More than 390,000 people across Ontario are without power. It is expected to take several days to restore service. The region was hit by a severe snowstorm. Heavy snow has formed in parts of central and eastern Ontario, where rain has frozen down power lines and branches.

Hydro One says it will take several days to fully restore power to all customers. As of 10 a.m. Monday, more than 3,000 power outages were reported, affecting more than 390,000 customers. Contractors are working in challenging conditions to restore power, Hydro One said in a statement. The disruptions are being caused by frozen tree branches and branches. A second wave of snow is also possible. HydroOne says this could affect power lines and roads.

 

 

Gas prices are reportedly rising across Alberta days before the federal consumer carbon tax is set to expire. The provincial government has launched an investigation into the price hikes. Following similar increases last week, prices at many Calgary stations rose to $158.90 or more on Friday. The average price of a litre of regular unleaded gas in Calgary was $157.10 on Sunday, up from $143.90 in early March, according to GasBuddy.com. The report also said gas prices were as high as $139.90 at some Costco stations.

Premier Daniel Smith said he has instructed officials to conduct a review of price increases. Smith noted that he has not seen any significant changes that would require a change in wholesale prices.

 

 

 

Edmonton’s speed-on-green intersection cameras have been shut down, officials say. The cameras were turned off despite safety warnings from police and some city councillors. The speed cameras were shut down ahead of the new photo radar law approved by the Alberta UCP government that goes into effect on Tuesday. More than 300,000 tickets were issued to traffic violators annually through speed cameras.

The new photo radar law will go into effect on Tuesday, Transport Minister Devin Drieson announced. Nearly 70 per cent, or 1,500, of the photo radar sites across the province have been banned. The minister alleges that the photo radars are being used to issue fines and are not improving road safety. However, the minister said municipalities can apply for additional enforcement locations if they can demonstrate that they are necessary for safety. Controversy continues in Edmonton over the new photo radar law.

 

 

A spring snowstorm continues to hit Edmonton. Roads and buildings are covered in ice. 184 crashes in 12 hours were caused by heavy snow. Whitemud Drive and 23 Avenue, which were closed Thursday due to bad weather, reopened Friday morning.

184 collisions were reported between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday. 36 vehicles were impounded. Alberta RCMP said 147 collisions were reported Friday morning. A snowstorm warning is in effect for Edmonton, St. Albert and Sherwood Park.

 

 

The Canadian government has issued a warning to Canadians traveling to China after China executed four Canadians for drug-related offenses. Canada is advising citizens visiting China to exercise extreme caution. This is one level below avoiding non-essential travel and two levels below avoiding all travel.

Officials have pointed to the risks of China's arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The advisory adds that China's lack of transparency in its justice system limits Canada's ability to provide consular assistance and may affect its ability to obtain effective legal assistance.

Canada had said that the four people sentenced to death in China were dual citizens. But the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that there was strong and sufficient evidence of their crimes and that they acted in accordance with the law. The death penalty in China is imposed for serious crimes including drugs, corruption and espionage. Meanwhile, the number of executions in China is secret.

 

 

The Canadian government has issued updated travel advice for Canadian citizens planning to visit the United States. This comes in the wake of new rules from the United States that require foreigners staying in the United States for more than 30 days to register.

The US legal website Nolo has updated its website to provide information on what rights Canadians have at the US border and what to expect when entering the United States. Foreign nationals seeking to come to the United States temporarily or permanently have few rights during the application and screening process. You do not have the right to have a lawyer during the first or second inspection. Your bags and electronic devices can be searched without your permission. CBP officers can also ask you any questions you want, Nolo says. Travelers have the right to remain silent and refuse to be searched. However, if you do not answer or refuse to be searched, you may be denied entry. The article also states that there is also the right to withdraw from the border on one's own.

 

 

A minimum wage increase will take effect in Canada on April 1. The federal minimum wage will increase by 45 cents, from $17.30 to $17.75. The increase will help workers combat inflation and cope with the rising cost of living.

Along with the federal minimum wage increase, four Canadian provinces will also increase their minimum wage on April 1. Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Yukon are increasing their minimum wages.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 Calgary, AB – March 8th, 2025: The Malayalee Cultural Association Calgary (MCAC) celebrated International Women’s Day with grandeur and style at the Pine Ridge Community Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Spearheaded by MCAC Vice President Anitha Santhosh and her dedicated team, the event was a landmark occasion for the association, receiving praise for its impeccable organization and inclusivity.

