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News Update #5 – July 03, 2025 B.C. Extortion Arrests, Federal Vaccine Program Audit, Alberta Tornadoes, Calgary Stampede Underway

(5 months ago)
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A comprehensive news update from Canada covering multiple incidents including the ongoing search for 31-year-old Deeanna missing from Calgary, the sentencing of Jason Thomas Howard Conrad to 11 years for fentanyl and cocaine trafficking in B.C., arrests in a widespread B.C. extortion scheme targeting South Asian businesses with links to India, and a two-vehicle crash in Mississauga leaving four children and a woman injured. Other public safety concerns include cell tower vandalism near Edmonton and a highway closure in Norfolk County. Weather updates feature a tornado warning in southeastern Saskatchewan and a confirmed tornado touchdown in central Alberta, along with a sawmill fire in New Ross, N.S., and five Canada geese killed in Markham. Political news highlights a federal audit of Oxaro, administrator of the Vaccine Injury Support Program, political leaders gathering at the Calgary Stampede, and a dispute between Alberta's transportation minister Devin Dreeshen and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek over bike lanes. Community and sports developments include construction delays for the Energy City Cactus Rats ballpark in Spruce Grove, the Winnipeg Goldeyes' first Autism Acceptance Game, the significant economic boost from the Calgary Stampede, and Dave Taylor stepping down as head coach of the University of Regina women’s basketball team.

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  1. 1 March 2023: Jason Thomas Howard Conrad arrested for drug trafficking.
  2. 2 Late 2023 into 2024: B.C. extortion scheme involved arson and firearms allegations.
  3. 3 Early June 2025: Deeanna went missing from Copperfield.
  4. 4 June 6, 2025: Deeanna last seen near Value Village in Shawnessy Town Centre.
  5. 5 June 14, 2025: Cell tower near Thorhild County destroyed by vandals.
  6. 6 Mid-June 2025: PHAC officials made surprise visit to Oxaro's offices for audit.
  7. 7 Wednesday (July 2, 2025): Tornado touched down in central Alberta near Lodgepole.
  8. 8 Thursday (July 3, 2025): Sawmill fire in New Ross, N.S.; Five Canada geese killed in Markham; Political leaders converged on Calgary Stampede; Winnipeg Goldeyes hosted Autism Acceptance Game.
  9. 9 July 4, 2025: News update published (latest 4h news).
  10. 10 Until July 13, 2025: Calgary Stampede runs.
  11. 11 Before 2025-26 season: Dave Taylor steps down as U of R coach.
  12. 12 2025-26 season: Michaela Kleisinger to serve as interim head coach.
  13. 13 Next year (2026): Oxaro's contract renewal could be impacted by audit.
  • Ongoing search for missing woman Deeanna
  • Jason Thomas Howard Conrad sentenced to 11 years in prison for drug trafficking
  • Widespread extortion scheme targeting South Asian businesses led to arrests and acts of violence
  • Three children and a woman in critical condition, and a fourth child in serious condition from Mississauga crash
  • Rural residents near Thorhild County without cellphone service for weeks due to cell tower vandalism
  • Highway 24 closed due to single-vehicle rollover with minor injuries
  • L.E. Elliott Lumber sawmill destroyed by fire in New Ross, N.S.
  • Tornado warning issued for southeastern Saskatchewan with potential for damaging winds, large hail, and intense rainfall
  • Tornado touched down in central Alberta causing tree damage but no serious structural damage or injuries
  • Five Canada geese killed and two injured in Markham vehicle collision
  • Federal government launched compliance audit of Oxaro, administrator of Vaccine Injury Support Program, potentially impacting contract renewal
  • Calgary Stampede expected to significantly boost local economy by $227 million
  • Dispute between Alberta's transportation minister and Calgary Mayor over new bike lanes reducing road capacity
  • Energy City Cactus Rats season-ticket holders frustrated by ballpark construction delays and refund issues
  • Winnipeg Goldeyes hosted first Autism Acceptance Game to promote inclusivity and raise funds for St. Amant Foundation
  • Dave Taylor stepped down as head coach of University of Regina women’s basketball team after 19 seasons
What: Multiple significant events across Canada, including public safety incidents (missing person search, drug trafficking, extortion, vehicle crashes, vandalism), severe weather phenomena (tornadoes, fire), government oversight (audit), political gatherings and disputes, and community/sports developments (stadium delays, inclusive game, economic impact, coaching changes).
When: Latest 4-hour news update as of July 4, 2025. Specific incidents occurred: early June (Deeanna missing), March 2023 (Conrad arrest), late 2023 into 2024 (B.C. extortion), June 14 (Alberta cell tower vandalism), Thursday (Sawmill fire, Markham geese, Stampede events, Goldeyes game), Wednesday (Alberta tornado), mid-June (Oxaro audit), June 6 (Deeanna last seen).
Where: Across various locations in Canada: Calgary, British Columbia (Surrey), Ontario (Mississauga, Norfolk County, Markham), Alberta (Thorhild County, Lodgepole, Spruce Grove, Calgary), Nova Scotia (New Ross), Saskatchewan (southeastern region, R.M. of Antler, Redvers, Antler, Wauchope), Winnipeg, Regina, Ottawa. Also, links to India in the extortion case.
Why: Incidents stem from criminal activity (drug trafficking, extortion, vandalism, hit-and-run), natural disasters (tornadoes, fire), administrative and contractual issues (Oxaro audit, ballpark delays), political engagement and policy disagreements (Stampede, bike lanes), community initiatives (Autism Acceptance Game), and economic activity (Stampede), and career changes.
How: Police investigations, court proceedings, emergency services response, government audits, political events and discussions, community outreach, construction projects, and sports team operations.

A comprehensive news update from Canada covering multiple incidents including the ongoing search for 31-year-old Deeanna missing from Calgary, the sentencing of Jason Thomas Howard Conrad to 11 years for fentanyl and cocaine trafficking in B.C., arrests in a widespread B.C. extortion scheme targeting South Asian businesses with links to India, and a two-vehicle crash in Mississauga leaving four children and a woman injured. Other public safety concerns include cell tower vandalism near Edmonton and a highway closure in Norfolk County. Weather updates feature a tornado warning in southeastern Saskatchewan and a confirmed tornado touchdown in central Alberta, along with a sawmill fire in New Ross, N.S., and five Canada geese killed in Markham. Political news highlights a federal audit of Oxaro, administrator of the Vaccine Injury Support Program, political leaders gathering at the Calgary Stampede, and a dispute between Alberta's transportation minister Devin Dreeshen and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek over bike lanes. Community and sports developments include construction delays for the Energy City Cactus Rats ballpark in Spruce Grove, the Winnipeg Goldeyes' first Autism Acceptance Game, the significant economic boost from the Calgary Stampede, and Dave Taylor stepping down as head coach of the University of Regina women’s basketball team.