Canada News Highlights, 05 August 2025: Girl, 9, on skateboard killed after being struck by truck in Spruce Grove

A nine-year-old girl has died after being struck by a pickup truck in Spruce Grove, Alberta, on Tuesday morning, Global News said in a report. The incident occurred in a residential cul-de-sac when the girl, who was on a skateboard, reportedly rolled off her driveway and was hit by a Dodge Ram truck.

Canada's Department of National Defence has allocated $39 million to acquire drones for the Royal Canadian Navy's Halifax-class frigates from a Canadian company, according to a report in the National Post. The initial procurement covers the first two unmanned aerial vehicles, with the contract including an option to purchase an additional four drones in the future. This move is part of the ongoing modernization efforts for the navy's primary surface combatant vessels.

The BC Wildfire Service has issued a public warning about the circulation of fake wildfire images on social media, Global News says in a report. The agency specified that at least two images generated by artificial intelligence have been spreading online over the past few weeks. Officials are urging social media users to be cautious and to verify the source of information and images related to wildfires before sharing them, in order to prevent the spread of misinformation.

Police in British Columbia arrested dozens of drug-impaired drivers leaving the Shambhala electronic music festival, as per a report in Global News. The BC Highway Patrol conducted a targeted enforcement operation by setting up checkpoints in the mountain passes surrounding the event location in Salmo. The operation ran from July 21 to July 25, coinciding with the duration of the festival, to intercept impaired drivers.

A significant increase in mosquito complaints is being reported in Calgary after the city received more than double its typical monthly rainfall in July, Global News says in a report. Outdoor enthusiasts, in particular, have noted a substantial rise in the mosquito population, which is attributed to the unusually wet conditions creating ideal breeding grounds for the insects.

Three members of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers received top marks on the Canadian Football League's honour roll for Week 9, according to a report in Global News. The recognized players include defensive lineman Willie Jefferson, defensive back Trey Vaval, and offensive lineman Kendall Randolph for their standout performances.

The owner of a dog is facing charges after the animal died from being left inside a hot vehicle in Durham, Ontario, Global News says in a report. Durham regional police stated that officers were called to the area of Simcoe Street North and Winchester Road West on Sunday following a report of animal abuse. The dog was found in critical condition and subsequently had to be euthanized.

Vancouver-based NexGen Energy Ltd. reported a loss of $62.7 million in its second quarter, according to a report in AP. The British Columbia-based company stated its loss amounted to 10 cents per share for the period.

Canada's Office of the Privacy Commissioner has announced it will launch an investigation into a recent cybersecurity breach at WestJet, according to a report in The Globe and Mail. The probe will specifically examine the adequacy of the security safeguards the airline had implemented to protect personal information at the time the breach occurred. This action falls under the commissioner's mandate to oversee how federally regulated private sector organizations handle personal data under Canada's privacy laws.

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake is exploring the possibility of introducing road tolls on major highways within its territory due to concerns over looming federal budget cuts, according to a report in The Globe and Mail. Grand Chief Cody Diabo stated that the tolls could affect highways used by approximately 120,000 vehicles each day. The move is being considered as a way to generate alternative revenue for the community amid perceived fiscal tightening by the Canadian federal government.

Calgary-based Suncor Energy Inc. announced a profit of $819.6 million for its second quarter, as per a report in AP. The Canadian energy company's earnings amounted to 67 cents per share, or 51 cents per share when adjusted for non-recurring gains. Suncor posted total revenue of $8.6 billion for the period.

Ottawa police are asking for the public's help in identifying two women connected to an assault that took place on July 6, the Ottawa Citizen says in a report. The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. when two victims were assaulted by a group of women in an empty parking lot after leaving a business on Montreal Road.

OC Transpo has announced that Ottawa's Light Rail Transit (LRT) service will experience disruptions for a few days in August, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. The transit agency stated in a memo on Tuesday that the disruptions are necessary for ongoing testing and commissioning work, which it says has been progressing well over the summer.

