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

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.

Suspect in Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day attack now faces 11 murder charges

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 raises $32 million

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 reissues pre-evacuation alert for Prince Albert National Park due to wildfire

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 study severe storms and large hail in Alberta’s ‘Hailstorm Alley’

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 QB Zach Collaros to play against Argonauts after injury

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.

Vancouver to allow liquor service until 4 a.m. downtown and extends hours elsewhere

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.

RCMP investigates threatening comments made to Alberta byelection candidates

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.

Western Energy Services reports $3.3 million loss in second quarter

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.

Regina research project uses discarded needle data to target STI testing

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.

Skilled auto technician shortage hits Windsor despite Canada's highest unemployment rate

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 announces end to his political career

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.

Report urges Canadian government to prioritize Indigenous participation in new 'national interest' projects

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.

Canadian National Railway Q2 earnings and revenue miss expectations

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 calls for alternatives to mass culling for BC ostrich farm with avian flu

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.

Nunavik police under review after third fatal shooting in eight months

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.

Manitoba RCMP search for man who escaped custody with an accomplice's help

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.

Report finds substantial fentanyl smoke exposure for workers in BC supportive housing

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.

Nova Scotia RCMP officer charged with sexual assault

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 police announce 12 arrests and 136 charges in home invasion series

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.

Vancouver to trial body cameras for parking officers after rise in abuse

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.

Federal probe into massive PowerSchool data breach discontinued

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.

Manitoba corrections officer charged with sexual assault of two inmates

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.

Wildfire on Vancouver Island grows to 4.5 hectares near Comox Lake

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.

OC Transpo reports strong ridership during Ottawa's Bluesfest

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.

Canada Post union members begin voting on contract offer

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.

Toronto police took over an hour to respond to violent assault, victim says

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.

Concert by US musician at Halifax historic site sparks controversy

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.

Alberta town forms task force to address forest encampment amid community tensions

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.

Experts advise Canadians to carry less cash while travelling abroad

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.

Daughter discovers WWII veteran father's grave is empty in Ontario

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.

Canada's crime severity index dropped 4% last year, Statistics Canada says

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 withdraw from Quebec forestry reform talks

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.

Tourist trapped for 40 minutes in CN Tower elevator

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 must double housing construction to restore affordability, says CMHC report

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.

Record honey bee losses reported in New Brunswick this year

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.

Criminal trial ruling marks new phase in ongoing Hockey Canada crisis

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 startup Hyper raises $6.3M for 911 call automation

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.

Man dead after shooting in Toronto

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.

Hockey players' trial highlights misconceptions about consent, say legal experts

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.

Trial begins for Markham man accused of crash that killed off-duty officer

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 perform on final night of Ottawa's Bluesfest

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.

Canadian prime minister and premiers meet to strategize on US economic and security deal

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 exports can avoid US tariffs through CUSMA compliance

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.

New Brunswick man waits over 12 hours in emergency room to confirm heart attack

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.

New Brunswick family alleges son with autism was removed from ER for being disruptive

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.

Toronto film festival announces lineup for 50th edition

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.

Canadian agriculture groups lobby for inclusion in national economic agenda

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.

Japanese beetle infestations cause financial strain for Nova Scotia homeowners

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' to begin in Canada this September

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.