Canada News Live: Calgary condo board orders resident to remove Canadian flags from balcony

Over the last seven years, the Alberta government has provided a total of $2.8 million in support to 550 small- and medium-sized businesses across the province, the Calgary Herald said in a report. The initiative supplied these companies with knowledge, mentorship, and other resources. The program's stated goal was to assist the ventures in their growth and efforts to access international markets.

A third-party investigation found that a former Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) dog handler faced a "mobbing" of bullying and harassment that management was aware of, according to a report in CBC News. The situation reportedly began after the employee filed a formal grievance over the program's maternity leave policy. The independent investigator's report concluded that the employee was subjected to collective harassment and that CBSA management failed to adequately address the hostile work environment.

Alberta's government has endorsed a proposal from the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) to implement a temporary limit on providing power to new data centre projects, according to a report in the Calgary Herald. Minister Nathan Neudorf supported the measure, which is described as a short-term solution to manage the province's limited spare electricity capacity amid rising demand. While the government frames the move as a necessary step for grid stability and not a permanent cap, it has raised concerns within the technology industry about potentially hindering investment and growth in the province.

For the first time, Canada's 2026 long-form national census will include a question on sexual orientation, CBC News said in a report. While Statistics Canada has previously asked about sexual orientation in other specialized surveys, this marks its inaugural inclusion in the mandatory national survey sent to a quarter of Canadian households. The move follows the addition of questions on gender identity in the 2021 census and aims to gather more comprehensive demographic data to better inform public policy and services.

A Calgary resident, Jim McLeman, has been ordered by his condominium's board to remove Canadian flags he has displayed on his balcony for approximately two decades, according to a report in the Calgary Herald. The board is enforcing a zero-tolerance policy regarding flags on balconies, a rule which the resident said he was surprised to learn about after flying the flag without issue for years.

Alberta-based agricultural company Sunterra Farms Ltd. is involved in a legal dispute with National Bank of Canada, alleging the bank's conduct resulted in lost sales, reputational damage, and increased operating costs, according to a report in the Calgary Herald. The family-owned company, a significant player in Canada's food industry, is pursuing a civil case against the financial institution to seek compensation for the alleged damages. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Sunterra reports it is nearing a return to business as usual.

Canada has pledged to raise its defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 under a new pact approved by NATO leaders, according to a report in CBC. This decision, which aligns with a broader push to increase spending across the alliance, marks a significant policy victory for U.S. President Donald Trump, who has long pressured allies to increase their financial contributions. The new target represents a substantial increase from the previous 2% goal, which Canada had not consistently met, and is expected to require significant long-term fiscal adjustments.

The financial health of bank customers in Canada has deteriorated due to inflation, the rising cost of living, and growing personal debt, according to a report in AP. A J.D. Power study released on June 26, 2025, reveals that more than 44% of bank customers are now considered financially vulnerable. This figure marks a significant increase from 36% five years ago, and as a result, customers are increasingly turning to their retail banks for financial advice.

Canada, alongside other G7 leaders, has committed to taking action against migrant smuggling and countering foreign interference in democratic nations, according to a report in the National Post. The group of nations also agreed on a unified approach to artificial intelligence, pledging to develop a collaborative "AI adoption roadmap." These commitments were part of a joint statement from the G7 leaders.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that part of the country's commitment to increase NATO defense spending will be met through investments in the development of critical minerals, according to a report in National Post. Carney argued that spending on infrastructure to extract and process these minerals contributes to national and collective security, as they are vital for modern military technology and securing strategic supply chains. This approach suggests that such investments could be counted towards meeting the alliance's 2% of GDP defense spending guideline.

Scientists are studying significant and unusual fluctuations in the water levels of Lake Superior, believing they are the result of meteotsunamis, according to a report in CBC. Unlike seismic tsunamis, meteotsunamis are large waves generated by disturbances in air pressure, often associated with fast-moving weather events such as severe thunderstorms and squalls. The investigation aims to understand the cause and frequency of this phenomenon observed in the Great Lakes.

Toronto-based media company Corus Entertainment Inc. announced a loss of $5.2 million in its fiscal third quarter, according to a report in AP. On a per-share basis, the loss was 3 cents. The company's adjusted earnings, which exclude restructuring and non-recurring costs, were 4 cents per share. Corus Entertainment also posted revenue of $211.7 million for the period.

Quebec City has introduced a new municipal bylaw requiring buskers to perform songs solely in French at two specific popular tourist sites, as per a report in CBC. The new regulation has drawn criticism from street musicians, who state that this linguistic requirement is the latest in a series of rules concerning street music that have accumulated in recent years.

The Ontario government has offered a $3 per hour wage increase and a new, reclassified job title for its forest firefighters, according to a report in Global News. The government stated that the work of reclassifying the positions has been completed on its end. However, the union representing the firefighters has so far refused to sign the documents, indicating that an agreement has not yet been reached.

