Canada News Highlights, 23 July 2025: Two Canadian soldiers stabbed during brawl with civilian in Alberta

Two Canadian soldiers were stabbed in Alberta following a brawl involving three junior military members and a civilian, the National Post said in a report. Canadian Armed Forces spokeswoman Lt.-Col. Lena Angell confirmed the incident, stating that three service members were involved in the altercation.

Prosecutors have approved three additional second-degree murder charges against Kai-Ji Adam Lo, the suspect in the Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day attack as per a report in Global News. Vancouver police announced on Tuesday that the new charges bring the total count against Lo to 11. The charges were approved by Crown Counsel following the police investigation.

Canadian AI compliance startup Delve has secured $32 million in a Series A funding round, reaching a valuation of $300 million, startupecosystem.ca said in a report. The company is developing automation tools designed to help businesses comply with artificial intelligence regulations, specifically addressing the requirements of Canada's proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA). The investment reflects growing interest in technologies that support regulatory adherence within Canada's expanding AI sector.

Parks Canada has reissued a pre-evacuation alert for Prince Albert National Park due to the ongoing Buhl Fire, as per a report in Global News. The alert, which advises readiness for a potential evacuation, is creating uncertainty and negatively impacting Saskatchewan's popular summer locations, including the resort village of Waskesiu, which is located within the park.

Researchers with the Northern Hail Project are in Alberta this week to study severe weather phenomena, as per a report in Global News. The team is operating in the heart of Canada's 'Hailstorm Alley,' a region that extends from High River north to central Alberta, which is known for frequent and intense hailstorms. The project's work involves chasing storms and analyzing hail, including stones reportedly the size of a fist, to better understand these weather events.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros has confirmed he is fit to play in the upcoming game against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday, according to a report in Global News. Collaros, who participated in practice, is set to return for the Grey Cup rematch after leaving the team's previous game with an injury.

The city of Vancouver has approved new extended hours for liquor service, allowing establishments in the downtown core to serve alcohol until 4 a.m., according to a report in Global News. For licensed venues located outside of the downtown area, the latest closing time will be extended to 3 a.m. on weekends. On all other nights of the week, these establishments outside the core will be permitted to serve liquor until 2 a.m.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have launched an investigation after several candidates in the upcoming federal byelection for Alberta's Battle River-Crowfoot riding reported receiving negative and "potentially threatening commentary" on social media, according to a report in CBC. The police confirmed they are looking into the reports from candidates contesting the seat, which was left vacant by the resignation of the previous Member of Parliament. The commentary was reported to have occurred on various social media platforms in recent days.

Calgary-based Western Energy Services Corp. reported a loss of $3.3 million in its second quarter, according to a report in AP. The drilling services company stated its loss amounted to 10 cents per share, with revenues for the period totaling $28.9 million.

A new research project in Regina is using a public health strategy to combat Saskatchewan's high rates of sexually transmitted infections, according to a report in CBC News. The initiative uses geo-data collected from the locations of discarded needles to map areas with concentrated drug use. Based on this data, mobile pop-up testing sites are being deployed to these specific locations, making it easier for vulnerable populations to access healthcare. The project's goal is to improve access to testing and treatment, thereby helping to reduce the spread of STIs within the community.

In Windsor, Ontario, known as Canada's auto capital, auto repair shops are facing a critical shortage of skilled technicians, making it nearly impossible to fill positions, CBC says in a report. This labor shortage exists paradoxically while the city experiences the highest unemployment rate in the nation, highlighting a significant skills mismatch within the local workforce.

Denis Coderre, a long-time figure in Canadian politics, has officially announced he is "turning the page" on his political career, as per a report in La Presse. The announcement marks the conclusion of a career that began nearly 30 years ago with his first win in a federal election. Coderre previously served in various roles, including as a federal cabinet minister and as the mayor of Montreal.

An Ottawa-based expert group has recommended that Canada's federal government prioritize Indigenous participation and designate 'low-risk, high-impact' developments as national interest projects within the next six months, according to a report in La Presse. The new report suggests this framework should be a priority for the government, establishing a path to accelerate the approval of certain key projects. The recommendations call for a focus on developments deemed vital to the national economy while ensuring Indigenous involvement is a primary consideration in the process.

