ACTUAL NEWS: Weekly Recap 🇨🇦 Edition
- Olga Nesterova
- Jun 7
- 8 min read
June 6th, 2025
This week in Canadian History
June 1, 1876: The Royal Military College of Canada conducted its first classes in Kingston, Ontario, marking the establishment of Canada's premier military academy.
June 1, 1961: The Canadian Bank of Commerce and the Imperial Bank of Canada merged to form the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), creating one of the country's largest financial institutions.
June 2, 1866: The Battle of Ridgeway took place during the Fenian Raids, where Irish-American Fenians invaded Canada near Fort Erie, Ontario. The engagement resulted in a Fenian victory but ultimately led to their withdrawal.
June 3, 1885: The Battle of Loon Lake occurred in Saskatchewan, marking the final military engagement of the North-West Rebellion. Canadian forces clashed with Cree warriors, leading to the end of the uprising.
June 4, 1976: Canada announced the establishment of a 200-mile coastal fishing zone, extending its exclusive economic zone to better manage and protect its marine resources.
June 5, 1813: The Battle of Stoney Creek was fought near present-day Hamilton, Ontario, during the War of 1812. British forces launched a night attack against American troops, resulting in a significant British victory that halted the American advance into Upper Canada.
June 6, 1891: Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister and a Father of Confederation, passed away at the age of 76. His leadership was instrumental in the formation of the Canadian Confederation in 1867.
June 6, 1944: On D-Day, Canadian troops landed on Juno Beach in Normandy, France, as part of the Allied invasion during World War II. Their successful assault contributed significantly to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.
This Week in the News
June 1:
Municipal by-elections were held in Districts 2 and 5 of Chazel, Quebec, as part of the ongoing 2025 Canadian electoral calendar.
June 3:
The federal government introduced the Strong Borders Act (Bill C-2), aiming to enhance border security and immigration enforcement. Key provisions include:
Expanded powers for the Canadian Coast Guard to conduct security patrols and share intelligence.
Enhanced information-sharing between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other federal, provincial, and territorial bodies.
Authority to cancel, suspend, or modify immigration documents in the public interest.
Restrictions on asylum claims, particularly for individuals residing in Canada for over a year or those who delay filing claims after entering from the U.S.
Increased penalties for money laundering and terrorist financing violations.
Expanded inspection authority for Canada Post to open mail under certain circumstances.
The bill has sparked substantial backlash from human rights and immigration advocates who argue it threatens civil liberties and violates Canada’s international obligations to refugees. Critics such as MP Jenny Kwan and organizations like the Migrant Rights Network and the Canadian Council of Refugees condemn the bill for granting unchecked powers and enabling mass deportations.
IRCC conducted its first Express Entry draw under the new Immigration Minister, issuing 277 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
June 4:
The Bank of Canada maintained its benchmark interest rate at 2.75%, citing economic uncertainty due to U.S. trade policy and recent tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. The central bank signaled the possibility of future rate cuts if economic conditions weaken.
June 5:
Prime Minister Mark Carney held a media availability alongside key ministers, including Dominic LeBlanc, Chrystia Freeland, and Tim Hodgson, to discuss upcoming legislative initiatives and Canada's role in international affairs.
Corey Hogan, Liberal MP for Calgary Confederation, was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, marking a significant step in his political career.
Tom Osborne, former Newfoundland and Labrador politician, was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board, following his election as a federal Liberal MP for Cape Spear.
Canada Proposes Expansion of Citizenship by Descent The Canadian government introduced Bill C-3, a legislative proposal aimed at expanding citizenship by descent without generational limits. Currently, Canadian citizenship by descent is restricted beyond the first generation born abroad to Canadian citizens. The proposed bill seeks to eliminate this limitation, thereby allowing more individuals born outside Canada to claim citizenship through their Canadian ancestry. This initiative demonstrates Canada’s commitment to inclusivity and recognition of its multicultural makeup, expected to have a significant impact on global Canadian communities, particularly those with strong family ties and heritage connections to the country.
Canada's 2025 Wildfire Season Intensifies: Evacuations, Air Quality Alerts, and Global Smoke Impact
Canada's 2025 wildfire season has escalated dramatically, with over 1,700 fires reported nationwide as of early June. Approximately 2.6 million hectares (6.4 million acres) have burned, marking one of the most severe starts to a fire season in recent history, second only to the record-breaking 2023 season.
🔥 Current Fire Situation
Active Fires: Over 200 wildfires are actively burning across Canada, with more than 100 classified as "out of control."
Provincial Emergencies: Manitoba and Saskatchewan have declared provincial states of emergency.
Evacuations: As of early June 2025, over 33,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes in three Canadian provinces due to wildfires: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
Fatalities: Two civilian deaths have been reported in Manitoba.
🌫️ Smoke and Air Quality Impact
Air Quality Alerts: Smoke from the wildfires has led to air quality alerts in parts of Canada and the U.S., including Ontario, Quebec, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Global Reach: Smoke plumes have traveled over 5,000 miles, reaching as far as Europe, including the UK, Ireland, France, and Germany.
