Maple Express | August 18, 2026 Canada-U.S. trade talks enter final 24 hours

1. Canada-U.S. trade talks enter final 24 hours; Carney calls negotiations 'very intense and delicate'

Canada is now less than 24 hours away from a possible new round of punishing U.S. tariffs. President Donald Trump has threatened 50 per cent tariffs on US$20 billion worth of Canadian goods, including cement and hockey sticks. If negotiators fail to strike a deal, those levies take effect just after midnight on Aug. 19.

Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke by phone with Trump on Monday and described the talks as "very intense and delicate." According to Reuters, the two sides are haggling over vehicle tariffs, with Canada seeking to cut the current 25 per cent rate to 15 per cent, though they remain stuck on whether reductions should hinge on American or North American content.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the province is prepared for "any and every scenario" and called for a united "Team Canada" response.

2. One man seriously injured in Etobicoke shooting

Toronto police were called to the area of Kipling and Finch avenues at 7:37 a.m. Tuesday for reports of a shooting. Officers arrived to find an adult male who had been shot.

Paramedics said the victim suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect or suspects fled before police arrived, and no descriptions have been released.

3. Three arrested, two hospitalized after crash involving Toronto police cruiser

Three people have been arrested on drug charges after a collision involving a police cruiser near Queens Quay and Lower Sherbourne Street on Tuesday morning.

Two people were taken to hospital following the crash, which happened around 6:37 a.m. Police have not yet released further details about the circumstances of the collision.

4. Vehicle knocks down hydro poles, leaving over 1,100 without power in Brampton

More than 1,100 people were left without power in Brampton after a vehicle knocked down several hydro poles early Tuesday morning.

Crews were working to restore service following the incident, which was reported around 6:31 a.m. Police have not said whether anyone was injured, and the cause remains under investigation.

5. Family of toddler who fell to her death from North York building files $18M lawsuit

The family of a toddler who fell to her death from a North York high-rise building has filed an $18-million lawsuit, while calling for better safety measures.

The family argues that inadequate safety protections on the building's windows or balconies were a key factor in the tragedy. The case is now before the courts.

6. Former Iranian regime member deported from Canada

The Canada Border Services Agency has deported Iran's former deputy interior minister, Syed Salman Samani, after finding he was inadmissible as a "prescribed senior official in the service of a designated regime."

The removal was carried out under sanctions introduced in 2022. The CBSA said it will continue to act to stop suspected senior officials of the Iranian regime from seeking or finding safe haven in Canada.

7. Man charged in two Richmond Hill sexual assaults; police seek more victims

York Regional Police have charged a 30-year-old man, Jan-Hoy Cassells of no fixed address, in connection with two sexual assaults of female youths in Richmond Hill.

The first incident happened on Aug. 12 around 3:15 p.m., and the second on Aug. 14 around 11:30 a.m., both in the area of Highway 7 and Bayview Avenue. Cassells faces four charges, including sexual assault with a weapon.

Investigators have released an image of the accused, believing there may be additional victims, and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

8. Cheese products sold in Ontario, Quebec recalled over generic E. coli

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is recalling several cheese products sold in Ontario and Quebec due to possible generic E. coli contamination.

The affected products include two Bianca Murgia fresh stretched cheeses, Longo's Curato Burrata, and Sapori Coratini Stracciatella. Officials advise anyone who purchased the affected items not to use or serve them.

9. $100 buys just enough to fill two small bags amid Canada's grocery inflation

Statistics Canada data shows food inflation eased to 3.1 per cent in July, down from 3.9 per cent the month before, but grocery prices continue to climb and have now outpaced the overall consumer price index for 18 straight months.

CTV News went shopping and found that breakfast cereal, berries, pasta, bananas and bread cost $99.67 — barely enough to fill two small grocery bags. Shoppers say prices "are not going down," forcing many to comparison shop and buy only the essentials.

10. Community shaken after 16-year-old girl killed in northeast Edmonton shooting

A 16-year-old girl has died following a shooting in northeast Edmonton on Sunday, prompting concern in the local community. Family members identified the victim to CTV News Edmonton as Jazmin Dhesi.

Police were called to a townhouse in the area of 139 Avenue and 32 Street shortly before 7 a.m., where officers found the seriously injured teen. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Homicide detectives continue to investigate and have not announced any arrests.