Sue Dewar cartoon, Deb. 18, 2025

At the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, a proposed joint statement supporting Ukraine was blocked by the U.S., which sought to dilute its language, highlighting divisions within the group regarding the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the summit, where Canada announced over $4 billion in additional support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. Need More Context? 🔎

The condo market in Canada's major cities has seen significant declines, with Toronto sales down 75% and Vancouver's down 37% from 2022 to Q1 2025, driven by rising interest rates affecting affordability and investor returns. In Toronto, inventory has surged, leading to a 21.7% drop in sales year-over-year and a 2.2% decrease in average prices, with over 80% of investors losing money monthly due to high costs and rent controls. Need More Context? 🔎

The Florida Panthers are aiming for back-to-back Stanley Cup victories as they face the Edmonton Oilers in Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final on June 17, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena. If the Oilers can force a Game 7, they will have the advantage of hosting the decisive match in Edmonton on Friday. Need More Context? 🔎

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that starting this fall, most of Alberta's 4.8 million residents will have to pay out of pocket for COVID-19 vaccines, while dependent seniors, the immunocompromised, and those on social assistance will receive them for free. This decision follows the end of federal funding for vaccines and aims to reduce wastage after over a million doses were discarded last season. Need More Context? 🔎

Article SummaryPenny Boudreau, serving a life sentence for the 2008 murder of her 12-year-old daughter Karissa, is set for a parole hearing on June 18, where she will seek unescorted release, prompting public backlash due to her past. Boudreau, who initially pleaded for her daughter's safe return, confessed to the crime after a police sting operation, sparking outrage in Nova Scotia as the community still grapples with recent child disappearances. Need More Context? 🔎

The minority Liberal government's major projects bill, C-5, passed its second reading in the House of Commons with a vote of 304-29 and is set for committee study this week, following fast-tracking by the Conservatives. The bill grants the federal government powers to expedite natural resource and infrastructure projects and will undergo scrutiny from various stakeholders, with a Senate pre-study also underway. Need More Context? 🔎