The Canadian Press has provided a comprehensive update on several significant stories unfolding across Canada as of August 12, 2025.

Potential Strike Notice Looms for Air Canada

The union representing approximately 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada is on the brink of potentially issuing a strike notice. If no agreement is reached by the end of today, the union may declare its intent to strike. The earliest that flight attendants could walk off the job is Saturday at 12:01 a.m. ET. In accordance with labor regulations, the union must provide a 72-hour notice to initiate a strike, meaning they could announce their plans as early as Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. ET.

Air Canada has stated that it continues to negotiate and is committed to reaching a settlement without travel disruptions. Flights are currently operating as scheduled, but the airline promises to inform customers via email and text message should there be any changes to their travel plans.

Wildfires: More Help from Armed Forces in Newfoundland and Labrador

In response to the escalating wildfires in Newfoundland and Labrador, Premier John Hogan has announced that assistance from the Canadian Armed Forces will increase. The number of military firefighters deployed to combat the flames will double to 80. Additionally, two water bombers from Ontario have been dispatched to aid in battling the series of persistent wildfires affecting the region. As of Monday, there are eight active wildfires, six in Newfoundland and two in Labrador. Meanwhile, in New Brunswick, three wildfires have been classified as out of control, prompting evacuation preparations for residents north of Moncton.

Vancouver Island Camp Evacuated Over Wildfire

An uncontrolled wildfire near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island has necessitated the evacuation of the China Creek Campground and Marina. The BC Wildfire Service is actively managing the Mount Underwood blaze, which has grown to encompass more than six square kilometers. The campground is capable of accommodating 250 tent and RV sites. Currently, there are 98 active wildfires burning throughout British Columbia, with nine of those deemed out of control.

Heat Wave Set to Abate in Most of Canada

While a heat wave persists in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces, relief is anticipated for some areas. Southern British Columbia is expected to experience the end of a multi-day heat wave today, particularly in regions under heat alerts, including most of Vancouver Island and parts of the North Thompson and South Okanagan areas. However, southern Ontario will continue to feel the heat, with conditions extending northward past Lake Huron and Georgian Bay and eastward across southern Quebec. The weather agency has indicated that cooler temperatures will sweep through these areas later today, providing a reprieve from the continued high temperatures and humidex values nearing 40 degrees Celsius. In the Maritimes, similar warm conditions will persist until Wednesday, with Newfoundland seeing a potential break in the heat by Thursday or Friday.

Parti Québécois Wins Quebec Byelection

In political news, the Parti Québécois has secured its third consecutive byelection victory in Quebec, bolstering the party's momentum ahead of the 2026 provincial election while delivering a significant setback to Premier François Legault's ruling Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ). Former journalist Alex Boissonneault triumphed in the Arthabaska riding, defeating Quebec Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime. The byelection results revealed that Boissonneault garnered over 46 percent of the vote, while Duhaime received just over 35 percent. This win is foundational for the sovereigntist Parti Québécois, which has previously won in Jean-Talon in 2023 and Terrebonne earlier this year. Though the party occupies the fourth position in seat count within the provincial legislature, it has maintained a lead in polling over the last two years. Boissonneault campaigned on the premise of restoring a "broken social contract," advocating for fair returns on the high taxes paid by Quebec residents.