Week of October 26

2026-W44: Oct 26 – November 1, 2026
FINAL: Last update October 30, 2026
COUNTRIES IN THE NEWS: United States
United Kingdom
Australia
India
Israel
Brazil

British Columbia Conservatives win majority, making Lorne Doerkson premier-designate

First published Mon, Oct 26

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

British Columbia's Conservatives won a majority government in the provincial election, and Lorne Doerkson is set to become premier. Doerkson, the premier-designate, said the province "chose change" in the vote. Conservatives have rallied behind him with the message that "he's earned it," a call made as a constitutional question hangs over the transition.1 2 3

The result lands as a boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney's energy ambitions, with the Conservative win in British Columbia shifting the province's politics to the right. The federal dimension runs alongside Carney's separate push in Europe, where he said an EU alliance would make Canada "better partner for the US."4 5 6

Attributed claim: The defeat hit the incumbent NDP, and the post-mortem is disputed. The Tyee's satirical column argues Doerkson did not win big on his own — "The NDP gave a master class in losing" — while iPolitics frames the outcome as Premier Eby's early election call backfiring, contrasting it with Ontario Premier Doug Ford's early vote, which did not.7 8

Attributed claim: The World Socialist Web Site described voters going to the polls amid deep disaffection with the political establishment, a framing of the electorate's mood that differs from the change-and-mandate language coming from the premier-designate's side.9 2

Canada and the United States are moving closer to a trade agreement

First published Mon, Oct 26

Canada and the United States are moving closer to a trade agreement, with talks gaining momentum ahead of the U.S. midterms, people familiar with the discussions told CTV News. President Donald Trump said Canada is "working hard" to reach a deal.1 2 3

Kevin Hassett, a top Trump adviser, said the U.S.-Canada trade talks are "very close" to a deal. He also blamed the Alberta referendum for the delay in reaching one.4 5

A Republican senator announced tariff exemptions on the same day Trump said Canada was working hard to make a deal.3

Separately, workers at Teck Resources' Highland Valley Copper operations went on strike.6

Carney says Indian Act review may not abolish 1876 law as First Nations press for change

First published Wed, Oct 28

Canada's Indian Act was enacted in 1876 and still holds sweeping power over First Nations, and First Nations are now asking what happens if it is reformed. Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Ottawa is reviewing the law, and this week he said the review might not end up abolishing it.1 2 3 4

A First Nation chief called the conversation about abolishing the Indian Act "healthy," and the Dehcho Grand Chief welcomed calls to abolish it. In Saskatchewan, First Nations questioned the move to repeal the law, asking "Why do we need this?"5 6 7

Indigenous leaders were upset that Quebec's premier skipped a First Nations meeting, with one saying it was "not really his priority." The meeting in Ottawa brought Carney and the premiers together with First Nations leaders for the first time in years.8 6

The National Post framed the debate around why the Indian Act has survived despite widespread opposition to it, while CTV News and 650 CKOM focused on what reform would mean and how the 1876 law still shapes First Nations governance.9 1 2

Ottawa tables MAID bill barring assisted dying for people with mental illness alone

First published Tue, Oct 27

The federal government tabled legislation in Ottawa to amend Canada's medical assistance in dying regime. The bill excludes people suffering solely from mental illness from eligibility.1 2 3

The proposal would ban MAID for mental illness alone, a change to the existing eligibility rules. The bill was presented as an amendment to the current assisted-dying law.3 4

Dementia doctors and the provinces are divided over advance consent in MAID, the principle of a patient setting out wishes before losing decision-making capacity. Advance directives sit at the centre of the new law.2 5

Carney and EU chief push Canada associate membership at Montreal summit as PQ premier boycotts

First published Fri, Oct 30

Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting European Union leaders in Montreal and says Canada is working to become an "associate member" of the bloc. The push pairs closer Canada-EU ties with a wider alliance against threats from US President Donald Trump.1 2 3

The summit's economic case rests on trade diversification. TD Economics asked how much Europe can actually do to help Canada spread its trade beyond the United States.4 1

Carney used the summit to tout European job opportunities for young Quebecers. Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon boycotted the gathering.5

Also this week

Published earlier this week and since overtaken by bigger stories. Open one to read it in full.

