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These are the 30 most read items on National Newswatch, from the last seven days.

High-profile Ontario Liberals return fire, say Erskine-Smith’s style of politics rubs them ‘the wrong way’

High-profile Ontario Liberals return fire, say Erskine-Smith’s style of politics rubs them ‘the wrong way’

A three-member Ontario Liberal Party arbitration committee is scheduled to meet May 20 to review Nathaniel Erskine-Smith’s appeal against the provincial Scarborough-Southwest nomination election result, according to Liberal sources. In the meantime, Ontario Liberals are pushing back. In the meantime, Ontario Liberals are pushing back. After losing the provincial party nomination contest in Scarborough-Southwest last weekend, Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith—who...

  • 2026-05-18
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta separatists threaten to oust Premier Danielle Smith over referendum question

Alberta separatists threaten to oust Premier Danielle Smith over referendum question

Political rhetoric is ramping up ahead of a planned fall referendum in Alberta. “Our view is Danielle (Smith) needs to make a decision: Is she going to support Mister Lukaszuk, or is she going to support her base? What we are saying is she needs to understand that if she abandons her base or betrays her base, there will likely...

  • 2026-05-21
  • — Global News
Shake-up in Poilievre's office as chief of staff Ian Todd announces retirement

Shake-up in Poilievre's office as chief of staff Ian Todd announces retirement

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s longtime chief of staff Ian Todd is retiring, marking the latest of several recent departures of senior staffers in his office. In a note sent to Conservative caucus members and Poilievre’s office, Todd said he would retire from his position at the end of this Parliamentary session. The House of Commons spring session is scheduled to...

  • 2026-05-19
  • — National Post
White House points to 'longstanding unfair trade practices' when asked about Gordie Howe bridge opening

White House points to 'longstanding unfair trade practices' when asked about Gordie Howe bridge opening

Bridge authority, Canadian government say opening tied to testing work. For months, Canadian officials have maintained that the long-awaited opening of the $6.4 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ont., is dependent on various testing and commissioning tasks. But fresh comments from a Canadian cabinet member as well as two top U.S. officials suggests there is a...

  • 2026-05-16
  • — CBC News
14 Liberal MPs pen letter to Carney raising concerns over environmental backslide

14 Liberal MPs pen letter to Carney raising concerns over environmental backslide

Letter was sent to PM prior to latest pipeline agreement with Alberta. Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault may be the most outspoken, but he's not the only member of his party unhappy with Prime Minister Mark Carney's environmental rollbacks. Carney signed a new agreement with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith last week that could see construction on an oil pipeline to the...

  • 2026-05-22
  • — CBC News
Alberta legislature committee eyes separation vote as meeting hits bizarre roadblock

Alberta legislature committee eyes separation vote as meeting hits bizarre roadblock

Alberta’s journey toward holding a fall referendum on separation took a bizarre turn Wednesday — straight into another roadblock. It occurred when the governing United Conservative members on a bipartisan legislature committee introduced a motion to formally ask Premier Danielle Smith and her cabinet to initiate a provincewide vote on Alberta's status in Confederation this October. The motion was expected...

  • 2026-05-20
  • — Canadian Press
Liberals hit highest point in the seat projection

Liberals hit highest point in the seat projection

It was a relatively quiet week on the polling front, but the new numbers that were published have pushed the Liberals to their highest point in The Writ’s Vote and Seat Projection. The Liberals are projected to be leading in 227 ridings across the country, a gain of three since last week and they highest the party has been in...

  • 2026-05-19
  • — The Writ
'Baffling': Reaction to Alberta's referendum on a separation referendum

'Baffling': Reaction to Alberta's referendum on a separation referendum

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Thursday that a referendum on Oct. 19 will include a question about whether Albertans want, at a future date, to hold a binding referendum on the province quitting Canada. "Kicking the can down the road only prolongs a very emotional and important debate," Smith said in televised speech. "It's time to have a vote, understand...

  • 2026-05-22
  • — Canadian Press
Alberta Separatist Group’s Controversial Voter ID App Has Links to US Ambassador, MAGA Influencers and Wealthy Michigan Republicans

Alberta Separatist Group’s Controversial Voter ID App Has Links to US Ambassador, MAGA Influencers and Wealthy Michigan Republicans

US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra says he was ‘not aware’ American-made app he previously promoted was used to help Alberta separatist group. Donald Trump’s top envoy to Canada says he was unaware a voter identification app that he previously endorsed and promoted was used by an Alberta separatist group at the centre of a major Canadian political scandal.

  • 2026-05-18
  • — Press Progress
Pentagon walks away from Canada-U.S. defence board

Pentagon walks away from Canada-U.S. defence board

Canada 'failed to make credible progress' on defence spending commitments, says Pentagon official. The Trump administration is walking away from a long-running body that works on Canada-U.S. defence initiatives, claiming Canada has failed to meet its commitments on defence spending. U.S. Undersecretary of War Elbridge Colby announced Monday the Pentagon is "pausing" participation in the Permanent Joint Board on Defence...

