Here is a roundup of stories designed to bring you up to speed with recent developments in Canada.
Canada to Begin Formal Talks with U.S. in January on Review of Free Trade Deal
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on December 18, 2025, that Canada will initiate formal discussions with the United States in January to review their free trade agreement. This decision comes as a result of Carney's recent meeting with provincial leaders to provide updates on trade negotiations with the U.S. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Internal Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc will engage with American counterparts to discuss the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade deal. Carney expressed optimism about the potential “tremendous benefits” for both countries if they collaborate in key economic sectors.
NDP Needs to Break Out of the Ottawa 'Bubble' to Rebuild: Davies
Interim NDP Leader Don Davies addressed the need for his party to refocus its efforts outside of the confines of Parliament Hill. He acknowledged that the NDP's recent electoral performance in April, their worst-ever result, reflected a disconnect with voter priorities. Central to his message was the importance of pharmacare, which he believes the party had to advocate for rather than aligning with grassroots concerns. As he leads the party in the coming months, Davies emphasized the importance of listening to a diverse range of perspectives. The NDP is set to elect a new leader on March 29 during its annual convention in Winnipeg.
Toronto-Quebec City High-Speed Rail Could See Dozens of Daily Trains: Documents
Internal documents reveal plans for a high-speed rail corridor between Toronto and Quebec City, potentially allowing for 72 trains to operate daily in one of Canada’s most populated regions. Alto, the Crown corporation overseeing this ambitious project, has estimated that trains would reach speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour on dedicated tracks. The federal government announced last week that the first segment of the network will link Montreal and Ottawa, with construction set to commence in 2029.
Inside the Warehouse Poised to Process Your Unwanted Gifts This Holiday
As the holiday season unfolds, an Ontario warehouse is gearing up to handle a surge of returns. ReturnBear, located in Mississauga and led by Ahmed Saeed, will be busy through February dealing with thousands of unwanted gifts. This company manages returns for various retailers, including Kim Kardashian’s Skims and True Classic apparel. ReturnBear typically prepares items in pristine condition for reshipment to stores while donating damaged or unwanted goods to charity, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and community support.
James Cameron Rejects ’51st State’ Talk as He Brings ‘Avatar’ Home to Canada
In a recent event in Toronto to promote his film “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” filmmaker James Cameron strongly reaffirmed Canada’s sovereignty, stating that the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state is unfounded. Cameron criticized the previous Trump administration for failing to recognize Canada’s distinct identity. The third installment in his acclaimed sci-fi series continues the narrative of the Sully family on the planet Pandora, where they encounter a new, hostile Na’vi tribe. The director attributes his creative inspiration for Pandora to his childhood experiences in Chippewa, Ontario, near Niagara Falls.
This report covered a range of significant political, economic, and cultural developments in Canada as of December 19, 2025, shedding light on the country's evolving landscape.
