🧑‍⚕️ Saskatchewan health authority implements Indigenous hair consent policy

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has introduced a new policy requiring staff to obtain consent before cutting the hair of Indigenous patients, recognizing the cultural and spiritual significance of hair.

This follows an incident where a First Nations woman had her hair shaved without consent in the ICU. The SHA has issued apologies, initiated reviews, and implemented mandatory cultural responsiveness training, completed by over 90% of staff. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe supports the policy as part of reconciliation efforts.
#Saskatchewan
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Conservatives say the justice system favours non-citizens

The Conservatives want to change the Criminal Code to eliminate what they say is a double standard in the justice system that allows non-citizens to get lighter sentences than Canadians who have been convicted of the same crime.

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner said her party will introduce a private member's bill when the House of Commons returns in September, promising the change will "restore the value of Canadian citizenship."

The bill "will expressly outline that any potential impact of a sentence on the immigration status of a convicted non-citizen offender, or that of their family members, should not be taken into consideration," the Conservative Party says in a statement.

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🇺🇸 U.S. visitors to Canada outnumber Canadians in U.S. in rare reversal

As Canadian travel to the United States continues to decline, new data shows a notable tipping point: More Americans visited Canada this July than Canadians did the United States, in a reversal not seen in years.

Statistics Canada’s latest figures show that U.S. residents made 1.8 million trips into Canada by automobile last month, with only 1.7 million Canadian return trips from the United States.
#US
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💸 Canadian government repatriates ISIS-linked women and children for $170,000

The Canadian government spent at least $170,000 repatriating eight women linked to ISIS and their children from detention camps in Syria. This included costs for business class flights, hotel stays, and meals in Montreal.
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🇺🇸 Nearly 150 Canadians held in ICE custody this year, including two toddlers, data show

At least two Canadian toddlers have been held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody this year, including one who was detained for 51 days, more than double the legal detention period for migrant children in the United States.

The toddlers are among 149 Canadians ranging between two and 77 years old who have been held at some point in ICE custody since January, when President Donald Trump took office and ordered an expansive immigration crackdown.
#US
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🏠💸 One-third of renters spend more than 50% of income on rent: survey

A survey shows 34 per cent of renters spend more than half of their income on rent, even as the rental market has cooled off recently.

Despite the financial hardship, the survey found 66 per cent of those spending big on rent still say they don't want a roommate.

The report, which surveyed 510 renters across Canada, says only 22 per cent of respondents were spending 30 per cent or less of their income on rent, which is often considered the affordability benchmark.
#housing
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🗳Poilievre wins Alberta by-election, regaining a seat in Parliament

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has won a federal by-election in the Alberta riding of Battle River-Crowfoot, setting the stage for his return to the House of Commons after he failed to win his Ottawa-area riding in April’s election.

Mr. Poilievre took 80.4 per cent share of the vote in the Conservative stronghold against 213 other candidates.
#Poilievre #Alberta #election
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🇺🇸 Trump administration sanctions Canadian judge who sits on International Criminal Court

The Trump administration slapped a Canadian judge on the International Criminal Court (ICC) with sanctions as the U.S. State Department unleashes a new wave of restrictions against judges it said had been instrumental in efforts to prosecute Americans and Israelis.

The State Department says Judge Kimberly Prost of Canada was sanctioned for ruling to authorize the ICC's investigation into U.S. personnel in Afghanistan.
#US
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🇨🇦 Canada Narrows Submarine Choices

Canada has narrowed the contenders for its new submarine fleet to two bidders:
• ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Germany) – offering the Type 212CD, a German-Norwegian joint design already ordered by both navies.
• Hanwha Ocean Ltd. (South Korea) – submitted a detailed unsolicited bid last March.

