In the news today: pipeline announcement, minimum wage hikes, Canadian goes to space

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The Canadian Press has gathered stories to keep you informed. Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to announce today whether an oil pipeline to the West Coast will receive national interest designation. This would be the first project to gain such status since Ottawa passed the Building Canada Act more than a year ago. Carney announced the project in 2025, stating taxpayers would not cover the pipeline costs, but no private sector proponent has committed to paying for it entirely.

G20 trade ministers are concluding two days of meetings in Wisconsin today. Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is expected to discuss with U.S. Trade Representative Jamie Greer, along with officials from India and the European Union. Canada aims to reduce its economic dependence on the United States due to Washington repeatedly targeting Canadian goods with tariffs.

A three-day sexual assault trial is set to begin for Mike Smith, a Nova Scotia-based actor known for his role in “Trailer Park Boys.” Smith has pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual assault stemming from an alleged incident in 2017. Although court documents do not disclose details of the allegations, Smith has been prohibited from contacting or visiting the complainant's home, workplace, or school.

It was previously revealed that Trailer Park Boys Inc., which had Smith as one of three directors, had terminated his position with the company last year.

Minimum wage hikes are set to begin across five provinces. In Ontario, the wage increases to $17.95 per hour, while in Prince Edward Island, it rises to $17.30. Nova Scotia will see an increase to $17, Manitoba's wage goes up to $16.40, and Saskatchewan's minimum wage will be $15.70. All provinces and territories will have raised their rates this year, except Alberta, which has maintained its minimum wage at $15 per hour since 2019—the country's lowest. Nunavut currently leads the nation with a minimum wage exceeding $20 per hour.

Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk, 44, is preparing to embark on his lifelong dream of traveling to space. The launch is scheduled for 11:10 a.m. eastern from Florida's Kennedy Space Center aboard NASA's SpaceX Crew 13 mission to the International Space Station for a six-month mission. Kutryk will contribute to long-term Canadian research projects during his deployment but will also play a crucial role in documenting the effects of space travel on the human body.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, observing from the ground, emphasizes the importance of international collaboration during a time of intense trade wars and geopolitical tensions.