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

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to travel to China next week, marking the first visit by a Canadian prime minister in eight years as Ottawa looks to manage a strained and complex bilateral relationship. The Prime Minister’s Office says Carney will depart on Jan. 13 and return on Jan. 17, with meetings expected to focus on trade, energy, agriculture and international security. Officials have not yet confirmed whether Carney will hold a formal face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the trip. Canada–China relations have been tense in recent years, particularly followi

Students across Quebec are returning to classrooms under new rules that require them to address teachers and school staff using formal titles, as part of a province-wide push to reinforce civility in schools. The Quebec government announced last year that both public and private schools had until January to adopt updated codes of conduct. These codes must require students to address teachers as “Mr.” or “Ms.” and, in French-language settings, use the formal form of “you” when speaking to staff. The conduct codes are also required to outline expectations for respectful behaviour bet

Environment Canada is warning residents across parts of Metro Vancouver to prepare for heavy rain and snowfall at higher elevations as a strong weather system moves into the region starting Monday night. According to a special weather statement, some areas near the North Shore mountains could receive close to 70 millimetres of rain, while the City of Vancouver may see totals of up to 40 millimetres by Tuesday afternoon. The heaviest rainfall is expected along mountain slopes, where moisture from the frontal system is forecast to intensify. Forecasters say colder air will cause precipitation to

Former federal cabinet minister Chrystia Freeland has been appointed as an economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding to her ongoing role in supporting Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy announced the appointment on social media, saying Ukraine must strengthen its internal resilience as the country works to sustain its economy during the nearly four-year war. Freeland has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and has previously argued that the country has the potential to become a major economic force by pursuing opportunities l

The Abbotsford Police Department says traffic enforcement will remain a key focus in 2026, citing ongoing concerns about collisions linked to speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving on local roads. Police say these factors continue to contribute to serious injuries and fatalities, many of which are considered preventable. Officers are expected to continue a mix of enforcement and public education aimed at improving safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians across the city. According to figures released by AbbyPD, officers issued more than 4,900 traffic violation tickets in 202

Prime Minister Mark Carney used his New Year’s Eve message to reflect on what he described as a challenging year for Canada, while urging Canadians to carry a sense of unity and care into 2026. As the country prepared to welcome the new year, Carney said 2025 offered moments of joy and connection, shaped by the people and communities that support one another across the country. He encouraged Canadians to take time to reflect on those personal and collective experiences. At the same time, the prime minister acknowledged the difficulties Canada faced over the past year, saying it brought more

A massive earthquake off the coast of Vancouver Island could result in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction across British Columbia, according to a new provincial risk assessment. The B.C. government report estimates that a magnitude 9.0 megathrust earthquake could cause more than 3,400 fatalities and leave over 10,000 people injured. Economic losses are projected at $128 billion, with roughly 18,000 buildings destroyed and extensive damage to another 10,000. The findings are part of the province’s disaster and climate risk assessment, which identifies a large offshore earthquake a