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what happened in canada?

In Canada over the past few days, a mix of major political, economic, and public‑safety stories has been in the spotlight, along with some Olympic and travel news.

Quick Scoop: Biggest Headlines

  • A devastating school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., described by officials as one of the worst mass shootings in Canada, has dominated national coverage and prompted statements from provincial leaders and police.
  • Air Canada has suspended flights to Cuba because of a fuel shortage there, forcing the airline to focus on repatriating stranded Canadian travelers.
  • New labour‑market data shows Canada lost about 25,000 jobs recently, pushing the unemployment rate to roughly 6.5%, with manufacturing in Ontario hit particularly hard.
  • Weather and safety alerts have been active, including Arctic cold warnings in parts of Ontario and Quebec and stories of dramatic rescues and wildlife encounters, such as a Saskatchewan man fighting off a moose to save his mother.
  • Politically, tensions with the United States remain high: President Donald Trump has again threatened tariffs and raised the prospect of blocking or delaying the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, tying this to broader complaints about Canada’s economic policies and trade decisions.

Politics and Diplomacy

  • The federal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney is adjusting its economic and trade posture in response to renewed U.S. pressure, including threats of 100% tariffs on Canada over potential deals with China.
  • Trump has publicly criticized Canada’s policies on issues like alcohol market decisions and broader trade “fairness,” using social media to threaten the Gordie Howe International Bridge link between Windsor and Detroit.
  • Within Canada, provincial politics are shifting: Quebec Premier François Legault has announced his intention to resign, triggering a leadership race, and Prince Edward Island’s NDP and Progressive Conservatives are both holding leadership contests.

Economy and Jobs

  • Recent jobs data show Canada shed about 25,000 jobs, with unemployment rising to around 6.5%.
  • The losses are concentrated in manufacturing, especially in Ontario, where factories are grappling with trade uncertainty, tariffs, and broader global economic pressures.
  • In response, Ottawa has announced a new strategy for the automotive sector, scrapping the Electric Vehicle Availability Standards and bringing back purchase rebates for EVs under $50,000, alongside a multi‑billion‑dollar support package for the industry.

Public Safety and Crime

  • The Tumbler Ridge school shooting in B.C. has become a national trauma, with officials calling it one of the most serious mass shootings in Canadian history and promising investigations and support for the community.
  • In Toronto, authorities have arrested several serving and retired police officers as part of an organized‑crime investigation involving allegations of bribery, drug trafficking, and even conspiracy to commit murder.
  • Other safety stories include a small plane crash near Ottawa, a police‑involved shooting in an Ontario courtroom under watchdog review, and a long‑distance rescue of a 70‑something hiker stranded for days in B.C. wilderness.

Health, Travel, and Daily Life

  • Air Canada’s suspension of flights to Cuba over jet fuel shortages is disrupting a major winter destination for Canadians, with efforts underway to bring travelers home and reroute future trips.
  • Health‑wise, Canada has approved its first oral HIV self‑test, a significant step for easier, more private screening and earlier diagnosis.
  • Canadians are also dealing with strong winter weather, including extreme cold alerts in parts of Ontario and Quebec and the usual mid‑winter focus on indoor activities, winter deals, and Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day events.

Sports and Culture

  • At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, Canadian athletes are active: the women’s hockey team postponed a game against Finland due to a norovirus outbreak, and freestyle skier Megan Oldham captured a bronze medal in freeski slopestyle.
  • Quebec’s famed Winter Carnaval has drawn tens of thousands of people, highlighting how, even amid serious national issues, cultural celebrations continue to bring crowds together.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.