🔹 Prime Minister Mark Carney, currently in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, toured the TKMS shipyard and will visit Hanwha’s yard in South Korea this fall.
🔹 Canada plans to purchase 12 conventionally powered submarines, with the first expected by 2035.
🔹 TKMS has suggested Canada could potentially receive its first sub by 2032-33 if it joins the production line with Germany and Norway.
🔹 The Type 212CD features air-independent propulsion, allowing it to stay submerged for over three weeks, and is designed for Arctic operations.
🔹 Canada is debating whether to launch a full competition or move directly into contract negotiations with a preferred bidder.
🔹 TKMS has proposed building a maintenance facility in Canada as part of its pitch.

📌 Decision on the project is expected by 2027.

#Canada #Submarines #Defense

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🇨🇦🤝🇩🇪 Canada, Germany Launch LNG Talks

Canada is opening discussions with German buyers on potential shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG), as demand continues to grow across the European Union.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed the issue during talks in Berlin, alongside cooperation on critical minerals and defense procurement.

Carney said Ottawa is preparing to support billions in infrastructure investments, with new port expansion plans in Montreal, Churchill (Manitoba), and other east coast sites expected to be announced within two weeks.

While no east coast LNG projects are currently close to commercial readiness, Canadian officials noted that several companies are exploring options, including via Churchill. Berlin views natural gas as a transition fuel, and Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said the goal is to begin shipments to Europe within five years.

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🇨🇦 LeBlanc Meets Lutnick in Washington; Key Tariffs Remain in Place

Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc held a “lengthy and constructive” meeting in Washington on Tuesday with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, according to both governments.

The talks come days after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Ottawa would lift many of its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods covered under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), effective September 1.

However, LeBlanc confirmed that Canada’s counter-tariffs on U.S. steel, aluminum, and automobiles will remain in effect. These measures were introduced in response to U.S. trade actions and are aligned with Washington’s own tariff levels.

Officials said discussions focused on advancing bilateral trade ties, while both sides emphasized areas of cooperation despite ongoing disputes in the metals and auto sectors.

📌 Context:
• The removed tariffs applied to billions of dollars’ worth of U.S. exports such as household goods and agricultural products.
• By keeping the steel, aluminum, and auto tariffs in place, Ottawa is signaling that those sectors remain strategic flashpoints in Canada-U.S. trade.

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🍁 Ontario Stands Firm: No Plans to Restock U.S. Booze Despite Tariff Shift

The Ontario government says it has no plans to put American spirits back on LCBO shelves, despite calls from the U.S. distilling industry to end the boycott.

The response came after Distilled Spirits Council President Chris Swonger praised Ottawa’s recent move to drop a 25% tariff on American-made liquor, but warned the impact will be limited unless provinces allow sales to resume.

“The unfortunate decision to remove American spirits from Canadian retail shelves is not only harming U.S. distillers, but it’s also needlessly reducing revenues for the provinces, and placing unnecessary burdens on Canadian consumers and hospitality businesses,” Swonger said.

Most provinces — with the exception of Alberta and Saskatchewan — pulled U.S. alcohol from stores in March, as the trade spat escalated. According to the council, Canada was the second-largest export market for U.S. spirits in 2024.

Premier Doug Ford’s office confirmed to CP24 that Ontario’s boycott remains “until further notice.” Ford previously said the LCBO would wait until tariffs “come off the table” before reconsidering.

The standoff continues even as Prime Minister Mark Carney removed counter-tariffs on American goods covered by CUSMA earlier this month. Ford has urged Ottawa to push harder for relief in steel, auto, forestry, and copper sectors — or else reinstate dollar-for-dollar retaliation.

📌 Bottom line:
• Tariffs may be easing in Ottawa, but U.S. spirits remain locked out of Ontario stores.
• For consumers and the hospitality sector, the wait for American liquor could stretch on indefinitely.

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🇨🇦 Carney Extends Canadian Mission in Latvia to 2029

Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking in Riga on Tuesday alongside Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, confirmed that Canada will extend its military mission in Latvia until 2029.

The deployment, known as Operation Reassurance, is Canada’s largest overseas mission. There are currently 2,000 Canadian Armed Forces personnel in Latvia, with Ottawa planning to maintain a persistent cadre of 2,200 troops by 2026.

“We must deter and fortify, and that is the way that we can provide true reassurance,” Carney said.