🌍 Climate and Environmental Factors
Climate Change: Experts attribute the severity of the fires to climate change, which has led to hotter and drier conditions, increasing the likelihood and intensity of wildfires.
Human Activity: In Manitoba, 90% of the wildfires have been linked to human causes, highlighting the need for increased public awareness and preventive measures.
Manitoba: Significant fires have led to the evacuation of communities such as Snow Lake and Flin Flon.
Saskatchewan: Fires have destroyed infrastructure, including a Public Safety Agency fire base, and forced evacuations in multiple communities.
British Columbia and Alberta: Fires continue to burn in various regions, with some areas experiencing "zombie" fires that have persisted since previous seasons.
🛑 Public Health and Safety Measures
Health Advisories: Residents in affected areas are advised to limit outdoor activities, use air purifiers, and wear masks to mitigate the health impacts of smoke inhalation.
Travel Restrictions: Visitors to Canada are urged to stay informed about the wildfire situation, as travel to certain regions may be restricted or hazardous.
🔍 Ongoing Monitoring and Resources
Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC): The CIFFC has raised the national preparedness level to 5, indicating full mobilization of national firefighting resources.
Satellite Monitoring: NASA satellites are providing real-time data on fire hotspots, aiding in tracking and response efforts.
As the wildfire season progresses, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation and adherence to safety guidelines.
The Latest World News
Donald Trump warned on Saturday that there would be “serious consequences” if Elon Musk chooses to fund Democratic candidates running against Republicans who support the president’s sweeping tax-cut and spending package. Trump added that his relationship with the billionaire donor is effectively over.
LGBTQ+ communities from around the world are marching through Washington, D.C., on Saturday in a vibrant show of pride and defiance, protesting President Trump’s rollback of queer rights.
A U.S. federal judge on Friday granted final approval to a $2.8 billion settlement with the NCAA, paving the way for colleges to compensate student athletes for the past and future use of their names, images, and likenesses—a landmark change in college sports.
Federal agents in Los Angeles used military-style tactics, including flash-bang grenades, to disperse a crowd protesting an immigration raid on Friday.
A man with connections to the Chinese Communist Party was among the VIP guests at a Trump-hosted crypto fundraiser, according to The New York Times. The event also included an exclusive tour of the White House.
Coal-fired power plants in Michigan and Pennsylvania that were scheduled to shut down will remain operational after President Trump ordered them to stay online.
OpenAI is pushing to integrate its chatbot technology into all aspects of university life—starting with California State University’s system, which serves more than 460,000 students.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Saturday about ongoing developments in the Middle East. Rubio reaffirmed American support for Israel’s campaign against Hamas and reiterated the U.S. commitment to securing the release of all hostages in Gaza. The two leaders also discussed efforts to end the war in Ukraine, with Rubio emphasizing the importance of direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. They also restated their shared commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Please find the detailed news summary in the News Briefing.
Canada Kind
North Bay Embraces Kindness: City Council Leads by Example
In a heartwarming initiative this June, the city of North Bay, Ontario, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a compassionate community by reintroducing the Kindness Project. On June 3, 2025, city council members took the "Oath of Kindness," pledging to promote empathy and goodwill in both their official duties and daily interactions.
The Kindness Project, a grassroots movement aimed at encouraging acts of kindness among residents, has been a staple in North Bay's community-building efforts. By leading with this symbolic gesture, city officials hope to inspire citizens to engage in simple yet meaningful actions—like helping a neighbor, expressing gratitude, or volunteering—that collectively enhance the social fabric of the city.
This renewed focus on kindness comes at a time when communities worldwide are recognizing the profound impact of empathy and mutual respect. North Bay's initiative serves as a reminder that positive change often begins with small, intentional acts of kindness, setting a precedent for other municipalities to follow.
As the Kindness Project continues to gain momentum, North Bay stands as a shining example of how civic leadership and community engagement can come together to create a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Did You Know?
Canada Has the World’s Longest Coastline
Canada quietly holds a remarkable global title: it has the longest coastline of any country in the world, stretching over 202,000 kilometers (125,000 miles). That’s more than the coastlines of Indonesia, Russia, and Australia—combined.
This vast, diverse shoreline touches three oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic. From the rugged cliffs of Newfoundland to the pristine beaches of British Columbia and the icy fjords of Nunavut, Canada’s coastal reach is unmatched.
Yet, despite this extraordinary length, much of it remains uninhabited or sparsely populated, making it both ecologically significant and culturally rich. It’s home to some of the most untouched marine ecosystems on the planet and supports thousands of species—from puffins and whales to polar bears.
Next time you picture Canada, think beyond the maple leaves and mountains—imagine its endless shores. 🌊🍁
SEE YOU IN CANADA!
ONEST Network has been officially accredited to cover the G7 Summit in Canada — with founder Olga Nesterova traveling to Kananaskis to provide exclusive coverage from June 15–17, 2025.
On the way back, she’ll be spending a day in Toronto (June 18). If you're from the area and have tips on what to visit for the Sunday Edition coverage — or if you'd just like to say hi — feel free to reply to this email!
The Sunday Edition (NO politics) arrives tomorrow - stay tuned!
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