Schools set to close as Alberta provides online curriculum ahead of teachers strike
In Alberta, schools are preparing to close their doors amid a looming provincewide teachers strike scheduled for Monday. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides has announced the availability of an online curriculum designed for parents to use in teaching their children during the strike, which is expected to affect over 700,000 students across public, separate, and francophone schools. The strike follows a recent union vote in which nearly 90 percent of the Alberta Teachers’ Association members rejected the province's latest offer, which included a 12 percent pay increase over four years and a commitment to hiring 3,000 additional teachers.
Gaza war could delay vote: Palestinian Authority
The Palestinian Authority has expressed concern that ongoing conflict in Gaza may delay the anticipated elections set for 2026, a condition outlined by Ottawa for recognizing Palestinian statehood. Omar Awadallah, the Palestinian deputy minister of foreign affairs, stated that a full year would be required after the end of the current conflict to facilitate the elections, which must take place across all three occupied territories. Prime Minister Mark Carney previously indicated that Canada’s recognition of a Palestinian state relies on the authority implementing necessary reforms, which include altering the school curriculum to eliminate antisemitic content and ceasing financial support for families of those imprisoned for acts of violence against Israelis.
Yukon election campaign to officially kick off
The Yukon Territory is on the brink of an election as Premier Mike Pemberton prepares to announce the dissolution of the 35th Yukon legislative assembly. This move is expected to trigger the upcoming election, scheduled for November 3, the last possible day mandated by the territory's fixed election legislation. Notably, this election will be the first to feature 21 ridings, an increase from the previous 19, with 15 of those ridings having new boundaries following recommendations from a recent commission.
Major debt a minor issue in Newfoundland election
In Newfoundland and Labrador, business and taxpayer organizations are urging party leaders to refrain from making extravagant election promises without addressing the significant provincial debt. AnnMarie Boudreau of the St. John’s Board of Trade highlighted that the province is projected to spend over a billion dollars on interest and debt repayments by the end of the current fiscal year. Meanwhile, Devin Drover from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation warned that each new promise on the campaign trail could lead to future tax hikes or cuts in services. With a population of approximately 545,000, Newfoundland and Labrador holds the highest provincial net debt per capita in Canada.
New housing project reduces hospital, ER visits
A novel housing initiative in Toronto, run by a hospital network, has shown promising results in decreasing emergency room visits and hospital admissions among its residents. The University Health Network and Fred Victor have developed a permanent supportive housing model aimed at providing shelter for homeless individuals who frequently utilize hospital services. The new Dunn House, located on a former hospital parking lot in Toronto's west end, serves 48 residents. Early data indicates that these individuals made nearly 2,000 emergency room visits in the year preceding their relocation to Dunn House.
Quebecers rallying behind Toronto Blue Jays
Quebec baseball fans, including those from areas once devoted to the now-defunct Montreal Expos, are rallying in support of the Toronto Blue Jays. Louis-Philippe Guy, a minor baseball coach from Chicoutimi, Quebec, reminisces about childhood trips to see the Expos and describes how he now drives to watch the Blue Jays, creating new traditions with his children. As the Jays prepare to face the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the American League Division Series, Guy expresses hope that more young people will embrace the sport.
This report was first published on October 3, 2025.
