Podcast: Iran’s Influence in Canada

Food inflation in Canada surged 3.5% in August, significantly outpacing the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase of 1.9%, driven by global factors like transportation costs and weather-related crop stress. While meat prices rose sharply by 7.2%, fresh fruit prices saw a slight decline of 1.1%, highlighting the ongoing volatility in food costs amid broader economic discussions. Want More Context? 🔎

Trade Talks Between Canada and the U.S. Canada's Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc expressed optimism about ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S., emphasizing that relations have fundamentally changed and won't return to previous norms. He highlighted Canada's dual approach in pursuing either sectoral or comprehensive agreements while preparing for a landscape of increased U.S. protectionism. Want More Context? 🔎

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) experienced a Primary Inspection Kiosks outage affecting multiple airports, including Toronto Pearson, on Thursday; the issue began around 10:20 a.m. ET and was resolved by 2 p.m., but travelers faced delays as operations resumed. This outage followed a similar incident just days prior, highlighting ongoing challenges with border processing systems. Want More Context? 🔎

A former RBC employee, Ibrahim El-Hakim, is facing RCMP charges for allegedly accessing Prime Minister Mark Carney's banking profile and defrauding the bank of $68,500. Charged with fraud, unauthorized computer use, identity theft, and trafficking in identity information, El-Hakim reportedly received directives via Telegram to commit these offenses between November 2023 and June 2025, with a court appearance scheduled for November 5. Want More Context? 🔎

Greta Thunberg and activists in the Global Sumud Flotilla were intercepted by the Israeli navy while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, with Israel claiming the group is linked to Hamas and seeking provocation. While Israel asserts the flotilla violated a lawful naval blockade, the activists label their interception an "unlawful abduction," vowing to continue their efforts. Want More Context? 🔎

A terror attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on October 2, 2025, resulted in three deaths, including a suspect, and multiple injuries from a car ramming and stabbing during Yom Kippur. The incident, declared a terrorist event, prompted two arrests and a heightened police response to ensure community safety. Want More Context? 🔎