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japan-pm-takaichi-calls-snap-election-months-after-taking-office
WorldJan 23, 2026

Japan PM Takaichi calls snap election months after taking office

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the country’s lower house of Parliament, triggering a snap federal election scheduled for Feb. 8, just three months after she took office. The decision is widely seen as an effort to take advantage of early public support for Takaichi and to help the long-governing Liberal Democratic Party recover from significant electoral losses suffered in recent years. Analysts say the move carries political risk but could strengthen the government’s mandate if voters respond positively. The snap election, however, will delay parliamentary debate on
u-s-commerce-secretary-dismisses-carney-davos-speech-warns-canada-on-china-ties
CanadaJan 22, 2026

U.S. commerce secretary dismisses Carney Davos speech, warns Canada on China ties

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has brushed aside Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent remarks at the World Economic Forum, calling them “political noise” and cautioning that Canada’s growing trade engagement with China could complicate future negotiations with Washington. In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Lutnick said Canada already holds “the second-best deal in the world” under existing North American trade arrangements and suggested Carney was unfairly criticizing the United States. Lutnick also warned that Ottawa’s recent agreement with China could disrupt the upcomin
canada-looks-to-restart-trade-momentum-with-india-as-talks-near-launch
CanadaJan 21, 2026

Canada looks to restart trade momentum with India as talks near launch

Canada’s international trade minister says rebuilding and expanding economic ties with India will be a key focus of the federal government’s trade diversification strategy in the months ahead. International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said it is important for Canada to engage India on expanding trade opportunities, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and energy, as Ottawa looks to reduce reliance on traditional markets and strengthen links in the Indo-Pacific region. Sidhu confirmed that formal negotiations toward a new economic agreement between the two countries are expected to
headline-trudeau-speaks-on-diplomacy-at-davos-as-world-economic-forum-gets-underway
CanadaJan 20, 2026

Trudeau speaks on diplomacy at Davos as World Economic Forum gets underway

Former prime minister Justin Trudeau made a brief appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, using the global stage to speak about the role of diplomacy and soft power in international relations. During a panel discussion, Trudeau emphasized that Canada’s influence abroad has traditionally relied on cooperation and respect for sovereignty, rather than interference in other countries’ internal affairs or competition over natural resources. His remarks were met with attention from delegates as global tensions and shifting alliances continue to dominate discussions in Europe
canada-confirms-death-of-canadian-citizen-amid-iran-protests-condemns-state-violence
CanadaJan 15, 2026

Canada confirms death of Canadian citizen amid Iran protests, condemns state violence

Canada’s foreign affairs department has confirmed the death of a Canadian citizen in Iran as widespread anti-government protests continue across the country. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the federal government has received information indicating the individual died at the hands of Iranian authorities. Anand said Canada strongly condemns the use of violence by the Iranian government against protesters and civilians, and is calling for an immediate end to the crackdown. The confirmation comes amid heightened international concern over arrests, injuries, and deaths linked to demons
quebec-premier-françois-legault-announces-resignation-ahead-of-fall-provincial-election
CanadaJan 14, 2026

Quebec Premier François Legault announces resignation ahead of fall provincial election

Quebec Premier François Legault says he will step down as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec, confirming he will not take the party into the provincial election scheduled for this fall. Legault told reporters in Quebec City that he intends to remain premier until a new CAQ leader is selected, setting off a leadership race with only months remaining before voters head to the polls on October 5. The announcement comes as the governing party faces declining public support. Recent polling places the CAQ well behind both the Parti Québécois and the Quebec Liberal Party, marking a significant
alberta-ndp-urges-smith-government-to-act-as-doctors-warn-of-hospital-overcrowding
FeaturedJan 13, 2026

Alberta NDP urges Smith government to act as doctors warn of hospital overcrowding

Alberta’s Official Opposition NDP is pressing Premier Danielle Smith and the province’s four health ministers to implement emergency measures as doctors raise alarms over overcrowded hospitals. The call comes after the Alberta Medical Association reported that hospitals have been operating at more than 110 per cent capacity for over a year, creating strains on both staff and patient care. Dr. Brian Wirzba, president of the association, said public statements are a last resort for physicians who have repeatedly voiced concerns through internal channels without seeing adequate action. Meanwh
canada-rules-out-ban-on-x-amid-international-scrutiny-over-deepfake-content-minister-says
CanadaJan 12, 2026

