This edition of The Canada Report is based on coverage from CBC, Global News, CityNews Vancouver, CTV, DiscoverHumboldt, HondaIndy, IndyCar.com, The Star, CityNews Halifax, NovaScotia.ca, Castanet, CKRW, Yukon-News.com, The Globe And Mail, Nunatsiaq News, and The Good News Network.
At a Glance
Pierre Poilievre is stirring debate by urging an end to the temporary foreign worker program, citing job market concerns. British Columbia battles a surge in wildfires, while Alberta pauses its controversial school library book removal. Manitoba mourns a tragic train collision involving a teen. Quebec steps back from a $7-billion electric vehicle battery project. These developments impact jobs, safety, and environmental policies nationwide. Here's what's happening.
The State of Things
Pierre Poilievre is making waves by calling for the end of the temporary foreign worker program. He argues that it's flooding the job market with cheap labour and pushing young Canadians out of work. Poilievre isn't pointing fingers at the workers themselves but rather at the Liberal government and what he calls "liberal corporate elites" for exploiting these workers. He does, however, propose a separate program for agricultural jobs, which are notoriously tough to fill.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney is busy dismantling most of Canada's retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. This move could mean cheaper groceries for Canadians, with prices on items like Florida orange juice expected to drop soon. But not everyone is thrilled. Unions like Unifor and United Steelworkers are criticizing the decision, calling it a betrayal of Canadian workers. On the flip side, business groups are welcoming the change, seeing it as a chance to smooth over trade relations with our southern neighbours.
And in the diplomatic arena, Canada is playing host to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other G7 leaders, with discussions set to tackle everything from online disinformation to political polarization. It's a busy time on the Canadian stage, with plenty of debates and decisions that could shape the country's future.
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Across the Map
British Columbia
If you thought the end of summer meant a break from wildfires in B.C., think again. The province is currently grappling with a surge in wildfires, thanks to a relentless heat wave and a barrage of lightning strikes. As of this week, about 165 wildfires are active, with a staggering 75 per cent sparked by lightning. The Cariboo region, in particular, has been a hotspot, with nearly 4,400 lightning strikes over the weekend.
The Tsetzi Lake fire has prompted an evacuation order for over 62 square kilometres, with residents advised to head to Prince George for safety. Meanwhile, the Silver Basin fire in the East Kootenays is burning fiercely, though it’s not threatening any structures yet.
With temperatures still soaring and more lightning storms on the horizon, B.C.'s wildfire season shows no signs of slowing down. Stay safe and keep an eye on local alerts if you're in the affected areas.
Alberta
Alberta's latest chapter in the school library saga is turning into quite the page-turner. The provincial government has hit pause on its controversial order to remove books with explicit sexual content from school libraries. Premier Danielle Smith says this pause is just a brief intermission while they rewrite the rules to ensure classics like "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Brave New World" remain on the shelves. The initial directive, which sparked a fair bit of uproar, saw over 200 titles, including some beloved literary works, slated for removal by Edmonton Public Schools.
Smith insists the aim is to keep explicit images out while preserving literary classics. The education minister has asked school boards to hold off on any book removals until further notice. Critics argue the original order was too broad, and some say the government should consult educators to get it right. As Alberta rewrites the script, many are watching closely to see how this story unfolds.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, an excavator that had become a local legend has finally been pulled from Quill Lakes after an 11-year stint as an accidental landmark. Back in March 2014, the machine took an unexpected plunge through the ice during a highway project, and since then, it’s been the subject of curious glances and cheeky online reviews.
Despite its fame, the excavator's removal was no small feat. After several failed attempts over the years, a team from Raptor Picker Services and Hotshots finally managed to haul it out this summer. They used a mix of bed trucks, pickers, and a pulley system to get the job done.
While some folks might miss the quirky roadside attraction, the removal is a win for the local ecosystem. The Quill Lakes are crucial for shorebirds, and the sight of fish near the extraction site was a gentle reminder of why this effort mattered. Now, the excavator rests in Lloydminster, awaiting its next chapter.
Manitoba
Tragic news from Manitoba this week as a 15-year-old from Steinbach lost his life in a collision between his dirt bike and a CN train. The incident happened on Sunday afternoon at a railway crossing on Pleasant Road, just south of Highway 15 in the RM of Springfield. The RCMP, along with CN police and a forensic collision reconstructionist, are digging into the details to understand how this heartbreaking event unfolded. It's a stark reminder of the dangers at railway crossings, especially in rural areas where these intersections are part of everyday life. Our thoughts are with the young man's family and community during this difficult time.
