Canada’s energy, finance and culture hub at a glance
WestJet flight attendants have ended their strike after CUPE 8125 and the airline have reached a tentative agreement that recognizes more pre‑ and post‑flight work and raises pay. The deal will go to a ratification vote; WestJet cancelled hundreds of flights and said about 250,000 travellers were affected over the long weekend.
Canadians are calling for the expulsion of the US ambassador in Ottawa after a petition accuses Pete Hoekstra of consistently meddling in Canadian politics and normalising threats to annex Canada as the “51st state.” The move comes amid renewed US-Canada trade tensions and ongoing tariff disputes.
Canada has matched the United States’ 50% tariffs on a broad range of goods, escalating a tense trade war. Ottawa says it will apply counter-tariffs across sectors including steel, dairy, appliances and electronics, while promising support for affected businesses as talks stall. The row centers on autos, housing materials and consumer items, with markets reacting to the broader clash over sovereignty and trade rules.
The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on about C$28bn ($20bn) of Canadian goods and Canada has announced dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs on roughly C$27.6bn of US imports, set to take effect 8 September; Ottawa has also pledged C$7.5bn in support for affected businesses. The dispute has disrupted integrated supply chains, hit manufacturing and raised costs on both sides of the border.
The PGA Tour has confirmed that personal wagers by 55-year-old golfer Bart Gogel were not placed on events he participated in. He has accepted an 11-month suspension and will be eligible to return on February 22, 2027. Gogel has called the wagers an honest mistake and says he looks forward to resuming competition on the Champions tour.
Canada faces a rapid escalation in a tariff dispute after Trump has pressed for tougher measures against Ottawa, while Canada’s Carney government is coordinating a dollar-for-dollar retort. Canadians report growing boycotts of American goods, and social media shows broad public anger over the spat.
US carriers are returning to Ben Gurion, expanding seats as demand climbs for the Jewish New Year and holidays. Despite new capacity, fares remain high through autumn, with relief not expected until November as demand shifts post-election.
Ukraine and Canada have agreed to pursue a “hundred-year partnership” covering defense, critical minerals and energy, with Canada pledging drone production and energy support for Ukraine amid Russia’s war and a looming winter. Zelenskyy has said he will meet with the American team in New York, as talks with Moscow proceed without immediate breakthroughs.
YouTube TV has informed subscribers that Court TV, Tastemade, and The Young Turks will be removed from the platform starting September 30, 2026. The change follows a renewed but narrowed collaboration with Allen Media Group, extending access to Weather Channel, Comedy.TV, Justice Central and Recipe.TV while adding new networks earlier this year. The move affects live and library content tied to the three channels.
Alberta has voted to remain a province of Canada in a nonbinding referendum held 19 October. Unofficial counts show roughly three‑quarters of ballots favoured staying; about one quarter voted to begin a legal process toward a future binding referendum on separation. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith have welcomed the result; separatist leaders say their movement will continue.
Albertans head to a Monday vote on whether to remain in Canada or trigger a future referendum on independence. Premier Danielle Smith and Conservative challengers frame the vote as a test of national unity and economic resilience against U.S. tariffs and global pressures. Pro-independence voices warn of sovereignty loss, while Ottawa emphasizes cooperation with a minority Quebec government.
A grass fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright has killed four service members and left dozens injured. Winds rapid spread forced continued training despite warnings. Officials say the investigation will determine causes, while Prime Minister Carney has ordered flags lowered and declared a period of mourning.
Alberta has voted decisively to remain part of Canada in a nonbinding referendum, with roughly 75% supporting unity and about 25% backing a process toward separation. Prime Minister Mark Carney has framed the result as a mandate to pursue national projects — including pipeline and trade diversification — while U.S. tensions with Canada have sharpened political stakes.
Two women have been killed in a suspected bear attack near Bella Coola, British Columbia. The victims, art therapist Jennifer Balcarras and her 20-year-old daughter Selah Reed, were found after relatives reported them missing. Authorities say one or more bears may be involved and are continuing to search the area; any bears captured will be euthanized to protect public safety. The incident follows a previous bear-related attack in the area last November.