Police in Ottawa are seeking witnesses to a collision that left a motorcyclist with serious injuries, the Ottawa Citizen said in a report. The incident, which involved a motorcycle and an SUV, occurred at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Monday, August 4. Officers responded to the scene at the intersection of Jeanne d'Arc Boulevard and Orléans Boulevard and have opened an investigation.

Montreal-based OR Royalties Inc. on Tuesday reported a second-quarter net income of $23.4 million, or 12 cents per share, according to a report in AP. The mining royalty and exploration company's adjusted earnings were 13 cents per share, which fell short of the average Wall Street estimate of 17 cents per share from analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research. The company posted revenue of $43.6 million for the period.

Prominent private citizen Mark Carney has suggested he is considering a repeal of the Online News Act, which prompted Meta to block news content for its users in Canada, the National Post said in a report. The legislation, also known as Bill C-18, was enacted in 2023 under the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and requires large online platforms to compensate Canadian news organizations for using their content. In response, Meta initiated a ban on news links across its Facebook and Instagram platforms for all Canadian users. Carney's statement, made as a private citizen, signals a potential new element in the policy debate to resolve the ongoing dispute with the tech giant.

Canada's trade with the United States showed a monthly increase in June, with exports rising by 3.1% and imports also ticking up slightly, as per a report in Global News. Despite this positive monthly movement, economists caution that the figures still represent a decline compared to the same period one year prior. The data suggests that the overall trade relationship is considered weaker than it was last year, pointing to broader economic challenges impacting cross-border commerce.

The iconic Banff sign, which greets visitors upon arrival in the mountain town, is being relocated from its current spot along Mt. Norquay Road, as per a report in Global News. The move is a response to safety concerns related to traffic and pedestrians at the popular photo-op location.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating after a man was shot by police at the Strathcona County RCMP detachment in Sherwood Park, according to a report in Global News. The man, who was suspected of being armed, was discovered inside the detachment's secure parking lot. Following the police-involved shooting, a BB gun was found at the scene. ASIRT's involvement is standard procedure for incidents involving police that result in serious injury or death in Alberta.

The emergency room in Delta, British Columbia, experienced a sudden overnight closure, prompting a strong reaction from the city's mayor, Global News said in a report. Mayor George Harvie stated that B.C.'s health care system is "broken" and expressed significant concern over the operations within the Fraser Health authority. He highlighted that the municipality of Delta currently faces the longest wait times in the region for ambulances responding to life-threatening emergencies, linking the closure to broader systemic issues.

The mayor of Thompson, Manitoba, has expressed optimism regarding the ongoing efforts to combat nearby wildfires, according to a report in Global News. Heavy smoke that had covered the northern city over the long weekend has started to clear, which has allowed aerial firefighting crews to get back in the air. These crews are now actively working to suppress the blazes from above.

An individual convicted for a mass murder plot at the Halifax Shopping Centre has been denied parole, the National Post says in a report. The Parole Board of Canada made the decision regarding the plotter, who was described as having "carried the swastika with pride," deeming them too great a risk to the public. The foiled plot involved a plan to use Molotov cocktails and open fire in the mall's food court.

Winnipeg police are investigating a multi-vehicle collision that occurred on Monday morning at Ellice Avenue and Banning Street, as per a report in Global News. According to police, four vehicles that were stopped at a red light were struck from behind by a fifth vehicle. The crash resulted in significant damage to all of the vehicles involved.

A 21-year-old woman from Drayton Valley, Alberta, died on Monday following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 16, according to a report in Global News. The collision, which involved a Jeep Liberty and a gravel truck with an attached trailer, occurred at Range Road 43 near Wabamun Lake in Parkland County. The woman was the occupant of the Jeep SUV.

The BC New Democratic Party and the BC Green Party are scheduled to provide an update on their past co-operation agreement, Global News said in a report. This historical Confidence and Supply Agreement was signed following the 2017 provincial election, which resulted in a hung parliament. The deal allowed the NDP to form a minority government with the support of the three Green MLAs, but the arrangement concluded after the 2020 provincial election when the NDP won a majority.

Vancouver police have charged Daniel James Johnny in connection with two recent stranger assaults, one of which involved a tourist, Global News says in a report. The charges include one count of assault by choking and two counts of assault. Johnny remains in custody following the charges.

