Canada News | June 24, 2026 Inflation Hits 3.2%, Highest in Over Two Years

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📰 Canada's Inflation Rate Rises to 3.2% in May, Fastest Since Late 2023

Statistics Canada reported Monday that the annual inflation rate climbed to 3.2% in May, up from 2.8% in April, marking the highest headline inflation since December 2023. The ongoing Iran conflict and its impact on the Strait of Hormuz continued to drive energy prices higher, with gasoline prices surging 33.2% year-over-year.

Food prices also accelerated, with grocery inflation rising to 4.3% — now exceeding headline inflation for 16 consecutive months. Fresh vegetable prices jumped 5.5% month-over-month, the largest May increase since 2008, while tomato prices soared 45.2% annually due to poor growing conditions in Mexico and reduced planting acreage from U.S. tariffs.

BMO chief economist Doug Porter noted that gasoline prices have eased in recent weeks, which should bring the headline figure down in the next report. CIBC senior economist Andrew Grantham cautioned that air transportation and travel tour costs will remain sticky through the summer months before moderating in the fall.

— CBC News

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📰 Montreal Police Officer Killed in Line of Duty, Three Dead in Shooting

A shooting in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood on June 22 left three people dead, including 34-year-old Constable Mohamed Lamine Benredouane — the first Montreal police officer killed in the line of duty in more than two decades. Civilian Michel Mizrahi was also killed, and the suspected shooter died at the scene.

Police were called after a witness reported seeing a "gun sticking out of a window." At least 29 gunshots were heard in the midday attack. Authorities issued an emergency alert ordering parts of the neighbourhood to shelter in place. A second injured officer is now in stable condition.

The suspected shooter, a 25-year-old from Lethbridge, Alberta, reportedly distributed a violent incel manifesto targeting women online before the attack. Quebec's premier expressed deep shock, and tributes poured in from across the country for the fallen officer and civilian victim.

— CBC News

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📰 Toronto Secures $1.5 Billion to Slash Development Charges by 40-60%

The federal and Ontario governments announced on June 23 that Toronto will receive $1.5 billion to reduce residential development charges by 40 to 60 percent from 2026 through 2029. Premier Doug Ford said the deal — combined with the province's 13% HST cut on new homes — will lower the cost of building new homes by more than $200,000 in Toronto.

City officials estimate the agreement could help deliver approximately 44,000 new homes. For developers of single and semi-detached homes, the reduction will shave roughly $83,000 off construction costs per unit. Mayor Olivia Chow said the funding will also support critical infrastructure projects including transit, wastewater, and roads.

The money flows through the Development Charge Reduction Program, a joint initiative Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Ford announced in March, and will be distributed over 10 years. Toronto City Council must first approve the agreement to lower development charges for at least three years.

— CP24

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📰 PM Carney Nominates Chief Justice Glenn D. Joyal to Supreme Court of Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on June 22 the nomination of the Honourable Glenn D. Joyal to the Supreme Court of Canada, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Sheilah L. Martin. Chief Justice Joyal has served on the bench for more than 25 years and has led the Court of King's Bench of Manitoba since 2011.

Before his judicial career, Joyal practised criminal law, constitutional law, and civil litigation in Manitoba. He has been recognized for his work improving access to justice, modernising court operations, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. He is a recipient of both the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

"The Supreme Court of Canada is a pillar of our democracy," Prime Minister Carney said. "Throughout his career, Chief Justice Joyal has demonstrated the integrity, experience, and sound judgment that service on our highest court demands."

— Prime Minister of Canada

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📰 Canada Faces Switzerland Today in Pivotal World Cup Group B Match

Canada's men's national team takes on Switzerland today at BC Place in Vancouver at 3:00 PM ET in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B showdown. After a 1-1 draw in their opener and a historic 6-0 rout of Qatar — Canada's first-ever World Cup victory — the team needs just a draw to secure top spot in the group.

Switzerland also enters the match with a 1-1-0 record, making this a decisive clash for group supremacy. Prime Minister Carney will be in attendance in Vancouver. Canadian striker Jonathan David has been in fine form, and analysts expect goals from both sides in what shapes up to be the match of Group B.

