The first FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Vancouver drove public transit use to record levels, with TransLink reporting the busiest stadium-event day on its network since the 2010 Winter Olympics. According to TransLink, more than 1.03 million boardings were recorded across the region on June 13, representing a 14 per cent increase compared with a typical Saturday in June. The agency also reported approximately 648,200 total trips, up 18 per cent from normal demand levels. Thousands of soccer fans travelled to BC Place and the FIFA Fan Festival to attend the match between Australia and Türkiye.

Canada recorded a second straight year-over-year decline in opioid overdose deaths, according to the latest federal report on substance-related harms. Health Canada reported that 5,630 people died from opioid overdoses in 2025, down from previous years following an earlier decline recorded in 2024. Despite the reduction, officials said the crisis continues to pose a significant public health challenge across the country. According to the federal report, opioid-related deaths averaged about 15 per day last year. The report also found a 23 per cent decrease in the national death rate linked to o

Approximately 700 Metro Vancouver outside workers have begun a full strike after working for the past 17 months without a collective agreement. According to the Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees' Union, workers launched the job action after contract negotiations failed to produce an agreement. Union president Jesse Medeiros said management has continued to ignore concerns raised by frontline employees who provide essential services across the region. The union said its key demands include improved worker safety measures, limits on contracting out work to private companies, and stro

Canada's Industry Minister Mélanie Joly is scheduled to meet senior executives from major Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers BYD, Geely and Chery during a visit to Shanghai this week. Joly is also expected to hold discussions with officials from automotive research firm Shanghai Launch. According to information released about the visit, the meetings are aimed at exploring opportunities to attract foreign investment into Canada's automotive sector and support job creation. The discussions will focus on potential areas of cooperation between Canadian and Chinese automotive companies. The fe

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he does not expect to discuss Canada-U.S. trade issues directly with U.S. President Donald Trump when the two leaders meet on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. Speaking ahead of the leaders' meetings in Evian, Carney said ongoing trade discussions are being handled by Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Canada's chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette. According to the prime minister, continuing negotiations through the lead officials is the appropriate approach at this stage. Carney said G7 leaders are expected to focus primarily on internati

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday to discuss expanding defence, industrial and economic cooperation between Canada and France amid growing global security challenges. According to information released by the Prime Minister's Office, the two leaders discussed increasing military coordination through NATO, advancing joint defence production, expanding collaboration on advanced technologies and strengthening secure supply chains. Carney said rising geopolitical tensions have increased the importance of the Canada–France relationship. He added that cl

The federal Liberal government is preparing to introduce legislation aimed at strengthening Canada's ban on goods produced through forced labour, following pressure from the United States over enforcement of import restrictions. The move comes after the Trump administration warned that countries it considers ineffective in blocking imports linked to forced labour could face an additional 10 per cent tariff on trade with the United States. U.S. officials recently criticized several trading partners, including Canada, for what they described as insufficient enforcement measures. Foreign Affairs

Quebec has become the first province in Canada to prohibit the sale of caffeinated energy drinks to children under the age of 16 after the National Assembly passed Bill 9 by a large majority on Thursday. The new law is expected to come fully into force within the next six months. Quebec Health Minister Sonia Bélanger said the measure is an important step toward protecting the health and well-being of young people. Under the legislation, beverages containing 150 milligrams or more of caffeine per litre, along with added taurine and vitamins or minerals, will be classified as energy drinks. Ret

Canada will begin its FIFA World Cup campaign on home soil Friday with an opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto. The tournament marks a historic moment for Canadian soccer as World Cup matches are being played in Canada. However, Canadian fans will be without star player and team captain Alphonso Davies, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. According to head coach Jesse Marsch, Davies continues to make progress in his recovery. Marsch said the defender's condition is improving and expressed optimism that he could return to action later in the tournament. Fol