From Munir Dar, Publisher & Chief Editor of Layalpur Post, Pakistan and Canada:

Happy 79th Independence Day to the great Pakistani nation and all overseas PAKISTANI worldwide On this joyous occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan. May we continue to work together for the progress and success of our homeland. Pakistan Zindabad!"

NEWS TODAY

Trade Tensions Between USA and Canada

A new poll indicates that support for Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party remains unchanged, despite the failure to reach a new trade deal with the United States. While Canadians are concerned about U.S. tariffs, affordability and the rising cost of living are cited as the top issues for most people.

Canada Joins Condemnation of Israel's Gaza Plan

Canada has joined other international partners in condemning Israel's plan to expand its military operation and take control of Gaza City. The Prime Minister has stated the action will put hostages at greater risk.

Income Gap Widens, Binning Increases in Vancouver

A new report from Statistics Canada shows that the income gap between the wealthiest and lowest-income households in Canada is at a record high.In Vancouver, this has led to a noticeable increase in the number of people collecting bottles and cans from trash bins to make ends meet.

Canada's Wildfire Season Second-Worst on Record

The 2025 wildfire season in Canada is now the second-worst on record, with an area the size of New Brunswick already burned.The blazes have been particularly severe in the Prairie provinces.

NEWS TODAY

Prime Minister Carney to make military announcement

Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Trenton, Ontario, today to make an announcement regarding the Canadian Armed Forces. The visit follows Canada's agreement at a recent NATO summit to significantly increase its defence spending to 5% of its annual GDP by 2035. This increase is intended to bolster the country's military capabilities, including new equipment and cyber-security.

Raksha Bandhan Celebrated Across Canada

The Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan is being observed across Canada today, August 8, 2025. This year, there is no inauspicious "Bhadra Kaal" period, allowing for the traditional ceremonies to be performed throughout the entire day.

Military Pay Raise and Benefits

The Canadian government has announced a significant increase in compensation and benefits for Canadian Armed Forces members. The initiative includes a pensionable pay raise of up to 20%, a new annual "Military Service Pay" lump sum based on years of service, and recruitment allowances for "stressed occupations."

Canada's Economy Sheds 41,000 Jobs in July, 2025

Statistics Canada reported that the economy shed 41,000 jobs in July, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 6.9 percent.This follows an unexpected job gain in June and will be closely watched by the Bank of Canada.

NEWS TODAY

PM Meets with Métis Leaders on Major Projects Bill

Politics and Trade: The Canadian government continues to address trade pressures, particularly from the U.S. Prime Minister Mark Carney is holding a summit with Métis leaders to discuss the "Building Canada Act" and major projects.There are also reports of ongoing discussions with Mexican officials regarding trade relations.

Trade Pressures from U.S. Continue to Dominate Discussions

The Canadian government is navigating ongoing trade tensions, with officials reportedly in discussions with Mexican counterparts to strengthen ties and address shared concerns.

Ontario Government to Invest $56.8 Million to Increase Nursing Enrollment

The Ontario government has announced a significant investment aimed at expanding nursing seats in colleges and universities to address a projected shortage.

German Soccer Legend Thomas Müller Signs with Vancouver Whitecaps

In a major move for the Canadian Premier League, former German international and Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller has reportedly signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

NEWS TODAY


Canada-U.S. Trade Tensions and Palestine Recognition:

Federal issues are currently dominated by ongoing trade tensions with the United States, particularly following the imposition of new tariffs by President Donald Trump. This is further complicated by Canada's recent decision to formally recognize Palestine as an independent state.

Carney to Meet Trump Amid Escalating Trade Dispute

Prime Minister Mark Carney is reportedly scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in the near future. The agenda will heavily focus on de-escalating the burgeoning trade dispute and seeking resolutions to the newly implemented tariffs that are causing concern across various sectors in both countries.

Parliamentary Business

The 45th Parliament of Canada, 1st Session, is currently in session. While August 4, 2025, being the Civic Holiday, did not involve scheduled parliamentary meetings, several legislative bills are at various stages of the parliamentary process. These include proposed legislation concerning railway safety, amendments to the Indian Act, initiatives related to sickle cell disease, and the development of a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income. 

Police Presence in Caledon

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have informed the public of an increased police presence in the vicinity of Petch Avenue and Dunlevy Road in Caledon. This increased presence is related to an ongoing investigation that police are currently conducting in the area. While the OPP has not released specific details about the nature of the investigation, a spokesperson for the OPP issued a statement assuring residents that there is no immediate threat to public safety. 

NEWS TODAY


The Government of Canada funding to support the International Culturefest in Brunswick

The Canadian government is investing $61,000 to support the International Culturefest in Saint John, New Brunswick, for both its 2025 and 2026 editions. This funding, announced on August 2, 2025, by MP Wayne Long on behalf of Minister Steven Guilbeault, comes through Canadian Heritage. The festival is a vibrant celebration of Canada's diverse cultural landscape.

