In the news: Trump’s state of the union, and immigration issues making headlines

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed …

Trump defends policies in state of the union

U.S. President Donald Trump defended his controversial immigration tactics and global tariffs during a record-breaking state of the union address on Tuesday night.

During the 108-minute speech, the president boasted about his wide-ranging policy changes on deportation, the economy and foreign policy at a critical time for the Republican Party.

Poling has shown that issues that should be Trump’s strengths — like immigration and jobs — are tanking in popularity among independent voters who could play a critical role in the upcoming midterm elections.

Republican members of Congress appeared united during the speech, standing up to applaud the president and repeatedly chanting “U.S.A” throughout the speech.

Immigrant service groups brace for deep cuts

Nearly half the immigrant service organizations in the Greater Toronto Area are braced for program closures in the near future due to federal funding cuts that began in 2024.

A survey of 48 newcomer service agencies — conducted by the United Way Greater Toronto, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants and the City of Toronto — says 44 per cent of respondents expect to see program closures, while 56 per cent expect program disruptions due to declining funds.

Jessica Kwik, director of the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group, said many of the cuts are hitting higher level language training. Newcomers who lack this training can struggle to find work, she said.

Immigration on agenda at Alberta legislature

Alberta politicians returned to the legislature Tuesday for the spring sitting, with proposed legislation on the agenda ranging from immigration to medical assistance in dying.

Government house leader Joseph Schow said he expects up to 18 government bills, including one that would create a provincial Project Delivery Office akin to the federal government’s Major Projects Office.

The office would be tasked with attracting investment and streamlining approval for major industrial projects in Alberta.

Another bill is to prohibit MAID in Alberta for select groups, including people with a mental illness as their sole underlying condition.

Health groups call for action on cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is both the fastest-growing type of cancer in Canada and one that is almost completely preventable — and advocates are gathering in Ottawa on Wednesday to call on the federal government to step up screening, prevention and vaccination.

The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, the Women’s Health Coalition and 19 other groups are holding a press conference to urge lawmakers to act to reverse the worrying trend.

Dr. Shannon Salvador, president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, said in a press release that Canada has set a goal of eliminating cervical cancer before 2040.

“Some countries — notably Australia and Sweden — are closing in on the target of fewer than four cases per 100,000 population, which is considered elimination,” she said.

Sixth complainant to testify at Stronach trial

The sixth of seven complainants in Frank Stronach’s sexual assault trial is expected to take the stand in Toronto today.

Stronach, the founder of the auto parts conglomerate Magna International, has pleaded not guilty to 12 charges related to alleged incidents spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Prosecutors allege he knew the complainants did not consent to sexual activity or was wilfully blind to that fact.

On Tuesday, Stronach’s lawyer questioned the fifth complainant, a woman in her early 70s, about a number of details in her testimony that she had not previously told to police or prosecutors.

‘Disappointment’ after Ottawa meeting with OpenAI

Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon says federal officials expressed “disappointment” to representatives of OpenAI after a meeting in Ottawa about the company’s failure to warn law enforcement about Tumbler Ridge shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar.

Solomon said in a statement that the meeting with leaders from the company was at his request, after what he called “disturbing reports” that the AI firm didn’t promptly escalate warning signs about the potential for violence.

The statement says company officials did not present any “substantial new safety measures” at the meeting but would return with more “concrete proposals,” while also confirming OpenAI’s co-operation with the RCMP.

Solomon’s statement says they did not discuss details of the shooting as it is still under investigation, but “credible warning signs” are expected to be reported quickly rather than reviewed internally when public safety is at stake.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 25, 2026

The Canadian Press