Here is a roundup of stories designed to bring you up to speed on current events in Canada.

Federal Party Leaders' Campaign Trail Begins

Federal party leaders have embarked on their first full day on the campaign trail as Canada's election approaches. Liberal Leader Mark Carney is set to make a symbolic stop in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, in a bid to evoke national pride during his campaign. Meanwhile, his main competitors, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, will concentrate their efforts in the politically significant Greater Toronto Area. A theme of Canadian unity emerges as all three leaders highlight their strategies for managing the economic threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump, including his recent comments on annexation. The federal election is slated for April 28, emphasizing the importance of the campaign for each party involved.

Hudson's Bay Liquidation Sales Launch

In a significant retail development, Hudson's Bay, Canada's oldest company, has initiated liquidation sales at most of its stores. The company announced that all but six locations will be liquidating inventory, retaining only its flagship store on Yonge Street in Toronto, along with outlets in Yorkdale mall and Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The move comes after the company filed for creditor protection earlier this month due to financial struggles rooted in decreased consumer spending, declining foot traffic in downtown areas, and ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States.

Legal Challenge Against Ontario Consumption Site Law

In Ontario, a court case is scheduled to hear arguments from a supervised consumption site in Toronto that is contesting the legality of a newly passed provincial law. This law will lead to the closure of 10 such sites and inhibit the establishment of new facilities. Approved last year, the legislation prohibits consumption sites located within 200 meters of schools or daycares. As the province shifts towards an abstinence-based treatment model, the new rules will take effect on April 1, prompting the imminent closure of the existing sites.

AI Predicts Premature Death in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

A groundbreaking study reveals that artificial intelligence can forecast premature death among individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions such as Crohn's disease and colitis. Researchers utilized machine learning techniques to analyze data derived from over 9,000 patients in Ontario who succumbed to IBD between 2010 and 2020. The findings, published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, indicate that nearly half of the deaths recorded were classified as premature, occurring before the age of 75. It was noted that individuals were at a higher risk of premature death if they had previously been diagnosed with other chronic illnesses, including arthritis, hypertension, kidney failure, cancer, and mental health disorders, particularly before the age of 61.

Streaming Services Continue to Gain Popularity

Despite the increasing prices of subscription services, a new report indicates that Canadians are increasingly choosing paid streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Disney Plus, for their television viewing. The "2025 Couch Potato Report" by Convergence Research demonstrates that the introduction of ad-supported basic plans has contributed to the steady growth of streaming services, challenging traditional cable and satellite TV providers. According to the report, approximately 46% of Canadian households had no conventional television subscription at the end of the previous year, up from 42% in 2023, with projections suggesting that this number could rise to 54% by 2027.

This report was first published on March 24, 2025.