The Canadian Press has reported on several significant stories providing insights into the current economic, political, and cultural landscape in Canada and North America.
The continental trade pact is up for review in 2026: here’s what Trump might want
A mandatory review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), also known as the CUSMA in Canada, is scheduled for 2026. Former President Donald Trump has indicated that he believes the trade deal may have served its purpose and needs reevaluation. The three countries involved in the pact have three choices: renew the agreement for another 16 years, withdraw from it, or signal both non-renewal and non-withdrawal, which would trigger annual reviews and ongoing negotiations.
Trump has raised concerns over various issues in the trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada. Ryan Majerus, a representative from King & Spalding, a Washington-based law firm, anticipates that the negotiations will mirror those seen during Trump’s first administration. A key aspect likely to be pushed by the U.S. will be an increase in regional content requirements for automobile manufacturing. Meanwhile, Canada is expected to leverage its critical minerals and energy resources as vital bargaining chips in these negotiations.
Interim budget officer says he regrets calling feds’ fiscal management ‘stupefying’
In another development, Jason Jacques, the interim parliamentary budget officer, publicly expressed regret over his earlier characterization of the federal government’s finances as “stupefying” and “unsustainable.” His comments had sparked considerable debate in the House of Commons, with opposition parties accusing the ruling Liberals of irresponsible spending ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget. Jacques acknowledged that his choice of words may have politicized discussions around the government’s financial management. He clarified that his intention was merely to communicate fiscal realities without using language that could be misconstrued as criticism.
Yukon power grid under ‘significant’ strain as deep freeze grips Western Canada
In Western Canada, a severe cold snap has put considerable strain on the Yukon power grid, prompting officials to urge residents to limit their electricity use. Cold weather warnings are in effect for northern regions of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, as well as the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Energy Minister Ted Laking has warned that equipment failures in the territory heighten the risk of rolling blackouts, advising citizens to prepare emergency kits to ensure they are ready for potential outages.
Pulled ’60 Minutes’ segment surfaces on web with Canadian broadcaster’s branding
A segment originally pulled from CBS News' "60 Minutes" prior to its airing in the U.S. has resurfaced online marked with the branding of Canadian broadcaster Global TV. Reports indicate that the segment, which features deportees who experienced torture at a prison in El Salvador, was uploaded to StackTV, Global’s streaming platform. CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss stated that the segment was removed due to it not “advancing the ball,” whereas the journalist behind the story accused Weiss of acting to appease the Trump administration, which has been critical of the show.
Alberta chocolatier brings Canadian magic to Harry Potter baking show
Lastly, in a lighter story, Priya Winsor, an Alberta chocolatier, made headlines as a finalist on "Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking." Her experience on the show introduced her to larger-scale baking projects, which pushed her creative boundaries. Winsor, the owner of Compass Chocolates based in St. Albert, Alberta, integrated Canadian elements into her edible masterpieces, drawing on personal experiences, particularly those tied to her home province of Newfoundland. The global competition featured pastry chefs and chocolatiers challenged to create elaborate, hyper-realistic showpieces inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter.
This collection of stories highlights the diverse and pressing issues currently unfolding in Canada and North America, from trade negotiations and fiscal management to severe weather impacts and cultural achievements.