Montreal-based Canadian National Railway Co. announced a second-quarter profit of $847 million, according to a report in AP. The company's net income was $1.35 per share, which missed the average Wall Street estimate of $1.37 per share from analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research. The railroad's revenue for the period was $3.09 billion, also failing to meet market forecasts.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has stated that authorities should seek a "better way" than a mass cull to manage an avian flu outbreak at an ostrich farm in British Columbia, according to a report in Global News. Her comments address the standard containment measure for the highly contagious virus, questioning the necessity of culling all the animals at the affected farm.

A review has been launched into the Nunavik Police Service by a regional authority after the third fatal police-involved shooting in the region in eight months, according to a report in Global News. The police force operates in Nunavik, the Inuit territory of Quebec, and is administered by the Kativik Regional Government, which initiated the review.

An active search is underway in Manitoba for a man who escaped from RCMP custody on Monday afternoon with the assistance of an accomplice, Global News said in a report. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have stated that they do not believe there is a threat to public safety following the incident. The man remains at large, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the escape.

Workers in some supportive housing facilities in British Columbia are facing "substantial exposure" to second-hand fentanyl smoke, according to a report in Global News. The report indicates the presence of the smoke is so severe that employees cannot avoid exposure even when remaining in their offices and not venturing into hallways or tenants' rooms. This finding highlights significant occupational health and safety concerns for staff working within these facilities, which are a key component of the province's strategy to address the ongoing opioid crisis.

A Nova Scotia RCMP officer has been charged with sexual assault after an investigation by the province's Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT), Global News said in a report. SIRT, an independent civilian agency that investigates serious incidents involving police, released a statement on Tuesday indicating it has "reasonable and probable grounds" to believe that Manas Parray committed the offence. The charge follows SIRT's formal investigation into the matter.

Peel Regional Police announced the arrest of 12 people who now face a combined 136 charges related to multiple home invasions in the area, according to a report in the National Post. The crimes led to the theft of almost $2 million in assets, including cars, jewelry, and cash. Authorities have successfully recovered approximately $860,000 worth of the stolen property.

In response to an increase in abuse and assaults directed at its staff, the City of Vancouver has announced it will begin a six-month pilot program to equip 15 parking enforcement officers with body-worn cameras, Global News says in a report. The trial is scheduled to launch in August and will be evaluated before any decision is made on permanent or wider implementation for the city's bylaw officers.

A federal probe into the massive PowerSchool data breach that impacted millions of people across Canada is being discontinued, according to a report in Global News. The hack had previously accessed the personal data of current and former students as well as thousands of staff members. The compromised information included sensitive details such as medical records and social security numbers.

A Manitoba corrections officer is facing charges for the alleged sexual assault of two inmates, Global News says in a report. According to police, the assaults allegedly took place on separate occasions while the inmates were being guarded by two officers. The incidents reportedly occurred after one of the two supervising officers had left the room.

An out-of-control wildfire located near Comox Lake on Vancouver Island, Canada, has expanded to 4.5 hectares, Global News says in a report. The BC Wildfire Service suspects the fire is human-caused. To combat the blaze, four initial attack crews have been dispatched, supported by two helicopters and air tankers.

Ottawa's public transit authority, OC Transpo, reported strong ridership on its bus and train services throughout the recent Bluesfest music festival, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. This year marked a significant operational milestone as it was the first time the recently re-opened O-Train Lines 2 (Trillium Line) and 4 (Airport Link) were running in conjunction with Line 1 during the event. The positive ridership figures indicate that many festival-goers utilized the integrated transit system to travel to and from the venue.

Unionized workers at Canada Post began voting on the Crown corporation's latest contract offer on Monday, July 21, as per a report in CBC News. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is officially urging its members to reject the proposal. The result of this vote will be a key factor in determining the next steps in the labour negotiations and could potentially lead to a labour disruption if the offer is turned down and a subsequent agreement cannot be reached.

A man in Toronto alleges that police took more than an hour to respond to his home after he was the victim of a brutal assault in his building's stairwell, CBC says in a report. Both the Toronto Police Service and local paramedics stated that they were handling a high volume of emergency calls on the evening of the incident, which they cited as the reason for the delayed response.

