A cold front passing through Ontario and Quebec today is expected to bring relief after a multi-day heatwave. Severe thunderstorm watches were issued for parts of Ontario and Quebec, with the weather agency warning of scattered thunderstorms and the possibility of strong winds. However, areas further east, including parts of Atlantic Canada, will have to wait for relief as heat warnings continue into the weekend.
As Canada experiences higher daily temperatures and longer heatwaves due to climate change, one extreme weather expert is calling for access to cooling to be treated as a human right. Blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, emphasizes the need for greater heat adaptation and protection for vulnerable populations. He argues that without access to cooling, Canadians could face thousands of deaths during extreme heat events. Feltmate calls for actions from all levels of government to address this issue and ensure the well-being of the population.
On another note, Statistics Canada is set to release the employment figures for June today. This report will be the last major economic data release before the Bank of Canada announces its interest rate decision on Wednesday. In May, the unemployment rate ticked up for the first time in nine months, reaching 5.2 percent. The Bank of Canada is hoping to see further softening in the labor market as it focuses on bringing down inflation.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is scheduled to meet with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith today in Calgary. Among other topics, they are expected to discuss emission reductions and the federal government’s goal of achieving a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. Smith previously expressed concerns about the 2035 target, stating that it could have a massive cost on Alberta’s economy and jobs. Both Canada and Alberta have set a goal of becoming net-zero by 2050, with intermediate targets along the way.
In a more light-hearted news, Colonel Jeremy Hansen, a Canadian astronaut, is preparing to become the first Canadian to travel to the moon as part of the Artemis II mission. In the meantime, he has been chosen as the second astronaut to be the marshal of the Calgary Stampede parade. Hansen will ride the parade route on horseback, following in the footsteps of former astronaut Chris Hadfield, who was the parade marshal in 2013. Hadfield advised Hansen to watch out for fireworks and emphasized the importance of not falling off the horse.
These updates provide a snapshot of the latest news in Canada. From weather relief to employment figures and high-level meetings, it is clear that a range of topics are shaping the country’s current events. As Canada continues to navigate climate change, economic recovery, and space exploration, it remains important to stay informed about these developments and their potential impact on our daily lives.