Advocates held a rally in Fredericton on Wednesday calling on the New Brunswick government to provide assistance to low-income households for accessing air conditioning, Global News said in a report. The demonstration highlighted the public health risks faced by vulnerable residents during increasingly severe heat waves, urging the provincial government to create programs that would help cover the costs of cooling solutions.

Dozens of homeowners in a London, Ontario, townhouse development completed in 2017 are reporting persistent water problems, including leaks in their roofs and windows, according to a report in CBC News. Approximately one-third of the owners in the complex have been affected by these issues. The homeowners are unable to receive assistance through Ontario's new home warranty program because the specific warranty coverage for such defects has expired, leaving them to face potentially costly repairs on their own.

Canadian federal minister Gary Anandasangaree has sought guidance from the Ethics Commissioner over a potential conflict of interest concerning a new border bill he is overseeing, according to a report in The Globe and Mail. The issue arises because the minister's wife serves as a director of equality for an advocacy group that is actively protesting the legislation. Anandasangaree's consultation with the commissioner is a proactive step to rule out any actual or perceived conflict of interest as he manages the bill's passage.

Vancouver-based HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd. reported a loss of $52.9 million in its fiscal fourth quarter, as per a report in AP. The company stated its per-share loss was 34 cents, with an adjusted loss of 31 cents per share when accounting for non-recurring costs. The results did not meet Wall Street expectations, as the average estimate of four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research had projected a smaller loss of 11 cents per share.

The Canadian federal government is facing increasing pressure to reconsider its electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate, which was finalized in December 2023, as per a report in the National Post. The regulation requires 20% of all new vehicles sold to be zero-emission by 2026, with the target rising to 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2035. This policy, aimed at curbing emissions from the transportation sector—Canada's second-largest source of greenhouse gases—is encountering pushback due to concerns about consumer affordability, the readiness of charging infrastructure, and opposition from some provinces.

Canada's federal government is facing growing pressure regarding an electric vehicle mandate, introduced by the previous Liberal administration, which requires automakers to meet escalating sales targets for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), reaching 100% by 2035, according to a report in the National Post. The policy, aimed at reducing emissions from the transportation sector, is being challenged by the Conservative opposition, parts of the auto industry, and some provinces. Critics are raising concerns about the mandate's impact on vehicle affordability amid high inflation, the readiness of charging infrastructure, and the overall pace of the transition. The debate highlights the tension between environmental objectives established by the former government and current economic pressures on consumers and industry.

A proposed tax by President Donald Trump's administration, which could cost Canadians and their businesses billions, is also projected to be costly for the U.S. government, according to a report in CBC News. An assessment from a non-partisan U.S. congressional office indicates that the controversial measure, described as a 'revenge tax', would have negative financial repercussions for the United States, in addition to its intended impact on other nations.

A new wave of scams is targeting Canadians, with criminals impersonating senior government officials and chief executive officers to commit fraud, National Post says in a report. The objective of these sophisticated social engineering attacks is to deceive individuals and organizations into transferring money, divulging sensitive information, or installing malicious malware on their computer systems. These scams exploit the authority associated with high-level positions to swindle their targets.

Economic Development Regina has launched a new program called Upscale, designed to provide mentorship and funding to help small local businesses with their expansion plans, according to a report in Global News. The initiative focuses on supporting established local enterprises in the city to foster economic growth and support their efforts to scale their operations.

The Edmonton Elks' defence is facing challenges early in the 2025 Canadian Football League season, having conceded 69 points across its first two games, Global News says in a report. The team has lost both opening games and has only managed to register a single quarterback sack, indicating early-season difficulties for the defensive unit.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, appearing with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, has put forward a proposal for a 'port-to-port corridor' connecting the northern Pacific and Arctic coasts to expand resource exports, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. The initiative is part of the two provinces' stated ambition to double their oil and gas production. This conceptual plan would necessitate major new infrastructure and, as an interprovincial project, falls under federal jurisdiction for approval, setting up potential conflict with federal climate policies.

Ikea Canada will not offer a popular promotion providing free kids' meals from Monday to Friday that is available in other markets, such as the United States, CTV News says in a report. The company attributed the decision to "different market conditions and local business strategies." The decision is a private business matter and not the result of a direct government policy.

Ford has issued a recall for about 32,000 of its Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles across Canada, CTV News says in a report. The recall addresses a potential safety defect where the high-voltage battery main contactors could overheat, which may lead to a loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. This action is being monitored by the federal agency Transport Canada, which is responsible for overseeing vehicle safety and regulatory compliance in the country.

In an Ottawa court proceeding, the accused, Chau Lam, testified that she "sacrificed my life to take care of her" in reference to her mother, the Ottawa Citizen says in a report. Lam told the court that her mother had been restrictive since her daughters were children, forbidding them from leaving the family home without her express permission. The testimony was provided as part of the defense in an ongoing criminal trial.

The Ottawa Senators have released their six-game exhibition schedule for the upcoming NHL preseason, with only one game slated for their home venue, the Canadian Tire Centre, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. The schedule reveals that two of the preseason contests will be held in Quebec City, with the remaining games taking place at other locations. This arrangement means the team will make limited appearances in its home market of Ottawa before the regular season begins.