A scheduled concert by American Christian musician Sean Feucht at the York Redoubt National Historic Site near Halifax is facing calls for cancellation from local residents due to the performer's association with the MAGA movement, according to a report in CBC. The performance is set to take place on Wednesday at the Parks Canada-managed site. The controversy centers on the appropriateness of hosting a figure linked to a polarizing US political movement at a Canadian national historic site, prompting a public debate in the Halifax area.

The rural community of Drayton Valley, Alberta, has formed a task force to manage a sprawling forest encampment amid rising community tensions and jurisdictional concerns, CBC News says in a report. The task force was created to address the encampment and to discuss potential solutions to the situation.

Amid Canada's gradual move towards becoming a less-cash society, experts are advising Canadians to pack lightly on physical currency when travelling abroad, as per a report in the National Post. The recommendation comes as digital payment methods become more prevalent domestically, influencing consumer habits. However, the decision on whether to carry cash and how much remains a point of contention for those travelling internationally.

The grave of a Canadian World War II veteran was found to be empty after his daughter attempted to have his remains moved to a different burial site, according to a report in CBC. Elizabeth Patrick, who was estranged from her father, had arranged to relocate his grave to a military site in Ontario. She was reportedly shocked to learn during the process that the grave her father was supposed to be interred in was, in fact, empty.

The volume and severity of police-reported crime in Canada fell by 4% last year, marking a reversal of a recent trend, according to a report in CBC. The national statistics agency, Statistics Canada, reported that this decrease follows three consecutive years of increases in the Crime Severity Index (CSI). The CSI is a measure that accounts for both the volume of police-reported crime and the seriousness of those crimes.

First Nations have walked away from consultation talks with the Quebec government concerning its proposed forestry regime reform, according to a report in La Presse. The withdrawal comes after the provincial government refused to reconsider the fundamental aspects of the reform. The consultation table was established with the goal of reconciling differences between the two parties, but the government's inflexibility on key issues led to the breakdown of negotiations.

A tourist visiting Toronto's CN Tower was stuck inside one of its elevators for approximately 40 minutes on Tuesday, according to a report in National Post. The incident occurred at the major Canadian landmark, which is a federal Crown corporation asset that attracts nearly two million visitors annually. The individual was safely freed after the 40-minute period.

Nova Scotia needs to double its rate of housing construction starts for the next decade to restore affordability to pre-pandemic levels, according to a report in CBC. The analysis from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) highlights the significant gap between current building rates and the supply needed to make housing more accessible in the province.

Beekeepers in New Brunswick are experiencing above-average and, in some cases, record honey bee losses this year, according to a report in CBC. The significant decline in bee populations is causing severe economic distress for those in the industry, with some like beekeeper Nathan Mutch expressing fear for the future of their businesses.

A ruling in a criminal trial represents a new phase in the crisis surrounding Hockey Canada, which escalated significantly after the organization settled a civil lawsuit over a 2018 group sexual assault allegation, according to a report in the National Post. The scandal's public fallout, primarily in 2022, included widespread condemnation, parliamentary hearings scrutinizing the organization's governance, and revelations about its use of a special fund to pay for settlements. The pressure led to the mass resignation of Hockey Canada's CEO and entire board of directors, the withdrawal of major corporate sponsorships, and a freeze on federal government funding. The current criminal proceedings are separate from the civil lawsuit that was previously settled.

Canadian AI voice company Hyper has secured $6.3 million in funding to develop technology aimed at automating 911 emergency calls, startupecosystem.ca says in a report. The investment is intended to advance the company's work in creating AI-driven systems to assist with and streamline processes within emergency service communications.

Toronto police have confirmed that a man has died following a shooting that occurred on Tuesday morning, as per a report in Global News. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Legal experts suggest that video evidence presented in the ongoing sexual assault trial of former Canadian World Junior hockey players is exposing common misunderstandings of Canadian consent law, according to a report in Global News. The discussion centers on footage where the complainant indicated she was 'OK' with what occurred. However, experts clarify that under Canada's legal framework, consent must be active and continuous throughout a sexual encounter and cannot be retroactively applied or assumed from a single statement, particularly when it conflicts with other evidence regarding the circumstances of the event.

