Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is set to present a federal economic update today, outlining the government’s plan to strengthen the country’s position among G7 economies and signal potential new measures aimed at boosting investment and job creation. According to statements made ahead of the release, the update is expected to function as a mini-budget, with a focus on long-term economic stability and growth. The government has indicated it will provide details on its fiscal outlook alongside policy steps intended to support economic expansion. A key focus will be

Newly elected federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis says he will not run in an upcoming Quebec byelection triggered by the departure of longtime MP Alexandre Boulerice. Boulerice announced he is leaving federal politics after 15 years to seek a provincial seat with Québec solidaire. He said in a statement that he believes his work in Ottawa is complete and described the move as a continuation of his political priorities at the provincial level. According to his announcement, Boulerice framed the decision as a transition rather than a strategic calculation, while confirming he will vacate his seat in t

Three newly elected Liberal members of Parliament formally took their seats in the House of Commons on Monday following recent byelections that strengthened the governing party’s position. Doly Begum, Danielle Martin and Tatiana Auguste were sworn in as MPs on Saturday, according to official parliamentary records. Their arrivals bring the Liberals to 174 seats in the House, reflecting gains from both the byelections and a series of defections over recent months. Begum and Martin won Toronto-area ridings previously held by former cabinet ministers Bill Blair and Chrystia Freeland. Auguste sec

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday that Canada will establish its first national sovereign wealth fund, starting with $25 billion in initial capital. Carney said the fund will invest in large-scale Canadian industrial projects, including energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture and technology. According to the prime minister’s announcement, the federal government will co-invest alongside private-sector partners. The announcement was made at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, one day before the Liberal government is set to deliver its spring economic update. The timing sign

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says his government intends to introduce a ban on children using social media platforms and artificial intelligence chatbots, but key details, including the age threshold, have not yet been specified. Kinew made the announcement at the Manitoba NDP’s annual spring fundraising dinner, where he said Manitoba would be the first province to pursue such a policy. It is not yet clear what legislative or regulatory mechanism the province would use, or when a bill could be introduced. According to remarks delivered at the event, the proposed restrictions would apply to bot

Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday evening as Canada prepares for the upcoming formal review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders discussed shared economic priorities and agreed to work together to address common challenges tied to the trilateral trade pact. The call comes as the United States and Mexico are expected to begin official discussions on the agreement by the end of next month. Canada, however, has not yet confirmed a timeline for similar talks w

The federal government recorded a budgetary deficit of $25.5 billion for the April to February period of its 2025–26 fiscal year, according to the latest monthly fiscal monitor from the Department of Finance. The result compares with a deficit of $19.3 billion reported during the same 11-month period in 2024–25, indicating a year-over-year increase in the shortfall. According to the Finance Department report, total revenues reached $453.2 billion, up 0.8 per cent from $449.8 billion a year earlier. Program expenses, excluding net actuarial losses, rose to $424.9 billion, a 2.1 per cent inc

Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is scheduled to travel to the International Space Station later this year as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission, according to a Canadian Space Agency news release. The Canadian Space Agency says the flight will mark Kutryk’s first mission to space. He is expected to launch no earlier than mid-September 2026 from Florida. Kutryk will be joined by NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov. NASA says the flight represents the 13th crew rotation carried out by SpaceX under its Commercial Crew Progra

WestJet says it will increase checked baggage fees starting Thursday, adding new costs for air travellers across its network. The change follows a similar move by Air Canada announced last week. According to a WestJet statement, passengers checking bags at the airport will pay an additional $10 for each of the first two checked bags. Fees for overweight baggage will also rise, with increases of up to $50 depending on weight. The airline attributed the decision to “global conditions” and shifting trends in the aviation sector, but did not provide a detailed cost breakdown in its announcemen