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federal-finance-minister-tables-2026-spring-mini-budget-with-focus-on-skilled-trades-training
CanadaApr 29, 2026

Federal finance minister tables 2026 spring mini-budget with focus on skilled trades training

Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne tabled the federal government’s 2026 spring mini-budget in the House of Commons, outlining measures aimed at strengthening the national economy and addressing labour shortages in key sectors. According to the government’s budget statement, a new initiative branded “Team Canada Strong” will focus on expanding the skilled trades workforce. The plan sets a target of training 100,000 new skilled trades workers by the 2030–31 fiscal year to help meet demand in housing construction, infrastructure projects and major resource developm
eu-says-carney-to-attend-armenia-summit-as-canada-expands-role-in-european-security-talks
CanadaApr 28, 2026

EU says Carney to attend Armenia summit as Canada expands role in European security talks

European Union officials say Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to attend a summit in Armenia this weekend focused on political, security and infrastructure co-operation across Europe. According to a social media post from European Council President Antonio Costa, Carney will participate in the European Political Community summit in Yerevan. Carney’s office has not publicly confirmed the visit. The European Political Community brings together EU member states and partner countries, including Iceland, Azerbaijan and Montenegro. The forum was launched in 2022 following Russia’s full-scal
finance-minister-to-table-economic-update-as-deficit-outlook-improves
CanadaApr 28, 2026

Finance minister to table economic update as deficit outlook improves

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
ndp-leader-avi-lewis-will-not-run-in-quebec-byelection-after-boulerice-departure
CanadaApr 27, 2026

NDP leader Avi Lewis will not run in Quebec byelection after Boulerice departure

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-liberal-mps-take-seats-in-house-after-byelections-boosting-government-majority
CanadaApr 27, 2026

Three Liberal MPs take seats in House after byelections, boosting government majority

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
carney-announces-25b-national-sovereign-wealth-fund-ahead-of-economic-update
CanadaApr 27, 2026

Carney announces $25B national sovereign wealth fund ahead of economic update

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-signals-plan-to-restrict-youth-access-to-social-media-ai-chatbots
CanadaApr 27, 2026

Manitoba premier signals plan to restrict youth access to social media, AI chatbots

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
CanadaApr 27, 2026

Carney, Sheinbaum discuss CUSMA ahead of formal review talks

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
federal-deficit-reaches-25-5b-in-first-11-months-of-2025-26-fiscal-year
CanadaApr 24, 2026

Federal deficit reaches $25.5B in first 11 months of 2025–26 fiscal year

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

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AlbertaMay 19, 2026

Edmonton councillor proposes “Forever Canadian Avenue” outside Alberta legislature

An Edmonton city councillor says he plans to seek a symbolic street renaming outside the Alberta legislature following the success of a pro-Canada petition campaign. Coun. Michael Janz said he will submit an application to rename the portion of 99 Avenue directly in front of the legislature grounds to “Forever Canadian Avenue.” The proposed name references the “Forever Canadian” petition, which gathered enough signatures in December to advance under Alberta’s citizen initiative process. According to the petition organizers, the proposed referendum question asks Albertans: “Do you a
canada-advises-against-travel-to-eastern-congo-amid-ebola-outbreak
CanadaMay 19, 2026

Canada advises against travel to eastern Congo amid Ebola outbreak

The federal government is advising Canadians to avoid travel to eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo following an Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain with no approved vaccines or treatments. According to the World Health Organization, more than 500 suspected cases have been reported, including at least 130 deaths. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Tuesday he is concerned about the “scale and spread of the epidemic.” Global Affairs Canada updated its travel advisory to warn against all travel to Ituri province, where the outbreak wa
abbotsford-police-arrest-suspect-in-two-armed-street-robberies
BCMay 19, 2026

Abbotsford police arrest suspect in two armed street robberies

Abbotsford Police say a South Asian male youth has been arrested in connection with two separate armed street robberies reported in the city last month. Police have not publicly identified the suspect. According to police, the first incident happened on April 14 near the intersection of McClure Road and Trethewey Street during the afternoon hours. The second robbery was reported on April 30 at night near Exhibition Park along the Discovery Trail. Investigators allege the same suspect was involved in both incidents. Police said the victims were threatened with a firearm and had jewelry stolen d
poilievre-criticizes-federal-government-after-latest-inflation-report
BCMay 19, 2026

Poilievre criticizes federal government after latest inflation report

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is criticizing the federal government following the release of the latest inflation figures from Statistics Canada, saying rising living costs continue to put pressure on Canadian families. In a statement issued after the report was released, Poilievre said food prices are increasing faster than the overall inflation rate and argued Canadians are paying more for everyday essentials while receiving less in return. He also pointed to continued high energy and fuel prices, saying the cost of living remains a major concern for households across the country. Poi
daylight-shooting-in-langley-leaves-27-year-old-man-injured
BCMay 19, 2026

Daylight shooting in Langley leaves 27-year-old man injured

A 27-year-old man was injured in a daytime shooting in Langley on Saturday, with police saying the incident is believed to be targeted and the investigation remains ongoing. Langley RCMP said officers responded to reports of an assault in the 5400 block of Brydon Crescent at approximately 12:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers located a man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to hospital for treatment. Sgt. Zynal Sharoom said in a statement that investigators are working to determine the circumstances and motive behind the shooting. Police have not released information about any suspe