The winner claims first place in the group and a more favourable path in the knockout stage. Oddsmakers slightly favour Switzerland, but home-field advantage and Canada's newfound scoring touch have fans optimistic.

— Covers

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📰 Canada Signs $2.5 Billion Deal with Australia for Arctic Radar System

The Canadian government finalized agreements on June 22 with the Australian government and BAE Systems Australia for the purchase of an Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system (A-OTHR), a $2.5 billion investment in NORAD modernization. Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr signed the deal in Canberra alongside Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.

The sophisticated long-range radar system will monitor Arctic airspace for aircraft and missile threats. Transmitting and receiving stations will be located in the Kawartha Lakes region of southern Ontario, with the system expected to be operational by 2029. The project is part of a broader integrated Arctic surveillance network estimated at $6 billion overall.

"This agreement with Australia reflects the partnership approach at the core of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy," Fuhr said. BAE Systems Australia is scheduled to begin engineering work on July 1, 2026.

— CBC News

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📰 Poll Shows Tightening Toronto Mayoral Race Between Chow and Bradford

A Mainstreet Research poll released June 23 shows Toronto's mayoral race tightening, with incumbent Olivia Chow at 43.6% among decided voters and challenger Councillor Brad Bradford at 37.8%. However, in a two-way matchup, 51.9% would vote for Bradford versus 48.1% for Chow — a significant shift from February when Bradford polled at just 17%.

The survey reveals widespread discontent in the city, with 62.2% of residents feeling Toronto is on the "wrong track." Chow's approval rating stands at just 40.8%, with 56% disapproving. Transportation and congestion (27.3%), affordability (25.8%), and crime and safety (23.5%) top voters' concerns heading into the October 26 election.

With former mayor John Tory declining to run, 23 candidates have registered. The poll surveyed 1,157 Toronto adults from June 12-18 and is considered accurate within plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.

— CP24

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📰 Health Canada Approves First Drug Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Health Canada has approved the country's first pharmaceutical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, offering a new alternative alongside traditional CPAP machines. The breakthrough therapy addresses both sleep apnea symptoms and weight management through a novel medicinal mechanism.

Obstructive sleep apnea affects an estimated 5.4 million Canadian adults, with a significant portion also living with obesity. While CPAP machines are effective, many patients struggle with long-term adherence due to discomfort. The newly approved drug fills a critical gap in the treatment landscape.

Clinical trials demonstrated statistically significant reductions in apnea events and meaningful weight loss. Pricing and provincial drug coverage details have not yet been announced by the manufacturer.

— CTV News

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📰 Lethbridge Tops List of Canada's Most Affordable Cities

Lethbridge, Alberta has been named Canada's most affordable city in Royal LePage's annual affordability report released June 23. The city boasts an aggregate home price of $338,700 with a monthly mortgage payment of just $1,520.85. Red Deer, Saint John, and Thunder Bay also ranked among the most affordable communities.

Of the 62 cities examined, 61 showed improvements in affordability between 2024 and 2026, including traditionally expensive markets like West Vancouver, Richmond, Markham, and North Vancouver. The report also found that 52% of Canadians would consider relocating to a more affordable city.

Royal LePage defines affordability as monthly mortgage payments not exceeding 40% of median household income. With home prices remaining elevated across major urban centres, the report provides a practical roadmap for Canadians seeking homeownership opportunities.

— Global News

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📰 National AI Scribe Program Shows Meaningful Benefits for Canadian Primary Care

Canada Health Infoway released six-month results of its national AI Scribe Program on June 23, demonstrating that AI-powered clinical documentation tools deliver meaningful benefits for primary care clinicians. The program uses artificial intelligence to automatically transcribe and structure doctor-patient conversations into clinical notes.

Participating clinicians reported saving an average of approximately one hour per day on administrative documentation, allowing them to dedicate more time to direct patient care. Physician burnout rates also showed a notable decline among program participants. With Canada facing a significant family doctor shortage, AI tools are increasingly seen as a way to maximize existing healthcare capacity.

Based on the positive outcomes, Infoway plans to expand the AI Scribe program to additional provinces and healthcare settings. Industry observers note that AI applications in healthcare administration hold significant promise if patient privacy safeguards are maintained.

— Canada Health Infoway

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