Canada and U.S. Collaborate to Address Hesitant Countries on Citizen Deportations

Reports indicate that Canada and the United States are collaborating on addressing countries that are hesitant to accept deported citizens, as both nations increase efforts to return migrants to their home countries. This ongoing collaboration has been highlighted by various sources, including an article from The Maple published on June 16, 2025, which discussed Canada ramping up cooperation with the U.S. on security and immigration matters.

Canada's Housing Market Settles into a "New Normal" as Supply Rises

Canada's housing market is being described as a "new normal" that resembles the pre-pandemic "old normal," with economists and real estate experts noting increased supply and adapting to current borrowing rates. Clay Jarvis, Lead Writer & Spokesperson at NerdWallet Canada, noted that "A flurry of economic threats from the U.S. encased the winter selling season in a block of icy uncertainty. But as Donald Trump's tariff offensive sputters, it may be triggering a thaw."

Minister Anand Clarifies Canada's Stance on Gaza-Bound Controlled Goods

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement clarifying that Canada has refused new permits for controlled goods that could be used in Gaza since January 2024 and has frozen all existing relevant permits. This statement addresses a report claiming otherwise, with Minister Anand stating, "Global Affairs Canada officials have determined that a number of claims in the report are misleading and significantly misrepresent the facts."

Statistics Canada Job Cuts:

Toronto, Canada. Statistics Canada will be ending many term and casual employment contracts by October due to budget cuts. A spokesperson for StatCan stated that 142 individuals will be affected. Chief Statistician André Loranger sent a note to employees confirming these measures.

Canadian Tire Corporate Job Eliminations

Toronto, Canada. Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd. is eliminating some corporate positions as part of a restructuring effort. A Canadian Tire spokesperson stated that these changes are "necessary to ensure that we remain a strong retailer."

"Longest Ballot" Protest for Electoral Reform

Toronto, Canada. Over 200 candidates are running in the Battle River-Crowfoot byelection, with many linked to a protest movement seeking electoral reform. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called this a "blatant abuse" of democracy. Lori Turnbull, a political-science professor at Dalhousie University, stated that while electoral reform is a worthwhile cause, the protests are alienating voters.

Ferry Toll Cuts in Atlantic Canada

Toronto, Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced cuts to bridge and ferry tolls in Atlantic Canada. Chris McKee of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association expressed disappointment that commercial traffic on Marine Atlantic ferries would not benefit from the reduction. A Marine Atlantic spokesperson stated they would work with Transport Canada regarding funding decisions. 

Transportation Cost Cuts in Atlantic Canada

Toronto, Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced significant reductions in  transportation costs for Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec.Effective August 1, 2025, tolls on the Confederation Bridge will be cut from over $50 to $20, and fares for federally supported interprovincial ferries will be reduced by 50%. Marine Atlantic Inc. fares for passengers and vehicles will also be cut by 50%, with commercial freight rates frozen.

AI Adoption Lag in Canada:

Toronto, Canada. Evan Solomon, the new Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, noted that while Canada is a world leader in AI research, it lags in the adoption of AI technology by businesses. He emphasized the government's priority to build a "sovereign and secure AI infrastructure" and encourage Canadian companies to embrace AI for productivity and growth.

Pharmacare Funding Concerns:

Toronto, Canada.  Pharmacare Funding Concerns:Critics are raising concerns as the federal Liberals are not committing to signing new pharmacare funding deals, which some say sends a "bad signal" to provinces considering joining the program.

Federal By-election Sees Record-Breaking Number of Candidates

Toronto, Canada. Federal By-election Candidates: Over 200 candidates have signed up to run in a federal by-election next month in the electoral district of Battle River—Crowfoot, Alberta., more than doubling the previous record for candidates on a single ballot.

Indigenous Leaders Voice Concerns over Bill C-5 at Summit with PM Carney

Toronto, Canada. First Nations leaders today expressed significant skepticism regarding Prime Minister Mark Carney's "One Canadian Economy Act" (Bill C-5), a signature piece of legislation aimed at fast-tracking major resource and infrastructure projects.While the Prime Minister asserts the bill will foster prosperity for all Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, many leaders remain unconvinced about its ability to respect their rights. 

Fatal Shooting Outside Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Toronto, Canada. Toronto police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the early morning hours outside Yorkdale Shopping Centre.A man in his 20s was pronounced deceased at the scene. This incident contributes to a deadly day in Toronto, with two separate homicides reported just hours apart.

Canada Partners with Australia on Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar

Toronto, Canada. Canada's National Defence has signed a technology partnership arrangement with Australia for the rapid development and deployment of Canada's Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) system.This crucial component of Canada's NORAD modernization plan will provide advanced early warning and enhance detection capabilities for airborne threats in the North.

