'Be ready for both': Canadians prepare for any outcome as Americans head to the polls

Millions of Americans are heading to the polls Tuesday as a chaotic presidential campaign reaches its peak in a deeply divided United States, where voters in only a handful of battleground states will choose the country’s path forward.

Vice-President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump have presented starkly different visions for America's future, but polling shows the two remain in a dead heat. 

'We have a responsibility:' Trudeau urges global leaders to support pact for future

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that at a time when the world faces increasing instability, leaders have a choice: bury their heads in the sand or put their differences aside for the sake of future generations.

"We can recognize that, collectively, we have a responsibility to set our differences aside, to confront the serious global challenges, and to deliver on a pact for the future," Trudeau said at the Summit of the Future in New York on Sunday. 

Trudeau to attend United Nations General Assembly amid turbulence around the world

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to be in New York this week for the 78th meeting of the United Nations General Assembly and the Summit of the Future amid increasing geopolitical instability around the world.

"Canada will have a leading role in making the world fairer and more prosperous," Trudeau said in a news release last week. "I look forward to working with other leaders to accelerate progress on our shared priorities and build a better future for everyone."

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump lay out different plans for America on debate stage

Kamala Harris pushed back on Donald Trump's claims about immigration and abortion as the two leaders met face-to-face for the first time on a debate stage in Philadelphia Tuesday.

The matchup marked a pivotal moment during the final sprint of a close race for the White House and saw Trump and Harris lay out starkly different visions for the future of America. 

While it started with a handshake, the debate quickly saw the Democratic vice-president and Republican former president zero in on each other's records. 

Homeland Security takes steps to tighten asylum rules at Canadian border

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says people seeking asylum at the border with Canada will have less time to consult a lawyer before making their case, as President Joe Biden's asylum halt makes its way to Canada’s doorstep. 

Biden announced sweeping changes mostly targeted at the U.S. border with Mexico in June, as the issue remains a thorn in the Democrats' side ahead of the November election. The new procedural changes, which the department confirmed Tuesday, will affect migrants crossing into the U.S. from Canada.

Republicans focus on foreign policy, Trudeau pushed by Premiers

Republicans criticized U.S. President Joe Biden's record on foreign policy at the national convention in Milwaukee, as many party faithful called for America to step back from its contributions to the world. 

Wednesday's agenda and its theme of "Make America Strong Once Again" will give leaders around the world insight into the potential impact of a second Donald Trump presidency. 

"No NATO. I want America strong," said Kimberly Nguyen, wearing a star-spangled dress and draped in a Trump 2024 flag outside the convention.

Canadian leaders say democracy must prevail following Trump rally shooting

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was sickened by the shooting at former president Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania, as Canadian politicians condemned the attack.  

"It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable," Trudeau said in a post on social media Saturday evening. 

"My thoughts are with former president Trump, those at the event, and all Americans."

Politicians denounced the attack in Butler, a city north of Pittsburgh. 

Trudeau to tell allies to stay resolute as Ukraine at centre of NATO summit

Canada will be reassuring allies of its commitment to the western alliance as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau travels to Washington, D.C., this week to take part in the NATO leaders' summit at a critical time for war-ravaged Ukraine. 

The 32 NATO countries are set to mark the alliance's 75th anniversary in the same city where the initial treaty was signed. Trudeau will be attending a dinner with NATO leaders at the White House hosted by President Joe Biden as the age and mental acuity of the United States leader is expected to cast a shadow over the historic meeting. 

Biden's performance leaves supporters worried after first presidential debate

The first debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump may not have brought the surge of excitement among voters that both leaders were looking for ahead of the November election.

The matchup saw the current president and his political rival exchange personal barbs as well as criticism over their legacies in the Oval Office. 

But some Democratic supporters showed concern over portions of 81-year-old Biden’s uneven performance, which included a raspy voice and rambling responses. 

'Build relationships on both sides': Provinces make push ahead of U.S. election

Provinces are reaching out to Democrats and Republicans alike to make their case for co-operation, bolstering efforts by the federal government to ensure Canada is prepared for any outcome in the upcoming United States election.

"I see provinces and Team Canada both ramping up their efforts," said Laura Dawson, an expert on Canada-U.S. relations and the executive director of the Future Borders Coalition.