Maple Express | July 27, 2026 Gordie Howe International Bridge Opens, A New Canada-U.S. Cross-Border Link Begins

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📰 Gordie Howe International Bridge Officially Opens to Traffic

After years of construction, the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, held its opening ceremony on July 24 and officially opened to public traffic at noon today (July 27). The multi-billion-dollar cable-stayed bridge spans 2.5 kilometers and represents one of North America's most significant cross-border infrastructure projects in recent years, expected to significantly alleviate congestion at the existing Ambassador Bridge.

The new bridge will not only reduce customs clearance times for cargo but also provide a more efficient logistics corridor for the more than $300 billion in annual bilateral trade along the Windsor-Detroit corridor. Notably, U.S. President Trump was disinvited from the ceremony following the imposition of 50% tariffs on Canadian goods.

The bridge also features a multi-use path that will open free of charge to pedestrians and cyclists on August 5, allowing visitors to walk or bike across the Detroit River while taking in views of both countries.

— ClickOnDetroit

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📰 B.C. Wildfires Merge, Forcing Closure of Highway 97 Near Clinton

The BC Wildfire Service reported Sunday that two fires threatening the village of Clinton and surrounding areas have merged, with flames crossing Highway 97 and forcing the closure of sections of this critical transportation corridor. There are currently approximately 140 active wildfires across the province, many of which remain out of control.

Rain and cooler temperatures over the weekend provided temporary relief in some areas, but much of British Columbia remains gripped by severe drought. Reinforcements from Yukon Protective Services, Alberta Wildfire, and Mexico are expected to arrive in B.C. in the coming days to assist local crews.

In the La Casa area north of West Kelowna, evacuation alerts have been issued for more than 500 properties due to a new fire discovered Saturday. Emergency management officials say significant progress has been made fighting the blaze, but residents should continue to expect visible flames and smoke.

— CityNews Vancouver

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📰 Seattle Food Festival Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, 4 Injured; One Arrested, Another at Large

A mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival beneath the Space Needle on Sunday evening left three people dead and four others injured, including a toddler. Police have arrested one suspect and are actively searching for another. The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. as large crowds gathered for the popular culinary event.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as panicked festival-goers fled in all directions. Police responded quickly, securing the area and launching a manhunt for the second suspect. The motive for the attack remains under investigation.

The incident has reignited discussions about gun violence in public spaces across the United States. Global Affairs Canada has not yet confirmed whether any Canadian citizens were among the victims. Seattle is located approximately 230 kilometers from Vancouver, and the city is a frequent destination for Canadian travelers.

— CTV News

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📰 Canadians Have Until August 27 to Claim Share of $4.75M Rexulti Class-Action Settlement

The Quebec Superior Court approved a $4.75 million class-action settlement last November involving the antipsychotic medication Rexulti, used to treat schizophrenia and depression. Eligible Canadians have until August 27 to submit claims for their share of the settlement.

The lawsuit alleged that the pharmaceutical company failed to adequately disclose the drug's side effects and associated risks. Rexulti is a widely prescribed atypical antipsychotic, but some patients have reported serious side effects including significant weight gain and metabolic disorders that can negatively impact long-term health.

Claims can be submitted online through the class-action administrator's website. Applicants must provide prescription records and relevant medical documentation. With only one month remaining before the deadline, lawyers are urging eligible patients to file promptly to avoid missing out on compensation.

— BNN Bloomberg

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📰 Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% for Sixth Consecutive Decision

The Bank of Canada held its policy rate steady at 2.25% on July 15, marking the sixth consecutive hold since late last year. The central bank noted that the economy is showing early signs of improvement, though global trade uncertainty—particularly the ongoing tariff dispute with the United States—continues to pose significant downside risks.

The current prime rate remains at 4.45%, meaning no immediate change in borrowing costs for variable-rate mortgage holders. Analysts note that Canada entered a technical recession in the first quarter of 2026, and geopolitical risks stemming from the Iran situation could also influence future monetary policy direction.

The Bank expects inflation to moderate toward the 2% target over the coming months, assuming that cost pressures from the Canada-U.S. trade war are offset by weak domestic demand. Markets widely anticipate the next possible rate cut window at the September policy meeting.

