Kitchener Daily News

Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated there is no immediate need to re-engage in direct trade negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that discussions will resume only when the timing is right. Speaking during a press conference at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, Carney struck a calm and measured tone, suggesting that while communication between the two leaders remains open, there is currently no pressing issue requiring urgent dialogue. The comments come amid ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States following the collapse of talks last month over U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Despite…

After a demanding day at work, the idea of preparing a full-course dinner and tackling a sink full of dishes can feel overwhelming. For many Canadians, the solution has become increasingly simple: replace the traditional meal with an assortment of ready-to-eat snacks. A plate of cheese, fresh fruit, roasted nuts, popcorn, or jerky, paired with a quiet moment on the couch, now often stands in for what used to be a structured lunch or dinner. This gradual shift in eating behaviour is transforming how consumers define meals, encouraging food companies to rethink product lines and fueling the rapid rise of…

Canada and India have formally revived long-stalled negotiations for a wide-ranging trade agreement, marking a significant step toward resetting economic relations between the two countries after years of diplomatic tension and interrupted dialogue. The renewed push for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) follows discussions between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, where both leaders signaled a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and accelerating cooperation across key sectors. The announcement has been positioned as a turning point in Canada-India relations, with officials emphasizing the importance…

 A Diplomatic Thaw with Major Implications for Waterloo Region   After a frosty two-year diplomatic hiatus and a fifteen-year saga of stop-and-start negotiations, Canada and India are officially back at the table. On Sunday, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the revival of talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during a high-stakes bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. For the residents and business owners of Kitchener, this announcement signals more than just a shift in international relations; it represents a potential economic watershed. With the Waterloo Region firmly established…

NDP Leader Calls Out Government on Skills-Trade Fund Mismanagement Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles was removed from the provincial legislature after using the word “corrupt” to describe the Ford government's handling of the $2.5-billion Skills Development Fund. The incident occurred during a fiery session at Queen’s Park where Stiles challenged the government on allegations of “pay-to-play” scandals tied to the distribution of the fund. Context of the Controversy The Skills Development Fund is intended to provide merit-based grants to companies for workforce training. However, a recent report by the Auditor General revealed irregularities, including preferential treatment of firms linked to…

Bill 33 Grants Expanded Powers to Education Minister Over School Boards Ontario’s legislature passed Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act, in Queen’s Park this week despite vocal opposition from students, parents, educators, and advocacy groups. The legislation significantly increases the authority of the Minister of Education, Paul Calandra, allowing for direct intervention in public school boards across the province. Key Provisions and Government Goals Bill 33 empowers the Education Minister to appoint supervisors to take control of school boards, effectively sidelining elected trustees when deemed necessary. It also allows the minister to direct school boards to publicly disclose…