The Canadian Press reports on a series of significant events that highlight the current political and economic landscape in Canada and its relationship with the United States and Mexico. Notably, Prime Minister Mark Carney is meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Washington today ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw. This marks the first time all three leaders have gathered in person and occurs just ahead of the mandatory review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) scheduled for next year. While the three nations’ relations have been challenged by Trump’s tariffs, both Canada and Mexico have benefitted from a carveout for CUSMA-compliant goods, shielding them from some duties. CUSMA was negotiated during Trump’s first administration to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, demonstrating the evolving trade dynamics between these countries.
In another development, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced that the Canadian government will launch a review of its firearms classification regime. This review is particularly relevant because it will include consultations with Indigenous communities regarding the SKS rifle, which has faced criticism for not being included in the list of banned firearms. Anandasangaree emphasized the need for a review that fosters simplicity and consistency in the legal framework concerning firearms, ammunition, and magazines. The SKS rifle is used by Indigenous hunters and has also been implicated in several high-profile shootings, making its classification a contentious issue in the ongoing dialogue around gun control in Canada.
Critics have raised concerns regarding Saab's proposal to create approximately 10,000 aerospace jobs in Canada if the company moves to assemble Gripen fighter jets in the country. Some skeptics, including Richard Shimooka from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, suggest that this job figure may be "completely unrealistic." The skepticism is heightened in light of U.S. President Trump’s trade policies and his previous comments on integrating Canada more closely into the U.S. political fabric. Conservative defense critic James Bezan has also criticized the ongoing review of the F-35 procurement process, labeling it unnecessary and potentially damaging to Canadian jobs involved in the existing F-35 supply chain.
Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has spoken out about the misuse of the province’s politician-recall legislation. Kenney, who originally designed the Recall Act, insists that it was not intended to be a political tool but rather a means of holding politicians accountable for illegal or unethical conduct. His remarks come as 14 members of the United Conservative caucus face recall petitions from constituents. Many of these petitions are driven by concerns that UCP politicians are not adequately addressing constituent concerns and have eroded trust following controversial legislative actions, such as overriding teachers' rights during a recent provincewide strike.
In cultural news, Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) held its first-ever online auction, which culminated in notable sales, including a Kuba Bryzgalski painting of snowshoers in striped coats that fetched $170,000. Additionally, a single bidder spent a total of $27,100 on seven vintage point blankets. The auction, run by Heffel Fine Art Auction House, is part of a broader initiative to auction off pieces from HBC's extensive collection. The company previously auctioned high-profile pieces, including a painting by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, raising over $4.9 million to assist HBC’s creditors amid its ongoing financial struggles.
The auction activity is part of HBC's efforts to resolve an impressive $1.1 billion in debt from when it filed for creditor protection in March. This ongoing liquidation process will continue online over the coming year as the company seeks to improve its financial situation.