Canadian troops have been stationed in Latvia since 2017, coordinating with forces from about ten other NATO countries. The mission is intended to reinforce the alliance’s eastern flank and train local forces.

📌 Context:
• The current mandate was due to expire in March 2026, but Carney has extended it by three years.
• Infrastructure expansion at the Ādaži base near Riga is underway to accommodate the full brigade.
• Analysts note Canada is taking on a role similar to the U.K. in Estonia and Germany in Lithuania, and wants to be perceived as “punching above its weight” within NATO. Despite not meeting NATO funding targets.

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🇨🇦 Canada Extends Latvia Mission — But Scrambles to Fill Equipment Gaps

Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed Canada will keep troops in Latvia until 2029, extending Operation Reassurance, the country’s largest overseas mission. Roughly 2,200 Canadian troops are deployed at Camp Ādaži alongside 1,300 NATO allies.

But even as Ottawa extends the mission, the Canadian Armed Forces are struggling to modernize. Many of the Leopard 2A4 tanks on site date back to the late 1980s and 1990s, with commanders warning of spare-part shortages.

“Peace can only come through strength… Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine shattered any previous assumptions that many others held of European post-Cold War security,” Carney told troops in Riga.

Defence Minister David McGuinty, traveling with Carney, said the government is committed to a “major reboot” of the military, pointing to $9.3B in additional defence spending this year.

📌 Equipment challenges:
• Ottawa has rushed anti-drone, anti-tank, and short-range air defence systems into Latvia.
• A small number of RQ-21 Blackjack surveillance drones are in use, but commanders say more are urgently needed.
• New barracks and tank sheds have been built at Ādaži to ease overcrowding.

Brigade commander Col. Kris Reeves said the long-term extension provides certainty but underlined the pressure to adapt:

“Just turn on the news and you see how important drones are in the Ukraine fight. We need those pieces of equipment here in Latvia.”

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🇨🇦 Canadian Ministers Meet U.S. Attorney General in Washington

Two Canadian cabinet ministers met with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in Washington on Tuesday, as Ottawa seeks deeper cross-border cooperation on security, trade, and law enforcement.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Justice Minister Arif Virani led the delegation, holding what LeBlanc described as “frank and productive” discussions with Garland and senior officials at the Department of Justice.

Talks focused on cross-border crime, money laundering, cyber threats, and organized crime networks, which both countries say are increasingly operating across shared borders.

📌 Key points:
• The ministers emphasized the need to align efforts against transnational organized crime and cybersecurity threats.
• Both sides highlighted ongoing cooperation through joint task forces and intelligence sharing.
• The meeting followed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent European trip, underscoring Ottawa’s push to bolster alliances on multiple fronts.

LeBlanc said afterwards that Canada and the U.S. “face common threats that no country can address alone,” adding that the partnership remains “essential to protecting our citizens and strengthening the rule of law.”

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🇨🇦 Poilievre Says Temporary Foreign Workers Taking Jobs from Young Canadians

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accused the Liberal government Wednesday of allowing temporary foreign workers to displace Canadian youth in the labour market.

“As our young people have a quarter-century high in their unemployment, Mark Carney this year is expected to bring in a record number of temporary foreign workers to take the jobs of Canadian youth,” Poilievre said at a news conference in Prince Edward Island.

Youth unemployment reached 14.6% in July, the highest since 2010 outside of the COVID-19 period.

📌 Key points:
• Poilievre cited federal data showing 105,000 visas issued under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in the first half of 2025. He argued this exceeded Ottawa’s target of 82,000 for the year.
• Immigration officials countered, saying the figure included renewals for workers already in Canada, with only 33,722 representing new arrivals.
• A further 302,000 visas were issued under the International Mobility Program, which operates outside the labour market test requirement.

Government officials note the overall number of temporary foreign workers entering Canada has declined to 119,000 in the first six months of 2025, down from 245,000 in the same period last year.

Analysts say Poilievre’s focus on immigration underscores a political vulnerability for the Carney government. Opinion polls have shown rising concerns about immigration’s impact on housing and affordability, even as economists stress Canada’s low birthrate means immigration is essential for labour market growth.

