Good morning. Olivia Chow has been re-elected as Toronto’s mayor, fending off a strong challenge from city councillor Brad Bradford in a closely watched race. Her victory comes after a campaign dominated by concerns over affordability, crime and the city’s future.
More on that below, along with renewed (but still highly uncertain) Canada-U.S. trade talks and Mark Carney’s openness to reforming the Indian Act.
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City of Toronto mayor-elect Olivia Chow gives her victory speech at her camp’s election night headquarters.Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
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Olivia Chow wins second term as Toronto Mayor
Olivia Chow has been re-elected as Toronto’s mayor, defeating city councillor Brad Bradford after a hard-fought campaign centred on affordability, crime and the city’s future.
The campaign: Bradford portrayed Toronto as a city struggling with rising costs, crime and congestion, while Chow defended her record and promised lower transit fares and expanded school meal programs.
The Ford factor: Chow’s victory also reflects her unlikely political alliance with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose praise helped her withstand Bradford’s attacks. The result gives her another term to tackle the city’s financial and affordability challenges.
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Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak shakes hands with Prime Minister Mark Carney at the conclusion of a First Nations and first ministers’ meeting in Ottawa on Monday.Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
Carney open to abolishing Indian Act
Prime Minister Mark Carney has called the Indian Act racist and anachronistic, saying he is open to repealing or reforming the 150-year-old legislation after Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and First Nations leaders called for its abolition.
The challenge: Carney said any changes would require consultation with First Nations. Kinew acknowledged that replacing the act while ensuring existing rights and supports are protected could take years.
The bigger picture: At Monday’s landmark meeting, Carney also pledged new revenue-sharing mechanisms for First Nations and billions in funding for emergency preparedness, jobs and policing, as Ottawa pushes to fast-track major resource and infrastructure projects.
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On Monday, Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, cautioned against Canada accepting trade terms similar to what the United States offered this past summer.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
Canada-U.S. trade talks resume
Ottawa and Washington have resumed discussions on a possible trade deal, but the head of Canada’s auto parts industry lobby group warned that an agreement remains far from certain.
The negotiations: Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, said the renewed talks follow signs of flexibility from U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of next week’s midterm elections. Ottawa said the two countries remain in constructive dialogue.
What’s at stake: Volpe cautioned against accepting previously proposed tariff terms, warning that even a reduced 15-per-cent levy on the non-U.S. content of Canadian-made vehicles could threaten the long-term viability of auto manufacturing in Canada.
Ottawa eyes gaming safety rules
Canadian Identity Minister Marc Miller says Ottawa is open to expanding its proposed digital safety legislation to include gaming platforms such as Roblox and Discord, amid concerns that predators are using them to target children.
The proposal: Bill C-34 would ban children under 16 from holding social-media accounts, with exemptions possible for platforms that demonstrate adequate safeguards.
The concern: Gaming platforms are not covered by the proposed ban. Miller said the government could introduce additional protections, including age verification and parental controls, to address the risks of grooming and sexual exploitation.
The Take
Today, the U.S. remains very powerful, and Russia still commands huge military resources, including the world’s largest nuclear arsenal. Yet both countries’ powers have increasingly come to be defined by their obvious limitations. Despite having mobilized its vast conventional arsenal, Russia has not been able to subjugate its substantially smaller neighbour, Ukraine. And despite Mr. Trump constantly boasting about his country’s military might, his war on Iran has so far yielded little more than higher oil prices and a destabilizing stalemate.
As Prime Minister Mark Carney calls for greater co-operation among middle powers, former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt examines how diplomacy, economic ties and soft power are reshaping global influence.
The Shot
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People celebrate the victory of the Student List in parliamentary elections after Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat in Belgrade, Serbia, on Monday.Marko Djurica/Reuters
Celebrations filled the streets of Belgrade after Serbia’s student-led opposition won a decisive victory in parliamentary elections, ending more than a decade of political dominance by Aleksandar Vucic. The Student List, born from protests over a deadly railway-station roof collapse in 2024, secured a majority as Vucic conceded defeat.
The Wrap
What else we’re following
At home: Canada has received its first two F-35 jets as Ottawa continues to deliberate over its planned purchase of 88 aircraft amid tensions with Washington.
Abroad: Israelis head to the polls today in an election widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership. After three years of war and political turmoil, voters will decide whether to extend his nearly two decades of political dominance or usher in a new era.
Business: Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees, more than a quarter of its global work force, as it seeks to cut costs and fund its massive investments in artificial intelligence.
Environment: Canada has backed a UN push to treat environmental offences, including wildlife trafficking and illegal mining, as serious organized crime.
Relationships: AI relationship coaches are gaining popularity, offering couples instant advice and support. But experts warn of risks around privacy, sensitive advice and the limits of chatbot counselling.
Entertainment: A new Netflix documentary, The One About Matthew Perry, explores the late Friends star’s battle with addiction through interviews with loved ones, revealing the darker side of fame and wealth.
Soccer: Harry Kane has won his first Ballon D’Or after a record-breaking season, while Alexia Putellas claimed her third women’s award.