Canada Weekly News: Jobs Hit, China Case Win
In the past week, Canada navigated a mix of economic challenges, diplomatic breakthroughs, and the excitement of the ongoing 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. From job market shifts to international relations and national security probes, here are the major headlines that shaped the nation.
1. Economy Takes a Hit: Canada Loses 25,000 Jobs in January
Canada’s labour market showed signs of cooling as the country lost nearly 25,000 jobs in January 2026, pushing the unemployment rate up to 6.5%. Sectors like manufacturing, education, and public administration saw the biggest declines, though gains appeared in information, recreation, business services, and agriculture. Wage growth eased to 3.3% year-over-year, reflecting broader economic pressures amid global uncertainties, including U.S. tariff impacts. Experts note this as part of a structural adjustment in the economy, with participation rates dipping as fewer people searched for work.
This setback comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government pushes initiatives to bolster key industries, including a new auto sector plan with EV rebates to counter trade disruptions.
2. Diplomatic Thaw: China Overturns Death Sentence for Canadian Robert Schellenberg
In a major development, China’s top court struck down the death sentence for Canadian Robert Schellenberg, detained since 2018 on drug smuggling charges, and ordered a new trial. This signals a potential reset in Canada-China relations following Prime Minister Carney’s recent high-stakes visit to Beijing. The move is seen as a positive step toward easing long-standing tensions, especially amid external pressures from U.S. policies.
3. 2026 Winter Olympics Kick Off: Team Canada in Action
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics began with high hopes for Canada. Early highlights included medal prospects in snowboard big air and speed skating, though the team faced setbacks like a postponed women’s hockey game due to a norovirus outbreak. Canadian athletes, including snowboarder Arnaud Gaudet (who narrowly missed the parallel giant slalom semifinals) and figure skaters (finishing fifth in the team event), showed strong performances amid intense competition. The U.S. claimed early gold in some events, but Team Canada remains in the medal hunt across multiple disciplines.
Fans across Canada tuned in, with public viewings and fan fests adding to the national excitement during this historic multi-site Games.
4. National Security Probe: Ontario Campus Trespass Turns Major Investigation
A routine trespassing call at a London, Ontario university campus escalated into a full national security investigation involving the RCMP, Ottawa, and Quebec authorities. Details remain limited, but the case has drawn widespread attention as it unfolded over recent weeks.
5. Defence and International Ties: Submarine Race Heats Up and Greenland Relations Strengthen
Competition intensified for Canada’s next-generation submarine contract, with South Korea’s Hanwha and Germany vying aggressively—Hanwha even planning to sail a sub across the Pacific. Meanwhile, Canada deepened diplomatic and defence ties with Greenland amid ongoing sovereignty concerns related to U.S. statements.
Other notable mentions include travel advisories prompting Canadians to rethink Cuba trips due to energy crises, a potential end to remote border pre-clearance programs affecting northern communities, and ongoing concerns over measles exposure in Manitoba.
As Canada adapts to economic shifts, geopolitical changes, and Olympic pride, these stories highlight a week of resilience and global engagement.
Stay tuned to NRIGlobe.com for more updates on Canada and worldwide news affecting the diaspora. For the latest on Indian-origin communities in Canada and global affairs, visit us regularly.
Published on www.nriglobe.com – Your source for NRI news and global insights.
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