The federal government is expected to release an updated immigration levels plan this fall, aiming to reduce the share of temporary residents from 7.1% of the population to 5%.

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🔥 Canada’s 2023 Wildfires Pushed Air Pollution to Decade-Level Highs

Canada’s record-breaking 2023 wildfire season burned 42 million acres of forest and pushed air pollution to levels not seen in Canada since 1998 — and in the United States since 2011 — according to new analysis by the University of Chicago’s Air Quality Life Index.

Researchers found that more than half of Canadians breathed air that exceeded national clean air standards, a dramatic jump from less than 5% in the previous five years. The report says wildfire smoke erased much of the progress made in reducing air pollution, with fine particulate matter now once again at levels that directly threaten human health and life expectancy.

Globally, particulate pollution in 2023 was nearly five times the World Health Organization’s recommended level. University of Chicago professor Michael Greenstone, co-creator of the AQLI, said:

“We’re now stuck living with air pollution concentrations that are the dangerous ghost of the fossil fuels burned since the Industrial Revolution. Even countries that have earnestly spent decades cleaning up their air can’t escape these ghosts and the shorter and sicker lives that they deliver.”

The study warned that air pollution has become the greatest external threat to human life expectancy, comparable to smoking, with reductions to WHO guideline levels estimated to add 1.9 years of life for the average person.

Beyond climate dynamics, a growing number of analysts argue that decades of poor forest management have compounded the wildfire problem. Critics note that thinning programs, controlled burns, and investment in firebreaks have lagged, leaving forests overstocked with fuel. The result: hotter, faster, and more destructive fires.

Others point to the “green agenda” pursued for decades — including strict restrictions on logging and land-use practices — as well-intentioned but poorly balanced. Instead of healthier ecosystems, some experts say these policies have created conditions where wildfires spread unchecked, undermining the very environmental goals they sought to achieve.

The 2023 wildfire season now stands as the most destructive in Canadian history. 2024 ranks second, underscoring that these events are no longer outliers but part of a troubling new baseline, with consequences for Canada, its neighbors, and far beyond.

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🇨🇦 Quebec to Table Bill Banning Public Prayer

The Quebec government says it will introduce legislation this fall to ban prayer in public spaces, citing the “proliferation of street prayer” as a challenge to the province’s secular framework.

Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge announced Thursday that Premier François Legault had given him a mandate to strengthen Quebec’s secular laws.

“The premier of Quebec has given me the mandate to strengthen secularism, and I am determined to fulfil this mandate diligently,” Roberge said.

Legault has previously signaled support for restrictions on public prayer, stating in December:

“Seeing people praying in the streets, in public parks, is not something we want in Quebec. When we want to pray, we go to a church, we go to a mosque, but not in public places.”

The bill follows months of debate after images of Muslims praying in Montreal went viral online, and after a video of worshippers outside the Notre-Dame Basilica drew wide attention. Other public religious events, including Catholic processions, are also common in Quebec.

Reaction has been swift. The Canadian Muslim Forum said street prayer falls under freedom of expression and warned a ban would “stigmatize communities and undermine social cohesion.” The group added the government should focus on “solving real problems” such as health care, housing costs, and the SAAQclic digital platform overrun.

The announcement also comes as Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec faces political headwinds. The party has recently lost three consecutive byelections to the Parti Québécois and the premier is scheduled to testify next week at a public inquiry into the half-billion-dollar cost overrun of the SAAQclic system.

PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said he is not opposed to restrictions on public prayer but criticized Legault for delays:

“The premier tells us that he has been thinking about the issue of street prayers for a year. Why has he done nothing?”

An advisory committee on secularism released a 300-page report earlier this week recommending Bill 21 be expanded to include daycare educators wearing religious symbols. It did not recommend banning public prayer, suggesting municipalities already have the power to regulate it.

Despite that, Roberge said the report influenced the government’s decision to move forward with legislation, noting caucus discussions had advanced “reflections on several aspects of secularism.”

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