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CanadaJul 30, 2026

Canada–U.S. trade tensions deepen as major American unions urge review of proposed tariffs

Two of the largest private-sector labour unions in the United States are calling for a return to stable and balanced trade relations with Canada amid ongoing trade tensions between Ottawa and Washington. The United Steelworkers (USW) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have opposed proposed new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. According to a joint letter sent to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the unions urged the White House to reconsider the proposed tariffs, arguing that Canada and the United States have long shared one of the world's closest
westjet-flight-attendants-issue-72-hour-strike-notice-as-labour-talks-continue
CanadaJul 30, 2026

WestJet flight attendants issue 72-hour strike notice as labour talks continue

WestJet's union representing approximately 4,400 flight attendants has issued a 72-hour strike notice, raising the possibility of a walkout beginning Sunday if a new collective agreement is not reached. In response, the airline has served the union with a lockout notice. According to the union, the key issues in the dispute include compensation for time spent performing ground duties and wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living. WestJet maintains that flight attendants are fully compensated under its "credit hour" pay system rather than through a traditional hourly wage model. Neg
carney-targets-new-trade-agreements-with-asean-india-and-other-asian-partners-by-year-end
CanadaJul 29, 2026

Carney targets new trade agreements with ASEAN, India and other Asian partners by year-end

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada aims to finalize new trade agreements with ASEAN member states, India, Thailand and the Philippines by the end of 2026, a move the federal government says would give Canadian businesses access to markets representing nearly three billion consumers. Speaking to reporters in Red Deer, Alta., Carney said the government intends to conclude free trade agreements with India and other key partners before the end of the year. According to the prime minister, the agreements are expected to create new opportunities for Canadian businesses in some of the Asia-Pacifi
westjet-flight-attendants-sign-operational-wind-down-agreement-as-aug-2-strike-deadline-approaches
CanadaJul 29, 2026

WestJet, flight attendants sign operational wind-down agreement as Aug. 2 strike deadline approaches

WestJet and the union representing approximately 4,400 flight attendants have signed an operational wind-down agreement outlining procedures to safely land aircraft and return cabin crew home in the event of a strike. Flight attendants could begin strike action as early as Aug. 2 if the two sides fail to reach a new collective agreement. A work stoppage could disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers during the August long weekend. Under Canada's labour rules, the union must provide at least 72 hours' strike notice before any job action can begin. If notice is issued, some flight cancel
about-10-000-federal-public-servants-apply-for-early-retirement-program
CanadaJul 29, 2026

About 10,000 federal public servants apply for early retirement program

About 10,000 federal public servants have applied for the federal government's early retirement program, introduced as part of its plan to reduce the size of the public service. According to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, 10,006 applications had been received as of Tuesday, following last week's application deadline. The program was offered to eligible employees after the government began sending information packages to about 68,000 public servants in December. Employees aged 50 and older with at least 10 years of federal employment and a minimum of two years of pensionable service
gordie-howe-international-bridge-sees-7-500-vehicle-crossings-in-first-12-hours
CanadaJul 29, 2026

Gordie Howe International Bridge sees 7,500 vehicle crossings in first 12 hours

Approximately 7,500 vehicles crossed the Gordie Howe International Bridge during the first 12 hours after the new Canada–U.S. border crossing opened to traffic, according to bridge officials. The bridge officially opened on Monday. The first private vehicle to cross carried members of hockey legend Gordie Howe's family, while an Onfreight Logistics truck became the first commercial vehicle to use the new crossing. Most of the traffic on opening day consisted of private and local vehicles. Officials said many commercial truck operators are still completing the required customs and border docu
CanadaJul 29, 2026

Navdeep Bains leads Ontario Liberal leadership race in fundraising

Former federal Industry Minister Navdeep Singh Bains has emerged as the top fundraiser in the Ontario Liberal Party leadership race, according to the latest financial disclosure reports from Elections Ontario. The filings show Bains' campaign has raised approximately $350,000 in donations, placing him ahead of Etobicoke–Lakeshore MPP Lee Fairclough, whose campaign has reported raising about $258,200. According to Elections Ontario, the fundraising advantage positions Bains as one of the leading contenders in the race to succeed the party's current leadership. Fundraising totals are widely vi
canada-expands-online-passport-renewal-service-to-all-eligible-adults
CanadaJul 28, 2026

