The Government of Canada has chosen the Canadian Climate Institute to spearhead the creation of made-in-Canada sustainable investment guidelines. These voluntary guidelines, known as a taxonomy, aim to mobilize private capital for the net-zero transition by clearly defining 'green' and 'transition' investments, fostering clarity for financial markets and supporting Canada's climate goals.
Canada, Ontario, and the Region of Waterloo are jointly investing over $291 million to significantly upgrade public transit infrastructure. The funding will support nine projects, including the construction of the Kitchener Central Transit Hub, the purchase of 56 hybrid buses to replace older diesel models, and an additional 70 hybrid buses to expand the fleet, aiming to improve accessibility, reduce emissions, and enhance service for commuters.
A recent report by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Business Data Lab highlights that Canada's AI adoption is lagging, posing significant risks to national competitiveness and productivity. Only 14% of businesses are early adopters of Generative AI, with a substantial 73% yet to consider its use. This slow pace, coupled with a skills gap and public apprehension, could see Canada fall behind global peers.
Statistics Canada reported that grocery prices in Canada surged by an average of 4.7 percent year-over-year in November 2025, marking the highest increase since December 2023. This rise significantly outpaced the country's overall annual inflation rate, which held steady at 2.2 percent. Key drivers included substantial increases in the cost of fresh fruit, beef, and coffee, attributed to factors like supply chain issues, adverse weather, and lower cattle inventories.
The Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have committed $300 million to develop 1,430 new affordable homes across the province. This includes 930 units in Shannon Park, Dartmouth, and 500 non-profit and community units, with construction expected to begin in 2026.
Libraries across Canada are expressing significant concern over proposed changes in federal budget Bill C-15, which could eliminate legislated reduced postal rates for shipping library materials. Advocates warn that removing this protection could jeopardize interlibrary loan programs, increase costs for patrons, and potentially lead to the closure of rural library facilities, despite assurances from Canada Post. The 'library book rate' covers approximately 90% of shipping costs for eligible materials.
Canada's federal government has confirmed that the initial segment of its ambitious Alto High-Speed Rail project will link Montreal and Ottawa, with construction anticipated to start in 2029. This 200-kilometer corridor is part of a broader 1,000 km network intended to connect Toronto and Quebec City, promising speeds up to 300 km/h and substantial economic and environmental advantages.
A new report, 'Canada-Africa: Seizing a Strategic Opportunity,' from the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade calls for Canada to significantly deepen its engagement with Africa. Released on December 11, 2025, the report outlines 21 recommendations to strengthen partnerships and leverage Africa's growing economic and geopolitical influence.
Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the United States, has announced her resignation, effective in the new year. Her departure comes as Canada prepares for the critical 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade pact she played a significant role in negotiating.
Rogers Communications Inc. has commercially launched its expanded satellite-to-mobile service, Rogers Satellite, in Canada. The service now supports app-based voice and video calling, alongside messaging and navigation, in remote areas across the country, leveraging SpaceX's Starlink satellites.
Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers of Housing and Infrastructure met in Toronto on December 8, 2025, to discuss accelerating infrastructure projects and strengthening Canada's economy. Key topics included the new $51 billion 'Build Communities Strong Fund' and 'Buy Canadian' strategies, emphasizing collaborative action to meet national infrastructure needs.
Toronto's new Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT), also known as Line 6, officially commenced service on December 7, 2025. The 11-kilometre line features 18 stops, connecting Finch West Station to Humber College, and is set to significantly improve transit options in the city's northwest, with an estimated 51,000 daily riders. The project, operated by the TTC, faced delays but marks a major expansion in Toronto's public transportation network.
The Canada Revenue Agency's 'cryptoasset auditors' have recovered more than $100 million in unpaid taxes over the past three years from over 200 files. Despite significant non-compliance risks, including up to 40% of crypto users not filing or being high-risk, no criminal charges have been laid since 2020. The CRA continues to enhance its enforcement strategies and public education.
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $2.68 billion sale of air-strike weapons to Canada. This significant arms deal includes BLU-111 and GBU-39 bombs, along with JDAM kits, and comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney's government rapidly expands defense spending to meet NATO targets.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced a review of Canada's firearms classification regime, aiming for simplicity and consistency. The review will include dedicated consultations with Indigenous communities regarding the SKS rifle, a firearm commonly used for sustenance but also linked to high-profile incidents.
Saab's proposal to create 10,000 aerospace jobs in Canada if its Gripen fighter jets are selected is drawing skepticism from critics. The offer comes as Ottawa reviews its F-35 procurement, with Industry Minister Mélanie Joly seeking more industrial benefits for Canadians. Concerns have been raised regarding the validity and feasibility of Saab's job projections.
Governor General Mary Simon officially welcomed four new heads of mission to Canada at a ceremony at Rideau Hall on December 3, 2025. Ambassadors from Timor-Leste, Iceland, Montenegro, and the Central African Republic presented their letters of credence, formally commencing their diplomatic duties and strengthening international ties.
Alberta's Health Minister, Adriana LaGrange, has expressed her desire for the province's new plan to expand private healthcare options to be adopted nationwide. Introduced via Bill 11, the 'Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2),' the initiative allows physicians to work in both public and private systems for specific procedures, aiming to reduce wait times while maintaining public safeguards.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is actively expanding Canada's international engagement, signing new trade agreements with partners like Indonesia, Thailand, and the UAE, and strengthening security cooperation with the European Union and South Korea, aiming to diversify exports and enhance global resilience.
Canadian Permanent Residents can now enjoy visa-free travel to 30 countries worldwide, effective December 1, 2025. This significant update enhances global mobility, simplifying international travel for tourism, work, and study by reducing documentation and administrative hurdles.