Heat Warnings Remain Across Much of Canada

Toronto, Canada. While some parts of Ontario and Quebec, including Toronto, saw heat warnings lifted this morning, much of the country continues to experience scorching temperatures and high humidex values. Environment Canada indicates that regions in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and even southern Northwest Territories are still under heat advisories.

PM Carney Holds Calls with Malaysian, Philippine Leaders:

Toronto, Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney engaged in separate diplomatic calls with the leaders of Malaysia and the Philippines today.Discussions reportedly entered on strengthening bilateral trade, exploring opportunities in clean energy, and addressing regional security concerns, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.Canada has been actively pursuing deeper ties with Southeast Asian nations, with ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) discussions with the Philippines and broader ASEAN-Canada FTA negotiations underway.

Automakers "Cautiously Optimistic" After PM Carney Meeting:

Toronto, Canada. Representatives from major automobile manufacturers met with Prime Minister Carney to discuss the federal government's electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate. While the industry expressed "cautious optimism" following the meeting, sources indicate that concerns remain regarding charging infrastructure, consumer incentives (which were paused earlier in the year), and the ambitious targets of 20% ZEV sales by 2026 and 60% by 2030, leading to 100% by 2035.

Ottawa Launches Consultation on Labour Code Changes:

Toronto, Canada. The federal government announced the launch of a new consultation process regarding proposed amendments to the Canada Labour Code. The focus of this consultation is on new leave provisions for federally regulated employees, building on recent changes that came into effect in June 2025 concerning replacement workers during strikes and lockouts.

Groups Urge PM Carney to Build East-West Power Grid:

Toronto, Canada. Over 100 environmental, community, and Indigenous groups today issued a joint call to Prime Minister Carney, urging the federal government to prioritize the development of a renewably-powered east-west electricity grid across Canada. The coalition emphasized the potential for significant job creation, improved health outcomes, enhanced energy affordability, and national security benefits, while also stressing the importance of upholding workers' and Indigenous rights, including free, prior, and informed consent.

Airport Operations Disrupted Across Canada Following Bomb Threats

Toronto, Canada. Several major Canadian airports, including Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Vancouver, experienced early morning bomb threats today, leading to temporary ground stops and evacuations.While operations are gradually resuming, travellers are advised to check flight statuses for potential delays.Authorities are investigating the source of the threats, which have since been deemed non-credible.

Canada's Merchandise Trade Deficit Narrows in May, Driven by Gold Exports

Toronto, Canada. Statistics Canada reported today that the country's merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $5.9 billion in May, down from April's record $7.6 billion.The improvement was largely attributed to a significant increase in unwrought gold exports, which climbed by over 30%. However, overall exports to the United States saw a slight decrease, reaching one of the lowest proportions on record.

Three Children Critically Injured in Mississauga Car Crash

Toronto, Canada. A serious two-vehicle collision in Mississauga this afternoon resulted in critical injuries for three children and significant injuries for two adults. Peel Regional Police are investigating the crash, and an individual from one of the vehicles reportedly fled the scene on foot. Emergency services responded rapidly to the incident.

Global Affairs Canada Announces New Diplomatic Appointments

Toronto, Canada. The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced a series of new diplomatic appointments. These appointments will see Canadian ambassadors and high commissioners take up new postings in various countries, including Tunisia, Mozambique, Austria, and Vietnam, among others, marking a significant reshuffle in Canada's international representation.

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Federal Government Launches Consultation on New Labour Code Leave Provisions

Toronto, Ontario, Canada. July 3, 2025 (LPC): The federal government today initiated a consultation period on proposed regulatory amendments to the Canada Labour Code.These changes aim to implement new leave entitlements, including provisions for pregnancy loss, enhanced bereavement leave, and leave for child placement, which were introduced in the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2023.

Ottawa Announces High-Speed Internet Initiative for Rural Saskatchewan

Toronto, Ontario, Canada. July 3, 2025 (LPC): The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development), is set to make an important announcement tomorrow, July 4, 2025, regarding improved high-speed internet access in rural Saskatchewan. The announcement is expected to detail federal efforts to bridge the digital divide in the province.

Canada and UK Partner to Strengthen Semiconductor Supply Chain

Toronto, Ontario, Canada. July 3, 2025 (LPC): Canada and the United Kingdom have deepened their collaboration to build a stronger and more resilient semiconductor supply chain.A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been put in place between the National Research Council of Canada, the UK's Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, and Quebec's MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI). This partnership aims to align capabilities in designing, fabricating, and packaging semiconductors, crucial for AI data centres and defence systems.

Ontario Invests $10 Million to Boost Junior Mining Exploration

Toronto, Ontario, Canada. July 3, 2025 (LPC): The Ontario government announced a $10 million investment today to launch the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) for 2025. This funding is designed to support early-stage mineral exploration by junior mining companies and licensed prospectors, particularly focusing on critical minerals in areas like the Ring of Fire. The initiative aims to accelerate responsible resource development and enhance Indigenous participation