Hot topics in Canada

Weekly Topic: What is a current hot topic in your country?

Zach McLaughlin

Photo by Ali Tawfiq on Unsplash

In
weather news, heat alerts and warnings have been issued across Canada this week, with temperatures expected to reach 35 in Toronto over the next two days and 40 degrees in parts of BC. There is also concern that Canada’s longest river, the Mackenzie, has reached its lowest level ever due to drought and high temperatures. An even worse heat wave is baking much of the United States right now, though, and a high of about 53 degrees (128 Fahrenheit) was reached in Death Valley National Park in eastern California.

In sports news, Canada defeated Venezuela in the quarterfinals of the Copa America soccer tournament and advanced to the semifinals for the first time, where they will face Argentina and Lionel Messi. This amazing performance has given soccer a big boost in popularity in Canada.


In political news, Canada’s current prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has been losing popularity, and polls show that he would lose to Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party if an election was held today. However, Canada’s next election won’t take place until the fall of 2025, so the Liberal party has some time to decide whether to keep Trudeau or find a new leader before then.


In economic news, interest rate cuts have begun in Canada, giving some hope to mortgage holders who have seen their monthly payments increase significantly. However, inflation increased slightly again, so the Bank of Canada remains cautious about further rate cuts for now.


In local news, here in Ontario (where I live), the LCBO (the government operated store which sells alcohol) workers have gone on strike, so all LCBO stores are closed. The LCBO has historically had a lot of control over the sale of alcohol, but recently the government of Ontario has introduced plans to allow grocery stores and convenience stores to sell alcohol, too, and the LCBO is opposed to this plan. Although the LCBO stores are closed, Ontarians can still buy beer from The Beer Store and also buy alcohol directly from breweries, wineries, and distilleries. 


Finally, in international news, Canadians have been paying close attention to the outcome of the elections in the UK and France (where the summer Olympics are set to begin soon) and also to the upcoming fall election in the United States. Many are now wondering whether Joe Biden is mentally fit to run for president again and how a second Trump presidency might affect Canada.
This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

Comments (0)

Login to Comment Log in »
Premium ribbon

from:

in:

Lesson Categories

Language Fluency

English   Native
Japanese   Just a few words

Zach McLaughlin's Most Popular Columns

  • English

    Surprise!

    Photo: DH News TorontoOne of the most surprising things in Canada is the spring weather! Having liv...

    Zach McLaughlin

    Zach McLaughlin

    0
    7263
    May 31, 2021
  • English

    A new phase of life for students and teachers

    Photo: Gabriel Benois on UnsplashFor many people, it feels like life is on pause because of the cor...

    Zach McLaughlin

    Zach McLaughlin

    0
    6972
    Mar 22, 2021
  • English

    My Bucket List

    Photo by Heather McKean on Unsplash   My bucket list is a fairly short and affordable one! Short-t...

    Zach McLaughlin

    Zach McLaughlin

    0
    6931
    Jul 20, 2021
  • English

    Cheers!

    Without a doubt, beer is my favourite alcoholic beverage! It wasn’t always that way, though… My mo...

    Zach McLaughlin

    Zach McLaughlin

    0
    6484
    Jun 7, 2021
« Back to List of Tutor's Column

Got a question? Click to Chat