Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed...
Prime Minister Mark Carney Meets with Coastal First Nations to Discuss Major Projects and Marine Conservation
Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, to engage in discussions with Coastal First Nations regarding significant government projects and marine conservation efforts. He is accompanied by several ministers, including Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson and Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson. Tensions between the federal government and the Coastal First Nations escalated in 2025 when officials failed to consult the group prior to signing an agreement with Alberta to facilitate a pipeline project to the B.C. coast. Marilyn Slett, the president of Coastal First Nations, which represents nine First Nations, has emphasized that there is no support among its members for a pipeline to the coast or the lifting of the oil tanker moratorium.
Canadian Charity Launches Relief Hub for Children in Gaza
A Canadian charity, Human Concern International, has announced the establishment of a relief hub in Gaza aimed at providing traumatized children with essential mental health support and educational resources. The charity, based in Ottawa, is investing $3.5 million to partner with UNICEF Canada to set up an emergency facility featuring 12 classrooms and psychological assistance. The initiative aims to assist nearly 1,500 children, many of whom suffer from disabilities due to the impact of Israel's bombardment of the region. Usama Khan from Human Concern International underscored the importance of education for Palestinian children and urged Canadians to advocate for increased access to aid.
Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health to Provide Update on Respiratory Virus Season
Dr. Vivien Suttorp, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, is scheduled to deliver an update today regarding the ongoing respiratory virus season in the province. The update comes amid reports of strain on the hospital system, attributed in part to elevated influenza cases. Medical professionals have been calling for emergency measures as concerns over long wait times and crowded emergency rooms grow. As of January 3, Alberta reported 653 influenza cases in hospitals, including 51 in intensive care.
Halifax Council to Address Oversight of Ride-Hailing Companies
The Halifax city council is convening today to discuss proposed changes in bylaws aimed at enhancing supervision of ride-hailing companies such as Uber. A staff report presented last month recommended aligning licensing requirements for ride-hailing services with the regulations governing taxi and limousine services. Uber has opposed these changes, arguing they would lead to increased fares, excessive red tape, and added fees for drivers. The proposed bylaw amendments, which also include provisions to make it easier for taxi companies to adjust their fares, are set for their first reading.
William Nylander’s Overtime Goal Leads Maple Leafs to Victory against Colorado Avalanche
In a thrilling NHL matchup, William Nylander scored just under four minutes into overtime to secure the Toronto Maple Leafs a 4-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, ending Colorado's impressive 17-game home winning streak. Nylander's decisive goal came off a pass from Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who maneuvered the puck past Colorado's goalie Trent Miner. Joseph Woll, the Maple Leafs' goalkeeper, made 31 saves, helping the team navigate through a penalty near the end of regulation. This marked Colorado's first home loss since October 23, and they narrowly missed extending their franchise record for the longest home win streak set by the 2021-22 Stanley Cup-winning team.
Reports from Iran Reveal Heavy Security Forces and Damage Amid Protests
As Iranians reportedly made their first communications to the outside world on Tuesday, they described severe security measures and sporadic destruction in the streets of Tehran following nearly five days of restricted communication during intense protests. Many citizens recounted that while SMS services remained disrupted, internet access was limited to government-approved sites. The situation has led to heightened concern among Iranian Canadians unable to contact family members amidst the turmoil, which has seen banks and administrative buildings torched and stores receiving little customer traffic.