An impaired driving trial is now underway for a man from Markham, Ontario, following a fatal collision that resulted in the death of an off-duty constable from the York Regional Police Service, Global News says in a report. The proceedings have commenced to address the charges related to the incident.

Student musicians from community programs 'Be in the Band' and 'Blues in the Schools' performed on stage during the final night of Ottawa's Bluesfest music festival, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. The initiatives provide a platform for young artists to gain performance experience at one of Canada's major music events.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is meeting with Canada's premiers in Huntsville, Ontario, to forge a unified approach for an economic and security agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump by an August 1 deadline, according to a report in Politico. The premiers, representing the Council of the Federation, have given their full backing to Carney's push to secure what has been described as a "fair trade deal," although specific details of the agreement have not been made public.

Canadian exporters in various industries have a method to bypass blanket tariffs from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a report in CBC News. This pathway involves ensuring compliance with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the trilateral free trade deal that replaced NAFTA. The agreement, which was signed in 2018 during Trump's first presidential term, provides specific rules that allow compliant Canadian goods to enter the U.S. market without being subject to these tariffs.

A man in New Brunswick experiencing classic symptoms of a heart attack waited through the night, for over 12 hours, in an emergency room to receive a diagnosis, as per a report in Global News. Medical staff reportedly informed him that if he had fallen asleep during the wait, he likely would not have woken up. The incident highlights significant wait times and pressures within the province's healthcare system.

A family in New Brunswick has alleged their son, who has both autism and epilepsy, was ejected from a hospital emergency room for being too loud, Global News says in a report. The parents claim the noise was a result of vocal stimming, a form of self-stimulatory behavior, and that they were asked to leave the ER due to the disruption. The incident highlights concerns regarding the accommodation of patients with disabilities and complex needs within the provincial healthcare system.

The Toronto International Film Festival has announced its lineup for its 50th edition, which will feature world premieres starring Angelina Jolie, Saoirse Ronan, and Keanu Reeves, according to a report in The Guardian. The Canadian festival will also showcase new films with Anya Taylor-Joy, Sydney Sweeney, and Matthew McConaughey. The event, which takes place after the Venice film festival, is a key platform for films seeking recognition during the awards season.

A coalition of 30 agricultural and agri-food organizations, led by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, is calling for action from the federal government to address significant challenges facing the sector, as per a report in Farmtario. The groups have drawn attention to Canada's declining share of the global agri-food market and a concurrent slowdown in annual productivity growth, urging for these issues to be prioritized within Prime Minister Mark Carney's national economic agenda.

Homeowners and gardeners in Nova Scotia are dealing with a growing infestation of Japanese beetles, an invasive species that is decimating flowers and foliage, Global News says in a report. The beetle population has reportedly increased in recent years, leading to significant financial burdens for residents attempting to control the pests. One homeowner in the Halifax area stated they have spent $1,200 on efforts to eradicate the beetles from their property, highlighting the economic impact of the environmental issue.

Production for 'In a Violent Nature 2,' the sequel to the film 'In a Violent Nature,' is scheduled to begin in Canada this September, according to a report in Variety.

Police in Calgary are investigating an alleged hate-motivated assault and are seeking a suspect in connection with the incident, the Calgary Herald says in a report. The event occurred in the city's south, near the intersection of Southland Drive and Southport Road S.W., which is located close to the Southland CTrain station.

A new innovation grant in Alberta is being offered to support science-based projects, according to a report in the Calgary Herald. Successful applicants will receive $250,000 in funding over a two-year period. In addition to the financial support, the program provides recipients with access to laboratory space for product research and offers business development mentorship to help advance their projects.

The Canadian military, and possibly the coast guard, are reportedly monitoring a Chinese research vessel that has returned to Arctic waters off Alaska for the second year in a row, CBC News says in a report. The surveillance occurs amid strained Canada-China relations and reflects Canada's 2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy, which identifies China as a 'disruptive global power.' This monitoring is seen as a practical application of Canada's policy to protect its sovereignty and security interests in the strategically important Arctic region, where China has been increasing its presence.

