Key Takeaways
- 37% of people think 2026 will be about the same as 2025, while 22% think it will be worse
- Canada is set to review its free trade deal with the US in 2026 and Unifor national president Lana Payne says the country needs to stand firm for a good deal
- Western Canada is bracing for a chilly and snowy Christmas, with frigid temperatures and snow advisories in effect for parts of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan
- Some faith leaders are speaking out on climate change, with one Anglican Deacon being arrested and charged with trespassing for protesting a bank’s fossil-fuel financing
- A celebrated Korean-Canadian artist has been taking family photos with Santa at a mall in Newfoundland for decades, using her art to explore themes of identity and representation
Introduction to 2026 Predictions
As the year 2025 comes to a close, many people are looking ahead to 2026 with a mix of optimism and pessimism. According to a recent survey, 37% of people think that 2026 will be about the same as 2025, while 22% think it will be worse. Andrew Enns, Leger’s executive vice-president for Central Canada, says that the results aren’t overly surprising, given the kind of year we’ve had. With the global economy, politics, and climate all facing significant challenges, it’s no wonder that many people are approaching the new year with caution.
Canada-US Trade Talks
As Canada approaches a review of its key free trade deal with the United States next year, Unifor national president Lana Payne says it’s essential to stand firm for a good deal. Payne is troubled by the views of some in the business community who have pushed to reach trade deals quickly, saying that rushing into a deal at any cost is "absolutely the most terrible approach to negotiations." Canada has to remember that it has leverage in these talks, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will enter into formal discussions with the US in January to review their free trade agreement. With so much at stake, it will be crucial for Canada to negotiate a deal that benefits its economy and people.
Western Canada’s Chilly Christmas
Western Canada is bracing for a chilly and snowy Christmas, with frigid temperatures and snow advisories in effect for parts of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. As much as 10 to 20 cm of snow is expected to fall by Christmas morning in Central Alberta, and Environment Canada is asking drivers to consider adjusting their travel plans to take into account road conditions. The snow advisories join cold warnings in effect for parts of Manitoba, as well as Alberta and Saskatchewan, where predictions are for wind chills in some spots between -45 and -50 C. Parts of BC’s northern interior could also see wind chill values as low as -45 until mid-way through Christmas Day.
Faith Leaders Speaking Out on Climate
Some faith leaders are speaking out on climate change, with one Anglican Deacon being arrested and charged with trespassing for protesting a bank’s fossil-fuel financing. Michael Van Dusen, an 80-year-old Anglican Deacon, was arrested last year during a sit-in at a Royal Bank of Canada branch, where he was protesting the bank’s financing of fossil fuel projects. Van Dusen says that he was compelled to take action because of his faith and his concern for the planet. His story is just one example of how people of faith are increasingly speaking out on climate change and calling for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy.
BC Whale Coroner
In a very different story, a veterinary pathologist in BC is making headlines for his work as a "whale coroner." Stephen Raverty has performed over 2,500 necropsies on whales and other large marine mammals over the past 25 years, and his work has taken him to some of the most remote and rugged parts of the province. Raverty’s job is not for the faint of heart, as he often finds himself wading through the intestines, blubber, and blood of dead whales to determine the cause of death. His work is crucial for understanding the health of BC’s marine ecosystem and for informing conservation efforts.
Artist Behind Decades of Mall Santa Photos
Finally, a celebrated Korean-Canadian artist has been taking family photos with Santa at a mall in Newfoundland for decades. Ginok Song and her husband Bruce Lee have been working at the Avalon Mall in St. John’s, NL, since 2000, and their photos have become a beloved holiday tradition for many families. Song is a visual artist and painter whose work often draws on her memories from Korea in an exploration of identity and representation. Her holiday work at the mall is a way for her to connect with her community and to bring joy to children and families during the holiday season. As she says, "I had a dark childhood, right? I lost something there. So I’m longing for these children to smile … and when I see their smiles, I’m charged from that."