  • 2026-05-18
  • — CBC News
Major VPN provider says it could leave Canada over lawful access bill

Major VPN provider says it could leave Canada over lawful access bill

Virtual private network service NordVPN says it could pull out of Canada over the federal government's proposed lawful access bill. NordVPN says it is reviewing the bill and would consider leaving Canada if the bill requires it to compromise its privacy protections. Earlier this week, The Globe and Mail reported that the encrypted messaging service Signal said it would leave...

  • 2026-05-15
  • — Canadian Press
Carney, Smith sign carbon price deal, suggest fall 2027 pipeline approval

Carney, Smith sign carbon price deal, suggest fall 2027 pipeline approval

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday they're eyeing a fall 2027 start date for construction of a new bitumen pipeline to the West Coast. It's part of a plan to accomplish the remaining steps of the landmark energy deal they signed last fall. There is to be a new scheme for carbon emissions pricing in...

  • 2026-05-15
  • — Canadian Press
Inside Prime Minister Mark Carney's hunt for office art — and what he liked the most

Inside Prime Minister Mark Carney's hunt for office art — and what he liked the most

Less than a week after winning last year’s election and just days before he was set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Mark Carney was looking for art to hang on his office walls. Staff who arrived at the National Gallery of Canada that Saturday morning had been instructed to dress casually: sport coats and dress pants...

  • 2026-05-19
  • — National Post
Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith seeks advice on next steps following nomination loss

Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith seeks advice on next steps following nomination loss

Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith is asking supporters for advice on what his next steps should be, with his potential bid to become Ontario Liberal leader in doubt following a nomination loss. Erskine-Smith was vying to represent the provincial party in the upcoming Scarborough Southwest byelection but lost a nomination race last weekend. He had said he wanted to run in...

  • 2026-05-15
  • — Canadian Press
Panel concludes Quebec energy deal is not good enough for Newfoundland and Labrador

Panel concludes Quebec energy deal is not good enough for Newfoundland and Labrador

A panel appointed by the Newfoundland and Labrador government says a proposed energy deal with Hydro-Quebec is not in the province's best interests. In a report expected to be released Tuesday, the three-person panel outlines several concerns with the non-binding framework agreement to share power from Labrador, which was signed by the provinces' hydroelectric utilities in 2024. In particular, the...

  • 2026-05-19
  • — Canadian Press
Dr. Strangelove diplomacy: How the Pentagon’s symbolic defence board freeze with Canada could backfire

Dr. Strangelove diplomacy: How the Pentagon’s symbolic defence board freeze with Canada could backfire

Washington's decision to pause bilateral body appears aimed at influencing Canada's military policy. Although greeted with a mixture of angst, anger and genuine confusion in this country, it is undeniable that the Pentagon’s move this week to freeze one of the oldest pillars of continental defence co-operation — ostensibly to punish Canada — carried with it notes of dark comedy...

  • 2026-05-21
  • — CBC News
Who is Jamil Jivani — and why you should be paying attention to him

Who is Jamil Jivani — and why you should be paying attention to him

Aside from being a member of Parliament, Jamil Jivani has no official roles in Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative party. Elected to the House of Commons in a 2024 byelection, he possesses less political experience than most of his caucus colleagues.

  • 2026-05-18
  • — Toronto Star
Mark Carney Should Stop Trying to Impress His Progressive Flank

Mark Carney Should Stop Trying to Impress His Progressive Flank

I’M TRYING TO FIGURE out what Prime Minister Mark Carney thought he was doing at this year’s Global Progress Action Summit. The Global Progress Action Summit is an annual gathering of Canadian Liberals, United Kingdom Labour figures, United States Democrats, and assorted compatible figures from other countries. Carney spoke at this year’s summit on Saturday in Toronto, which took place...

  • 2026-05-18
  • — The Walrus
Ottawa: Sutcliffe Leads Decided Voters; Tierney Opens at 11%

Ottawa: Sutcliffe Leads Decided Voters; Tierney Opens at 11%

The latest Capital Tracker from the Ottawa Compass and Liaison Strategies shows Mayor Mark Sutcliffe leading among decided and leaning voters in an early Ottawa mayoral ballot, while Tim Tierney would enter the race in double digits. Among decided and leaning voters, with Tierney included on the ballot, Sutcliffe leads with 37%, followed by Jeff Leiper at 32%, Alex Lawson...

  • 2026-05-19
  • — Liaison Strategies
Canada taps Gen. Jennie Carignan for NATO's top military chair

Canada taps Gen. Jennie Carignan for NATO's top military chair

Defence chief hailed as an 'exceptional' leader and candidate for key alliance post. The Liberal government is nominating Canada's top military commander to be the next chair of the NATO military committee when the post becomes vacant next year. Defence Minister David McGuinty announced the candidacy of Gen. Jennie Carignan on Wednesday and said she'll continue in her current role...