The celebration, held from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, attracted over 200 attendees from the  community. Encouraged by last year’s overwhelming response, MCAC secured a large hall to accommodate even more participants. Entry was free and open to both members and non-members, a decision that proved fruitful as the venue buzzed with energy and excitement throughout the event. The event started with a moment silence for one of the pioneers Malayalees, Chacko Varghese who passed away.

 One unique feature of this year’s celebration was the vendor exhibition. A section of the venue was dedicated to over 20 female entrepreneurs and small business owners, who set up stalls showcasing a wide range of products and services. These included food vendors, clothing, jewelry, beauty and bridal studios, henna and face painting services, nail art, real estate consulting, grocery stores, and Holistic nutritional clinics. The opportunity for women-led businesses to promote their offerings was greatly appreciated by both vendors and visitors alike.

 The program continued with fun and engaging activities, including icebreaker games, Zumba dance sessions featuring Bollywood songs led by professional instructor, lucky number games, and various prizes and door prizes, all contributing to a joyful atmosphere. Participants had the chance to share their stories and aspirations on the affirmation wall, while free photo booths captured memorable moments with friends and family.

In her welcome speech, Anitha Santhosh highlighted the association’s successful year in 2024, mentioning programs such as Kerala Nite, Kerala Fest, Onam, and Christmas and New Year celebrations, which saw participation levels increase by 50 to 60% compared to previous years. She expressed her gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support and announced that this year’s Women’s Day celebration was a significant success.

 Anitha also outlined the association’s upcoming programs and ongoing initiatives, including a sports club and a Malayalam school, aimed at fostering cultural and educational engagement within the community. During her speech, she introduced the hardworking committee members who contributed to the event’s success: Renji Pillai (Treasurer), Maya Nambudripad (Youth Coordinator), Anjoom Sadique (Membership Coordinator), Sreedevi Lathish Babu (Newcomer Coordinator), Reshmi Sudheer (Program Coordinator), Lini Saju (Program Coordinator), and Sneha Athamkavil (Program Coordinator).

 The event was officially inaugurated with a cake-cutting ceremony, a symbolic gesture of unity and celebration. As the evening progressed, participants enjoyed the lively atmosphere, delicious food, and engaging activities, leaving with smiles and cherished memories.

 The MCAC’s Women’s Day celebration of 2025 will be remembered as one of the finest events ever organized by the association. It not only provided a platform for women to showcase their entrepreneurial skills but also fostered an environment of friendship and cultural pride.

 As MCAC continues its mission of promoting cultural awareness and community bonding, this year’s Women’s Day celebration stands as evidence of its dedication and commitment to making a positive impact in Calgary’s Malayalee community.

 We extend our gratitude to all the attendees, volunteers, and our Platinum, Gold, Silver, and event sponsors, whose support made this event a great success.

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ZUMBA SESSION  - Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography

GROUP PICTURE -Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography

Exec Comm. Members 2024-2025- Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography  

Vendor Stalls- Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography

Vendor Stalls- Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography

   Attendees - Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography

   

Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canada is 18th on the list of the happiest countries in the world this year. Canada, which was in 15th place in 2024, has fallen to 18th place this year. But Canada has been named the happiest country among the G7 countries.

All G7 countries have seen their happiness rankings decline over the past five years. The US is in 24th place this year and the UK is in 23rd place. Germany, which was ranked higher than Canada in 2021, has dropped to 22nd place this year. Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive time. Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and the Netherlands came in second, third, fourth and fifth respectively. The list of countries was prepared based on factors such as GDP per capita, social support, health, life expectancy and freedom.

India is ranked 118th in the list. Afghanistan is the last country in the list (147).

 

 

Canada is moving to launch a campaign using advertising as part of its fight against the tariff threats announced by the Trump administration. As part of this, Canada will install large billboards on US highways, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced. Joly explained that the billboards that read 'Tariffs are a tax on hard-working Americans' will be installed in 12 states including Florida, Nevada, Georgia, New Hampshire, Michigan and Ohio.

The minister also stated that the boards are being installed with the aim of reminding the American people, the first victims of Donald Trump's tariff war, of the impact of the tariffs.

 

 

Alberta’s population is booming compared to the rest of Canada. About 170,000 new residents moved to the province last year. At the beginning of last year, Alberta’s population was 4,791,876. Statistics Canada reports that the province’s population has grown to 4,960,097 by January 1, 2025. This is an increase of 3.45 per cent.

The report shows that interprovincial migration is the main reason for Alberta’s population growth. 36,082 people moved to the province from other provinces and territories. While this is a slight decrease from 42,243 in 2023, Alberta remains a popular destination for immigrants looking for a new home.