EU drops 'associate member' label for Canada as summit draft sets 2027 'ever-closer' tiesThu, Oct 29A draft statement for the Canada-EU Summit does not include the term 'associate member,' CTV News confirmed, dropping a title that had been floated for the closer alliance between Brussels and Ottawa. The draft instead sets out new 'ever-closer' ties between Canada and the EU that are to be defined in 2027, the National Post reported.

EU drops 'associate member' label for Canada as summit draft sets 2027 'ever-closer' ties

First published Thu, Oct 29

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

A draft statement for the Canada-EU Summit does not include the term 'associate member,' CTV News confirmed, dropping a title that had been floated for the closer alliance between Brussels and Ottawa. The draft instead sets out new 'ever-closer' ties between Canada and the EU that are to be defined in 2027, the National Post reported.1 2

The summit comes as both sides look to lock in closer economic and political ties, with POLITICO.eu describing a now-or-never window for the EU and Canada to Trump-proof their relationship. The Globe and Mail's opinion pages argued Canada and the EU need all the allies they can get to fight economic coercion, starting with Australia.3 2

Attributed claim: NewsCord reported that EU member states blocked Ursula von der Leyen's associate membership plan for Canada, comparing nine outlets on the story. The CBC and Radio-Canada both reported the associate membership title being dropped for the closer alliance with Canada.4 5 6

Obama mocks Trump's tariff war with Canada at midterm ralliesThu, Oct 29Barack Obama used campaign speeches ahead of the U.S. midterms to mock President Donald Trump's tariff war with Canada, calling the country a 'well-known evil empire.' He told audiences that Canadians are 'the nicest people,' needling Trump for hitting Canada with tariffs. The remarks came at rallies in Ohio and Michigan, where Obama also addressed Iran and the midterms.

Obama mocks Trump's tariff war with Canada at midterm rallies

First published Thu, Oct 29

Barack Obama used campaign speeches ahead of the U.S. midterms to mock President Donald Trump's tariff war with Canada, calling the country a 'well-known evil empire.' He told audiences that Canadians are 'the nicest people,' needling Trump for hitting Canada with tariffs. The remarks came at rallies in Ohio and Michigan, where Obama also addressed Iran and the midterms.1 2 3 4 5

The Globe and Mail reported that Obama criticized the tariff war with Canada at the U.S. midterm rallies. CTV News and CBC both led on the mocking tone of his remarks about Canada, while CityNews Winnipeg picked up his 'well-known evil empire' line.6 1 2 3

A U.S. food importer sued Trump over the tariffs on Canada, CTV News reported. The suit adds a legal challenge to the trade measures Obama attacked on the campaign trail.7

CBC asked whether Canada and the United States are now dug in, framing the dispute as a trade 'war' whose direction is unresolved.8

Calgary council approves double-digit water rate hikes, with business increases up to 95 percentThu, Oct 29Calgary council approved double-digit water rate increases for residents and businesses. The proposal put business rate hikes as high as 95 percent.

Calgary council approves double-digit water rate hikes, with business increases up to 95 percent

First published Thu, Oct 29

Calgary council approved double-digit water rate increases for residents and businesses. The proposal put business rate hikes as high as 95 percent.1 2

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce opposed the fees, with an executive calling the increases "egregious" for businesses. Business owners pushed back against the proposed rates.3 4

The Calgary Sun's Jay Goldberg column argued that council's plans to send Calgarians' water bills soaring must be given a second look.5

In a separate matter, a Calgary councillor sought a pause on bike lanes as the province proposed oversight.6

Israel election deadlocks as Likud bloc leads with 54 seats and Eisenkot bloc takes 49Wed, Oct 28Partial results from Israel's election show no clear winner, with neither of the two main blocs reaching a majority. The Likud-led bloc leads the count with 54 seats, short of a majority, while the Eisenkot-led bloc stands at 49 and Arab parties hold 17.

