Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed...

Fentanyl Czar Welcomes Federal Border Bill

Canada's fentanyl czar, Kevin Brosseau, expressed optimism regarding the Liberal government's recently tabled border bill, which proposes new tools aimed at combating the deadly opioid crisis. Brosseau's role as the federal point person on fentanyl was established in February following concerns raised by the White House over the influx of synthetic opioids into the United States. The Strong Borders Act includes provisions intended to enhance inspection powers, streamline police access to information, and tackle money laundering, alongside improving control over chemical substances used in the production of fentanyl.

Brosseau highlighted that while Canada is "not the significant source" of fentanyl entering the U.S., any contribution to the issue is concerning due to the severe impacts even small amounts can have. American officials have reportedly shown "deep appreciation" for Canada's endeavors in addressing the fentanyl crisis, especially as the U.S. enhances border security measures.

Countries on Canada’s G7 Guest List

As the host of the G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada is set to foster significant international dialogue. Prime Minister Mark Carney has the discretion to invite global leaders beyond the existing G7 membership, aiming to address pressing issues affecting the global economy and geopolitical climate. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that the invitations were selected with the intent of fostering serious discussions on these matters.

Among the notable attendees is Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, seen as a key partner for Canada in strengthening trade and defense ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Earlier in March, Carney revealed plans for a cooperative initiative between Ottawa and Australia focusing on an advanced radar detection system to monitor the Arctic and U.S. border.

Premiers Meeting with New England Governors

A collective of Canadian premiers is gearing up for discussions with New England governors, aiming to mitigate the adverse impacts of tariffs imposed by the United States. The assemblage, which includes premiers from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and Quebec’s economic minister, will convene in Boston. New Brunswick's Premier Susan Holt noted the importance of collaboration with New England governors for insights on navigating the complexities posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey underscored the objective of the meeting, which is to explore strategies for maintaining robust economic relationships amidst the challenges triggered by tariff policies.

N.S. Offshore Power Line Project Estimated at $10B

Nova Scotia’s Premier Tim Houston has indicated that the projected cost of constructing a transmission line to connect proposed offshore wind farms to the national grid could range between $5 billion and $10 billion. This estimate coincides with the province's ambitions to expand offshore wind turbine capacity to produce up to 40 gigawatts of electricity, significantly surpassing initial plans.

The Premier’s announcement, made during a recent update, aimed to capture the attention of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has invited provincial and territorial leaders to propose significant infrastructure projects for potential fast-tracking to stimulate the economy. Houston, a member of the Progressive Conservative party, has expressed the desire for federal assistance to fund the ambitious "Wind West" initiative, which he claims could meet 27% of Canada’s electricity demand. Achieving success with this decade-long plan could position Nova Scotia as an "energy superpower" and eliminate its reliance on federal equalization payments.

Calvin Pickard Shines for Oilers in Game 4 of Cup Final

In an exhilarating Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard came off the bench after a challenging first period, with his team trailing 3-0 against the Florida Panthers. Pickard’s timely entrance proved pivotal as he made several significant saves, including a memorable stop on Anton Lundell during a breakaway, which helped prevent further scoring from the Panthers.

Following a power-play goal by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers managed to close the gap, and with Pickard's crucial blocks, Leon Draisaitl scored an overtime winner, propelling Edmonton to a 5-4 victory and leveling the series at two games each. The performance underscored Pickard's resilience and importance to the team throughout the playoff season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 13, 2025.