As the weekend of December 19-21, 2025, arrives, Ottawa residents have a mix of entertainment and local updates to navigate. From long-awaited film premieres to festive culinary delights, here’s what’s happening in the capital and across the nation.
Entertainment and Local Flavours
Film critic Matt Demers guides audiences through this week's new releases, highlighting a particularly anticipated action fantasy film. For those with a sweet tooth, Ottawa is the place to be, with an abundance of Christmas treats including fruitcakes, Yule logs, and gingerbread.
On a more serious note, Ottawa police are renewing their call for information regarding a fatal shooting that occurred at a wedding back in 2023. This case remains an active investigation as authorities seek leads.
National Headlines from Coast to Coast
The news cycle across Canada this weekend is varied and significant. In Niagara, a police officer was shot in Welland, prompting an active shelter-in-place order for residents. Meanwhile, Quebec police have launched a targeted crackdown on dangerous tailgating using radar guns.
In British Columbia, a Vancouver man received a 15-year market ban after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud in the United States. Alberta faces tragic incidents, with Calgary police requesting public help to identify a person of interest in the Bridgitte Bar fire and one person dead after being struck in a northeast Calgary intersection.
Maritime provinces are bracing for cancellations ahead of forecasted high winds and heavy rain. In Nova Scotia, RCMP have charged a man with attempted murder after shots were fired at a woman in East Preston.
Business, Politics, and Health
On the political front, Prime Minister Carney has formally handed off the G7 presidency to France. In health news, a significant report indicates a massive year-over-year drop in overdose-related deaths in Canada, according to new Health Canada data. The country has also changed regulations concerning chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The business sector saw the S&P/TSX composite rise more than 300 points on Friday, with U.S. markets also trending upward. In sports, Vanessa Gilles and Jonathan David were named Canada Soccer Players of the Year for the second consecutive time.
As Canadians prepare for the holiday travel rush, the busiest time of year for air travel begins, with officials advising passengers to 'be patient' during this hectic period.