A 28-year-old Ottawa man is facing several charges, including impaired driving and street racing, after he lost control of his vehicle on the Queensway, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. The incident, which occurred on the major highway (417) running through the city, resulted in the driver being charged by police.

Israel has rejected a joint statement issued by Canada and 24 other countries regarding the situation in Gaza, with an Israeli spokesman labeling the declaration "disconnected from reality," according to a report in the National Post. The Israeli government's primary objection is that the statement allegedly fails to adequately pressure Hamas or recognize the group's responsibility for the ongoing conflict.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and fellow party MPs have publicly shown support for "Freedom Convoy" organizers Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, questioning the fairness of their conviction, according to a report in the National Post. Lich and Barber were found guilty of mischief in April for their leadership roles in the 2022 protest that blockaded streets in downtown Ottawa for over three weeks. Poilievre's statement, "How is this justice?", comes as the two await sentencing for their involvement in the demonstration.

John Olubobokun, the former director of Christian Centre Academy in Saskatoon, was found guilty of assaulting students with a weapon, according to a report in CBC. The provincial court decision on Monday found that Olubobokun used a wooden paddle to strike students during his tenure as the school's director, which began in 2003.

Following a record-setting year for new home construction in 2024, housing starts in Alberta are on track to exceed those levels in 2025, according to a report in Global News. The projection is based on a strong first half of the year, indicating continued momentum in the province's residential construction sector driven by significant population growth and demand.

An "extremely rare" sighting of a leatherback sea turtle has been reported in the waters off Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, as per a report in Global News. The Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle is listed as an 'Endangered' species under Canada's Species at Risk Act, which makes any sighting significant for conservation efforts. The event occurred within the traditional marine territory of the Haida Nation, an area known for its rich biodiversity.

The Western Canadian Baseball League's annual All-Star Weekend for 2026 will be hosted by the Saskatoon Berries at Cairns Field, Global News says in a report. The announcement confirms that the league's major showcase event will be held in Saskatoon, bringing the festivities to the city's baseball venue.

Canada's federal New Democratic Party (NDP) is raising concerns and criticizing the government following the announcement that the Jansen potash mine project in Saskatchewan has been delayed to mid-2027, according to a report in Global News. The opposition party is questioning the economic and employment impact of the postponement for what is one of the largest resource projects currently under construction in the province. The multi-billion dollar project is a significant private investment being developed by BHP.

The provincial government of British Columbia has issued legally binding ministerial directives to Oak Bay and West Vancouver to accelerate housing development, Global News says in a report. The two municipalities are being compelled to amend their local zoning bylaws after the province determined they were making insufficient progress toward their mandated housing targets. These directives are an enforcement measure under the B.C. Housing Supply Act, which allows the provincial government to set housing goals for municipalities and intervene if they are not being met.

An Ottawa woman, Lisa Kis, had her long-awaited MRI appointment cancelled after she informed the clinic that her family doctor had retired, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. The diagnostic test was scheduled to investigate spots found on her liver. However, the clinic cancelled the appointment because, without an active family physician on her file, there was no mechanism to bill the provincial health insurance plan for the service, highlighting a critical administrative gap for patients without a primary care provider.

Two people drowned in Prince Edward County, Ontario, over the weekend, with provincial police confirming one other individual remains missing, the Ottawa Citizen says in a report. The incident prompted a response from provincial emergency services who are continuing the search for the missing person.

The Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 4-1 in Toronto on Monday, extending their home winning streak to a franchise-record 11 games, AP says in a report. Bo Bichette hit a decisive go-ahead, two-run double during a four-run fifth inning. The victory surpasses the previous club record of 10 straight home wins, which was set in 1985, and marks the team's 17th win in its last 21 games.

U.S. President Donald Trump considers Canadians 'mean and nasty' for boycotting American travel and liquor, according to a statement from U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, Global News said in a report. Hoekstra stated on Monday that 'there are reasons why the President and some of his team refer to Canada as being mean and nasty to deal with.' The ambassador's comments connect the White House's perception to grassroots Canadian consumer boycotts of U.S. goods and travel, which emerged in response to past trade disputes, including U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum during Trump's first presidential term.