International immigration has also played a major role in Alberta’s rapid growth. This year, 483,591 permanent residents arrived in Canada, the highest number since 1972. Alberta welcomed 66,359 international immigrants, a record number higher than any other province.

 

 

Measles cases are on the rise in Alberta. Health experts are warning people to get vaccinated as the disease spreads. Alberta Health has confirmed 13 cases as of Tuesday afternoon.

Two in the Calgary zone, three in the Edmonton zone and eight in the northern region. The Calgary and Edmonton zones are expected to see an increase in cases. The age range of those infected has not yet been released. However, one child under the age of one in Alberta has also been reported to have been infected. This is only the tip of the iceberg and more cases are expected in Alberta in the next two weeks, said Dr. Sid Thakur, a pediatrician at Alberta Children's Hospital. It is a highly contagious virus. It can survive in the air or on surfaces. He said people who have not been vaccinated are at higher risk of getting the disease in the next one to two weeks.

 

 

Canada's inflation rate rises. Inflation rose to 2.6 per cent last month, according to a report.
Statistics Canada attributed the rise in inflation to the temporary tax holiday that ended last month.

Consumer prices in Canada rose to 2.6 per cent in February. It was 1.9 per cent the previous month. StatCan said that the end of the GST/HST holiday on February 15 caused some products to rise significantly. During the tax holiday, there was a significant decrease in the prices of some groceries and restaurant meals. Restaurant food prices alone decreased by 1.4 per cent. However, after the tax holiday ended, restaurant food prices jumped back to their previous levels, causing inflation to rise. There was no significant increase in fuel prices, which was a relief for the people. All provinces recorded an increase in the consumer price index last month. The largest increases were recorded in Ontario and New Brunswick.

 

 

 

A cockroach was found in an iced coffee at a Tim Hortons outlet in Scarborough. A young woman named Subhana Pira, a Markham native, found the cockroach in her coffee. The cockroach was found in the coffee she purchased at the outlet at 4 Lebovic Avenue, near Warden and Eglinton Avenues, on March 10. Subhana said that she had informed the employees about the cockroach, but there was no response, so she is preparing to take legal action.

Subhana said that she and her friends who drank the coffee with the cockroach suffered vomiting and diarrhea. The woman said that she has reported the incident to Public Health Toronto and is waiting for a response. Meanwhile, Toronto Public Health announced that it is investigating the matter.

 

 

The City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre (YEC) is hosting a free job fair for youth. The event, which will feature more than 80 employers, is expected to attract more than 5,000 job seekers looking for part-time, full-time, permanent and seasonal jobs. The event will be held on March 27 from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Big Four Building, 1801 Big Four Trail S.E. in Stampede Park.

Free career and employment services are available to young people between the ages of 15 and 24. No appointment is required. For more information, visit https://www.calgary.ca/social-services/youth/hiring-fair.html.

 

 

 

Experts say that the closure of Canada's oldest company, Hudson's Bay, will leave a huge gap in the country's retail sector. If the current problems cannot be resolved, the company is preparing to cease operations in the coming months. Retail experts say that various problems have disrupted the company's operations. The company had announced that it would begin liquidating its entire business after receiving court approval next week.

The company was founded in 1670. The company now has a large department store chain spread across 80 stores. The company is forced into full liquidation after all efforts to maintain at least a part of its business empire failed. The liquidation process will be completed in June. As many as 9,364 employees could lose their jobs with the closure of the entire business. This is really sad, said Lisa Amlani, co-founder of the Retail Strategy Group. "It's an iconic brand. It's important to Canadians, and if The Bay disappears completely, there will be a gap in the market," she said.

 

 

Mark Carney has been sworn in as Canada's Prime Minister. Carney, who is also an economist, took office as the 24th Prime Minister of Canada. Governor General Mary Simon presided over the inauguration ceremony held at the Parliament Complex in Ottawa. All the country's prominent political leaders, including former prime ministers and governors general, attended the ceremony. However, it is noteworthy that Justin Trudeau, who resigned, did not attend the ceremony.

After Justin Trudeau officially submitted his resignation, Governor General Mary Simon invited Mark Carney to form a government. The Carney cabinet has 24 members. 17 ministers from the Trudeau government have been removed. However, some prominent ones have been retained. Melanie Johny will be the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Dominique Le Blanc, the Finance Minister in the Trudeau government, will be the new Minister of International Trade. François Philippe will be the new Finance Minister. Two people of Indian origin are also in the cabinet. Anita Anand will be the Minister of Science and Industry in the Ministry of Innovation. Kamal Khera has been appointed as the Minister of Health.