Israel election deadlocks as Likud bloc leads with 54 seats and Eisenkot bloc takes 49

First published Wed, Oct 28 · Updated Thu, Oct 29

Partial results from Israel's election show no clear winner, with neither of the two main blocs reaching a majority. The Likud-led bloc leads the count with 54 seats, short of a majority, while the Eisenkot-led bloc stands at 49 and Arab parties hold 17.1 2 3

Benjamin Netanyahu and Eisenkot each staked rival claims to lead the country after the deadlocked vote. Exit polls had shown no clear winner, and the country moved toward post-election gridlock as counting continued.3 4

With about half the votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc was leading, and he was holding on as the results showed no clear winner. Israeli bonds and the shekel fell as the election left Netanyahu and other contenders far short of majorities.5 6 7

UPDATES

Thu, Oct 29 · New development

Counting of absentee ballots was under way and coalition talks were set to begin.8 9

Quebec Premier St-Pierre Plamondon spurns EU summit dinner in clash with CarneyWed, Oct 28Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, whose Parti Québécois took office only weeks ago, is in open conflict with Prime Minister Mark Carney over Quebec's place at an upcoming Canada-EU summit. The dispute centres on a summit dinner that Carney's office says the Quebec premier was invited to attend.

Quebec Premier St-Pierre Plamondon spurns EU summit dinner in clash with Carney

First published Wed, Oct 28

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, whose Parti Québécois took office only weeks ago, is in open conflict with Prime Minister Mark Carney over Quebec's place at an upcoming Canada-EU summit. The dispute centres on a summit dinner that Carney's office says the Quebec premier was invited to attend.1 2 3

Carney said St-Pierre Plamondon refused the dinner invitation. "He was invited to the dinner and he refused," the prime minister said, according to CTV News.3 1

Attributed claim: The Parti Québécois says Ottawa is muzzling Quebec in the run-up to the summit, CBC reported, framing the seat dispute as a federal attempt to limit the province's voice at the table.4

The clash broke out just weeks into St-Pierre Plamondon's tenure as premier, with the separatist leader positioned to disrupt Carney's summit plans.1 2

Lula wins fourth term as Brazil's president; Bolsonaro rejects the resultTue, Oct 27Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been re-elected president of Brazil, winning a fourth term. The result was declared with Lula as the incumbent candidate.

Lula wins fourth term as Brazil's president; Bolsonaro rejects the result

First published Tue, Oct 27

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been re-elected president of Brazil, winning a fourth term. The result was declared with Lula as the incumbent candidate.1 2

Jair Bolsonaro rejected the runoff election result. The rejection came as Lula was declared the winner.3 2

Governments and observers abroad responded to Lula's victory in the presidential election. Emerging-market stocks fell before key earnings, with Brazil in focus after the win.4 5

The result extends a political career that outlets described as a comeback, with Lula cast as a survivor making history.6

Montreal officer accused of urinating on homeless people faces ethics probe as four arrested at protestTue, Oct 27A Montreal police officer accused of urinating on homeless people faces an ethics probe, CBC reported. The allegation has shaken the city's unhoused community, with one person quoted saying "We're not animals."

Montreal officer accused of urinating on homeless people faces ethics probe as four arrested at protest

First published Tue, Oct 27

A Montreal police officer accused of urinating on homeless people faces an ethics probe, CBC reported. The allegation has shaken the city's unhoused community, with one person quoted saying "We're not animals."1 2

Hundreds gathered in Montreal to protest what they called abusive police behaviour. Four people were arrested at the demonstration against police brutality, CityNews Montreal reported.3 4

Investigations into the officer's alleged conduct are under way, CTV News reported under the headline "It boggles the mind." The ethics probe is the formal review the officer now faces.5 1

Carney and premiers meet First Nations leaders in Ottawa for first time in yearsMon, Oct 26Prime Minister Mark Carney and the premiers met First Nations leaders in Ottawa for the first time in years, with the Assembly of First Nations preparing for what outlets described as a historic first ministers' meeting. A ceremony with First Nations, the minister and the premiers was held ahead of the meeting.

