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psac-announces-strike-vote-for-120-000-federal-workers
CanadaOct 21, 2026

PSAC Announces Strike Vote for 120,000 Federal Workers

Canada’s largest federal public service union has announced a nationwide strike vote after contract negotiations with the government stalled. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) represents approximately 120,000 workers, including wildfire firefighters, passport officers, fisheries officers, federal teachers, librarians and administrative staff. The strike vote will run from November 16, 2026, to January 22, 2027. The union and the Treasury Board have been in a dispute over a new collective agreement for the past 18 months. PSAC alleges that the federal government has repeatedly dela
carney-says-federal-government-wont-back-down-on-immigration-targets
CanadaOct 21, 2026

Carney Says Federal Government Won’t Back Down on Immigration Targets

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has assured that the federal government will maintain sustainable immigration levels and will not back away from its targets. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa on Wednesday morning, Carney said his government is consulting provincial governments on bringing immigration to appropriate levels and distributing newcomers more effectively across the country based on economic needs. His remarks came after Alberta’s referendum, in which approximately 53 per cent of voters supported giving the province greater control over immigration policies to reduce the number o
canada-interest-rate-hike-looms-putting-more-pressure-on-homebuyers
CanadaOct 21, 2026

Canada Interest Rate Hike Looms, Putting More Pressure on Homebuyers

Canada’s real estate market could face renewed pressure if the Bank of Canada raises interest rates, with mortgage and lending experts warning that higher borrowing costs could discourage homebuyers and push house prices lower. The central bank has not raised interest rates since July 2023. While it is expected to keep its benchmark rate unchanged for an eighth consecutive decision, many economists and traders believe rate hikes could be on the horizon as policymakers seek to contain inflation. The Bank of Canada’s policy rate has remained at 2.25% since a 0.25-percentage-point cut in Octo
CanadaOct 21, 2026

Canada’s Rising Cost of Living Pushes Food Bank Usage to Record High

The rising cost of living in Canada is forcing more people to rely on food banks, with usage reaching an all-time high. According to Food Banks Canada’s 2026 HungerCount report, a record 2.35 million visits were recorded in March alone. The annual report shows that food bank visits increased by nearly 9 per cent compared with last year and by more than 117 per cent since 2019. It also found that one in five food bank users is employed. Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley said many people who were previously able to manage small financial setbacks are now struggling to make ends meet. She
CanadaOct 21, 2026

Canada-U.S. Trade Deal Unlikely Before November Midterm Elections

The chances of Canada and the United States reaching a trade deal before the U.S. midterm elections on November 3 have effectively faded. Canadian government officials have reportedly told industry groups in recent weeks that no resolution is expected before the elections, as the White House remains focused on campaigning. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc also confirmed in an interview that the federal government is not expecting a deal before the midterms. However, he said he remains in regular contact with his U.S. counterpart and assured that Canada will continue exploring opportunit
prime-minister-mark-carney-to-begin-three-day-visit-to-turkey
CanadaOct 21, 2026

Prime Minister Mark Carney to Begin Three-Day Visit to Turkey

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will depart this evening for a three-day visit to Turkey. During the trip, Carney will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara and business leaders in Istanbul. This marks the first bilateral visit to Turkey by a Canadian prime minister. Carney’s visit comes amid growing concerns over human rights in Turkey, where LGBTQ and HIV advocacy organizations are reportedly facing systematic targeting. Members of Turkey’s LGBTQ community are said to be living in fear following violent police actions earlier this week. According to senior federal of
canadas-federal-budget-set-for-november-5
CanadaOct 20, 2026

Canada’s Federal Budget Set for November 5

Canada’s federal budget will be presented on November 5, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has officially announced. He confirmed the date during Question Period in the House of Commons on Tuesday. The budget will be the second fall budget under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government. The announcement comes as Canadian businesses continue to face the impact of U.S. tariffs and Canada’s retaliatory measures. Champagne indicated that the budget would include several measures aimed at strengthening Canada’s economy and making it more independent. He said the budget wo
air-canada-phone-bookings-get-more-expensive-with-an-extra-30-fee-per-passenger
CanadaOct 20, 2026

