Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed on the latest developments in Canada.

Hot, Dry Weather Affects Prairie Wildfire Efforts

The ongoing battle against wildfires across the Prairie provinces is being compounded by hot and dry weather, with only sporadic rainfall expected. The situation has escalated to the point where Saskatchewan and Manitoba have declared provincewide states of emergency in response to the destructive blazes that have already displaced thousands of residents. In Manitoba alone, approximately 17,000 people have been evacuated in recent days, including around 6,000 individuals from the northwestern city of Flin Flon. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan reports that more than 4,000 residents have fled their homes, with over 2,000 impacted in the community of Pelican Narrows. Although Alberta has experienced significant wildfire damage in recent years, it is currently seeing a comparatively milder impact during this season.

Statistics Canada Prepares to Release Q1 GDP Figures

In another news highlight, Statistics Canada is set to release data on the economy's performance for the first quarter of the year, including the real gross domestic product (GDP) figures for March and the entire quarter. Flash estimates from late last month suggested an anticipated annualized real GDP growth of 1.5%. However, a recent Reuters poll of economists indicates that actual growth may have exceeded that estimate, forecasting a rise to 1.7% for the quarter. This report will also serve as an early indicator of economic performance in April.

CSIS Operation Halt Raises Accountability Concerns

A recent report from the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency has raised serious concerns regarding the accountability of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) after a crucial overseas operation was abruptly halted by government officials. The abrupt decision reportedly placed the CSIS team in unnecessary danger and has raised questions about the ministerial oversight in such activities. Notably, the review revealed there were no written records indicating that either the CSIS director or the Minister of Public Safety had authorized the suspension. The findings emphasize that high-level political figures from across the federal government were involved, which complicates the accountability of the situation.

Heiltsuk Nation Celebrates Constitution Ratification

In a landmark event, the Heiltsuk Nation in British Columbia is holding a ratification feast to officially bring its written constitution into effect. This significant occasion is the culmination of two decades of extensive development and community consultation. Marilyn Slett, the elected chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, described the day as “monumental.” The constitution was approved in February, following a referendum where 67% of the 725 participants voted in favor. This newly ratified constitution is expected to clarify governance and business operations within Heiltsuk territory, providing a structured framework for decision-making that previously relied on court interventions.

Quebec's Language Watchdog Pressures Transit Agency Over Language Use

In Quebec, a recent controversy erupted involving the Montreal transit agency and its use of the word "go" on buses to support a local soccer team. The Office québécois de la langue française, Quebec's language watchdog, has documented multiple communications with the transit agency, insisting on the removal of the term after a complaint was filed. Emails obtained by The Canadian Press reveal that the office kept the complaint active for nine months until the term "go" was removed from over 1,000 city buses in Montreal. In April, public backlash arose after it was reported that the transit agency replaced the celebrated phrase "Go! Canadiens Go!" with "Allez! Canadiens Allez!" in alignment with the watchdog’s demands. This situation has highlighted the language regulatory environment in Quebec, with the French-language Minister Jean-François Roberge expressing support for maintaining the “Go Habs Go!” slogan.