Almost one million Indian nationals living in Canada are at risk of losing their legal residency status within the next few months as their work permits approach expiration. According to immigration consultant Kanwar Serah in Mississauga, data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that by the end of 2025, about 1.053 million work permits will have expired, with another 927,000 set to expire in 2026. The Canadian government is also reducing opportunities for new visa applicants and permanent residency, which could intensify the situation.

Serah warned that if migrants fail to apply for new visas or permanent residency, they will lose their legal right to stay in the country. Temporary workers and international students are expected to be the most affected. He noted that Canada has never faced such a large number of immigrants losing legal status before, with around 315,000 expected to become undocumented in early 2026 and over 291,000 by late 2025.

By mid-2026, at least two million people could be living in Canada without legal status, nearly half of them Indian nationals. Serah emphasized that stricter rules will apply to Indian citizens and that the number of undocumented migrants will continue to rise over the next two years.

Canada has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a significant diplomatic shift. The announcement came on Friday, December 5, with Global Affairs Canada stating that Syria’s interim government is working toward national stability and reconstruction. The decision follows similar moves by the United States and the United Kingdom, signaling a coordinated Western reassessment of Syria’s political trajectory.

Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Canada welcomes Syria’s steps toward a peaceful political transition and reaffirmed support for the Syrian people’s pursuit of an inclusive and prosperous future. The ministry emphasized that Syria has been cooperating with global partners to maintain regional stability and combat terrorism.

Syria was first designated as a terrorism-supporting state in 2012 under President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. The policy reversal coincides with a recent visit by representatives of all 15 UN Security Council member states to Syria, suggesting renewed international engagement with Damascus and potential openings for broader diplomatic normalization.

Canada’s Global Affairs department has launched an investigation into allegations that Canadian-made military components reached Israel through U.S. arms factories despite an official export suspension. The probe follows reports by Middle East Monitor claiming hundreds of shipments from Canadian manufacturers were routed to U.S. facilities and later used in Israeli fighter jets, bombs, and artillery. The report also alleged that Canada served as a transit corridor for European-made TNT sent to Israel. Global Affairs spokesperson Samantha Lafleur stated that no new export permits for Israel have been approved since January 8, 2024, and that the department is reviewing the published information. Human rights groups, including World BEYOND War, have long warned about such indirect arms transfers, while opposition MP Jenny Kwan criticized the government’s denial of knowledge, calling it unacceptable. The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Western arms flows to Israel during the Gaza conflict.

Canada and Mexico have agreed to boost cooperation as trade uncertainty grows under Trump’s tariff policies. Following talks in Mexico City, both nations pledged unity in negotiations with Washington ahead of the 2026 USMCA review. Tariffs of up to 50% on Canadian steel and aluminum and sector-specific duties on Mexico have disrupted supply chains, raising costs. Analysts warn stalled talks could strain North America’s competitiveness, while compliance with USMCA rules and alternative sourcing are seen as key strategies.

Canada has reaffirmed its ban on arms exports to Israel to prevent potential misuse in Gaza. Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Saturday that no new export licenses have been approved since January 2024 for items that could be used in Gaza.

Addressing recent reports alleging continued arms transfers, Anand said many claims were “misleading and distorted.” She clarified that some items described as "ammunition" were actually paintball-like materials or components designed to disable firearms—unsuitable for battlefield use.

“No Canadian company has exported mortars to Israel since the license freeze,” she added. Anand warned that any firm exporting military goods without a valid license will face legal action. “We will not allow Canadian-made weapons to be used in this conflict under any circumstances.”

At a UN high-level conference, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand reiterated Canada’s strong support for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. She emphasized the need for a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel for lasting peace. Anand also urged internal reforms in the Palestinian Authority and condemned Israeli settlement expansion and violence. Highlighting Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, she announced $40 million in aid, with $30 million for civilians and $10 million for governance reforms.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has criticized Israel for blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it a violation of international law. He urged Israel to hand over control of aid distribution to international agencies, noting that Canadian-funded supplies are stuck and not reaching those in need. Carney called for honest negotiations toward a ceasefire and reiterated Canada’s support for a two-state solution. He also announced Foreign Minister Anita Anand’s participation in next week’s UN summit on the two-state solution in New York.

U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended all trade negotiations with Canada, criticizing Canada’s new digital services tax on American tech firms as a “direct attack.” He plans to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods within a week. This move disrupts the positive momentum from the recent G7 summit. Canada will implement a 3% tax on digital revenues from U.S. companies like Amazon and Google starting Monday. The U.S. may retaliate with tariffs after a formal investigation.

Stricter U.S. immigration policies have prompted a wave of desperate migrants heading toward Canada, braving life-threatening conditions. Recently, Nestor and José arrived in Plattsburgh, New York, and were seen searching for a taxi at a Sunoco gas station to cross into Canada—despite freezing temperatures dropping from 3°C to -17°C. Experts say this surge echoes the migration spike seen in 2017 during Trump’s presidency. Meanwhile, Canada has opened new processing centers in Quebec and increased border patrols.

In a joint statement, the G7 nations declared their unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense amid rising tensions with Iran. The statement labeled Iran as the principal source of instability and terrorism in the Middle East and affirmed that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. The G7 also emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the Iran issue and expressed concern over volatility in the global oil market. The coalition reiterated its call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to raise defence spending to 2% of GDP this fiscal year—five years ahead of schedule—to reduce Canada’s reliance on the US for defence. Warning of threats from Russia and China, Carney stressed that Canada must prioritize domestic production and diversify military procurement. The move comes ahead of the G7 and Nato summits, with defence a top agenda. Carney also criticized America’s growing protectionism and dominance over key military assets like the F-35 fighter jets.

In a rare speech from the throne, Britain’s King Charles III emphasized that the relationship between the United States and Canada is founded on mutual respect and shared interests. Speaking at the Canadian Parliament for the first time in nearly five decades, King Charles said both nations are committed to achieving transformative benefits for their people. He praised Canada’s efforts to strengthen ties with global trade partners, aligning with the values and needs of the modern world.

CBC reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has won the Canadian election, overcoming early predictions of a major loss. A surge in nationalist sentiment followed provocative statements by U.S. President Trump, who threatened Canadian sovereignty and suggested turning Canada into America’s 51st state. The resignation of Justin Trudeau helped the Liberals regain momentum.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a 25% tariff on selected U.S. automobile imports in response to what he called violations of free trade principles. Though Canada was initially exempt from Trump’s global tariff measures due to USMCA compliance, new U.S. policies have targeted various goods including vehicles, steel, and aluminum.
Calling Trump’s trade policies a “tragedy,” Carney warned that they could destabilize the global economy and marked the end of an era of American economic leadership.

A survey conducted by the National Council of Canadian Muslims revealed that 55% of Canadians support banning arms exports to Israel due to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Additionally, 49% believe Canada should go further by restricting the sale of military equipment, services, and training to Israel. More than 56% of respondents agreed that Canada should comply with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision, meaning that if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enters Canada, he should be arrested. Support for recognizing the ICC’s warrant is particularly high among Liberal Party voters, with 70% in favor. However, Conservative voters are divided on the issue, with half supporting Netanyahu’s arrest and the other half remaining undecided.