China retaliates over EV tariffs with anti-dumping probe into Canadian canola imports

China has announced an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola imports in response to Canada planning to impose tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel and aluminum.

In a news release Tuesday, China's Ministry of Commerce said it is launching an anti-discrimination investigation into the tariffs and an anti-dumping probe into Canadian canola imports as well as certain chemical products.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Aug. 26 that Canada will impose a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese EVs and a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum.

'Like being in prison': Via Rail passenger says people stranded without food, water

A tourist visiting Canada is questioning the safety of Via Rail after he says his phone was snatched from him by an employee when he was documenting a train delay that left passengers stranded as they ran out of food, water and working toilets.

Chip Malt was in Quebec over the long weekend to celebrate his father's 70th birthday in the province's capital, and said he boarded a Via Rail train from Montreal to Quebec City on Saturday.

Cash-strapped parents seek back-to-school deals as years of inflation take a toll

When August rolled around, April Hicke realized the $100 she typically gives her 13-year-old son to update his wardrobe in time for school to start was no longer enough.

"Even on the sale racks, a pair of sweatpants at SportChek, they're still $25 a pair. You used to be able to go and buy a pair of sweatpants for $10," said the Calgary-based mother of two. "I am shocked at the (price) increase of kids' clothes."

Federal health spending has outpaced provinces, analysis shows

Despite castigation from provincial premiers over lagging federal contributions to health spending, an analysis of 20 years of health funding data shows that federal transfers have mostly outpaced increases to provincial health budgets. 

In 2023, federal health transfers amounted to $47.1 billion, a 212 per cent increase over 2005, when the transfers were $15.1 billion. Total spending by all 10 provinces grew in that time to $221.9 billion up from $86.2 billion, an increase of 158 per cent.

Liberal immigration pivot forces Canada to reckon with approach to labour shortages

The Liberal government's decision to reel in the temporary foreign worker program after loosening the rules to help businesses find workers after the pandemic is sparking a contentious debate about whether governments should even try to address labour shortages.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that his government is bringing back stricter rules to stem the flow of low-wage temporary foreign workers, and he urged businesses to hire and train Canadian workers.

Canada Post at 'critical juncture,' financial situation unsustainable: board chair

The chair of Canada Post’s board says the organization’s financial situation is unsustainable.

"The board and senior management recognize that Canada Post is at a critical juncture," said André Hudon at its annual general meeting on Wednesday.

"Significant change is urgently needed to preserve Canada Post's delivery network, which is vital because it's the only delivery network built to serve all Canadians."

Dumbbell toy from Fisher-Price Baby Biceps Gift Set recalled due to choking hazard

Health Canada says a recall has been issued for the dumbbell toy from the Fisher-Price Baby Biceps Gift Set because of a choking hazard.

A kettlebell toy, protein shake bottle and wearable headband that are also part of the set are not included in the recall.

The agency says grey caps on the end of the dumbbell toys can come off, posing a choking hazard to infants.

It says as of Aug. 15, Fisher-Price has received four reports in Canada and seven in the United States of the ends of the dumbbell toy coming off, with no reports of injuries.

2023 wildfire emissions were quadruple Canada's annual fossil fuel emissions: study

A new study says planet-warming emissions from Canada's record-breaking 2023 wildfire season were quadruple the country's fossil emissions for all of the previous year and on par with some of the most high-emitting countries. 

The study penned by researchers at NASA, and published in the journal Nature, says only China, India and the United States release more carbon per year than Canada's 2023 wildfires from May to September. 

Poilievre urges Singh to end NDP deal with Liberals, force fall election

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has written to the leader of the New Democrats, urging him to force an election this fall.

Poilievre's letter to Jagmeet Singh says the NDP does not have a mandate from voters to keep Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in power for another year.

He's urging Singh to vote non-confidence in the government when the House of Commons resumes in September.

The NDP entered a supply and confidence deal with the Liberals in 2022, agreeing to keep the minority government in power until 2025 in exchange for movement on key priorities.