Indigenous communities in Canada experience significantly higher death rates from house fires, a situation compounded by a severe lack of data collection for on-reserve incidents, according to a report in CBC News. The report highlights that this data gap leaves communities vulnerable and prevents the creation of effective, preventative safety measures. These higher mortality rates are described as symptoms of long-standing systemic issues, including chronic underfunding by the federal government, inadequate and overcrowded housing, and poor infrastructure, which fall under the jurisdiction of Indigenous Services Canada.

A dual U.S.-South Korean citizen who has violated six previous deportation orders from Canada was sentenced on Monday for his most recent violation of a removal order, CBC News says in a report. The sentencing addresses the individual's latest transgression against Canada's immigration laws, following a documented history of multiple removals from the country.

Approximately 30,000 Ukrainians have moved to the province of Manitoba over the past three years since the beginning of the war with Russia, according to a report in Global News. The figure was provided by Joanne Lewandosky, the president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress's Manitoba chapter. The report highlights the ongoing nature of Ukrainian settlement in the province as the conflict continues.

Howard Mah and Lori Arnason of Calgary had their anniversary hike cut short after a close encounter with a grizzly bear on the Troll Falls trail in Kananaskis, Alberta, according to a report in Global News. The couple described the event as frightening but were unharmed. The incident occurred in the popular provincial recreation area, which is managed by Alberta Parks.

A new area structure plan is being proposed for Calgary that would see a 578-acre parcel of land developed into a new neighbourhood with up to 7,300 homes and 5,700 jobs, Global News says in a report. The land, located between Harvest Hills Boulevard N.E. and the CPKC tracks near Deerfoot Trail, was previously designated for a business park. The city council will now consider this new plan for a mixed-use residential community.

Canada's federal and provincial governments are implementing enhancements to the AgriStability program to offer additional financial aid to agricultural producers facing challenges from adverse weather and trade instability, as per a report in Global News. The changes are a response to severe drought conditions, particularly in the Prairies, and ongoing international trade disputes that have impacted farm revenues. AgriStability, which is part of Canada's Business Risk Management (BRM) suite of programs, is cost-shared, with the federal government covering 60% and provincial/territorial governments covering 40%. The program is designed to help stabilize farm income by covering significant declines in a farm's margin, regardless of the specific cause.

Two leaders of a personnel placement agency network in Quebec will serve their prison sentences at home after being found guilty of defrauding the government of $635,000, La Presse says in a report. The scheme involved exploiting workers through undeclared labor, or work paid "under the table," by using individuals who were falsely registered as social assistance recipients. The conviction addresses a network that profited from both tax evasion and the misuse of the social welfare system.

A woman from Montreal has been convicted of terrorism after being repatriated to Canada in 2022, La Presse says in a report. She had traveled to Syria as a teenager to join the Islamic State, where she later gave birth to two daughters. Following her time with the extremist group, she spent five years in a Kurdish-run detention camp with her children before her return to Canada led to the recent conviction.

A judge in Montreal has ruled that the homeless encampment along Notre-Dame street can remain in place until at least August 27, according to a report in La Presse. The decision, delivered on Monday, further stipulates that the tents cannot be dismantled even after that date until the municipal government of Montreal and the provincial government of Quebec have established a clear policy regarding such encampments. The ruling prevents the city from clearing the site until both levels of government provide a framework for action.

Vancouver police have launched a murder investigation after a 15-year-old boy died from a stabbing on Saturday night, CBC says in a report. The incident occurred in downtown Vancouver near the intersection of Smithe and Hornby streets, in the vicinity of the Vancouver Law Courts. Police have confirmed the victim's age and that the investigation is being treated as a homicide.

Amid ongoing labor shortages, manufacturers in Quebec are urging the Canadian federal government to allow temporary foreign workers (TFWs) currently in the country to stay permanently, CBC says in a report. This plea is a direct response to a federal policy change from April 2024 that reduced the cap on the number of TFWs businesses can hire. Industry representatives argue that these workers are essential for maintaining production levels and that failing to retain them could negatively impact the provincial and national economy.