Air Canada Phone Bookings Get More Expensive, With an Extra $30 Fee Per Passenger

Air Canada has introduced a new non-refundable fee of $30 for each passenger when booking tickets through the airline’s telephone call centre. The charge is applied per passenger, meaning a family of four booking a flight through the call centre will have to pay an additional $120. However, the fee does not apply to bookings made through the airline’s website or mobile app. Air Canada said the move is intended to allow call centre agents to focus on passengers who need personalized assistance with reservations, travel disruptions or other travel-related issues. The airline clarified that t
CanadaOct 20, 2026

Canada’s Economic Growth Forecast Cut Amid U.S. Tariffs, Budget Deficit Expected to Rise

Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) has lowered its economic growth forecasts for 2026 and 2027, citing the impact of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Canada’s retaliatory measures. According to the federal budget watchdog’s latest report, Canada’s real GDP is expected to grow by 0.9 per cent in 2026 and 1.5 per cent in 2027. The PBO had previously forecast growth of 1.1 per cent for 2026 and 1.6 per cent for 2027 in June. The report also projects an increase in Canada’s budget deficit following the breakdown of trade negotiations between Canada and the Unit

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alberta-ucp-mla-shane-getson-resigns-citing-personal-and-family-reasons
FeaturedOct 27, 2026

Alberta UCP MLA Shane Getson Resigns, Citing Personal and Family Reasons

Alberta United Conservative Party (UCP) MLA Shane Getson has resigned from his position, citing personal and family reasons. However, he has not provided further details about his decision. Getson had represented the predominantly rural riding of Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, northwest of Edmonton, since 2019. During his tenure, he became known for his outspoken remarks, which frequently drew criticism from political opponents. In 2025, Getson faced significant backlash over statements concerning transgender surgeries. In 2022, he also voiced opposition to COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates
AlbertaOct 27, 2026

Alberta Legislature Resumes Fall Session After Referendum

Alberta’s legislature is set to resume its fall session today, one week after the Oct. 19 referendum, in which about 75 per cent of Albertans voted in favour of remaining part of Canada. Premier Danielle Smith has made it clear that she expects separatist members of her United Conservative Party to accept the results and move forward, leaving the issue behind. Meanwhile, UCP backbencher Shane Getson resigned as a member of the legislature on Monday, citing personal and family reasons. Affordability and education are expected to be key topics during the session. Before the Christmas break, th
CanadaOct 27, 2026

Olivia Chow Re-Elected in Toronto; Patrick Brown Wins Third Term in Brampton

Olivia Chow has been re-elected as mayor of Toronto, Canada’s largest city, in Ontario’s municipal elections, while the incumbent mayors of Mississauga and Hamilton suffered defeats. Meanwhile, Patrick Brown secured a third consecutive term as Brampton’s mayor. Punjabi-origin candidates also performed well in Brampton. Incumbent Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh won a city council seat, retaining his position on the council. Lawyer Sukhman Sangha won a regional councillor seat, while Navjit Kaur Brar returned to Brampton City Council. Another Punjabi candidate, Tarn Chahal, also won a city cou
IndiaOct 27, 2026

Punjab Assembly Unanimously Passes Five Resolutions on River Water Rights

The Punjab Legislative Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed five resolutions asserting the state’s rights over river waters following a debate in the House. Two additional resolutions were also passed, one moved by Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains seeking the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor and another moved by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to continue public welfare schemes. The five resolutions related to river waters were presented by Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal. The first resolution asserted Punjab’s historical and legal rights over the waters of the Y
canada-considers-bringing-gaming-platforms-under-digital-safety-bill
CanadaOct 27, 2026

Canada Considers Bringing Gaming Platforms Under Digital Safety Bill

The Canadian government is considering including gaming platforms in its proposed digital safety legislation to protect children from online exploitation. Identity Minister Marc Miller has signalled the possibility of expanding the proposed law, which currently includes a ban on social media accounts for children under 16. Child safety organizations and parents have raised concerns about platforms such as Roblox and Discord, where children and adults can communicate freely, potentially exposing young users to exploitation. Miller said he has met with representatives of several gaming companies