🇨🇦 CANADA TODAY

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Your daily source for Canadian news, New Brunswick stories, politics, business, crime, sports and community events.

🇨🇦 TOP STORY: CANADA–U.S. TRADE TALKS

Canada and the United States are back at the negotiating table Thursday as senior trade officials work toward an agreement that could prevent another round of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are meeting in Washington for a second consecutive day. Reports indicate a possible agreement could reduce U.S. tariffs on Canadian-built vehicles from 25% to 15%, while steel and aluminum tariffs could fall from 50% to 25%.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has briefed Canada’s premiers, but the proposed agreement is not yet universally supported. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette says important issues remain unresolved, particularly for Quebec’s dairy and forestry sectors.

The big question: Can Ottawa secure better access to the American market without giving up key Canadian protections?

💰 CANADA’S ECONOMY

Canada’s annual inflation rate reached 3% in July, rising from 2.8% in June. Higher gasoline prices were an important factor behind the increase.

The Canada–U.S. trade dispute remains a major concern for Canadian manufacturers, exporters, consumers and businesses.

🏛️ POLITICS

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is focused heavily on the U.S. trade negotiations while also promoting investment and major national infrastructure projects.

The premiers are being asked to work with Ottawa on measures that could improve Canada’s negotiating position with Washington.

🟢 NEW BRUNSWICK

Supportive housing coming to Saint John

Fourteen new supportive housing units for vulnerable youth are being developed in Saint John. The units will be managed by Unified Saint John Housing Co-operative Ltd.

The provincial government also announced funding today for 45 environmental projects across central and western New Brunswick.

🚔 Crime & public safety

A New Brunswick man is facing six charges after firearms and magazines were seized during a CBSA examination at the River de Chute border crossing. The investigation began July 17.

RCMP are also investigating the death of a 57-year-old man in Shenstone as a homicide.

⚓ SAINT JOHN

The City of Saint John has issued traffic advisories connected with the City Market’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The city is also warning motorists about upcoming disruptions involving the Harbour Bridge on Monday, August 24.

Saint John Police are continuing to seek public assistance in locating a man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.

🌤️ WEATHER WATCH

Weather conditions vary significantly across Canada today, with summer heat continuing to affect parts of the country.

Residents should check their local Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast before travelling, particularly where heat or severe-weather alerts are in effect.

⚾ SPORTS

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays remain in the playoff race and are scheduled to face the Tampa Bay Rays on August 20 before travelling to face the New York Yankees on August 22.

Recent coverage has highlighted Toronto’s improved bullpen and the club’s continued push toward the postseason.

🏈 CFL

CFL action continues this week, including Thursday’s Ottawa–Montreal matchup.

🎭 WHAT’S HAPPENING

Summer festivals, concerts, sporting events and community activities continue across Canada.

A major upcoming Canadian sports event is the WSOP Super Circuit in Montreal, scheduled for August 26 through September 12, with more than $14 million in guaranteed prize money announced.

WWE also has three Canadian live events scheduled between August 20 and August 24.

🇨🇦 TODAY’S CANADA IN BRIEF

🇺🇸 Trade: Canada and the U.S. continue intensive negotiations.

💵 Inflation: Canada’s annual inflation rate reached 3% in July.

🏠 Housing: New supportive housing for vulnerable youth is coming to Saint John.

🚔 Crime: Firearms charges and a New Brunswick homicide investigation are among today’s regional stories.

⚾ Sports: The Blue Jays continue their playoff push.

⚓ Saint John: City Market anniversary activities and traffic advisories are in focus.

🇨🇦 CANADA STRONG. COMMUNITIES STRONGER.

Canada Today — local news, national perspective.

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