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

MPs to Vote on Prime Minister Mark Carney's First Budget Today

Members of Parliament are set to cast their votes today on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s inaugural budget, a pivotal decision that could either lead the minority Liberal government to continue or trigger another federal election less than a year after the last one. This budget vote is particularly significant as it serves as a confidence measure for the Liberals, who must secure support from at least one other party or a few independent MPs to pass the budget. Opposition parties have criticized the proposed budget, stating that it fails to align with their priorities. The budget aims to strike a balance between reducing spending and increasing investments amid ongoing U.S. tariffs that impact Canada's economy.

Swedish Royals Make Their First Trip to Canada Since 2006

The Swedish royal family, led by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, is making a rare three-day state visit to Canada, their first trip since 2006. They will be in Ottawa and Montreal from Tuesday through Thursday, accompanied by a delegation of prominent government ministers and representatives from various Swedish companies. This high-profile visit occurs just as Canadian and Swedish relations are under scrutiny, particularly with Saab, a Swedish defense firm, exploring the possibility of assembling its Gripen fighter jets in Canada. Upon their arrival, they will be welcomed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Wagner, as Governor General Mary Simon is still recuperating from a respiratory illness.

StatCan Set to Report October Inflation Data

Statistics Canada is poised to release the inflation figures for October this morning. A poll conducted by Reuters of economists suggests that annual inflation has decreased to 2.1% for October, down from 2.4% in September. Economists attribute this decline partly to lower gasoline prices during the month, although food price inflation is anticipated to remain elevated. The conclusion of most retaliatory tariffs in September is expected to exert additional downward pressure on inflation in the coming months. However, steady consumer spending, despite rising unemployment, continues to prevent inflation from decreasing further.

Canada May Fall Short of Cervical Cancer Elimination

A recent report from the Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee indicates that Canada may not reach its target of eliminating cervical cancer by the year 2040. Data reveals a troubling plateau in cervical cancer rates, suggesting a worrying trend in the wrong direction. The World Health Organization has set a global target to achieve the virtual elimination of cervical cancer, defined as having fewer than four cases diagnosed per 100,000 females. Although Canada previously saw a steady decline in cervical cancer rates from 1984 to 2005, the trend has fluctuated since then, raising concerns about public health efforts to combat this disease.

TD Settles Complaint by B.C. Muslim-Indigenous Man

A human rights complaint involving TD Bank has reached a settlement with Sharif Mohammed Bhamji, a Muslim-Indigenous man from the Heiltsuk Nation, who alleged racial profiling while attempting to open a bank account at a Surrey, British Columbia branch. Bhamji hopes that the resolution of this case will inspire others who have endured similar experiences to voice their concerns. The incident that led to the complaint occurred in May 2021, when Bhamji attempted to complete his banking application in person and faced skepticism regarding his Indian status card from a bank teller, primarily due to his Muslim last name.

Toronto City Hall to Raise Palestinian Flag

Toronto City Hall is set to raise the Palestinian flag this morning, joining several other Canadian cities in this gesture. The flag will be hoisted at 10 a.m. to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the Palestinian Declaration of Independence. This action follows a petition from the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, and under the city’s flag policy, flags of foreign countries are permitted to be displayed at city hall during national days or significant anniversaries. This decision comes after Canada officially recognized the State of Palestine in September, paving the way for such symbolic gestures across the country, including in Calgary, Brampton, and Mississauga.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 17, 2025.