This article provides a comprehensive overview of recent news stories reported by The Canadian Press, focusing on significant topics affecting Canadians as we head into 2026.
Food Prices Set to Rise
Canadians should prepare for an increase in food prices next year, with projections indicating a rise of 4 to 6%. The latest Food Price Report, produced by multiple Canadian universities, forecasts that an average family of four will spend approximately $994.63 more on food, resulting in a total estimated expenditure of $17,571.79 in 2026. This projected hike is attributed to factors such as trade issues and climate change. Notably, this inflation rate for food is expected to exceed the overall inflation rate, which is anticipated to decline to the Bank of Canada’s target of 2% in the coming year.
Ministers Address the Assembly of First Nations
Several key federal cabinet ministers, including Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, are set to address the Assembly of First Nations gathering in Ottawa. Despite previous plans, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and Defence Minister David McGuinty will not participate in the discussions. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak criticized Budget 2025, claiming it inadequately addresses the needs of First Nations, particularly regarding infrastructure funding and educational resources. Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, and Northern Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand will engage in a question-and-answer session with the chiefs.
B.C. Conservative Leadership Crisis
The leadership of John Rustad in the B.C. Conservatives has come into question following a significant internal conflict within the party. Political analyst Stewart Prest described Rustad's leadership as “unsustainable,” noting that his refusal to resign amid a caucus mutiny could render the party "ungovernable." Rustad stood firm after 20 MLAs, constituting a majority of the 39-member caucus, expressed a desire for him to step down. Despite the party president, Aisha Estey, confirming the authenticity of the MLAs' letter, Rustad contended that there is no official mechanism to oust him from leadership.
Extreme Weather in Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada is bracing for extreme weather conditions, with icy cold air moving into the region. Environment Canada has issued a yellow warning for New Brunswick, forecasting temperatures to plummet between -30 and -33 degrees Celsius. Following a recent nor'easter, snowfall warnings have largely been lifted in Nova Scotia; however, a snow squall warning remains in effect for the Cape Breton Highlands. Coastal flooding statements are also in place for areas from Digby to Yarmouth, where elevated sea levels may surpass high astronomical tides. Wind warnings continue in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Controversial Logging of Giant Cedar
Joshua Wright, an advocate for old-growth forests, expressed his dismay over the felling of a giant yellow cedar tree on Vancouver Island, which he documented as the largest he had seen after years of hiking in the area. The ancient cedar, which boasted a diameter of 2.79 meters, should have been protected under provincial law, along with a buffer zone of one hectare. However, upon Wright’s return in June, he found that the monumental tree had been cut down as part of an approved logging operation, raising concerns about logging practices and conservation laws.
Concerns Over Military Vehicle Sales
NDP MP Jenny Kwan has voiced strong objections regarding the sale of armoured military vehicles by Canadian firms to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Kwan expressed being "deeply" troubled by the contract, given ICE's history of human rights abuses. She emphasized the need for Canada to uphold human rights standards, both domestically and internationally, and called into question the implications of Canadian technology being utilized in operations that endanger vulnerable populations. Recent U.S. procurement records reveal that ICE has placed a rush order for 20 armoured vehicles from Brampton, Ontario-based Roshel.
