Good morning. A string of national project promises, Pierre Poilievre’s return and an NDP leadership race make for an interesting return to Parliament today. More on that below, plus a welcome to interest rate decision day and to marathon season. Let’s get to it.
People cross Wellington Street on their way to Parliament Hill, on Sept. 14, 2025.Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
TOP STORY
What to know as Parliament returns today
The latest: On the eve of Parliament’s return, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the launch of Build Canada Homes, and said that Ottawa will provide $13-billion in capital to build more affordable housing. Ottawa has already selected six cities across the country where projects will aim to deliver 4,000 factory-built homes.
What’s next: The House of Commons resumes sitting today for the first time since late June. The economy, housing and crime are expected to dominate ahead of the release of Carney’s first federal budget. Here’s a list of everything you can expect.
What else: A new survey shows that Canadians want MPs to focus on the rising cost of living, immigration and trade tensions with the U.S. as their top priorities.
Who else: Carney will have the chance to square off with Poilievre in the House of Commons for the first time. The Conservative Leader will be back in the House after winning a by-election in the Alberta riding of Battle River–Crowfoot.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visit the Western Wall prayer site in Jerusalem on Sunday.Nathan Howard/The Associated Press
World
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Israel
The latest: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel on Sunday to discuss a path forward following Israel’s attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar. Meanwhile, Israel’s military intensified attacks on northern Gaza, flattening multiple high-rise buildings and killing at least 13 Palestinians.
Also Sunday: Qatar’s Prime Minister denounced Israel for its attack on Doha, which killed at least six people and has so far ended attempts to secure an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and release hostages. Foreign ministers from Arab and Muslim countries met yesterday to discuss a possible unified response.
What’s next: The United Nations General Assembly will hold what is expected to be a contentious debate next week on the commitment to the creation of a Palestinian state.
Students Sayen Masterson, Henry Wu, Tom Williams, Leon Gill and Mike Newton run with John Parkinson, furthest right, in Wales.Bangor University/Supplied
How We Live
The psychology of running a marathon
The latest: We’ve previously theorized that the culture of running is resonating with our psychology like never before. But psychology professor John Parkinson takes it a step further. His third-year class at Bangor University in Wales ends with an unconventional exam: running a full marathon. He argues that the physical testing helps students internalize the lessons on understanding behaviour and behaviour change (and no, completing the marathon isn’t required for a passing grade).
What’s next: We are officially entering marathon season and super shoes are all the rage. The super-light and springy footwear has become a more common sight among elite and casual runners. The benefits are undeniable, but should you buy a super shoe?
More reading
- We lose muscle power as we age. Here’s how to stay strong and fast
- Yes, getting older changes your sleep. Here’s what you can do to help
Economy
BoC and Fed expected to resume rate cuts
The latest: The Bank of Canada has held interest rates steady for the past three rate decisions, while the U.S. Federal Reserve has been on hold since December. In the meantime, inflation has not taken off in either country as much as feared, and both job markets have effectively stalled. It is widely expected both central banks will cut their benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point on Wednesday.
What’s next: Statistics Canada won’t publish the August inflation numbers until Tuesday, only a day before the rate decision.
And then: If the banks do cut rates, it could put more emphasis on dividend-paying stocks. What else might happen may look very different in each country.
Crime
Charlie Kirk shooting suspect not co-operating
The latest: The man arrested in the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk is not co-operating with authorities, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said on Sunday. Investigators are working to establish a motive for the shooting by talking to his friends, family and his roommate, who was also a romantic partner.
What’s next: Cox said the accused gunman, Tyler Robinson, 22, would be formally charged on Tuesday. He remains in custody in Utah.
Analysis: From coast to coast, from left to right, from young to old, there is now one profoundly troubling question: Is the assassination of the founder of the conservative Turning Point USA organization a turning point in American life?
Bookmarked
- The death of Johnny Noviello: The FBI is investigating the death of a Canadian man who was detained by ICE in Florida.
- Europe: Romania says a Russian drone entered its airspace near the Ukrainian border.
- For your finances: Hype, panic and portfolio drift – back-to-school lessons for investors.
- TIFF 2025: The best (Tuner!), weirdest (an industry on edge!) and worst (Ticketmaster!) film festival moments.
- Conversation starter: When mental-health diagnoses become brands, the real drivers of our psychic pain are hidden, writes Sami Timimi, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and psychotherapist.
The Quote
I didn’t want the new generation to think pouring foundation all over your face was makeup.
Celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo has always shared his beauty secrets. Now he has his own brand.
The Shot
Seth Rogen accepts the trophy for lead actor in a comedy series for his work in The Studio at Sunday night's Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.Mike Blake/Reuters
Kelly Nestruck writes about the best, worst and weirdest moments from the Emmys.
Editor’s note: Friday’s newsletter has been updated online to correct the spelling of Eddie Sheerr’s name in a photo caption.