The Canadian Press provides a roundup of significant stories to keep you informed about recent developments across Canada.

Alberta Government to Reintroduce Back-to-Work Legislation for Striking Teachers

The Alberta government is poised to table legislation today that will mandate the return of thousands of striking teachers to work, effectively ending their weeks-long strike. Premier Danielle Smith has stated that the strike, which began on October 6, has persisted for too long and is adversely affecting children's education. Unless there is a last-minute agreement, Smith has indicated that her government will introduce back-to-work legislation to resolve the deadlock over wages and classroom conditions. The latest offer from the province includes a 12 percent wage increase over four years and a commitment to hiring an additional 3,000 teachers.

Interest Rate Cuts Anticipated from the Bank of Canada

The Bank of Canada is expected to lower its benchmark interest rate once again this week, despite recent inflation and employment statistics that could justify maintaining the current rate. In late September, the central bank cut its policy rate by a quarter point to 2.5 percent, ending a streak of three consecutive holds. Since that time, Statistics Canada reported an unexpected surge of 60,000 jobs and a noticeable increase in annual inflation figures for September. The upcoming interest rate decision, set for Wednesday, will be one of the last of the year, coinciding closely with the federal government's upcoming fall budget.

Election Day in Nunavut

Residents across Nunavut are heading to the polls today to elect their next member of the Legislative Assembly. With a consensus style of government, as opposed to a conventional multi-party system, candidates in this election run as independents. Incumbent MLA and Health Minister John Main is contesting the Arviat North-Whale Cove riding, where he faces Tony Uluadluak. Uluadluak has stated his intentions to address housing and affordability crises while promoting the Inuktitut language and encouraging youth to pursue education. Polls will remain open until 7 p.m. local time.

Montreal's Election Campaign Focuses on Key Issues

With just one week until the November 2 election, Montrealers are preparing to choose their next mayor, with the campaign focusing on pressing city issues, including homelessness, housing affordability, and bike lanes. Soraya Martinez Ferrada of Ensemble Montréal is campaigning as a candidate for change, aiming to address the issue of homeless encampments over a four-year term. Her opponent, Luc Rabouin of Projet Montréal, advocates for making the city the most affordable in North America by promoting the establishment of non-market housing through various bylaws and tools.

Canada's Hunger Crisis Deepens as Food Bank Visits Surge

A recent report by Food Banks Canada highlights a worsening hunger crisis in the country, with monthly visits to food banks reaching nearly 2.2 million in March 2025. This figure represents a five percent increase compared to March of the previous year and nearly doubles the visits recorded in March 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Richard Matern, the report's lead author, noted that one in five food bank visitors are working adults, and nearly one-quarter are two-parent families. This national report aligns with a Toronto-based poverty study indicating that over one in ten residents depend on food banks.

Canada at Risk of Losing Measles Elimination Status

Canada is on the verge of losing its designation as a measles-free country as an outbreak originating in New Brunswick has surpassed the one-year mark. The nation eliminated measles in 1998 and successfully maintained that status for over 25 years, with new cases being solely travel-related. However, since October 27 of last year, over 5,000 individuals in Canada have been infected, including two infants in Ontario and Alberta who sadly lost their lives. Experts attribute this resurgence to decreasing vaccination rates fueled by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, exacerbated by disruptions in routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This report was initially published on October 27, 2025.