Mark Carney, a staunch Trump opponent, has become the Prime Minister of Canada, as the tariff war with the United States continues, and it is likely that he will intensify the trade war. The world is eagerly waiting to see what Carney's intervention will be in the face of Canada's deteriorating relations with the United States. It is expected that Mark Carney will make a move to further strengthen relations with Europe.

 

 

A four-year-old has filed a police complaint against his mother for eating his ice cream. The incident took place in Wisconsin, USA. Anyway, the complaint paid off. The complainant got a bellyful of ice cream.

Last Tuesday, a phone call came to the Mount Plain police station in Wisconsin. The caller heard a child's voice. His request was even more curious. My mother made a mistake. She asked me to come and take my mother away. By this time, a new voice came on the other end of the phone. It was none other than the four-year-old's mother. Then, when the mother explained the situation, the police understood. The four-year-old called the police because his mother had taken his ice cream without his knowledge.

The police went to their house to investigate the matter directly. The four-year-old repeated his complaint to the police who arrived at the house. But after the policemen kindly persuaded him, he agreed to forgive his mother. On the promise that they would buy him ice cream. The policemen later kept their promise. Within two days, they came to his house and presented him with ice cream.

 

 

Canada has slapped an additional $29.8 billion in counter-tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the US in response to new tariffs imposed by the US. The counter-tariffs come as the trade war between the two countries escalates.

The Canadian government made the announcement after the US imposed a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports from Canada and other US trading partners on Wednesday. The new 25 per cent tariff imposed by Canada will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said. It will apply to $12.6 billion worth of steel products, $3 billion worth of aluminum products and $14.2 billion worth of products imported from the US, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said. The minister also made it clear that they will not sit idly by in the face of the US action that unfairly targets their famous steel and aluminum industries.

Foreign Minister Melania Joly also said that the new tariffs announced by the US threaten the very existence of our country and that the fight against this absurdity will continue.

 

 

Holidaymakers warned to ensure their destinations are safe. In the wake of the problems following the tariffs, many are avoiding the United States and choosing countries such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the Bahamas. The warning is in the context of this.

About 1.3 million people are planning to travel through Toronto Pearson International Airport alone. However, the number of passengers to the United States is 40 percent less than in previous years. Most people choose Mexico and the Caribbean islands. The Canadian government has issued travel advisories regarding the countries of Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. However, this does not mean that these are safe places. Therefore, those who go here are advised to be careful. Before traveling to any country, it is recommended to check the travel advisory list issued by the federal government to make sure. Experts in this field warn against going to isolated places, not walking alone after dark, and not carrying a lot of valuables.

 

 

People are leaving Canada in droves, according to a report. In 2024, 81,601 people in Canada left for other countries. This is the highest rate since 2017. The number of people leaving has increased year by year in each province. Reports point to the slowdown in housing construction, the lack of affordable housing, the ups and downs in rents, and rising prices as reasons for people to leave Canada.

Ontario is leading Canada's population loss. The figures show that 48 percent of people left the province in 2024. This is the highest rate of people leaving Ontario since 2011. In addition to permanent residents, international students and temporary workers are also fleeing Canada to other countries.

British Columbia has also become Canada's second-largest emigration hotspot. In 2024, 14,836 residents said goodbye to BC. This is the highest rate in seven years.

 

 

 

RBC said it has laid off some employees as part of its growth strategy. RBC said the decision to cut staff comes amid changes aimed at simplifying operations, creating client-focused growth opportunities, and improving leaders and their skills.

The bank had to make difficult decisions as part of the changes. As a result, a group of employees had to be laid off. The bank said it had given others promotions and more responsibilities.

 

 

The federal government has said it will speed up processing so that Canadians can receive their passports within 30 business days. Any passport application will be processed within 30 business days. Otherwise, the service will be free and the passport fee will be refunded.

The 30-day limit applies to Canadians whether they apply online, in person or by mail. Thousands of Canadian citizens have faced delays in receiving their passports during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Canada Post strike. The government has come up with a new change after this. It has not been announced when the new change will take effect. But it is expected to be this year.

The federal government is continuing the online passport renewal program that began in December 2024, and eligible Canadian citizens will be able to fill out the application, pay the fee and upload a digital photo from their computer or mobile phone, officials said.