Ontario
Big news for Ontario's motorsport fans: the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy is packing its bags and heading north to Markham in 2026. After nearly four decades of racing through Toronto's streets, the IndyCar Series will now zoom around a fresh 3.52-kilometre track in Markham Centre. This move is more than just a change of scenery; it's a chance for Markham to shine as a hub for sport tourism and cultural celebration.
The new circuit promises thrilling straightaways and challenging turns, all designed by renowned track designer Tony Cotman. With easy access via major highways and public transit, the event is set to draw over 140,000 attendees, making it the largest sports event in York Region's history. Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti is revved up, saying the city is ready to build on its sports legacy and create new memories for fans and drivers alike.
So, if you're a fan of high-speed thrills and world-class racing, mark your calendars for August 14-16, 2026. It's going to be an event to remember, with the roar of engines echoing through Markham's dynamic downtown core.
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Quebec
Quebec's ambitious leap into the electric vehicle battery scene has hit a snag. The province is stepping back from its hefty $7-billion Northvolt project near Montreal. Economy Minister Christine Fréchette announced the decision after the company failed to deliver a plan that met Quebec's expectations. Despite the setback, Fréchette assures us this isn't the end of Quebec's battery dreams. The province is still buzzing with activity, with nearly 3,000 folks working on battery factories in Bécancour. Meanwhile, American startup Lyten is eyeing the project, though their funding requests were a bit too steep for Quebec's liking. It's a twisty road, but Quebec's battery industry is still charged up for the future.
New Brunswick
Alyson Townsend is back in action! After taking a break for brain tumour treatment, Townsend is returning to the provincial cabinet with a fresh portfolio. Premier Susan Holt announced that Townsend will now be the minister responsible for labour, a role that highlights the importance of having a dedicated voice for workers in the province.
Before her medical leave in February, Townsend was handling post-secondary education, training, and labour. Now, with Jean-Claude D’Amours continuing in that role, Townsend can focus solely on labour issues. It's a welcome return for the Rothesay MLA, and her comeback is a testament to resilience and dedication. Here's to Townsend making waves in her new position!
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Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is buzzing with chatter about the latest move by Nova Scotia Power, and it's not exactly a warm reception. The utility has proposed an 8.2% hike in residential electricity rates over the next two years, a plan that's got Premier Tim Houston and many locals up in arms. Houston didn't mince words, calling the utility "out of touch" and urging them to reconsider, especially after a massive data breach left many customers feeling vulnerable. The proposed rate increase is still pending approval by the Nova Scotia Energy Board, but the timing has left a sour taste for many, including NDP Leader Claudia Chender, who pointed out that families are already grappling with some of the highest energy costs in the country. With power bills climbing steadily since 2021, this latest proposal feels like adding insult to injury for many Nova Scotians.
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Prince Edward Island
Over on Prince Edward Island, there's quite the legal drama unfolding. Daniel Desmond Crowder, a 51-year-old resident, has been slapped with a terrorism peace bond, which sounds as serious as it is. The RCMP are concerned he might commit a terrorism offence, so they've set some pretty strict conditions. Crowder's not allowed to surf the web, hold a passport, or even own a smartphone. This all stems from some 3D-printed firearm parts found at his place back in February. He's facing eight charges, but remember, none of these have been proven in court yet. For now, Crowder's got 29 rules to follow, including carrying around a copy of his peace bond like a hall pass.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Conception Bay South, a bustling town in Newfoundland, recently faced a nail-biting water crisis. Picture this: a town of about 27,000 people with taps threatening to run dry. The culprit? A sneaky leak in a 50-year-old water main. The town declared a state of emergency, urging businesses to shut their doors and residents to conserve every precious drop.
Crews from St. John’s worked tirelessly overnight, patching up the leak and getting water flowing again. But the state of emergency lingers until the tanks are fully replenished. Schools and businesses remain closed, save for pharmacies and gas stations. The priority? Ensuring there's enough water for firefighting, especially after a summer of wildfire scares. It’s a stark reminder of how crucial infrastructure is in keeping our communities running smoothly.
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Yukon
Hockey fever is set to sweep through Whitehorse as the WHL Yukon Showcase brings the Kelowna Rockets and Medicine Hat Tigers to town from September 11 to 14. This isn't just about the games on September 12 and 13 at Takhini Arena—though those will be a treat, especially since it's been over a decade since the WHL last graced Yukon ice. The real magic lies in the community vibe, with skill-building clinics giving local kids a chance to learn from the pros.
