Canada – Winnipeg Free Press

Canadians in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, are being ordered to shelter in place as violence escalates in the region. Handcuffs, a boot and some keys lay on the ground at the site where a criminal gang ambushed a police convoy near the town of Soyatlan, near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Tuesday, April 7, 2015. The fatal attack happened late Monday as the convoy traveled on a rural road between the Pacific coast resort of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, the state capital, the Jalisco state prosecutors' office said. (AP Photo)

Canadians in Mexican state ordered to shelter in place as violence erupts

Emily Baron Cadloff, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:13 PM CST

HALIFAX - As violence erupted across parts of Mexico on Sunday, many Canadians were forced to take shelter to stay safe, while others, like Wendy Buelow, were left stranded as airports shut down and flights were cancelled.

Mexican government officials warned residents that Jalisco State, including popular tourist destination Puerto Vallarta, was not safe for travel after the leader of a major drug cartel was reportedly killed in a government operation.

Buelow and her husband, Dave, were set to fly back home to Winnipeg Sunday morning. Instead, they got separated in the airport as the military closed and secured the facility.

"We heard these noises that could have been gunshots," Buelow said. "We dove over the (luggage conveyor belt) and were hiding behind it, and then the airport staff brought us in this corridor … We were just sitting there waiting. Everybody was really scared, people were crying and it was really tense."

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Carney watching Canada-U.S. gold medal hockey game with friends, family at the pub

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Carney watching Canada-U.S. gold medal hockey game with friends, family at the pub

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 2:47 PM CST

OTTAWA - With a jersey on his back and a pint in hand — a non-alcoholic one — Prime Minister Mark Carney settled in at the pub for the men's gold medal Olympic hockey game between Canada and the United States on Sunday morning.

Carney and his wife, Diana Fox Carney, joined a gaggle of friends and family of the Prime Minister's Office, Liberal MPs and restaurant staff at Quebec's Chelsea Pub north of Ottawa shortly before 8 a.m., just ahead of the first faceoff.

"How are we feeling? Let's get some energy in here!" he said to cheers upon entry.

As Team Canada took the ice and broadcasters introduced the goaltenders, the prime minister referred to Canadian netminder Jordan Binnington as "Winnington."

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Updated: Yesterday at 2:47 PM CST

Prime Minister Mark Carney reacts to a chance for Canada as he watches the gold medal men's ice hockey game against the United States at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, at a pub in Chelsea, Que., on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Partial U.S. government shutdown blamed for NEXUS closure at Canadian airports

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Partial U.S. government shutdown blamed for NEXUS closure at Canadian airports

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 8:40 PM CST

Canadian airports are warning travellers that NEXUS and Global Entry pre-clearance programs for U.S.-bound flights are suspended, with Vancouver's airport linking the news with a partial U.S. government shutdown.

Airports in Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto asked passengers travelling through U.S. Customs to allow for extra time to pass through security checks on Sunday.

Most airports did not explain the reason for the closure, with Calgary International Airport telling The Canadian Press in an email that NEXUS is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and that the airport itself had no additional information.

Vancouver International Airport, however, noted on its website that the programs are suspended until further notice "due to the partial U.S. Government shutdown."

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Yesterday at 8:40 PM CST

A NEXUS card and a Canadian passport are pictured in Ottawa, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

RCMP can’t corroborate ‘veracity’ of multiple threats in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

RCMP can’t corroborate ‘veracity’ of multiple threats in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 3:15 PM CST

RCMP say they have not been able to corroborate the "veracity" of multiple threats being received in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., in the wake of the recent school shooting there.

A short statement issued Sunday from B.C. RCMP spokesman Staff Sgt. Kris Clark says Mounties became aware of threats that circulated online and within the community.

Clark says that investigators' assessment of the situation has determined that the "veracity of the multiple threats being received have not been corroborated."

He says police take all threats seriously, including these reports.

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Yesterday at 3:15 PM CST

Hearts hang from a tree at the memorial for the victims killed in a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Ukraine Olympian’s banned skeleton helmet a rallying symbol at Ottawa demonstration

Nick Murray, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Ukraine Olympian’s banned skeleton helmet a rallying symbol at Ottawa demonstration

Nick Murray, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:39 PM CST

OTTAWA - As the Winter Olympics drew to a close on Sunday in Milan, Ukrainian slider Vladyslav Heraskevych's disqualification for wearing a helmet commemorating fallen Ukrainian athletes and coaches was a rallying point for some 300 demonstrators on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress held an event to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It was one of 60 gatherings planned for across the country in the days around the anniversary.

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine, by land, sea and air. Four years later, more than a million people have been killed and millions more displaced.

Maryna Shum moved from Kyiv to Canada in 2022, and was among the demonstrators on Parliament Hill on Sunday.

