21.12.2025

"Canada Faces Pressure Amid U.S. Judge Sanctions"

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed… Ottawa silent on Trump sanctioning Canadian judge Advocates for international law say Ottawa is letting Washington chip away at the global rules-based order by remaining silent a week into American sanctions against a Canadian jurist

The Canadian Press has provided a detailed roundup of current Canadian stories focusing on international law, military training, local government actions, social issues, and public sentiment toward technology regulation.

Ottawa Silent on Trump Sanctioning Canadian Judge

There is growing concern among advocates for international law regarding the Canadian government's silence in the face of American sanctions against Kimberly Prost, a judge on the International Criminal Court (ICC). On August 20, 2025, the administration of then-President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Prost due to her authorization of an investigation into U.S. personnel's conduct in Afghanistan. The sanctions will freeze any U.S. assets she holds and may hinder her access to financial services in Canada. In addition to Prost, the U.S. State Department also sanctioned individuals from France, Fiji, and Senegal who played roles in the ICC's investigations concerning Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

Training Revamp Underway for Ukrainian Troops

The Canadian Armed Forces are refining their training program for Ukrainian soldiers amidst the ongoing and escalating conflict in Ukraine. Operation UNIFIER, which began at the request of the Ukrainian government following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, has evolved over the last decade. Now, with the war's intensity still rising, Canadian troops, in collaboration with NATO partners, are providing training that includes both basic and advanced military skills, such as tactical medical training and combat engineering. This training takes place in secret bases in Poland, reflecting the immediate needs of Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.

Smith's Panel Hears Major Cheers for Deportations

In a town hall meeting hosted by Premier Danielle Smith's Alberta Next panel in Lloydminster, public sentiment appeared strongly in favor of significant policy changes. The gathering attracted about 350 attendees who expressed loud support for mass deportations and discussions about Alberta's potential separation from Canada. The panel, which is exploring ways to protect the province from perceived federal overreach, facilitated discussions on topics ranging from provincial pension plans to constitutional amendments, all of which received approval from the audience, indicating a strong call for proactive governance from the provincial leadership.

Was Coroners’ Treatment a Factor in Missed Bodies?

A scrutiny of police and coroner responses to a crime scene in East Vancouver has raised troubling questions. Three years ago, authorities discovered the body of Jimmy Van Chung Pham in a single-room occupancy building, but they failed to notice the remains of two other individuals, Indigenous teenager Noelle O'Soup and Elma Enan, who were later found in the same location. This oversight has led to a neglect-of-duty investigation against the attending officer and highlighted the failures of the field coroner involved in the case, bringing attention to the systemic issues within the investigative processes surrounding missing persons.

85% of Canadians Want AI Regulation: Poll

A recent Leger poll indicates that a significant majority of Canadians—85 percent—strongly advocate for government regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to ensure they are used ethically and safely. The poll, which surveyed 1,518 people between August 22 and August 25, 2025, found that over half of respondents strongly agreed with the need for regulation. This public sentiment comes as Canada's artificial intelligence minister has announced a shift in focus from regulation to AI adoption, reflecting a global trend that may impact how safety and governance are approached in this rapidly evolving field.

Federal Sport Panel to Deliver First Abuse Report

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission, established by the federal government in 2023 in response to athlete allegations of systemic abuse, is set to release its inaugural report. Led by commissioner Lise Maisonneuve, the former chief justice of the Ontario Court of Justice, the report will highlight gaps in how abuse and maltreatment in sports are addressed, including significant jurisdictional issues that leave many complaints unregulated by federal authorities. The commission's findings are expected to offer insights on enhancing protections for athletes across Canada.