Canada rules out ban on X amid international scrutiny over deepfake content, minister says

The federal government is not considering banning the social media platform X despite growing international concern over sexualized deepfake content generated by artificial intelligence, according to Canada’s minister responsible for AI policy. Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon said early Sunday that reports suggesting Canada was weighing a ban were inaccurate. In a post on X, Solomon stated the government has no plans to prohibit the platform, which is owned by Elon Musk, even as it faces scrutiny abroad. The clarification followed reporting by The Telegraph indicating the Unite
chrystia-freeland-formally-resigns-as-mp-triggering-toronto-byelection
CanadaJan 09, 2026

Chrystia Freeland formally resigns as MP, triggering Toronto byelection

Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from the House of Commons takes effect today, ending more than a decade representing the Toronto riding of University–Rosedale. Freeland is leaving federal politics to take on a voluntary advisory role with the Ukrainian government focused on economic development. Her departure reduces the Liberal caucus to 170 seats, leaving Prime Minister Mark Carney two seats short of a majority in the 338 seat House of Commons. Opposition parties collectively now hold 172 seats, including 142 Conservatives, 22 Bloc Québécois MPs, seven New Democ

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ottawa-reverses-course-on-some-lost-canadian-citizenship-certificate-cancellations
CanadaJun 22, 2026

Ottawa reverses course on some 'lost Canadian' citizenship certificate cancellations

The federal government has reinstated the citizenship status of some "lost Canadians" just days after ordering them to surrender newly issued citizenship certificates and return their Canadian passports. According to letters shared with The Canadian Press, several individuals who had been told earlier this month that their proof of citizenship was under review received new correspondence over the weekend confirming their citizenship claims remain valid after what Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada described as a "thorough review." The department previously said that "a few dozen" peo
b-c-records-more-than-300-wildfires-so-far-this-season-most-now-extinguished
BCJun 22, 2026

B.C. records more than 300 wildfires so far this season, most now extinguished

More than 300 wildfires have been recorded in British Columbia since April 1, with most of them now extinguished, according to the BC Wildfire Service and provincial officials. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said there are currently 20 active wildfires across the province. Five of those fires were reported within the past 24 hours. According to Parmar, 14 of the active fires were caused by human activity, while four were sparked by lightning. The causes of the remaining two fires are still under investigation. Data from the BC Wildfire Service shows that 333 wildfires have been recorded in Briti
former-alberta-finance-minister-joe-ceci-will-not-seek-re-election-in-2027
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Former Alberta finance minister Joe Ceci will not seek re-election in 2027

Longtime Alberta politician Joe Ceci says he will not seek re-election in the province's next general election, scheduled for the fall of 2027. Ceci served as Alberta's finance minister in former premier Rachel Notley's New Democratic government from 2015 to 2019, becoming the province's only NDP finance minister. During his time in cabinet, the government increased the minimum wage and expanded funding for family and community support programs. His tenure also coincided with a sharp downturn in oil prices that contributed to significant provincial budget deficits. The NDP government argued th
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Alberta MLA expense claims draw scrutiny over high-end meals and minor purchases

A review of Alberta legislators' expense disclosures for the last fiscal year shows elected officials across party lines claimed expenses ranging from high-end restaurant meals to small everyday purchases, prompting questions from political observers about public perception and accountability. Under Alberta's legislative rules, members of the legislative assembly receive budgets to operate constituency offices, cover travel costs and host constituents and stakeholders. MLAs are also required to publicly disclose expense reports with itemized receipts. Among the larger expenses, Municipal Affai
AlbertaJun 22, 2026

Edmonton area residents urged to conserve water as heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems

Officials in Edmonton and several neighbouring communities are urging residents to reduce water use after heavy rainfall caused localized flooding and pushed stormwater and sewer systems toward capacity. The City of Edmonton issued a water supply alert, saying flooding and sewer backups have been reported in surrounding areas and warning that additional problems could occur if the stormwater system continues operating above capacity. Utility provider Epcor asked customers to delay activities that use large amounts of water, including showering, running washing machines and dishwashers, and to