Sam Cooper's brave and detailed journalism reveals a chilling truth:

The Chinese Communist Party has infiltrated Canada's electoral processes.

Our so-called "leaders" continually overlook these dangers across municipal, provincial, and federal spheres.

Is Canada at risk?

Blendrnews

Travel directly to your destination without any layovers! Experience non-stop flights from Vancouver to Manila with Air Canada. 🇨🇦🇵🇭 

In a remarkable achievement, Ronin, a five-year-old African giant pouched rat, has set a new world record by becoming the first rodent to locate over 100 landmines and other dangerous remnants of war in Cambodia.

Since 2021, Ronin has discovered 109 landmines and 15 unexploded ordnance items, according to a statement from the charity Apopo, which trains these remarkable animals. In Cambodia, millions of unexploded munitions remain buried after two decades of civil conflict that ended in 1998. The Guinness Book of World Records has acknowledged Ronin's "vital work," which significantly impacts the lives of locals who live in constant fear of the dangers that lie beneath their feet. Apopo, headquartered in Tanzania, currently trains 104 HeroRATS, as they are affectionately known. These rats are educated to identify chemicals present in landmines and other abandoned weapons. Due to their lightweight nature, they can explore areas without triggering the mines. The efficiency of these rats is impressive; they can survey an area equivalent to a tennis court in just 30 minutes, while a human with a metal detector might take up to four days to do the same job. Additionally, the rats are adept at detecting tuberculosis far more quickly than traditional lab methods. It typically takes around a year to train each rat for landmine detection tasks. Ronin's achievements in the northern Preah Vihear province have eclipsed the previous record held by Magawa, another rat who located 71 mines and was awarded a gold medal for bravery in 2020.

Since its inception 25 years ago, Apopo has cleared a total of 169,713 landmines and explosives worldwide, with over 52,000 of those in Cambodia. The organization also operates in other war-affected regions, including Ukraine, South Sudan, and Azerbaijan. Despite these efforts, an estimated four to six million landmines and other munitions still lie buried in Cambodia, according to the Landmine Monitor.

BBC

Trump urges US to 'stay strong' on tariffs as Land Rover halts shipments President Donald Trump is calling on American businesses and citizens to "stay strong," asserting that he will deliver "historic" outcomes through his economic strategy.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the luxury automobile manufacturer, has announced a pause in shipments to the US following the introduction of a new 25% tariff on foreign-made vehicles.

Concerns are growing among US and UK businesses regarding the ramifications of Trump's extensive tariff measures, which saw a 10% levy take effect today for certain countries. The president of the National Black Farmers Association told the BBC that the tariffs are having a "direct" impact on their industry, while an American importer remarked, "the numbers just don't add up.

" Major companies like Apple and Nike are already experiencing the consequences of these new tariffs, as global markets faced turmoil, with Wall Street's three major indexes dropping over 5% yesterday. Worldwide reactions to Trump's tariffs include assertions of 'no justification.' Live Reporting Edited by Neha Gohil and Rorey Bosotti Netanyahu to meet with Trump at the White House to talk tariffs.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.

According to Reuters, the two leaders will discuss the tariffs recently implemented by Trump, based on information from officials in both nations. Israel is one of approximately 60 countries set to encounter increased tariffs from the US, with a 17% tax on Israeli goods taking effect on April 9. This meeting marks Netanyahu's second visit to the White House during Trump's second term, following their previous discussion in February about the conflict in Gaza.
BBC

Two officials from Calgary and three from Alberta will serve as referees for the 2025 Futsal Canadian Championship.


The CDSRA is pleased to announce the selection of two local referees and one local assessor for the 2025 Futsal Canadian Championship, taking place in Regina, SK, from April 10-13.

Representing Calgary are referees Emily Gall and Adam Benani, along with assessor Garth Elgie. All three have prior experience at the championship and are eager to participate in this esteemed event once again. Additionally, we would like to congratulate Gareth Kmet from Edmonton, who will also represent the province.

For further details, please visit https://canadasoccer.com/news/match-officials-appointed-to-the-2025-futsal-canadian-championship/

#yycsoccer #referees

The Cumming School of Medicine and the University of Lethbridge are excited to announce the selection of Dr. Richard M. Buck, MD, as the first associate dean of the Southern Alberta Medical Program (SAMP).


