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 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’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

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’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 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’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

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

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