Canada expands online passport renewal service to all eligible adults

Canada's Immigration Minister Lena Diab has announced the removal of limits on the federal government's online passport renewal service, making it available to all eligible Canadian adults aged 16 and older. Speaking at a news conference in Vancouver, Diab said eligible applicants living in Canada can now submit passport renewal applications online at any time without waiting for appointment availability. According to the federal government, the expanded digital service is intended to make passport renewals more accessible and reduce the need for in-person visits. Under the new system, applica
CanadaJul 28, 2026

Halton police charge nine people in largest human trafficking investigation in force history

Halton Regional Police say nine people have been arrested and 85 criminal charges have been laid following what the force describes as its largest sexual exploitation human trafficking investigation. According to Halton Regional Police, the investigation, called Project Troubadour, began after a woman reported being exploited by an organized network in September 2025. Police said the victim’s disclosure helped investigators identify the alleged trafficking operation operating in the Greater Toronto Area. Supt. Dave Costantini said the 10-month investigation has identified 12 alleged victims

Just In

surrey-medical-school-welcomes-first-class-as-b-c-expands-family-doctor-training
BCAug 05, 2026

SFU Medical School Welcomes First 48 Students to Address B.C.'s Doctor Shortage

Simon Fraser University's new medical school in Surrey, B.C., has officially welcomed its first class of 48 students, marking a major milestone in the province's efforts to tackle the ongoing shortage of family doctors and primary care providers. The inaugural group began orientation on Wednesday and will follow an accelerated, year-round medical program that allows students to earn their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in three years instead of the traditional four. The first graduates are expected to begin residency training as early as 2029. B.C. Premier David Eby described the new school as
BCAug 05, 2026

Vancouver home sales fall nearly 10% in July, erasing June gains

Home sales across the Vancouver region slowed again in July, falling nearly 10 per cent from a year earlier and wiping out the gains recorded in June. According to Greater Vancouver Realtors, a total of 2,061 residential properties were sold last month, down 9.8 per cent compared with July 2025. Sales were also 18.6 per cent below the region's 10-year seasonal average. Andrew Lis, Chief Economist and Vice-President of Data Analytics at Greater Vancouver Realtors, said the real estate market has followed a pattern of "one step forward and one step back" over the past several years, with the Jun
indian-origin-hiker-missing-on-vancouver-island-massive-search-operation-underway
CanadaAug 05, 2026

Indian-origin hiker missing on Vancouver Island, massive search operation underway

An Indian-origin man has gone missing while hiking in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, prompting an extensive search operation involving helicopters, search dogs and specialized rescue teams. According to RCMP, 25-year-old Keshav Jindal was last seen hiking on Mount Albert Edward on the afternoon of Aug. 3. He has not been seen or heard from since. RCMP said Jindal is approximately 5-foot-7 in height. Comox Valley Search and Rescue spokesperson Paul Berry said Jindal was hiking toward the summit with a companion when the two became separated along the trail. He failed to return
westjet-resumes-normal-operations-after-flight-attendant-strike
CanadaAug 05, 2026

WestJet resumes normal operations after flight attendant strike

Canada's second-largest airline, WestJet, has announced that it has fully resumed normal operations following disruptions caused by a flight attendant strike. The airline said it is back to its regular schedule and is continuing to rebook passengers whose flights were cancelled over the weekend. According to WestJet, all scheduled flights on Wednesday are operating without disruption. The airline also thanked customers for their patience as it worked to restore services throughout the week. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows that after more than 900 flights were cancelled between S
trump-says-us-iran-talks-made-very-good-progress-raising-hopes-of-easing-tensions
WorldAug 05, 2026

Trump says US-Iran talks made "very good" progress, raising hopes of easing tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump has said his administration's day-long talks with Iran on Tuesday were "very good," raising fresh hopes that the five-month-long conflict could soon move toward a resolution. Following Trump's remarks, oil prices fell across Asian markets while stock markets rallied, reflecting growing investor optimism. Markets are anticipating a possible agreement that could help restore shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. Trump has previously warned that failure to reach a deal with Iran could lead to large-scale military act