Senate appointments and representation: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is modernizing how Senate appointments are made, including a new Independent Advisory Board and expected vacancies—raising a fresh debate about how Canada measures and understands Black representation beyond one-size-fits-all categories. Indigenous rights vs fast-tracked approvals: At the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak criticized federal plans to speed up major project approvals, arguing a one-year timeline puts Crown obligations and First Nations rights behind commercial goals. Major projects and rights: In the same policy push, the AFN message is that economic development must not come at the expense of legal duties to Indigenous peoples. Northern transit funding: Stratford Transit in Ontario is set to receive nearly $10 million for new buses and upgrades, with federal and provincial support highlighted as part of regional infrastructure priorities. Defence innovation funding: Ottawa is backing a Borealis uncrewed systems hub in Mirabel with $29.6 million over two years to help move Canadian defence tech from research to field-ready use. Data centre backlash in Ontario: Ontario municipalities are weighing moratoriums or limits as residents raise concerns about AI data centre impacts, with Hamilton nearing a potential pause vote. Nutrition North overhaul: Aluki Kotierk, advising on Nutrition North reforms, says “all items” should be subsidized to better match grocery prices in northern communities. Skilled worker recruitment: IRCC is inviting skilled professionals, including Nigerians with vocational and technical skills, to explore immigration pathways for labour shortages in sectors like STEM, health, skilled trades, defence and cybersecurity. Cyber disruption by CSE: Canada’s electronic spy agency (CSE) is reported to have conducted cyberattacks to disrupt foreign criminals selling fentanyl ingredients, as the agency expands its role. International bridge diplomacy: Coverage continues around the Gordie Howe Bridge opening and the toll/revenue-sharing deal needed to move it forward.