Steve Staios, the president of hockey operations and general manager for the Ottawa Senators, is actively considering potential roster changes as the NHL enters a busy period, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. Staios is preparing for Round 1 of the NHL draft, which is scheduled for Friday, and the subsequent opening of the free agency period. While keeping his specific plans undisclosed, his focus is on evaluating all available options to potentially reshape the team's lineup.

The Ottawa Senators and winger Claude Giroux are continuing to negotiate a contract extension as the July 1 NHL free agency deadline approaches. While both sides are reportedly working to keep the player in Ottawa, a gap still exists between them to finalize a new deal. Steve Staios, the team's general manager, is involved in the ongoing discussions to secure Giroux before he can become an unrestricted free agent.

Kitchissippi Councillor Jeff Leiper has announced his plan to run for mayor of Ottawa in the 2026 municipal election, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. Leiper, a sitting councillor, confirmed his intention on Wednesday but acknowledged that the election is still a year and a half away. The announcement positions him as an early challenger to Ottawa's current mayor, Mark Sutcliffe, who was elected in 2022.

A nine-year-old cyclist has died following a collision with a school bus in the eastern Ontario community of Almonte, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. Police have confirmed that the boy was a student. An investigation into the fatal incident is currently underway.

The Vancouver Whitecaps fell 5-2 to San Diego FC in a match in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Wednesday, ceding first place in the MLS Western Conference to the visiting team, as per a report in AP. San Diego's Milan Iloski scored a club-record four goals, making him the 20th player in MLS history to achieve such a feat in a single game. The loss drops the Whitecaps from the top spot in the conference, which is now held by San Diego.

MMA fighter Kultar Singh Gill has received a conditional sentence to be served in the community after crashing into a building in Aldergrove, B.C., as per a report in Global News. The sentence is for two years less a day, but was reduced to 544 days after Gill was given credit for time already served in pre-sentence custody. A conditional sentence is a form of jail sentence served in the community under strict conditions, rather than in a correctional facility.

Toronto FC secured a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, with Theo Corbeanu's second-half goal ending the team's four-game home losing streak, as per a report in AP. The match was Toronto's (3-10-5) first since May 31. The Red Bulls (8-7-4) initially took the lead with a 20th-minute goal from Mohammed Sofo, his ninth of the season.

The Canadian government has evacuated a total of seven citizens from Israel and the West Bank utilizing bus transportation, according to a report in The Globe and Mail. Ottawa's offer of evacuation was made available to its citizens after some allied countries had already begun their own efforts to remove their nationals from the regions. The government has acknowledged a low number of Canadians have chosen to take up the evacuation offer.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney clarified that while Canada is not looking to become a member of the European Union, the country is actively seeking a closer partnership with the bloc, according to a report in CBC News. Carney's statements emphasize a desire to strengthen ties with the EU without pursuing formal membership.

A fire in a Sandy Hill building in Ottawa has displaced about 200 residents, as per a report in the Ottawa Citizen. The incident, which occurred on June 25, 2025, was extinguished by the building's activated sprinkler system. However, the sprinklers subsequently caused significant water damage throughout the building, rendering it uninhabitable and forcing the evacuation of its occupants.

Residents of a homeless encampment in Penticton, British Columbia, have been officially evicted from the location, according to a report in Global News. The action follows a period where outreach workers have been on-site for several days. Their stated role has been to help connect the displaced individuals with available support services in the area.

Amazon MGM Studios announced on Wednesday that French-Canadian director Denis Villeneuve will direct the next installment of the James Bond franchise, according to a report in AP. The untitled film will be the first in the series produced since Amazon's acquisition of MGM. Villeneuve's appointment follows his work on the "Dune" films.

The City of Richmond is reportedly at the center of several controversies, including a 'gift card issue,' according to a report in Global News. In response, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie has publicly stated that an investigation is underway to fully understand the matter. The mayor affirmed his commitment to transparency, telling the publication, "we are trying get to the very bottom of this situation."

The 2025 Alberta Men’s Amateur Golf Championship is now underway in Lethbridge, marking the first time in 25 years that the city has hosted one of the province's most significant amateur golf tournaments, Global News says in a report. The event brings a major provincial sporting competition to the Southern Alberta city.

Canada's largest pipeline operator, Enbridge, has indicated it would only move forward with a proposal for a new oil pipeline to the British Columbia coast if several key conditions are met, CBC News says in a report. These prerequisites include establishing regulatory certainty, securing meaningful partnerships with and consent from Indigenous communities, and having a clear economic case based on long-term global demand for Canadian crude. The potential project aims to provide Canadian oil producers with greater access to Asian markets, diversifying exports beyond the United States, but faces significant political and environmental hurdles, including federal climate policies and potential provincial opposition.

A research team from the University of Saskatchewan is looking into the reasons behind an apparent rise in moose excursions into cities, CBC said in a report. The study aims to understand the factors driving this trend, which has led to more frequent moose sightings in urban environments within the province, raising public safety and wildlife management questions.