Maple Express | August 19, 2026 - Trump Pauses 50% Tariffs on Canada for 3 Days

1. Canada-U.S. Trade Breakthrough: Trump Pauses 50% Tariffs for 3 Days, Calls Deal 'Very Good' for Both Countries

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he is delaying the new 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods for three days, saying the two countries have reached a tentative deal. In a social media post, Trump said Canada and the U.S. "have a DEAL, subject to the finalization of documents," calling the arrangement a "very good deal for both parties" and especially beneficial for American farmers. He also hinted that the long-defunct Keystone XL pipeline "may be awoken from the grave."

Prime Minister Mark Carney's statement was more cautious. He did not confirm a deal or mention the pipeline, but said intensive discussions over the past weeks have produced "substantial progress, although there is important work still to be done." Carney stressed that Canada remains focused on building a stronger, more independent and more competitive economy. The 50 per cent tariff, originally scheduled to take effect Wednesday morning, has been postponed until the end of day on August 21.

Meanwhile, Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and chief negotiator Janice Charrette met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington on Wednesday morning to finalize details. According to Greer's office, the deal will include comprehensive market access for American goods, economic security commitments and digital trade alignment. Business leaders say the three-day window means uncertainty remains, and several sectors still face an unsettled outlook until the tariffs are formally lifted.

2. Police Investigate Shooting Near Walmart in Scarborough

Toronto police responded early Wednesday morning to reports of shots fired near a Walmart at Morningside Avenue and Milner Avenue in Scarborough. Officers arrived at the scene around 6:43 a.m. to begin their investigation. As of publication, police had not released information on any injuries or confirmed whether anyone was struck, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The location is in a busy commercial area in eastern Scarborough, surrounded by large shopping centres and residential communities. Police have not closed off surrounding roads but have increased their presence in the area. The nature of the incident, the number of people involved and the motive remain unclear, and police are asking witnesses to come forward while reminding nearby residents to stay vigilant.

Shootings in public places have unfortunately become more common in Toronto in recent months, raising renewed concerns about community safety. Police say anyone with surveillance footage or eyewitness information should contact Toronto Police as soon as possible to help investigators piece together what happened.

3. Former Federal Housing Minister Erskine-Smith to Run for Toronto City Council

Former Liberal MP and cabinet minister Nate Erskine-Smith officially filed his paperwork at Toronto City Hall on Wednesday morning to run for the Beaches-East York council seat. The 42-year-old lawyer-turned-politician was first elected federally in 2015 and briefly served as housing minister before being dropped from cabinet by Prime Minister Mark Carney in May. He told reporters that Mayor Olivia Chow encouraged him to run, noting the two worked "very well together" on the housing file.

Erskine-Smith said he and Mayor Chow accomplished a great deal together for the city and that there is a real opportunity for continued collaboration. "I'm looking forward to working together with Mayor Chow and delivering for my community and for our city," he said. Earlier, he had sought the Liberal nomination in Scarborough Southwest for a provincial byelection but lost that race and later resigned his federal seat in June.

There is no incumbent in the Ward 19 race, as Coun. Brad Bradford is campaigning for mayor. Competing for the seat alongside Erskine-Smith are CTV News journalist Natalie Johnson, city worker James Dann and eight other candidates. Torontonians will head to the polls on Oct. 26.

4. Three in Hospital After Multi-Vehicle Crash in North York

Three people were taken to hospital Wednesday morning following a multi-vehicle crash at Don Mills Road and Mogul Drive in North York. Police were called to the scene around 6:37 a.m., and the cause of the collision is still under investigation. The severity of the injuries has not yet been released.

The intersection sits in an area where residential neighbourhoods meet commercial facilities, and traffic is heavy during the morning rush hour. Paramedics treated the injured at the scene before transporting three people to nearby hospitals. The crash briefly blocked some lanes and caused congestion in the surrounding area while police directed traffic around the scene.

Toronto Police are reminding drivers to slow down, obey traffic signals and avoid distracted driving in the area. More information about the cause of the crash and any charges will be released as the investigation progresses.

5. Shake Shack Expands in Ontario with Three New Locations, Including First Drive-Thru

American burger chain Shake Shack announced Monday that it is adding three new Ontario locations in Oakville, Burlington and London, with the London restaurant set to become the brand's first drive-thru in the province. The new sites are located at 275 Hays Blvd. in Oakville, 4511 Dundas St. in Burlington and 3275 Wonderland Rd. S. in London.

According to the company, the Oakville and Burlington locations will open in 2026, while the London restaurant will arrive in 2027. The new restaurants will serve Shake Shack's signature menu, including Angus beef burgers, Veggie Shacks, chicken sandwiches, crinkle-cut fries, hand-spun shakes and frozen custard. The chain says the new locations will feature "100 per cent premium Canadian ingredients."