About 120 young hockey enthusiasts will hit the ice alongside WHL players, soaking up tips and tricks that could inspire the next generation of Yukon talent. And if you're around on September 11, swing by Shipyards Park for a meet-and-greet barbecue with the players. With proceeds supporting the Yukon Kids Recreation Fund, this event is as much about community spirit as it is about the love of the game.
Northwest Territories
Wildfires are once again testing the resilience of the Northwest Territories, with Fort Providence and Whatì residents recently packing up their lives and heading for safety. Fort Providence, a tight-knit community of fewer than 1,000 people, found itself on high alert as a wildfire crept to within two kilometres of its borders. The evacuation order came swiftly, sending folks to Hay River, a town all too familiar with the chaos of wildfire evacuations.
Paschalina Nadli, a local resident, shared the heart-wrenching task of deciding what to take and what to leave behind. Her husband, a fire technician, stayed back to help fight the blaze, adding a personal layer of anxiety to an already tense situation.
Fire crews are working tirelessly, employing water cannons and sprinklers to protect homes. The fire, spanning an area larger than Toronto, is a formidable opponent, but the community's spirit remains unbroken. As the smoke clears, the hope is that these efforts will keep Fort Providence safe until residents can return home.
Nunavut
Nunavut's taking a sunny step forward with some fresh solar power projects lighting up the northernmost communities. This summer, Green Sun Rising Inc., a company from Windsor, Ontario, installed solar panel systems in Clyde River, Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Pond Inlet. These installations are part of a broader push to cut down on diesel use, which is a big deal since all of Nunavut's communities rely heavily on diesel for power.
The installations range from 100 to 150 kilowatts, with Clyde River's system already up and running. The rest are waiting on grid connections from Qulliq Energy Corp. Grise Fiord, the northernmost civilian community in North America, was particularly welcoming to the project. The hamlets now own these systems, which means they can tap into federal funding to keep things running smoothly. And in a fun twist, Green Sun Rising also shipped bicycles with their materials, donating them to the communities. Next up? A 200-kilowatt system for Resolute Bay in 2026. Looks like the future's bright up north!
Warm and Fuzzy
In a move that feels like a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively—a coalition of First Nations in Canada’s Northwest Territories has secured stewardship over a whopping 150,000 square miles of land and water. To put that into perspective, that’s twice the size of Florida, or, for those of us who prefer a more local comparison, about the size of France, Portugal, and Spain combined. This landmark agreement, known as the NWT: Our Land for the Future Trust, marks the largest of its kind in North America.
The initiative, backed by a $375 million investment, aims to foster sustainable economies that don’t rely on resource extraction. It’s a significant step towards preserving some of the world’s most pristine boreal and tundra ecosystems. Chief Ernest Betsina of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation highlighted the importance of this agreement, emphasizing the long-standing role of Indigenous peoples as stewards of the land.
This isn’t just about conservation; it’s about recognition and respect for Indigenous leadership in environmental stewardship. And with Canada aiming to conserve 30% of its lands and waters by 2030, this agreement is a big leap in the right direction. Here’s to a future where our natural landscapes are cherished and protected, one agreement at a time.
Straight Facts
In Churchill, Manitoba, leaving your car unlocked isn’t just a neighbourly gesture—it’s a survival tactic. Known as the "Polar Bear Capital," this small town of about 900 people sees its fair share of these majestic creatures, especially during their migration from August to November. Imagine stepping out for groceries and spotting a polar bear meandering down Main Street. That unlocked car? It’s your quick escape hatch. The town even runs a 24/7 Polar Bear Alert Program, where conservation officers use non-lethal methods to nudge bears away from human hangouts. If that doesn’t work, it’s off to “polar bear jail” until the coast—or rather, the ice—is clear.
Canadian Recs
If you're on the hunt for some fresh tunes, Diamond Café from Victoria, BC is a must-listen. With a sound that blends funky synths and infectious basslines, his music feels like a nostalgic trip with a modern twist. Plus, his live shows are a spectacle, often featuring dazzling outfits and surprise performances. Perfect for anyone who loves a bit of retro flair with their pop.
Listen here
Let's Recap
Canada's got plenty happening, from Pierre Poilievre's call to end the temporary foreign worker program to wildfires raging across British Columbia. Keep an eye on Alberta's school library saga as it unfolds. Need a break? Give Diamond Café from Victoria a listen for some fresh tunes. Dive into the details, share your thoughts, and we'll be back next time with more.
