Calgary businesses are experiencing a resurgence in confidence following a difficult 2025, according to a report by Alesia Fieldberg. Sergio Llerena, owner of Casa Bonita Foods, a Calgary-based manufacturer of tortillas, chips, salsas, and seasonings, described 2025 as a challenging year due to tariff uncertainty. However, he noted that the adversity ultimately led his company to discover better opportunities for growth and expansion.
The report highlights that despite the hurdles posed by trade disputes and economic volatility, many Calgary firms have adapted and are now looking forward with optimism. Llerena's experience reflects a broader trend among local businesses that have turned challenges into catalysts for innovation and market diversification.
Other news in Calgary includes an early press release from the UCP caucus that stalled the Forever Canadian review committee, as well as an incident where a girl was bitten by a Calgary police dog, attributed to a confluence of errors according to ASIRT. Additionally, a motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Markham collision, and a bear was caught and euthanized after attacking a man in British Columbia.
In national news, an exclusive investigation revealed security gaps and organized crime at Toronto Pearson International Airport, with experts warning that the vulnerabilities could allow serious breaches. Meanwhile, Vancouver council unanimously approved a $60,000 grant to save Commercial Drive's Italian Day festival, and Ottawa's 100-year-old man is set to make history at the Ottawa Race Weekend.
Across Canada, various stories emerged: a violent sexual offender is to be released in Edmonton, a cannabis-friendly cafe owner in Edmonton hopes the law will catch up with his vision, and Maritimers responded to record-setting temperatures. In Nova Scotia, a wildfire burned in Queens County, while a Manitoba plasma donor died from sudden cardiac arrest, prompting calls for investigation. In Saskatchewan, a Swift Current man faces multiple drug and weapons charges, and in Ontario, a developer plans a senior housing complex in a long-vacant Brandon landmark.
The Kinsmen organization warned donors about a data breach, and a Better Tent City organization in Ontario will dissolve, transitioning site management. From heat warnings to frost advisories in southern Ontario, and concerns over the Snowbirds squadron's future, the news also includes new traffic lights on Warman Road, a suspended licence for a transport driver in North Bay, and Ontario college nursing graduates filling care gaps. A London clinical trial is at the forefront of Canadian research, and a Walkerton teacher killed in a crash is remembered by loved ones.
In other regions, a driver slammed into a traffic light in South Barrie, police chased a fail-to-remain suspect through Northern Ontario woods, and a Windsor man received jail time for participation in a terrorist organization. Windsor Mayor Dilkens defended city funding amid a shelter's $192,000 plea. Fairy Creek anti-logging protesters won an appeal for class-action certification, and rare video captured newborn Vancouver Island marmots at a recovery centre. Videos of men hand-feeding a grizzly bear in B.C. prompted an investigation.
Internationally, a mother who drowned her three young children at Coney Island was sentenced to 20 years to life, and former President Trump indicated he might release his tax returns after an IRS deal. In politics, China is accused of moving goal posts, and opposition parties and unions fear federal cuts could undermine food security. Canada joining the SAFE defence borrowing pact will help firms compete, according to Anand. In business, Trump's tariff threats inspired Canadians to buy local, but a new problem has emerged. Nvidia's Q1 results surpassed expectations due to massive AI chip demand, and Canadian steel companies paid millions after the U.S. said they didn't pay proper tariffs.
In health, high blood pressure and heart attacks are linked to common preservatives in food, and a study revealed regions in Canada with the highest rates of breast cancer. Global Affairs is not aware of any Canadians affected by the Ebola outbreak in the DRC. In entertainment, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' star Malek said he has Freddie Mercury 'in soul,' and 'Survivor' contestants shared how they spent their million-dollar winnings. Canadian mystery writer Alan Bradley, creator of Flavia de Luce, died at 87. In sports, Aaron Rodgers said the 2026 NFL season will be his last, Alex Newhook fans turned N.L. bars into 'mini Bell Centres' during Habs playoff games, and Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar will miss Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against Vegas. In lifestyle, Airbnb expands into hotels, cars, and groceries, a Swedish expert is on a mission to bring the Jurassic era to life, and a couple who sold their home in Colorado to live on a sailboat shared their experiences. In climate and environment, Japan arrested Americans over a stunt at a baby monkey's zoo, more than 17,000 are under evacuation orders as a Southern California wildfire threatens homes, and sharks are being used as ocean sensors to aid hurricane research. In sci-tech, officials warn thousands of Canadian devices are tied to BadBox infections, SpaceX reveals plans for what could be the biggest-ever IPO, and Neptune's mysterious moon Nereid may be an original, according to a study.