Carney and premiers meet First Nations leaders in Ottawa for first time in years

First published Mon, Oct 26 · Updated Tue, Oct 27

BACKGROUND

First Nations are Indigenous peoples in Canada, characterised by self-identification, cultural difference from other groups in the state, a special relationship with their traditional territory, and an experience of subjugation and discrimination under a dominant cultural model. The Assembly of First Nations is the national body whose leaders have been setting out priorities ahead of the meeting with the prime minister and premiers.

In the weeks before the meeting, First Nations opposed a proposed 'one-project, one-year' bill following its first vote, and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs prepared Manitoba First Nations priorities for the First Nations–First Ministers' Meeting in Ottawa. The Assembly of First Nations national chief said the premiers' meeting and the federal budget would test Carney's commitment to First Nations.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and the premiers met First Nations leaders in Ottawa for the first time in years, with the Assembly of First Nations preparing for what outlets described as a historic first ministers' meeting. A ceremony with First Nations, the minister and the premiers was held ahead of the meeting.1 2 3 4

First Nations leaders entered the meeting seeking tangible results, and voiced their priorities ahead of the session in Ottawa.2 5

First Nations leaders said they are still waiting to see what Carney's promise to consult on major projects looks like.6

The Assembly of First Nations rejected a theory of Innu history in Labrador, calling it discredited.7

UPDATES

Tue, Oct 27 · New development

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is looking into "reforming or even abolishing" the Indian Act, and that if it is abolished, "fully modernizing the governance relationship is the desirable end state."8

Carney also said it is time to move beyond the Indian Act, CTV News reported.9

Alberta referendum count shows slim majority for immigration curbs and rejection of constitutional changeMon, Oct 26Alberta Premier Danielle Smith secured a slim majority on immigration questions in the province's referendum, while Albertans rejected proposed constitutional changes, CBC reported. The Edmonton Journal said Smith vowed a cautious approach after the narrow win on immigration and raised the idea of a referendum on photo radar.

Alberta referendum count shows slim majority for immigration curbs and rejection of constitutional change

First published Mon, Oct 26

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith secured a slim majority on immigration questions in the province's referendum, while Albertans rejected proposed constitutional changes, CBC reported. The Edmonton Journal said Smith vowed a cautious approach after the narrow win on immigration and raised the idea of a referendum on photo radar.1 2

Attributed claim: Elections Alberta completed its unofficial referendum count, CTV News reported. Two days later, Yahoo News Canada reported that ballot counting was still continuing after a 48-hour deadline had passed, citing Elections Alberta.3 4

The Globe and Mail reported that Albertans largely support measures aimed at reducing immigration and are split on the constitutional questions. CBC examined what is fuelling the results of the immigration-related referendum questions.5 6

Among Albertans who backed the idea of independence, the result brought a mix of disappointment and hope, CBC reported.7

Former deputy mayor under Olivia Chow endorses Brad Bradford in Toronto mayoral raceMon, Oct 26Toronto's mayoral campaign is ending in a tight race between Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford, with the contest described as a photo finish. A former deputy mayor who served under Chow has endorsed Bradford.

Former deputy mayor under Olivia Chow endorses Brad Bradford in Toronto mayoral race

First published Mon, Oct 26 · Updated Tue, Oct 27

Toronto's mayoral campaign is ending in a tight race between Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford, with the contest described as a photo finish. A former deputy mayor who served under Chow has endorsed Bradford.1 2 3 4

Chow and Bradford hit the campaign trail on the day before the mayoral election, each making a final push for their vision of Toronto in the campaign's last weekend.1 3

Bloomberg.com describes Bradford as a billionaire-endorsed rival threatening the progressive mayor's hold on power. The Local casts Bradford as an angry candidate betting that Torontonians are too.5 6

An election forum on antisemitism in Toronto went ahead without Mayor Olivia Chow.7

UPDATES

Tue, Oct 27 · New development

Olivia Chow won Toronto's mayoral race, taking a second term after a campaign centred on affordability.8 9

Bradford came close to winning, and the Toronto Star reports how Chow held him off.10