  • 2026-05-20
  • — CBC News
We’re the closest we’ve ever been to fixing this outdated law. Carney needs to get us closer

We’re the closest we’ve ever been to fixing this outdated law. Carney needs to get us closer

Ottawa’s second crack at passing its big lawful access bill is going much worse than its first one did. Assailed by privacy advocates, Big Tech and bigwig Republicans in the United States, the Carney government faces a tough slog in trying to modernize the legal tools cops and spies use to do their jobs in the digital era. This is...

  • 2026-05-19
  • — Toronto Star
A ‘red line’: Chinese embassy condemns Canadian MP’s visit to Taiwan

A ‘red line’: Chinese embassy condemns Canadian MP’s visit to Taiwan

A Canadian MP is on route to Taiwan to assert “Canadian sovereignty” in the face of what he called is a warning from China’s ambassador to Canada against members of parliament visiting the island. Conservative MP Michael Chong will meet with Taiwanese leaders next week. China’s embassy has already condemned the trip, arguing it contravenes a “red line for China-Canada...

  • 2026-05-17
  • — CTV News
Referendum on a referendum: Albertans to vote on putting separation on another ballot

Referendum on a referendum: Albertans to vote on putting separation on another ballot

Premier Danielle Smith says Albertans will be going to the polls in October to cast their vote on separation - but they won't actually be voting on whether to separate. Instead, they'll be choosing whether or not it's time to hold a binding referendum on quitting Canada. Smith made the announcement in a televised address Thursday night, saying it's the...

  • 2026-05-21
  • — Canadian Press
Poilievre says all Conservatives will campaign for Alberta to stay part of Canada

Poilievre says all Conservatives will campaign for Alberta to stay part of Canada

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said he and all Conservative MPs will press for Alberta to remain part of Canada in any separation referendum campaign in the province. "I'm a strong Canadian federalist, a proud Albertan and a proud Canadian. I want a strong Alberta within a united Canada, and all Conservatives will be campaigning for Canadian unity in Alberta," Poilievre...

  • 2026-05-21
  • — Canadian Press
Carney lays out pipeline conditions before talks with Eby on B.C.'s priorities

Carney lays out pipeline conditions before talks with Eby on B.C.'s priorities

Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Columbia Premier David Eby have agreed to enter negotiations on B.C.'s economic priorities and Ottawa's role in national development projects. Carney met with Eby in a closed-door meeting in Vancouver Wednesday, shortly after the prime minister spoke to B.C. business leaders at a separate event where he outlined prerequisites for a possible pipeline championed...

  • 2026-05-20
  • — Canadian Press
Feds didn't push carbon price backstop in Alberta in show of co-operation: Dabrusin

Feds didn't push carbon price backstop in Alberta in show of co-operation: Dabrusin

The government didn't enforce the federal standard on Alberta's industrial carbon price as a gesture of co-operation with the province, Federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said Tuesday. "Fighting with our provinces, being tied up in courts … we're working to be in really a true co-operative federalism," Dabrusin told The Canadian Press when asked why Ottawa didn't enforce the federal...

  • 2026-05-20
  • — Canadian Press
Carney calls Israel's treatment of flotilla 'abominable,' as Ottawa summons envoy

Carney calls Israel's treatment of flotilla 'abominable,' as Ottawa summons envoy

Prime Minister Mark Carney is calling Israel's treatment of people aboard an intercepted flotilla "abominable" and "unacceptable," and says Ottawa is seeking assurances about the safety of Canadians involved.

  • 2026-05-20
  • — Canadian Press
Carney says the world is facing an 'energy crisis' and Canada must help solve it

Carney says the world is facing an 'energy crisis' and Canada must help solve it

If development gets bogged down in B.C., PM says his government will be 'spending more time elsewhere.' In B.C. to meet with the province's premier who is skeptical of another oil pipeline, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the world is in the throes of an "energy crisis" and Canada must do its part to supply it with the natural resources...

  • 2026-05-20
  • — CBC News
Alberta Premier Smith open to southern route for potential pipeline to West Coast

Alberta Premier Smith open to southern route for potential pipeline to West Coast

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she’s open to a southern route — or one that runs along the Trans Mountain Expansion Project — for a potential pipeline that would transport oil from her province to the West Coast. Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Friday they’ve reached a deal on an industrial carbon price, a critical piece of their...

  • 2026-05-17
How much damage have Canada's booze bans done to the U.S. wine industry?

How much damage have Canada's booze bans done to the U.S. wine industry?

As Canada enters free trade talks with U.S., these charts show Canada’s impact on booze trade. As we head into the Victoria Day long weekend, one of the busiest booze-buying weekends on the calendar, it's the second year where most Canadians are without access to American labels. When Canadian liquor stores pulled American products from shelves in early 2025, it...

  • 2026-05-15
  • — CBC News