 

 

Doctors warn of a surge in measles cases in Canada. As many students and families prepare to celebrate spring break in March, experts are warning of a surge in measles in Canada and around the world.

More measles cases have been reported in the first two months of this year than in 2024, said the country's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam. As of March 6, 227 measles cases have been confirmed in Canada. Many of them have been hospitalized. The most cases have been reported in New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba. Theresa Tam said the increase in cases is worrying. It is mostly spread in places such as daycares, schools and health care facilities. Unvaccinated children are also among the infected.

 

 

Edmonton has seen a huge increase in home prices, a report says. Average homes are becoming unaffordable for many, according to a report released by ratehub.ca. The report says the median price of a home and the income needed to buy it have increased significantly this winter season.

The report explains that changes in mortgage rates, stress test rates and real estate prices can affect the income needed to buy a home. According to the report, the median home price in Edmonton was $412,200 in January. This rate is $14,800 higher than the previous month. The median income needed to buy a home in Edmonton also increased during this period, increasing by $2,890 to $95,150.

 

 

The federal government is providing a golden opportunity for young people under the age of 30 who are looking for a job in Canada. Tens of thousands of job openings have been reported in several sectors during the summer season. Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) aims to help young people, especially those who face barriers to employment. It aims to help young people gain experience and develop skills to help them in the future.

Women, Gender Equality and Youth Minister Marcy Ian has announced that 70,000 CSJ opportunities will be available this summer season for young people aged between 15 and 30. From April 21, young job seekers can search for new opportunities on the government's Job Bank website and mobile app. The jobs are in sectors such as recreation, the food industry, marketing and tourism.

 

 

Ontario responds to US tariffs. The Ontario government announced that it has started withdrawing American liquor from the LCBO in the wake of the tariffs. It also canceled the agreement between Ontario and Elon Musk's Starlink internet. The Ford government is immediately implementing the retaliatory measures that Ontario initiated a few weeks ago.

Ontario imports $965 million in alcohol annually. In addition, 3,600 American products from 36 states are on sale. Ford has said it will stockpile and resell the alcohol if the tariffs are lifted. Meanwhile, Amazon, one of the world’s largest alcohol buyers, took American liquor offline for a limited time on Tuesday to remove it.

The Ford government is retaliating by canceling a $100 million contract with Musk’s SpaceX company to provide Starlink satellite internet to thousands of homes in Northern Ontario.

 

 

Canada's Express Entry Immigration Program is changing. IRCC has announced new Express Entry categories for this year. Immigration Minister Mark Miller said that Canada's Express Entry system is changing to meet the changing needs of the country. The minister also stated that it will create a more dynamic workforce by including workers and professionals from in-demand sectors.

The following categories have been included in the Express Entry immigration program this time. IRCC also announced that invitation rounds will be held for this.

1. French language proficiency

2' Health care and social services

Family doctors
Nurse practitioners
Dentists
Pharmacists
Psychologists
Chiropractors

3. Trades

Carpenters
Plumbers
Contractors

4. Education

Teachers
Child care teachers
Disability instructors

The IRCC added that this year it will prioritize permanent residence applications from candidates who are working in Canada. The immigration department has also stated that it will focus on selecting immigrants with expertise in priority sectors such as health care, construction and education, as part of changes to achieve sustainable growth and economic prosperity.

 

 

This year's flu season is the most severe in 15 years. When the flu is severe, it increases the risk of rare and life-threatening brain complications in patients, especially children, according to US health experts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 19,000 people have died from the flu so far this winter, including 86 children. Nine of the children who died reportedly suffered complications from brain infections. The CDC has also asked state health departments to investigate any additional cases.

 

 

The Prime Minister's residence spent a huge amount on groceries, according to documents. The Privy Council Office documents reveal that $157,642 was spent.
These are the figures for 2021 and 2022. $76,214 was spent in 2021-22 and $81,428 in 2022-23. This amount, which is about $1515 per week, is being criticized for being charged to taxpayers.

Many are of the opinion that the way in which the Prime Minister spends on groceries needs to be changed. Transparency in government spending needs to be improved. They also say that anyone who wants to be the next Prime Minister should commit to not having the taxpayer foot the grocery bill. The records also include the number of events held at the prime minister's residences. But no details are given about what those events were and when they took place. This has also led to criticism. According to a 2023 report by Dalhousie University, the average Canadian household spends $288 a week on groceries. This is only one-fifth of what is spent at the prime minister's residences. As of 2022, the average Canadian's income was $73,147.36. But the prime minister's salary is $406,200 per year.