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Updated: Yesterday at 4:39 PM CST

A pro-Ukrainian demonstrator holds a helmet with pictures of deceased Ukrainian athletes during a rally on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. The helmet replicates one worn by Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych who was disqualified during the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Four years after full-scale Ukraine invasion, Canada faces tough choices on defence

Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Four years after full-scale Ukraine invasion, Canada faces tough choices on defence

Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Yesterday at 5:00 AM CST

OTTAWA - As the world marks four years since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday, analysts say Moscow has contributed to global instability that will force Canadians to spend more — and more quickly — to defend their territory.

"People need to understand why defence is extremely important right now, and why we're going to have to make sacrifices financially to make sure that we stay protected and safe in the long run," said Anton Sestritsyn, a lobbyist who has helped to organize civil society support for Ukraine.

"It's time for world leaders to start talking to their people and explaining to them what kind of situation we really find ourselves in."

Sestritsyn was speaking at a panel last month staged by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a think tank funded by German governments to promote transatlantic relations.

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Yesterday at 5:00 AM CST

Ukrainian soldiers of the 48th separate artillery brigade fire at Russian positions on the front line in Kharkiv region, Ukraine on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrii Marienko)

Ottawa launching countrywide survey in buildup toward formal men’s health strategy

Nick Murray, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Ottawa launching countrywide survey in buildup toward formal men’s health strategy

Nick Murray, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 6:02 PM CST

OTTAWA - The federal government is taking its first steps toward developing a national men's health strategy, launching a survey for Canadians to weigh in.

As previously reported by The Canadian Press, federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel is working on a strategy on men’s and boys’ health, to be released later this year.

The national online survey will launch in early March and will run until the beginning of June.

Advocacy group Movember and researchers from the University of British Columbia released a report last summer calling on the federal government to create such a strategy.

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Yesterday at 6:02 PM CST

Health Minister Marjorie Michel rises during Question Period on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle

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‘One of the worst moments of my life:’ Canadian fans mourn gold medal hockey loss

Kathryn Mannie, Nono Shen, Charlotte Glorieux and Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

‘One of the worst moments of my life:’ Canadian fans mourn gold medal hockey loss

Kathryn Mannie, Nono Shen, Charlotte Glorieux and Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:26 PM CST

Fans across the country didn’t let the early morning hour keep them from coming together — and in the end commiserating together — after Canada’s men’s hockey team lost a heartbreaking Olympic gold medal game 2-1 in overtime.

Inside Scotiabank Arena, home base of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the usual crowd of blue jerseys was replaced by a sea of red, but fan Matthew Dickens left feeling dejected after watching what he called “probably the best team to ever exist” lose.

“(It was) probably one of the two best hockey games I've ever watched. And then to lose 2-1 in overtime, 3-on-3, it was probably honestly one of the worst moments of my life," he said.

"Given the other games, I knew we could come back," he added. "I didn't think we could lose. It was a shock."

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Updated: Yesterday at 4:26 PM CST

Olympic rings are seen on the glass as Canada warms up ahead of a quarterfinal men's hockey game against Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

RCMP investigating threats online and in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., after shootings

Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

RCMP investigating threats online and in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., after shootings

Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

RCMP say they are investigating threats that have circulated online and within the community of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on the same day that the funeral for one of the victims in the mass shooting had to be cancelled.

Police did not offer specifics on the threats but said on Saturday that officers have connected with the mayor and community leaders to ensure ongoing communication and public safety planning.

"The RCMP is aware of threats that have circulated online and within the community and we can confirm that an investigation is under way. A safety plan is in place for the individual(s) and community as the investigation continues," the statement said.

A message posted online by the Tumbler Ridge Chamber of Commerce and attributed to the family of Kylie Smith, who died in the shooting at the local secondary school, said her service had to be cancelled and that the family had been "moved to a safe location."

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Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

Beer, breakfast, both? Canadians to rise early to cheer for hockey gold against U.S.

Fakiha Baig, Charlotte Glorieux and Sarah Smellie, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Beer, breakfast, both? Canadians to rise early to cheer for hockey gold against U.S.

Fakiha Baig, Charlotte Glorieux and Sarah Smellie, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

From bar stools to church pews, Sunday best to pyjamas, hockey fans across the country will be rising bright and early to watch their team play for gold Sunday morning at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

The Canadian men's team is set to face archrivals the United States starting at 8:10 a.m. ET.

Provincial governments across the country have allowed pubs to open and start serving alcohol in the morning. Beer taps in Ontario and Alberta can begin pouring as early as 6 a.m., while bars in Manitoba can serve as early as 5 a.m., all local times.

