A dangerous combination of winter weather has shut down schools across Atlantic Canada on Monday, January 12, 2026. The region is grappling with a mix of heavy snow, powerful winds, and freezing rain, creating hazardous travel conditions and prompting officials to cancel classes for safety.
Weather System Disrupts Daily Life
The disruptive weather, forecasted by meteorologist Lataevia Beezer, is the lead story impacting the Maritimes. The decision to close schools was a preventative measure to keep students and staff off treacherous roads. This storm is part of a broader pattern of severe winter conditions affecting various parts of the country.
In Ottawa, more snow is expected to fall on Monday, adding to existing accumulations. Meanwhile, a cloudy week with flurries, significant wind chill, and limited sunshine is predicted for other regions, underscoring a persistent cold snap.
Other National Headlines
Beyond the weather, several other significant events are unfolding across Canada. In Calgary, water consumption has dropped below 500 million litres per day, a positive development as the city works to repair critical infrastructure. Officials have announced that 16 Avenue is expected to reopen mid-to-late next week.
In Ontario, wait times for various surgeries and scans are described as "very fragmented," highlighting ongoing pressures in the healthcare system. A new map has also been released to illustrate service access gaps across neighbourhoods in Waterloo Region.
Tragedy struck in Moncton, where a man died following a single-vehicle crash. In Calgary's southeast, several people were injured in a two-vehicle collision.
Community and Political Developments
Community actions and political requests are also making news. In Vancouver, an 'ICE Out' protest was held at the U.S. Consulate. Iranian-Canadian communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan gathered at legislative buildings to show support for anti-government protests in Iran.
On the municipal front, Alberta Municipalities have asked the federal government not to impose reductions to off-site levies in a housing grant fund. In a costly decision, the town of Tecumseh lost $3.2 million in federal funding due to a fourplex ruling.
In sports, the Highland Curling Club swept the provincial curling championships, with winners Knapp and Campbell expressing that the victory "feels better this time." In figure skating, Stephen Gogolev leads after the short program at the national championships.
As Canada works to diversify its international relationships, its leader is set to visit China to rebuild ties and reduce dependence on the United States. In parallel, the Finance Minister is in the U.S. to discuss trade and critical minerals with G7 counterparts.
