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

Flooding in Fraser Valley Could Peak Today as B.C. Prepares for Second System

Flooding in the Fraser Valley, triggered by overflow from the Nooksack River in Washington State, is expected to reach its peak today. Residents are anxiously awaiting information on the extent of the flooding. David Campbell from the BC River Forecast Centre reported that water levels across the border are already decreasing, but floodwaters from the river flowing into the Sumas area are anticipated to rise overnight.

While rainfall warnings have been lifted, forecasts predict another atmospheric river and stormy systems to arrive on Sunday, potentially increasing flood hazards. The City of Abbotsford remains under a state of emergency, with authorities advising residents in over 450 properties to evacuate immediately, while more than 1,000 others are on evacuation alert.

Another Conservative MP Crosses the Floor to Join the Liberal Caucus

In a significant political shift, Toronto-area MP Michael Ma has left the Conservative Party to join the Liberal caucus, marking the second floor-crossing by a Conservative MP this fall. This change occurs just as Prime Minister Mark Carney becomes one seat shy of achieving a majority government. Ma was met with a standing ovation during the Liberal holiday party in Ottawa, where Carney publicly welcomed him on stage.

Chris d’Entremont, a Nova Scotia MP, was the first MP elected as a Conservative in April to make this move, transitioning to the Liberals earlier in November, coinciding with the tabling of the federal budget. The timing of Ma's departure is particularly notable, occurring less than two months before a leadership review vote for Pierre Poilievre during the upcoming Conservative Party convention in Calgary.

House of Commons Rises for Six-Week Holiday Break

The House of Commons has commenced its winter break without the government's lengthy budget implementation bill having passed into law. House leader Steven MacKinnon remarked that the past 11 weeks of the fall sitting were marked by intense efforts from the government to protect jobs and alleviate living costs.

This sitting was significant as it was the first full session since Prime Minister Mark Carney assumed office in the spring, during which MPs successfully passed legislation aimed at expediting major projects and dismantling interprovincial trade barriers. Despite this, Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer criticized the Liberals for delaying their legislative agenda and for not collaborating effectively with other parties to address pressing affordability issues.

Canada Post Says It Won't Axe Library Shipping Program Despite Proposal in Budget

Canada Post has announced it will not eliminate a program designed to subsidize shipping costs for libraries, notwithstanding a federal bill that aims to terminate it. Bill C-15 proposes to eliminate a clause from Canada Post legislation that grants reduced shipping rates for books and other materials exchanged between libraries or sent to library users, suggesting instead that Canada Post set its own rates.

Mary Chevreau, representing the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, emphasized the importance of the special rate in safeguarding interlibrary loan programs and sustaining rural libraries. The St. John's Public Libraries Board in Newfoundland and Labrador has also expressed that the loss of this program would be "catastrophic" for rural libraries and literacy initiatives.

Claims Period Closes Friday in $500-Million Bread Price-Fixing Settlement

Today marks the final day for Canadian consumers to submit claims in a $500 million settlement involving Loblaw Companies Ltd. and its parent company, George Weston Ltd., related to alleged widespread price-fixing of bread. Shoppers who purchased packaged bread between January 2001 and December 2021 can file a claim on the Canadian Bread Settlement website without needing proof of purchase.

Eligible claimants could receive $25 within six to twelve months following the deadline. The settlement allocation includes $404 million to be paid jointly by Loblaw and George Weston.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Dec. 12, 2025.

The Canadian Press