In the news today: Carney courts Europe, gun groups seek answers, Peart doc premières

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney is courting Europe, aiming to secure the country as an "associate member" of the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented key pillars for stronger cooperation between Europe and Canada during a meeting in Strasbourg, France. Carney is in France to strengthen the alliance, focusing on trade, defence, and people-to-people ties.

Five gun control advocacy groups are urging the RCMP to disclose information about the firearms used in the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting. The RCMP claims it cannot reveal specific details due to an ongoing investigation, but the groups argue that public discussion of the information could prevent future tragedies. The groups' letter to RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme states that in such a case, operational secrecy and public accountability can coexist.

Canada's inaugural investment summit, held in Toronto, has sparked buzz about the country's openness to business. However, experts warn that the momentum may not translate into major projects overcoming labour shortages, community concerns, environmental hurdles, and lengthy approvals. The summit included multi-billion dollar funding announcements, with Ottawa aiming to attract $1 trillion in total investment over five years.

Experts suggest that measures like productivity mega deduction tax policy and a streamlined regulatory approach could make Canada attractive to investors.

Mississauga city council is set to vote on a one-year moratorium on data centres, amid concerns about energy-intensive facilities fueling the artificial intelligence boom. Prologis, a major U.S.-headquartered firm, is seeking approval for a two-storey data centre in Mississauga. The moratorium follows failed bids in Hamilton and Burlington.

Neil Peart, the late drummer of Rush, will have a documentary about his life and legacy premier at the Toronto International Film Festival. Peart's bandmates, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, will attend the screening, along with co-directors Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen. The documentary, "Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple," will also debut on CBC next Wednesday.