The year 2026 has begun with a whirlwind of global and domestic developments, from military intervention in South America to escalating trade tensions and a deepening health care controversy in Alberta. For Canadians trying to catch their breath after the holidays, here is a breakdown of the major stories shaping the start of the new year.
International Crises: Venezuela and Minneapolis
In a significant geopolitical shift, Venezuela has begun releasing political prisoners. A senior regime official framed the move as an international olive branch following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump stated he cancelled a second wave of attacks. However, the U.S. Senate rebuked the president, voting to take up a War Powers Resolution to bar further military action in Venezuela. While largely symbolic—Trump could veto it even if it passes—the President told The New York Times that U.S. proxy rule in Venezuela could continue for years.
Domestically, the incident has Canadian travel advisers fielding concerns from travellers worried about winter getaways to destinations like St. Lucia, Aruba, and Mexico.
Meanwhile, tensions flared in Minneapolis after Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year-old mother of three and U.S. citizen, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. Protests led to school cancellations. Despite demands from state officials for ICE to leave, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said agents would remain. Minnesota's investigation is hampered as federal prosecutors have barred the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from jointly investigating with the FBI.
Economic and Legal Battles: Trade and Alberta Health
The Canada-U.S. trade war approaches its one-year mark, with the U.S. Supreme Court poised to issue rulings on the legality of President Trump's sweeping global tariffs. These decisions represent a major test of presidential power with global economic implications. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confidence in finding alternative legal authorities to impose duties if the Court rules against the administration.
In Alberta, a major health care controversy intensifies. Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former head of Alberta Health Services (AHS), alleges a campaign of intimidation since filing a wrongful-dismissal lawsuit against the provincial government. A former AHS board director, Sandy Edmonstone, supports her claims, alleging in an affidavit that he was surveilled and threatened with the distribution of surreptitious photos to his partner. Recent court orders have allowed the seizure of evidence from podcasters David Wallace and James Di Fiore, with Wallace stating he was retained by an Edmonton-based lawyer.
New Rules for Canada in 2026
Several new federal and provincial regulations take effect this year. Notably, the federal minimum wage is projected to rise to $18.10 per hour on April 1 for workers in federally regulated industries, with provincial increases also scheduled. The Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act came into force on January 1 to facilitate interprovincial trade.
Financial changes include adjusted federal tax brackets using a 2% inflation rate, while TFSA limits and CPP contribution rates remain unchanged. Starting March 12, banks will face restrictions on non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees charged to customers.
Also in the news: A potential mega-merger between mining giants Rio Tinto and Glencore is in talks; protests in Iran followed calls from an exiled crown prince before an internet blackout; and the LGBTQ novel Heated Rivalry is a pirated hit in China despite a content crackdown. At home, Ontario Premier Doug Ford urges PM Mark Carney to maintain tariffs on Chinese EVs, and the official portrait of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be unveiled next month.