Ali Gangji, an Edmonton resident, says he and his wife are planning to wake up with their two hockey-obsessed boys, ages 9 and 11, around 4:30 a.m., put on their jerseys supporting players Macklin Celebrini, Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, and head to a bar in the city's west end.

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Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

Canada defenceman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates his goal with Canada defenceman Travis Sanheim (6) during third period men's Olympic semifinal hockey action against Finland at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Trump says he’s increasing the worldwide tariff to 15 per cent

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Trump says he’s increasing the worldwide tariff to 15 per cent

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

WASHINGTON - Donald Trump's erratic tariffs threats continued Saturday with a pledge to increase his new worldwide tariff to 15 per cent, a day after the Supreme Court quashed the U.S. president's favoured tariff tool.

"During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs, which will continue our extraordinarily successful process of Making America Great Again," Trump said in a post on social media.

Trump signed an executive order Friday to enact a 10 per cent worldwide tariff beginning on Tuesday using Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act. That duty can only increase to 15 per cent and it will expire after 150 days unless Congress votes to extend it.

The changing tariff threats are likely to have little impact on the Canadian economy but it will add to ongoing uncertainty ahead of a mandatory review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade, known as CUSMA, taking place this year.

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Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

‘Nothing’s changing’: Calgary man recovering in Ukraine sees no end to war

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

‘Nothing’s changing’: Calgary man recovering in Ukraine sees no end to war

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

CALGARY - Mac Hughes looks at his body and the permanent reminders of a Russian drone strike last year.

Angry red, diamond shapes outline skin grafts on his legs. Mottled grey and purple skin covers his feet.

"They look kind of gnarly, almost like 'Call of Duty' skin on my legs or a painting," says the 23-year-old.

"I've been thinking about cool tattoos that I should do ... to make it look like my legs are on fire with flames or something like that."

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Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

Canadian Mac Hughes who was injured by a Russian drone attack while fighting for Ukraine in July of 2025 is pictured in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

RCMP’s much-needed reserve program grappling with numerous challenges: report

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

RCMP’s much-needed reserve program grappling with numerous challenges: report

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

OTTAWA - Challenges with recruitment, training, resources and overall management are hindering the RCMP's reserve program, even as reservists are being called on more than ever, says an internal evaluation report.

The newly released report says while the program helps fill RCMP staffing gaps across Canada, the lack of a clear mandate "results in inconsistencies and an inability of the program to meet current organizational needs."

The program is intended to hire RCMP members and former members of other Canadian police services for three-year terms to fill temporary vacancies.

Based on total hours, reservists filled the equivalent of about 173 full-time positions in 2024, up from about 155 positions in 2020, the November 2025 report says.

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Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

RCMP constables wait to form up for a parade before a Remembrance Day ceremony in Vancouver on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Indigenous leaders outline priorities for spring sitting of Parliament

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Indigenous leaders outline priorities for spring sitting of Parliament

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

OTTAWA - Indigenous leaders were braced for change after the last federal election, when Prime Minister Mark Carney's win ushered in a new look for the Liberal government after 10 years under Justin Trudeau.

That change has compelled those leaders to build relationships with new cabinet ministers and a revolving cast of public servants working on Indigenous files.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders have a long list of priorities they want the federal government to work on, including the introduction of a series of bills on self-government and clean drinking water.

Here's what they'll be watching for.

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Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers opening remarks ahead of the Métis Major Projects Summit at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in Ottawa on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

In first interview, Canada’s envoy to Greenland says new post seeks ‘concrete’ gains

Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

In first interview, Canada’s envoy to Greenland says new post seeks ‘concrete’ gains

Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

NUUK - The diplomat Canada has posted to Greenland says the new consulate should lead to "concrete" gains for Canadians, while locals urge Ottawa to expand existing trade and cultural ties with the Danish territory.

"This just kicks things into a new phase, a more intensive phase, being on the ground and having presence," said Julie Crôteau, Canada's acting consul in Greenland's capital Nuuk.

She gave The Canadian Press her first media interview since taking on the job last November.

"Working together to find common solutions to a lot of the challenges, and building jointly on opportunities that are available in the northern, Arctic context — especially in the world as it is these days — I think that will be a very, very big success," she said.

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Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

Former Greenland politician Tillie Martinussen is interviewed in Nuuk, Greenland, on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Transport Canada certifies Gulfstream G500 and G600 jets

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Transport Canada certifies Gulfstream G500 and G600 jets

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press 1 minute read Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

OTTAWA - Transport Canada has certified General Dynamics' Gulfstream G500 and G600 business jets, following threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

A spokesperson for the office of the transport minister says the government is still discussing the certification of other aircraft with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

The government has yet to certify the Gulfstream G700 or G800 models.

A government document says the G500 and G600 were certified on Feb. 15.

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Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

February 23, 2026

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