Canada’s public broadcaster’s English-language news division
Alberta has voted to remain a province of Canada in a non-binding referendum held 19 October. Elections Albertareported roughly three quarters of counted ballots backed staying in Canada; about one quarter backed starting a legal process toward a binding separation vote. Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed the result; separatist leaders have vowed to continue their movement.
Smoke from wildfires in the US is drifting into Canada, while Canada’s firefighting efforts and US criticisms amplify tensions. Trump has threatened tariffs over pollution, even as Canadian and US officials mobilize resources to combat fires affecting millions and evacuations rise in both countries.
A surge in wedding costs across the UK and Japan is prompting guests to budget more tightly or decline invitations. Scots report average attendance costs above £350 per person, with many cutting luxuries or skipping events altogether as travel, outfits and gifts push up the bill.
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.
Three separate commercial flights have been delayed or cancelled after disruptive behaviour aboard. A passenger reportedly drunk has been arrested at Heathrow after confronting crew on a London–Las Vegas flight. A Porter Airlines departure from Victoria has been cancelled after a toddler refused to fasten a seat belt. A Wizz Air flight to Tel Aviv was returned to terminal after a passenger asked to disembark, triggering extra security checks.
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 walked away from trade talks with the United States after negotiations collapsed over US demands that Ottawa treat Quebecs French-language protections and cultural subsidies as negotiable. Ottawa has faced new US tariffs on roughly $20bn of exports and has vowed dollar-for-dollar retaliation; Quebecs government and voters have backed the prime ministers decision.
CBC News has clarified its language guidance on 9/11, emphasizing attribution for terrorism-related reporting while preparing extensive coverage for the 25th anniversary. The move follows backlash over a leaked memo and public scrutiny from U.S. officials and Canadian authorities.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces widespread criticism in Canada after a social media post mocking a Canadian cadet and instructor. The post has drawn condemnation from Canadian officials, the Army Cadet League of Canada, and political figures amid a thawing but tense US-Canada trade dispute. The Pentagon says the post speaks for itself.
Pakistan has sealed Islamabad with thousands of security personnel, more than 1,000 shipping containers and roadblocks as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) presses for a nationwide march demanding the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. Authorities have detained Khan’s three sisters and dozens of PTI leaders; the party has delayed but kept pressure on the government.
A Gulfstream G-100 medical transport jet flying from Bermuda to Boston has gone missing, leaving six people on board. Debris has been found off Nantucket and the search has been suspended as authorities and Latitude Air Ambulance confirm the six are presumed dead. Investigations will determine the cause.
A serious incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright has caused a large fire and has produced both fatalities and injuries, Defence Minister David McGuinty has said. Local hospitals are reporting heavy patient inflows and emergency crews are containing a blaze that has crossed the base perimeter amid high winds. Federal and provincial authorities are investigating.
A grass fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright has killed four service members and left up to 39 injured, with winds driving the blaze toward training areas. Officials say there is no evidence of terrorism; the investigation continues as hospitals treat the wounded.