It is Tuesday, May 12. Here are the top stories we are following today.
Hantavirus quarantine: B.C. recommends shorter isolation than WHO
How long should hantavirus cruise ship passengers self-isolate? British Columbia recommends a shorter period than the World Health Organization. The U.S., U.K., France, and Greece have asked that all repatriated passengers from the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius cruise ship isolate for at least six weeks. However, four Canadians who were aboard the infected ship and arrived in British Columbia have begun a minimum 21-day isolation period. A passenger of the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius was pictured leaving by military bus after disembarking in the port of Granadilla de Abona on the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands on May 11, 2026.
Mysterious surge in Canadian visits to three U.S. cities
Even researchers are puzzled why Canadian visits to Gainesville, Florida; Cleveland, Ohio; and Portland, Oregon have spiked. A study of more than 250 U.S. destinations reveals a sharp drop of up to 65 percent in the number of Canadian visitors, except for an inexplicable surge in these three cities. A Canadian and American flag are shown along the Detroit River in Windsor on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Albertans very dissatisfied, Quebeckers highly satisfied: survey
A Statistics Canada survey found that only 38.1 percent of Alberta respondents rated their life satisfaction highly, while 57.3 percent of Quebec residents reported high life satisfaction. The survey did not explore the reasons behind the provincial differences. Edmonton’s skyline is visible in the background as a pedestrian walks through an undeveloped area of the city, March 10, 2026.
Carson Jerema: My plan to turn Canada into Alberta
Jerema writes that what separatists and those dismissive of Alberta overlook is that throughout history, Western Canada has consistently pulled the center of power and influence away from Ottawa. He lists four ways that the province can get what it needs without separating. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks during a panel discussion at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Ottawa on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Buffalo loves Canada: Sabres prove it
A viral anthem moment at a recent NHL playoff game provided an ideal opportunity for Buffalo, New York, to extend an olive branch and remind Canadians what they mean to the city. The Buffalo Sabres’ deep connection to Canadian hockey endures despite rising cross-border tensions and declining travel to the U.S.
Scott Stinson: Nate Erskine-Smith appeals loss in Ontario Liberal race
Not winning the Scarborough nomination and not winning a byelection there does not preclude Nate Erskine-Smith from seeking the Ontario Liberal leadership. Stinson writes that whatever the fallout from this point, it will do little to dispel the notion that Erskine-Smith is an outsider in Ontario Liberal circles, even as he tries to lead the party for the second time.
