused Canada of allowing hate speech to spread in a dangerous way. This will harm Canada's international image. The criticism follows recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Canadian cities. Sharon Haskel said some of the protests included extremist elements. He called on Canadian leaders to take stronger action against hate speech. He also suggested that Jewish communities be more effectively protected.

The minister's remarks have sparked a huge debate among Canadian politicians and citizens. While some agreed that terrorism is a problem, others supported freedom of expression.

 

 

P.P. Cherian

Baytown (Texas): A student has died after being stabbed by a classmate during an argument inside a high school classroom. The shocking incident took place at Sterling High School in Baytown on Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred at around 10:42 am during a fight between two boys. The 18-year-old student stabbed his underage classmate with scissors.

The seriously injured student was immediately taken to Texas Medical Center by air ambulance (Life Flight), but his life could not be saved. Since the school could not land the plane due to weather problems, he was first taken to the airport by ambulance and then transferred to the hospital.

The 18-year-old who carried out the attack was taken into police custody. A temporary hold was imposed on the school following the incident, but this was later lifted. Authorities said there are currently no other security threats on the campus.

The school authorities have not released their names out of respect for the children's privacy. The police have intensified their investigation into the incident.

 

 

 

Calgary City Council has passed a resolution to ban the flying of foreign national flags at City Hall. In a heated vote among councilors, seven voted against the ban, while eight voted in favor.

The resolution was introduced by Councilor Dan McLean. He argued that flying foreign flags causes division in the community. He also said that City Hall should not be a venue for political debate. Although the practice was started to show respect and unity, McLean explained that over time, flag-raising ceremonies have led to protests and disputes.

The ban only applies to national flags of other countries. However, the Pride flag, Métis flag and other cultural flags are not prohibited. Supporters of the ban say that the decision will help council focus more on local issues. But opponents argue that banning flags is itself divisive. Starting in 2026, only the Canadian flag and recognized cultural flags will be flown at Calgary City Hall.

 

 

Three children have died of flu in Ottawa. All three deaths occurred in recent weeks, health officials said. All three were under the age of 10. Officials are not releasing the names of the deceased to protect the privacy of their families. Doctors say the flu can be very dangerous if it causes other health problems in children.

Ottawa hospitals have seen a sharp increase in flu patients this month. Most of these patients are children with severe symptoms. In this context, health experts are urging parents to get their children vaccinated. They are also advising sick children to stay home to prevent the spread of the flu. This year, the flu season has started earlier than usual in Ontario. Doctors say they are seeing more flu cases and serious complications than usual at this time of year. They also say the flu can cause severe illness that may require hospital care. Officials say the respiratory season is not over and the flu season is likely to continue to be difficult in the coming weeks.

 

 

Waymo, a leader in robotaxi technology, is aiming to launch its robotaxi service in Canada. The American company, which is currently operating successfully in select cities in the US, has begun discussions with officials to expand its service to larger Canadian cities. The company has hired representatives and lobbyists to help change Canada's legal framework. Waymo is a subsidiary of Google's parent company Alphabet.

A Waymo spokesperson said they have goals to bring a driverless taxi service to Canada. However, Waymo's robotaxi are unlikely to start operating in Canada anytime soon. Currently, provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario have legal restrictions on the operation of driverless vehicles on public roads. Transport Canada also does not allow the general sale or import of fully automated vehicles. Canada's challenging weather, including snow and ice, is also a factor. Therefore, Waymo will need to clear multiple legal hurdles at the provincial and federal levels before launching service in Canada.

 

 

Global tech giant Microsoft is set to make a major investment in Canada as it ramps up its artificial intelligence capabilities. The company plans to invest more than $7.5 billion Canadian dollars over the next two years. This will bring Microsoft's total AI investment in Canada to $19 billion Canadian dollars between 2023 and 2027. This is one of the most significant announcements related to AI development in Canada.

The investment will help expand Canada's data center network and establish a dedicated Thread Intelligence Hub for cybersecurity protection. This huge investment is expected to give a new impetus to Canada's technology sector. Microsoft will support the growth of innovative technology in the country by improving AI infrastructure and collaborating with Canadian AI startups. This investment will help the Canadian government and regulatory partners track cybersecurity threats and conduct AI security research.

 

 

Human trafficking cases are on the rise in Canada, according to 2024 figures. Of the 5,070 human trafficking cases reported by Canadian police between 2014 and 2024, the majority were women and girls. 93% of the victims were women and girls, and two-thirds of them were under the age of 25.

Last year alone, 608 cases were reported across the country. Provinces such as Nova Scotia and Ontario recorded rates much higher than the national average. Experts say the cases reported to the police are only a small fraction of the actual number of cases. The majority of perpetrators are men. The data also shows that victims often had close relationships with their abusers.