Current events/2025-12-11
Canada
Economy and trade
- Canada posts surprise trade surplus – Statistics Canada reports that Canada recorded a merchandise trade surplus of about C$153 million in September 2025, its first surplus in several months, as exports rose and imports declined. The result beat economists’ expectations for a large deficit and was driven by stronger exports of metals, minerals and transportation equipment, as well as lower imports.[1]
Transport and regulation
- Review of pilot fatigue rules – Transport Canada launches a review of its pilot duty-time and fatigue regulations following complaints from airlines that the current rules, in place since 2018, are too complex and restrictive. Proposals to relax some limits, including the possibility of pilots working up to 23 consecutive days without a guaranteed weekly day off, have drawn criticism from pilot unions concerned about flight safety.[2]
Security and terrorism
- Four extremist groups listed as terrorist entities – The Government of Canada adds four transnational extremist and insurgent groups – 764, Maniac Murder Cult, Terrorgram Collective and Islamic State – Mozambique – to its list of foreign terrorist entities. Public Safety Canada states that the new listings are intended to disrupt fundraising, support networks and propaganda activities linked to these organizations.[3][4]
Environment and wildfires
- Record-breaking 2025 wildfire season – Meteorologists and federal officials report that the 2025 Canadian wildfire season has been one of the worst on record, with more than 6,000 wildfires burning across nearly every province and territory and over 8.3 million hectares of land affected. The intense season has prompted ongoing recovery and support efforts by federal and provincial authorities.[5][6]
Immigration and workforce
- Largest Express Entry draw of 2025 – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts its largest Express Entry draw of the year focused on Canadian Experience Class candidates, inviting 6,000 applicants to apply for permanent residence. The draw, held on 10 December 2025, required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 520 and pushes total Express Entry invitations for 2025 above 100,000.[7][8]
Government and politics
- Federal government schedule and service initiatives – The Prime Minister chairs a meeting of Cabinet and attends National Caucus and other official events in Ottawa. The Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson marks the end of the Canada Revenue Agency’s 100-day service improvement plan, which aimed to improve access to CRA services and reduce delays for taxpayers.[9][10]
Social policy and health
- Two years of the Canada Dental Care Program – The federal government highlights the second anniversary of the Canada Dental Care Program, noting that the national plan has expanded access to affordable dental services for millions of eligible Canadians since its launch and will continue to roll out to additional groups.[11]
Science, innovation and foreign policy
- Investment in AI for smarter energy use – Natural Resources Canada opens a new call for proposals to support projects that use artificial intelligence and smart-grid technologies to improve energy efficiency and grid reliability across the country.[12]
- Senate report on Canada–Africa relations – A Senate committee releases a report describing Canada’s deeper engagement with African countries as a “strategic imperative” and recommends stronger diplomatic, trade and development ties with the continent.[13]