— NewLife Mortgages

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📰 Prime Minister Carney Announces Federal By-elections for August 31

Prime Minister Mark Carney officially announced on July 26 that federal by-elections will be held on August 31, 2026, across multiple electoral districts. The by-elections will fill vacant House of Commons seats resulting from resignations and other departures, and are seen as an important test of the Carney government's public support since taking office.

The full list of affected ridings has yet to be published, but political analysts view these by-elections as a potential bellwether for the 2027 federal election. Since assuming the prime ministership, Carney has faced multiple challenges including the Canada-U.S. trade war, recessionary pressures, and the ongoing housing crisis.

Major parties have already begun ramping up candidate nomination and campaign preparations. The by-elections are being framed by some as a referendum on the federal government's handling of the cost-of-living crisis and housing affordability.

— Prime Minister of Canada

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📰 Canadian NATO Intern Arrested in Belgium on Espionage Charges

A Canadian woman interning at NATO's military headquarters in Belgium has been arrested on suspicion of espionage on behalf of a third country and membership in a criminal organization. Belgian federal prosecutors announced the arrest on July 25, stating the intern of Chinese origin was detained on July 24.

Belgian authorities conducted searches at the suspect's residence and her workplace at SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) in Mons on July 23. The statement indicated the intern is suspected of gathering NATO military intelligence for a third country, though it did not name which country was allegedly involved.

Global Affairs Canada has confirmed awareness of the case and is providing consular assistance to the detained citizen. The case has raised questions about security vetting procedures within international organizations. NATO has not yet issued a detailed comment on the matter.

— CBC News

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📰 Canadian New Home Prices Begin to Rise in Select Provinces After Months of Decline

After months of consecutive declines, new home prices in Canada are showing signs of recovery in several provinces. The latest Statistics Canada data indicates that while national new home prices have fallen nearly 3% since June 2025, several provinces recently recorded month-over-month increases, offering a glimmer of hope for the housing market.

Analysts point to the Bank of Canada's steady rate at 2.25% and market expectations of a potential September rate cut as factors gradually restoring buyer confidence. However, affordability remains a major challenge for many first-time homebuyers, particularly in high-priced markets like Toronto and Vancouver.

Industry experts note that innovative housing models such as laneway homes are emerging as effective solutions to the affordable housing shortage, addressing both multi-generational living needs and rental supply. The federal government is also promoting incentives to encourage municipalities to fast-track approvals for such housing projects.

— CTV News

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📰 Forecasters Warn Super El Niño Could Bring Worse Drought to B.C. in 2027

Climate forecasters in British Columbia are warning that an emerging Super El Niño phenomenon could bring even more severe drought conditions to the province in 2027 than seen this year. Much of B.C. is already under moderate to severe drought, and the approaching Super El Niño is expected to exacerbate the trend significantly.

International climate models indicate a 91% probability that this El Niño will be the strongest on record. Scientists estimate a 93% chance that either 2026 or 2027 will set a new global temperature record. El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon characterized by abnormal warming of equatorial Pacific waters, but its effects are being amplified by climate change.

For Canada, El Niño typically means warmer and drier winters for western regions, directly impacting snowpack levels and subsequent water supply. The B.C. government has stated it is evaluating response options, including enhanced reservoir management and early deployment of wildfire resources.

— CTV News Vancouver

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📰 Commonwealth Games: Josh Liendo Defends 100m Butterfly Crown in Championship Record

At the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Canadian swimming star Josh Liendo successfully defended his men's 100m butterfly title, touching the wall in a championship record time. Liendo won by the tightest of margins in one of the most thrilling swimming finals of the competition, claiming another gold medal for Team Canada.

Canada currently sits sixth in the medal table with one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. Beyond Liendo's gold, Canadian athletes have demonstrated strong competitiveness across multiple swimming and athletics events.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games run from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland, featuring athletes from 74 nations and territories competing across 10 sports for 645 medals. Canada ranks third on the all-time Commonwealth Games medal table, behind Australia and England.

— beIN SPORTS

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