B.C. Premier David Eby said two people arrested in Surrey on extortion-related allegations claimed refugee status and called that outcome 'ludicrous'; he said Bill C-12 would close the loophole and officials are coordinating police response.
Bill C-3, effective December 15, 2025, removed the first-generation limit and reinstated many previously excluded people as Canadian citizens; the law also introduces a substantial-connection test for children born or adopted abroad after that date.
The column recalls Groundhog Day traditions, notes Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow while Wiarton Willie and Fred la Marmotte did not, and lists local Clinton Seniors news including a meeting on Feb. 19.
A flag‑draped casket carrying Gunner Sebastian Halmagean arrived at CFB Trenton after he died near Riga, Latvia on Jan. 29; military police and Latvian State Police are investigating his death.
At the NHL Stadium Series, the Tampa Bay Lightning brought out cancer survivor Rob Higgins for staged puck shots that could raise up to $1 million; he missed the attempts and the team announced a $200,000 donation.
Cody Glass made his first appearance at the New Jersey Devils' Sweep the Deck Gala, helping behind the bar and spending time with fans while the event raised funds for the Devils Youth Foundation.
Maryland-based ESAB agreed to acquire Quebec City–based non-destructive testing firm Eddyfi for $1.45 billion USD, and has made commitments to keep Eddyfi's workforce and head office in Quebec City.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian instructed the foreign minister to pursue fair and equitable negotiations with the United States, and regional actors including Turkey are reported to be working to arrange talks while the U.S. has not publicly confirmed them.
Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the John F. Kennedy Center — renamed the Trump‑Kennedy Center — will suspend entertainment operations beginning July 4, 2026 for about two years for a complete rebuilding; the decision follows board changes and multiple artist cancellations.
The federal government created Build Canada Homes with an initial $13 billion and appointed Ana Bailão as its first CEO; Bailão says BCH announced over 7,000 units in its first 100 days and expects 700 units in Nunavut to be occupied by late April or early May.
