In the news today: Frank Stronach trial, Ontario nuclear, Groundhog Day, Grammy wins

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed…

What to expect as businessman Frank Stronach stands trial on sexual assault charges

The man long touted as one of Canada’s great success stories is set to stand trial in Toronto this week, as the first of two cases accusing Frank Stronach of sexual offences against several women over decades begins.

Stronach, the founder and former head of the auto parts giant Magna International, faces a dozen charges involving seven complainants whose identities are protected by a publication ban.

The allegations relate to incidents spanning the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s.

The renowned billionaire businessman, who is expected to face a separate trial in Newmarket, Ont., later this year, has denied all allegations against him.

Nuclear refurbishment done and under budget at Ontario’s Darlington plant: minister

A nuclear refurbishment at the Darlington power plant is now complete and the unit is set to soon return to service.

Energy Minister Stephen Lecce is making the announcement today, saying the refurbishment is four months ahead of schedule and $150 million under budget.

The overall refurbishment budget was $12.8 billion.

Refurbishing the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station involved all four nuclear reactor units and extends the station’s operating life to at least 2055.

Premier Doug Ford’s government is leaning heavily into nuclear power as a way to meet the province’s fast-growing electricity needs.

Groundhog Day 2026: Willie, Fred, but not Sam to make predictions on spring’s arrival

One of Canada’s most famous groundhogs will not be making a prediction on the arrival of spring today, due to a forecast that calls for yet another winter storm in her home province.

Wiarton Willie, Shubenacadie Sam and Fred la Marmotte were all set to emerge from their homes Monday, and according to legend, there will be six more weeks of winter if they see their shadows, and an early spring if they don’t. 

Fred la Marmotte in Quebec’s Gaspésie region is still set to go, as is Wiarton Willie in Bruce County, Ont., but the Nova Scotia government announced yesterday that due to poor weather in the forecast, Shubenacadie Sam’s Groundhog Day event is cancelled.

Environment Canada had winter storm and snowfall warnings for most of northern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton late Sunday, calling for up to 25 centimetres in some areas.

Thousands of Alberta government employees return to offices as hybrid work plan ends

Thousands of Alberta government workers are heading back to work in their offices full-time.

Sunday marked the official end of the province’s hybrid-work option, which was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 12,000 workers participated in hybrid arrangements allowing them to also work from home.

The province says circumstances have changed and it’s time to bring workers back to strengthen collaboration and service delivery.

Cirkut’s big night, Bieber’s bare return and calls against ICE define the 2026 Grammys

It was a night of magic for Canadian hitmaker Henry Walter, and one of disillusionment elsewhere, as the 2026 Grammys on Sunday saw several artists call out the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, laying bare a divided America — almost as starkly as Justin Bieber’s near-naked return to the stage.

Walter, better known as Cirkut, took home two trophies, including producer of the year and best dance pop recording for Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.”

The night also saw Bieber deliver a decidedly stripped-down performance, taking the Grammys stage for the first time in four years.

Bad Bunny was among the night’s biggest winners, also taking home Album of the Year and Best Global Music Performance for “EoO.”

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 2, 2026.