Foreign Influence Watch: Canada’s foreign influence registry is now active, with a foreign influence transparency commissioner empowered to enforce compliance and levy penalties up to $1 million, clarifying who must register and how Canadians can track influence efforts. Trade & Diplomacy: Canada-U.S. trade talks ramp up as Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc returns to Washington ahead of a looming U.S. tariff deadline, while Ottawa also moves to designate Alberta’s West Coast pipeline as a project of national interest under Bill C-5. Consular Changes: The U.S. plans to close several foreign missions, including an American Presence Post in Winnipeg, reducing consulates in Canada from seven to six. Public Accountability: The federal government says a court-approved settlement is available for people affected by unauthorized disclosures involving Government of Canada online accounts, with claims open from Aug. 4 to Feb. 3, 2027. Health & Science: Health Canada authorized Moderna to begin a Phase I trial of an mRNA Ebola vaccine candidate for the Bundibugyo strain in the DRC. Disability Benefits: Advocates criticize the Canada disability benefit for using a narrower disability definition than the Accessible Canada Act, leaving some people with episodic disabilities out. Environment & Flooding: Residents in Montreal’s Pierrefonds-Roxboro pressed officials for answers after repeated flooding, including concerns about rebuilding and insurance costs. Digital Safety: Roblox says it’s pushing toward a global digital safety standard as it faces legal pressure over child safety.