Dr. Buck holds the position of associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Calgary and serves as a clinical assistant professor in the same department at the University of Alberta. Additionally, he practices as a clinician at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge.

In his role as associate dean, this esteemed physician and educator will oversee the development and implementation of the SAMP, which aims to enhance medical education in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Indigenous and rural communities across Southern Alberta.

Dr. Buck's appointment marks a significant advancement for the new medical program, which is set to welcome its inaugural cohort of undergraduate medical students in Lethbridge next summer.

We are thrilled to have Dr. Buck join us in this pivotal leadership position!

For more information, visit: https://news.ucalgary.ca/news/dr-richard-m-buck-md-named-associate-dean-southern-alberta-medical-program

Rural Medicine (DLRI) UofC #RuralInitiatives

North Calgary experienced a stunning display of the Aurora last night, April 4, 2025, from 9:45 to 10:00 PM.
An aurora, often referred to as the northern or southern lights, is a natural light phenomenon observed in the Earth's atmosphere, primarily in high-latitude areas. These displays feature vibrant and dynamic patterns of light that manifest as curtains, rays, spirals, or flickering movements, illuminating the sky in their entirety.

In an effort to enhance the safety of its officers and reduce the risk of "doxing"—the malicious public disclosure of private information—the Calgary Police Service has enacted a policy change as part of a 12-month pilot program.

Under the new guidelines, officers are "encouraged" but not mandated to disclose their names when interacting with the public. Instead, they will primarily wear their regimental badge numbers, particularly in the Calgary police public safety unit and the downtown street engagement team, where exposure to protests raises concerns about potential doxing. According to the Calgary Police Service (CPS), if asked for a name, officers may choose to provide it based on the situation.

The regimental number is deemed crucial, as it is unique to each officer and allows the public to file complaints or inquiries regarding specific interactions. Doug King, a criminal justice professor at Mount Royal University, expressed that while the initiative aims to enhance safety, it might compromise transparency.

He noted that the implications of this change could be challenged in court. The CPS emphasizes that doxing can have severe repercussions for both officers and their families, as access to personal information can help individuals locate officers' residences and details about their loved ones. King pointed out the potential erosion of transparency within the police force, though he acknowledged the rationale behind prioritizing officer safety. He also questioned public perception regarding this policy shift. Kelly Sundberg, an MRU criminologist and former Canadian Border Service Agency officer, voiced understanding for the police's decision given the rising frequency of doxing incidents. He highlighted the risks officers face, not only to themselves but also to their family members. Consultations regarding the policy change included feedback from diversity and youth advisory boards within the CPS. The pilot program will be assessed to evaluate the need for further alterations. Earlier this year, the CPS also restricted media access to police radio communications, opting for the encrypted messaging app Signal to relay pertinent information—a move that limits media awareness of police activities. King noted that the trend of officers speaking directly to the media has decreased over the past decade, with information increasingly disseminated via social media to manage the narrative more effectively. While recognizing that these changes may serve valid purposes, King warned that they could lead to perceptions of reduced transparency within the Calgary Police Service, a principle he sees as vital to community policing.
 **By Steven Wilhelm**

The Mature Asset Strategy report was released after months of consultation with industry, municipal leaders and landowners. The report recommends new ways to address inactive and marginal wells, and develops new tools for companies to set aside enough money to pay for future well site cleanup. 

The key recommendations will:
• Ensure municipal taxes get paid
• Ensure landowner leases get paid
• Support the polluter pay principle
• Accelerate closure of non-commercial wellsites
• Optimize revenues from existing wellsites
• Create new financial tools for closure liabilities
• Prevent insolvent operators from staying in business.

The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) has expressed disappointment regarding the Government of Alberta's recently released Mature Asset Strategy (MAS).

The report lacks necessary justification and clarity, presenting recommendations that prioritize reduced industry liabilities and regulatory burdens while failing to address essential issues such as tax obligations, surface lease payments, and liability responsibilities.

