Politics

Jimmy Lai will be sentenced Monday in Hong Kong after a December conviction under the national security law; he faces a possible life term and his family has raised concerns about his age and health.

A Palestinian woman reported long waits, searches and questioning when returning to Gaza through the Rafah crossing after it reopened; UN and Palestinian health figures show only a small number of medical evacuations have taken place while hundreds remain awaiting transfer.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party won 316 of 465 lower-house seats and, with 36 seats for its new ally the Japan Innovation Party, the governing coalition holds 352 seats; NHK cited preliminary vote counts.

China's top court struck down the death sentence for Canadian Robert Schellenberg and ordered a new trial, and authorities report that Nancy Guthrie has been missing for one week while investigators examine a new message.

Supporters and Mohammadi's lawyer say a Revolutionary Court in Mashhad handed the Nobel laureate more than seven additional years in prison, plus a two-year travel ban; supporters say she began a hunger strike on Feb. 2.

Exit polls show the Liberal Democratic Party, led by Sanae Takaichi, was on track to win a majority in the lower house after a snap election, and NHK projections suggested the ruling coalition could secure a two‑thirds majority.

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened after a two-day closure, allowing a limited number of Palestinians to cross; Palestinian officials and travelers reported delays and allegations of mistreatment.

The Eglinton Crosstown Line 5 officially opened Sunday after about 15 years of building, with the TTC launching a phased start and offering free rides on the first official day. Initial service will run on a limited schedule while officials install additional signal priority systems and adjust connecting bus routes.

Stéphane Dion, who tabled the Clarity Act, criticized Alberta separatist activity and urged Premier Danielle Smith to explain her position after the province lowered the signature requirement for a referendum; the U.S. State Department confirmed meetings with separatist organizers and said no commitments were made.

Former president Nicolás Maduro and acting president Delcy Rodríguez have expressed devotion to Indian spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba; Rodríguez visited his ashram in 2023 and 2024 and Maduro marked the guru's centenary in 2025.

The federal government will provide up to $1.01 billion in a repayable loan to Canada Post as a short-term financial bridge to maintain services; this follows $1.03 billion in support announced in January 2025.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand opened a Canadian consulate in Nuuk and said Canada will pursue economic ties, shared heritage and Arctic security through cooperation.

Denmark's foreign minister said relations with the United States have improved after earlier threats and tariff plans were dropped, but he warned the Greenland dispute remains unresolved because sovereignty concerns are a red line.

The Ontario Liberal Party announced it will choose a new leader on Nov. 21, following Bonnie Crombie's earlier resignation; party officials said several politicians are considering runs but have been awaiting the date and rules.

The Ontario Liberal Party has set a leadership election for Nov. 21, with candidate nominations due July 31 and an entry fee of $150,000 to register.

Reports say police used tear gas and water canons to disperse demonstrators near the Santagiulia ice hockey rink in Milan, and a security alert and at least five arrests were reported.

The Pentagon announced it will end military training, fellowships and certificate programs at Harvard starting in the 2026-27 academic year; current personnel attending classes may finish those courses.

President Donald Trump plans a Board of Peace meeting in Washington on Feb. 19 to raise funds for Gaza reconstruction, but it is unclear which world leaders will attend.

President-elect José Antonio Kast, who campaigned on tougher immigration enforcement, takes office March 11; migrants in camps such as Port-au-Prince in Curicó report fear after receiving eviction notices and with a last-minute amnesty appearing unlikely.

President Donald Trump has assigned senior military officials to diplomatic roles, sending Adm. Brad Cooper to indirect U.S.-Iran talks in Oman and having Army Secretary Dan Driscoll engage with Ukrainian officials during Russia-Ukraine discussions.

At events marking 20 years since he first became prime minister, Stephen Harper urged national unity, voiced agreement with Prime Minister Mark Carney's assessment of U.S. relations, and suggested approving another pipeline to British Columbia's coast.

An opinion piece argues that widespread gambling advertising and broadcaster ties have normalized betting during sports and cites rising problem-gambling rates; it notes Bill S-211 has passed the Senate and is now before the House of Commons.

Mark Carney's Davos speech drew wide international coverage and argued the rules-based global order is rupturing; commentators have praised his rhetoric while others say institutions like NATO, the EU and global trade remain resilient.

After surviving a leadership review, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa and said he urged the prime minister to 'work with us' on economic issues; the Prime Minister's Office did not provide a readout of the meeting.

Canada and France are opening consulates in Nuuk this week, with Governor-General Mary Simon attending the Canadian ceremony; NATO and several European countries are also signaling support for Greenland after public U.S. threats.

A 37-year-old beautician in Karaj filmed the Jan. 8 protests and captured audible gunfire; she has since moved in with her mother and says she is too fearful to leave home.

Prime Minister Mark Carney ended the federal EV sales mandate, resumed purchase incentives and announced stronger tailpipe standards; he says the measures will lead to 75% of new cars being electric by 2035. Some climate experts and opposition leaders question that projection, and officials say the detailed modelling behind the claim has not yet been released.

A provincial byelection in Scarborough Southwest was set off by Doly Begum's move to run for a federal Liberal seat, and federal MP Nate Erskine-Smith has announced he will seek the Ontario Liberal nomination there; the outcome could influence the party's leadership contest.

At the 2026 Northern Perspectives conference in Winnipeg, northern and provincial leaders urged major federal investment in northern infrastructure, highlighting projects such as the Kivalliq Hydro‑Fibre Link and a proposed expansion of the Port of Churchill.

China's Supreme People's Court has annulled the death sentence of Canadian Robert Schellenberg and ordered a new trial, and Global Affairs Canada said it is aware of the decision and will continue to provide consular services.