Politics

B.C. MP Gord Johns endorsed Alberta MP Heather McPherson for NDP leader, saying her ability to hold her Edmonton seat could help rebuild the party; the party will name its next leader on March 29.

The New START treaty between Russia and the United States expired on Thursday; Russia said it regretted the lapse and officials warned the loss of treaty limits could reduce transparency and raise risks.

Ukraine and Russia held a second day of U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi; officials from both sides described the first day as productive and said negotiations continued in multiple formats.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has proposed changes to the judicial appointment process and warned she may withhold funding for court support staff; the federal government declined to alter the process, saying judicial independence must be protected.

Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon said his party welcomes the Conservatives' offer to fast-track certain bills and that he will speak with Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer to discuss particulars.

Premier Wab Kinew has outlined large projects and long-range goals meant to boost Manitoba's economy, but the article notes key details are missing and the province is running sustained deficits that are unlikely to be closed quickly.

Nivi Rosing, 22, says residents remain anxious after reported threats and coercion from U.S. leaders, and officials describe ongoing parliamentary debate; Canada will open a consulate in Nuuk this week.

A Feb. 5 letters page gathers readers' reactions to a provincial politician's move to the federal Liberals, debate over fighter-jet procurement and Canada–U.S. defence links, concerns about nuclear weapons and preparedness, and an anecdote about durable appliances.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Canada will consider joining a proposed U.S. critical minerals trading bloc only as part of the broader USMCA review talks.

A city interim report says long lineups, complex procedures and new technology during Edmonton’s October 2025 municipal election caused delays and frustration for some voters; the city auditor reported issues were addressed and an action plan is expected ahead of the 2029 municipal election.

Premier David Eby will meet Surrey business leaders after police reported dozens of extortion attempts and several related shootings in the city; federal authorities have pledged additional RCMP officers.

Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser said he will keep the current judicial appointment process after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith asked for greater provincial input and warned she might withhold some judicial funding.

News reports say the White House posted an AI-altered image on X showing civil rights lawyer Nekima Levy Armstrong appearing to cry during her arrest; Levy Armstrong says she remained calm when detained. She is among nine people indicted on charges related to a Minnesota protest, and her lawyer cited the doctored photo in court filings.

Taiwan's envoy Harry Tseng says a Canada–Taiwan trade co-operation framework was initialed and ready for final signatures since April and that concerns about China may be slowing the signing; Global Affairs Canada confirmed the agreement was concluded in March 2025 and said a review is underway.

Hospital officials said Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 19 people, and Israeli military officials said the strikes followed militant gunfire that wounded a reservist.

Israeli strikes across Gaza killed at least 24 Palestinians, Gaza health officials said, and Israel said some strikes followed a militant attack that wounded a soldier; the fragile ceasefire has been strained.

The B.C. government has appointed Paul Dadwal, a former RCMP officer, to lead a community advisory group on extortion aimed at improving communication between law enforcement and affected communities such as Surrey.

The Supreme Court denied an emergency appeal and allowed a voter-approved California congressional map to be used in this year's elections. Filing for California congressional primaries begins on Monday.

Newly released Epstein files include allegations referencing Bill Gates, which he denies and says he regrets knowing Jeffrey Epstein; Melinda French Gates said she has moved on from their marriage and called the victims' experiences 'beyond heartbreaking.'

Fulton County asked a federal court to order the FBI to return ballots and other 2020 election documents taken in a recent warehouse search. President Donald Trump has said he wants to "take over" elections in some Democratic-run areas, remarks county officials cited in their filing.

Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser said Ottawa will not change the current judicial appointment process after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith demanded more provincial input and warned she would withhold provincial funding for judges.

Residents and officials north of Kingston say a proposed high-speed rail corridor could cut through South Frontenac; Alto says no route has been selected and impact assessments and consultations are ongoing.

Envoys from Russia and Ukraine met in Abu Dhabi for U.S.-brokered talks, and Ukrainian officials reported a cluster munition attack at a market that killed seven people.

Defence Minister David McGuinty said Canada has no intention of developing nuclear weapons and will focus on conventional forces; his remarks responded to former chief Wayne Eyre's suggestion that Canada keep the option open in the future.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser said he will keep the current federal process for judicial appointments after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith asked for a greater provincial role and warned she would withhold some judicial funding if Ottawa did not agree.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered a severe security crackdown on nationwide protests that activists say killed thousands, and he has allowed nuclear talks with the United States as tensions rise with an American flotilla nearby.

Border czar Tom Homan said about 700 federal immigration officers will be withdrawn from Minnesota following two recent fatal shootings involving federal officers. The Justice Department has opened a civil rights review into one of the shootings while the other has not been the subject of the same review.

The High Commission of Canada in Tanzania continues to support Valerie Msoka as a CEFM Champion, and the article reports she empowers young women to oppose female genital mutilation. The story is published by Global Affairs Canada and references an earlier archived account from 2018.

The Trump administration said it will withdraw about 700 immigration officers from Minnesota, reducing a federal deployment of roughly 3,000. Border czar Tom Homan said the move followed agreements with state and local authorities to transfer arrested immigrants to federal custody.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand will meet international counterparts in Washington for talks hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as the U.S. presses for cooperation on critical minerals. The meeting follows the Trump administration's announcement of 'Project Vault,' a reported $12-billion strategic reserve of rare earths.