Carney’s Cabinet Retreat, TIFF Opens with John Candy Documentary

Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet are engaging in a second day of closed-door meetings as they prepare for the return of Parliament in less than two weeks. The discussions focus on strategies to boost industrial investment, adjust federal spending priorities ahead of the upcoming fall budget, and respond to U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Carney is expected to present his first budget since taking office in October, which he has described as both an austerity measure and a plan to increase investments to stimulate the economy.

While the government aims to introduce measures that foster growth, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized Carney for potentially increasing the deficit, claiming that his approach could prove costlier for Canadians than that of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

NATO Urged to Combat Authoritarian Influence Online

In a parallel development, a report from civil society organizations is calling for a more robust role for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in addressing the online aggressions from authoritarian nations. The report, titled “Wired for War: How Authoritarian States are Weaponizing AI Against the West,” was released by the Montreal Institute for Global Security and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Canada. It highlights the collaborative efforts of states like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to expand their influence and challenge established global norms.

The authors of the report emphasize that recognizing the threat posed by these nations is no longer sufficient; a decisive and democratic response is essential to counter their strategies aimed at undermining Western alliances and credibility.

Proposed Arms Controls on Israel by NDP

In another political development, NDP Member of Parliament Jenny Kwan is set to address Parliament regarding a proposed bill aimed at closing a loophole that may permit U.S. purchases of Canadian arms for Israel, despite an existing ban on such exports. Kwan intends to introduce the legislation later this month to ensure that Canadian military exports do not contribute to human rights violations abroad.

While the Canadian government has restricted arms exports to Israel since early 2024, the specifics of the ban have been debated. The Liberal government initially indicated the ban applied only to lethal weapons but later confirmed that arms intended to protect civilians could still be sold, a position that has drawn criticism from advocates seeking a total embargo.

Youth Employment Challenges Intensified by Economic Factors

A report from Desjardins Economics has revealed that increasing gig work, advancements in artificial intelligence, and rapid population growth are adversely affecting job opportunities for Canada’s youth. The findings come as Pierre Poilievre points to rising youth unemployment levels as a concern in the context of immigration policies for temporary foreign workers.

Statistics Canada reported that the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 to 24 reached 14.6 percent in July 2025, marking a nearly 15-year high outside the pandemic period. The report indicates that the situation is more reminiscent of a recession, particularly for younger workers aged 15 and 16, who faced an alarming unemployment rate of 31.4 percent during the peak summer job season.

Closure of Ontario Plant Sparks Political Backlash

The impending closure of a bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ontario, operated by the spirits company Diageo, has prompted significant political backlash. Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the decision, which will see the plant cease operations in February 2026, as part of the company’s strategy to cut costs by shifting bottling production to the U.S. Ford publicly protested the move by dumping out a bottle of Crown Royal whisky during a press conference, suggesting that consumers should support local alternatives instead.

Toronto International Film Festival Celebrates 50 Years

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) commenced today with the world premiere of “John Candy: I Like Me,” a documentary honoring the late Canadian comedian. Members of Candy’s family, along with executive producer Ryan Reynolds and director Colin Hanks, participated in the star-studded opening-night event.

Over the next 11 days, TIFF will host numerous Hollywood celebrities, including Angelina Jolie, Keanu Reeves, Sydney Sweeney, and Dwayne Johnson, marking a significant occasion in the film industry. Additionally, U.K. pop star Charli XCX will make her film debut with the premiere of “Erupcja,” in which she plays a British tourist entangled in a romantic drama.

This report, originally published by The Canadian Press, encapsulates significant developments from September 4, 2025.