Canadian Airlines Resume Service to Mexico Amid Violence
Canadian airlines, including WestJet, Air Canada, and Porter Airlines, have resumed flights to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, following a temporary suspension of service due to widespread violence. The disruptions were initiated over the weekend after a notorious cartel leader was killed in a government operation, which led to safety concerns across multiple regions in Mexico. WestJet is also offering flights to Guadalajara and Manzanillo.
In light of the situation, tourists and locals were advised to shelter in place to avoid potential unrest. Global Affairs Canada has indicated that over 26,000 Canadians are currently registered with the Ottawa consulate in Mexico, and continues to advise individuals to exercise a high degree of caution while traveling in the country.
Challenges in Mandating AI Firms to Report Online Threats
A cybersecurity law expert has raised concerns about the feasibility of proposed laws in Canada that would require artificial intelligence companies to report online threats to law enforcement. Emily Laidlaw, a Canada Research Chair in cybersecurity law at the University of Calgary, noted that while the government is reconsidering such regulations in light of recent violent incidents, the complexities involved in defining and reporting such threats complicate the issue.
This discussion has been reignited following the mass killings in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, by Jesse Van Rootselaar, who had been banned from OpenAI's ChatGPT for troubling posts that included scenarios of gun violence. Despite being banned, OpenAI did not notify police of his behavior prior to the lethal incidents, a decision that has prompted scrutiny from the Canadian federal government.
Winter Storm Hits Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada is facing continued winter weather as a significant storm brings snow and strong winds to the region. Environment Canada has issued warnings for much of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and eastern New Brunswick, forecasting snowfall of up to 30 centimeters in some areas. Wind gusts along the coast may reach as high as 90 kilometers per hour, adding to the dangerous conditions.
Newfoundland and Labrador are under similar winter storm warnings, with predictions of 20 to 25 centimeters of snowfall. Some areas in eastern Newfoundland have experienced severe weather, accumulating over 150 centimeters of snow in less than a week.
Increasing Public Trust in Canadian Institutions Amid U.S. Tensions
Amid escalating tensions with the United States, public trust in Canada’s major institutions appears to be on the rise, according to the latest CanTrust Index published by Proof Strategies. The poll, conducted between January 7 and 15, surveyed 1,501 Canadians and suggests that trust in government institutions has increased, with 40% of respondents expressing confidence—up from 36% in 2025 and 32% in 2021.
Additionally, trust in small and medium corporations, as well as the news media, has also improved, with 45% and 40% of respondents expressing trust respectively. Notably, trust in the news media has reached its highest level since 2016.
Continuation of Sexual Assault Trial of Frank Stronach
In the ongoing sexual assault trial of businessman Frank Stronach, the fifth complainant is set to undergo cross-examination by the defense today. Attorney Leora Shemesh began questioning the complainant on discrepancies in the statements provided to police compared to her court testimony. Stronach, 93, has pleaded not guilty to 12 charges stemming from incidents that allegedly took place from the 1970s to the 1990s.
The testimonies have been emotionally charged, with the complainant breaking down in tears while recounting her allegations of having been raped in Stronach's hotel suite in 1990, emphasizing her protests against his actions.