Two teen boys, aged 15 and 17, have been charged with second-degree murder after a 27-year-old man died following a fight in west London, Ontario, early Sunday morning, Global News says in a report. The incident led to the charges against the two youths, whose identities are protected under Canadian law.

Police in Calgary, Alberta, have charged 17 people following an investigation into a series of overnight residential break and enters, according to a report in Global News. The suspects allegedly targeted homes by cutting through unlocked window screens or entering through unlocked doors to gain access.

The government of Ontario has announced it will spend $89 million to make a community paramedic program for seniors a permanent, full-time service, Global News said in a report. The initiative, which provides non-emergency care and check-ins for seniors in their homes, was previously a pilot program that began in 2020. The government stated that the pilot program served approximately 81,000 people before the decision was made to make it a permanent offering.

Faculty associations representing approximately 500 academics at McGill University have filed a constitutional challenge against a recent Quebec labour bill, Global News says in a report. The groups contend that the legislation unconstitutionally restricts their right to strike, which is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This legal action moves the dispute over the bill's limitations on labour action into the provincial court system.

Two people face charges after a five-month Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) investigation into allegations of children being assaulted by staff at the Little Stars Montessori Early Learning Centre in Spruce Grove, Alberta, as per a report in Global News. The charges were laid following claims of assault at the facility, which prompted the lengthy police probe.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has unveiled a $1.2 billion support package for Canada's lumber industry to help it withstand U.S. trade duties, according to a report in The Globe and Mail. The financial aid consists of both loan guarantees, which help companies secure financing, and direct grants. This measure is a direct response to the economic pressure placed on Canadian producers by U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber, a long-standing trade dispute between the two nations.

A flight attendant, Vanessa Miles, has filed a US$75 million lawsuit against Delta Air Lines over a plane crash in Toronto, according to a report in the National Post. The lawsuit alleges the crash was caused by an "inexperienced and inadequately trained pilot" and claims the airline demonstrated "a reckless disregard for passenger safety in pursuit of operational efficiency."

Due to an extreme wildfire risk, Nova Scotia is closing all provincial parks effective 4 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a report in Global News. The measure prohibits all activities within the parks, including hiking and camping, as a public safety precaution.

The United States Coast Guard has concluded that the fatal 2023 implosion of the Titan submersible was "preventable," according to a report in AP. The disaster, which occurred in international waters off the coast of Canada while en route to the Titanic shipwreck, killed all five people on board, including the head of the operating company, OceanGate. The findings were released Tuesday as part of the Coast Guard's highest level of investigation, which was launched following the incident that triggered a massive international search and rescue operation with significant Canadian involvement.

The Ontario government initiated a study into tunneling an expressway beneath Highway 401 after receiving three unsolicited bids from the private sector, according to a report in Global News. Internal documents from Ontario's Ministry of Transportation reveal that the private proposals prompted the government, led by Premier Doug Ford, to begin studying the feasibility of the large-scale infrastructure concept. The project is currently in a preliminary study phase and has not been approved or funded.

The Canadian government has decided to comply with a US policy requiring Nexus trusted-traveler cards to list gender as either male or female, ending the option for an 'X' marker for non-binary individuals, according to a report in The Globe and Mail. The change stems from a US directive originating from the administration of former President Donald Trump, which mandates a binary gender selection for its federal travel programs. As Nexus is a joint program managed by both countries, Canadians with an 'X' gender marker on other official documents, such as passports, will now have to choose 'M' or 'F' to apply for or renew their Nexus card, raising concerns among human rights advocates about discrimination.

Hundreds of people have been forced to evacuate due to a wildfire on Vancouver Island, which has also prompted the closure of the critical transportation route Highway 4, according to a report in Global News. Emergency crews are actively working to protect homes threatened by the blaze. The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that heavy smoke is limiting visibility, and the exact size and perimeter of the fire are subject to change as conditions evolve.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand are travelling to Mexico City to strengthen the economic partnership between Canada and Mexico, CBC News says in a report. The visit is intended to bolster the bilateral relationship and build on the existing framework of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (USMCA). This diplomatic effort comes as Canada aims to enhance its economic resilience and secure critical supply chains with key trade partners.

Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko advanced to her first career WTA Tour semifinal at the National Bank Open in Montreal with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Monday night, according to a report in AP. The 18-year-old from Toronto continued her strong performance, having defeated No. 1 seed Coco Gauff just two days prior. After winning the first set, Mboko overcame an early break in the second set to secure the win and will next face Elena Rybakina.

A 21-year-old worker died in a workplace accident in Terrebonne, Quebec, on Monday afternoon, according to a report in La Presse. The individual was fatally crushed by the bucket of a mechanical shovel. The incident occurred on the first day of work following the province's annual construction holidays.

Intensive negotiations concerning the ongoing paramedic strike in Quebec have reached an impasse, La Presse says in a report. The talks, which took place throughout July, stalled because the provincial government and the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) union cannot agree on the nature of concessions, or 'contreparties', that paramedics would need to make in exchange for a wage increase greater than the government's current offer.

A slow-moving, low-pressure storm system over Edmonton, Alberta, on Sunday resulted in severe weather, as per a report in Global News. At least one funnel cloud was spotted in the area, and a condominium building was struck by lightning during the storm.

Scientists in British Columbia have discovered a new virus in farmed Pacific oysters that are experiencing a mass die-off, according to a report in Global News. The finding is significant as previous mass die-offs have often been attributed to a range of factors without a definitive cause being identified. The discovery of this specific virus offers a potential explanation for the current mortality event impacting the province's oyster farms.

The emergency department at a hospital in Oliver, British Columbia, is closed until noon on Tuesday, according to a report in Global News. The temporary shutdown is the latest in a series of service disruptions affecting the province, as emergency rooms in several other communities also faced closures for various lengths of time over the weekend. Hospitals in Prince Rupert, Quesnel, Fort Nelson, Burns Lake, Mission, and Clearwater were among those impacted.

The Canadian hockey brand HockeyBenders has pulled a product line of apparel after facing public backlash for slogans that were criticized as degrading to women, according to a report in The Globe and Mail. The company, which sells its merchandise while touring arenas and shopping malls across Canada, removed the items from sale in response to the widespread criticism.

A new study on Quebec's public immunization program for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) found it was more than 85% effective in preventing virus-related hospitalizations, emergency-room consultations, and intensive care unit admissions among infants, according to a report in The Globe and Mail. The findings are based on the program's first year, which was implemented to help alleviate strain on the pediatric healthcare system.

Canadian athletes have achieved notable success at the IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships held in Calgary, as per a report in the Calgary Herald. During the event on home water, an athlete named Ross, representing Ontario, successfully tied a championship record.

The Alberta Kennel Club hosted its annual Summer Classic dog show, drawing more than 5,000 canine participants, according to a report in the Calgary Herald. The event featured a range of competitions for the dogs and their handlers, including agility courses, obedience trials, and a costume contest.

Elena Rybakina advanced to the semifinals of the National Bank Open in Montreal after Marta Kostyuk retired from their quarterfinal match with an apparent arm injury, AP said in a report. Rybakina, from Kazakhstan, was leading the match 6-1, 2-1 at IGA Stadium on Monday when Kostyuk, from Ukraine, stopped playing. The match concluded at the 54-minute mark after Kostyuk's trainers had attended to her forearm.

The Ottawa restaurant Last Train to Delhi has announced it is closing its location in the Glebe neighborhood after operating for six years, according to a report in Ottawa Citizen. The announcement confirms the end of the restaurant's run in the prominent Ottawa community.

The plant-based eatery St. Elsewhere, located in Ottawa's Chinatown, is permanently closing after a two-year run, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. The restaurant announced it is saying farewell, marking the end of its operations in the neighbourhood.

Police in Quebec have reported that the recent two-week construction holiday was the deadliest on the province's roads in a decade, with 38 people killed in vehicle-related collisions, according to a report in Global News. The fatalities occurred between July 18 and August 3, a period that traditionally sees a significant increase in traffic. Of the total deaths, 31 were recorded on the main road network.