"RMA endorses a strategy aimed at sustaining the oil and gas industry, provided it also considers the potential risks and consequences for other stakeholders. Regrettably, the process behind the Mature Asset Strategy and its final recommendations show a limited focus on enhancing profitability for companies and wells at the expense of other stakeholders, without ensuring accountability from the industry or taking into account its broader impacts," remarked Kara Westerlund, RMA President. During the MAS process, RMA objected to unsupported claims regarding municipal property taxes, including the assertion that they are a major obstacle to the viability of mature assets. The final report does not propose amendments to the property tax system, indicating that some of our concerns were acknowledged and our efforts to realign the discussion around municipal financial realities were somewhat effective. Nevertheless, the report perpetuates the unfounded assertion that taxes impose a disproportionate burden on the industry, with no substantiating evidence.

The only property tax-related suggestion—establishing a reporting system for unpaid taxes—merely duplicates an existing system. "Property taxes became a major contentious issue throughout the MAS discussions. From the outset, we were told that taxes needed to be reduced and that municipalities should bear the burden.

Instead of proposing feasible solutions to assist the industry, we spent considerable time and effort debunking misconceptions about the role and usage of property taxes," explained Westerlund. "In a process addressing assets significantly affected by low commodity prices, declining production, and substantial regulatory gaps in asset transfers, the fixation on property taxes seemed misplaced. It appears that the organizers viewed taxes as a convenient means to cut costs on mature assets, requiring us to consistently counter this assumption." A significant concern for RMA was the unclear definition of "mature assets" and the absence of a definitive list of affected assets or industry segments. Despite repeated requests for clarification, such information was not provided during the process. The final report equates mature assets with marginal wells, a connection that was not clarified during the stakeholder engagement. "To us, it appears the MAS served primarily as a means to alleviate regulatory and liability burdens on the industry, shifting costs onto the public under the pretense of supporting an ill-defined group of mature assets. Even with a vague definition in the final report, there is no clarity on whether any of the recommendations will tangibly support increased production or address associated public risks. The lack of scope is alarming in a report that proposes recommendations profoundly affecting industry accountability and public interest." Additionally, RMA is concerned that the MAS process did not incorporate diverse perspectives. While advocates for surface rights had limited participation, other sectors, including environmental organizations, gas cooperatives, agriculture, and groups representing the wider public interest, were almost entirely absent. This lack of diversity has resulted in a report filled with industry-supported recommendations that remain untested for their broader public risks or impacts. RMA advocates for a strategy that bolsters the oil and gas sector while ensuring equitable consideration for all Albertans. However, as it stands, the MAS process fails to lay the groundwork for meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. "Ultimately, the MAS process resembled an industry echo chamber, lacking voices that could challenge assumptions and critically assess proposals. While RMA values its participation and strives to fulfill this role, we weren't present at every forum, and our expertise primarily focuses on municipal matters. This report reflects that imbalance," noted Westerlund. "An adequately developed strategy that includes input from a wide range of stakeholders and the public could benefit the industry, rural municipalities, and all Albertans. The MAS is not the appropriate method for achieving such a comprehensive strategy." About the Rural Municipalities of Alberta: The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) is a reputable and independent association representing Alberta's 69 counties and municipal districts. Since 1909, RMA has been dedicated to empowering rural municipalities through strong, effective local governance.

Through persistent advocacy and a range of valued business services, including cooperative procurement and group benefits via the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada, as well as comprehensive insurance coverage through RMA Insurance, we aim to bolster and support rural Alberta.
Danielle Smith
Editted

The Indian Embassy in Canada announced that it is maintaining close contact with a local community organization following a tragic incident involving an Indian national.

On Saturday morning, an Indian citizen was fatally stabbed in Rockland, near Ottawa. The Embassy shared on its X account that the suspect has been apprehended in connection with the incident. The Embassy posted, "We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of an Indian national in Rockland due to a stabbing. Local police have confirmed that a suspect is now in custody. We are actively collaborating with a community association to offer all possible support to the grieving family." CBC News has reported one death in Clarence-Rockland and the arrest of a second individual, though it remains uncertain if this relates to the incident mentioned by the Indian Embassy on X.

According to a CBS report that cited the Ontario Provincial Police speaking to Radio-Canada, the stabbing occurred near Lalonde Street just before 3 PM on Friday (local time). While the police have yet to disclose the cause of death or whether any charges will be filed against the suspect, they have informed Rockland residents to expect a heightened police presence in the area.