"We're thrilled to expand Shake Shack's presence across Ontario, bringing our signature hospitality, quality ingredients and made-to-order favourites to more communities," said Billy Richmond, business director of Shake Shack Canada. The expansion adds to the chain's existing Ontario locations at Vaughan Mills, King West, Yonge-Dundas, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Kitchen Hub Castlefield, Yonge-Eglinton, Square One Shopping Centre and Union Station.

6. Beaver Sculptures from FIFA World Cup in Old Town Toronto Up for Auction

The 50 hand-painted beaver sculptures that decorated Old Town Toronto during the FIFA World Cup are now being auctioned off to the highest bidder. The colourful and creatively designed sculptures drew crowds of tourists and photo opportunities during the tournament, becoming a distinctive feature of Toronto's streetscape. Now they are looking for new homes through a public auction.

Each sculpture was created by local artists and designers, blending different creative elements to showcase Toronto's urban culture and the excitement of the World Cup. For fans and visitors who experienced the tournament in Toronto, the sculptures carry unique memories, and the auction offers collectors a chance to take home a piece of "Toronto memory."

The specific use of the auction proceeds has not yet been announced, but organizers say the goal is to let these public artworks continue to hold value. Interested residents and collectors can check the auction platform for details and place their bids before the deadline.

7. Pedestrian on Roller Blades Dies After Being Struck by Truck in Ajax

A 28-year-old man died Tuesday evening after being struck by a transport truck in Ajax. Durham Regional Police say officers responded to reports of a pedestrian struck near Salem Road and Chambers Drive shortly before 9 p.m. Investigators say a 2027 Freightliner was exiting the westbound Highway 401 off-ramp at Salem Road when the truck driver turned right and struck a pedestrian travelling on roller blades. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say the truck was operated by a 60-year-old man who remained at the scene and co-operated with officers. No charges have been laid at this time. As a result of the collision, the road was closed for several hours while investigators collected evidence.

The tragedy is a reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly the blind spots that pedestrians and cyclists face when sharing the road with large vehicles. The investigation remains ongoing, and Durham police are asking anyone with information to contact Traffic Services at 905-579-1520.

8. Motorcyclist Killed in Brampton Crash Involving a Transit Bus

A motorcyclist in their 50s has died following a Wednesday morning collision involving a transit bus in Brampton. The crash happened near Bovaird Drive East and Great Lakes Drive, just east of Highway 410. Peel Regional Police were called to the area just before 10:30 a.m. and pronounced the motorcyclist deceased at the scene. The driver of the bus was taken to hospital with injuries of unknown severity.

The cause of the collision is not yet known and the investigation is ongoing. Northbound Highway 410 exiting to Great Lakes Drive, as well as westbound Great Lakes Drive to the highway, are closed while police investigate, and drivers are being asked to use alternate routes.

Fatal crashes involving motorcycles are more common in the summer months. Police are urging motorcyclists to stay alert on the roads and reminding other drivers to check their blind spots before changing lanes or turning. More details will be released as the investigation continues.

9. Trump Revives Keystone XL: The 'Energy Card' in Canada-U.S. Trade Talks

Alongside his announcement pausing the 50 per cent tariffs on Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump revived a long-dormant cross-border energy project: the Keystone XL pipeline. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote: "The great Keystone XL Pipeline, long ago killed by Sleepy Joe Biden, may be awoken from the grave!" He then published an AI-generated image of himself hoisting the pipeline out of a gravesite marked by a tombstone labelled "BURIED BY BIDEN."

First proposed in 2008, Keystone XL was an expansion project designed to carry Canadian crude oil to the U.S. Gulf Coast, potentially increasing exports to the U.S. by more than 12 per cent. The project endured a rocky decade of legal barriers, opposition from environmental and Indigenous activists, and shifting presidential politics before being cancelled in Biden's first year in office. Trump attempted to revive it during his first term as part of his campaign promises.

Notably, Prime Minister Carney did not mention the pipeline in his own statement on the tariff pause. Analysts say Keystone XL is likely one of the cards the U.S. has put on the table in the trade talks, and its fate will depend on the final text of the agreement in the coming days. For Alberta's energy sector, a revived pipeline would be a major win.

10. N.B. Man Charged for Smuggling Firearms into Canada: CBSA

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced Wednesday that a 57-year-old New Brunswick man has been arrested and charged for allegedly attempting to smuggle firearms and magazines into Canada. According to CBSA, Gaylon Smith was referred for a secondary examination at the River de Chute port of entry in New Brunswick while returning from the United States on Monday.

During the examination, border services officers and a CBSA detector dog team searched the vehicle and seized four firearms, twelve over-capacity magazines and two magazines. Smith was charged with five counts of smuggling and one count of making a false statement. He appeared in court on Tuesday and is scheduled to appear again on Sept. 14. CBSA says an investigation related to offences under the Customs Act is ongoing.

The seizure is another result of border enforcement efforts to stop illegal firearms from entering Canada. CBSA reminds the public that bringing illegal firearms and ammunition into the country is a serious criminal offence with severe legal consequences. Border agencies will continue working with police to strengthen inspections of vehicles and travellers to prevent illegal weapons from crossing into Canada.