We’ve all seen TV shows featuring surgeons performing delicate procedures while music is playing in the operating room. Music keeps things calm, keeps the pace up, and helps everyone to stay awake during those long procedures. But what kind of music is best for this kind of work?

In June 2026, Spotify surveyed about 700 surgeons and healthcare pros in over 50 countries about their operating room playlist preferences. In addition to discovering that 90% of surgeons like music whilst they operate and 89% of them preferred playlists over listening to albums, they came up with a ranking of genre favourites. Rock finished in first place, followed closely by pop. Then came classical, jazz and hip hop. If you’re an anesthesiologist, though, there’s a 59% chance you prefer pop.

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

It’s time again to investigate where various bands got their name.

• Arkells: Their name comes from Arkell Street, which is in the west end of Hamilton Street near McMaster University.
• Portugal. The Man: That comes from a book that singer John Gourley was planning to write his father and the many adventures he had.
  The Killers took their name from a fictional band in an old New Order video.
• The phrase “cold war kids” came to bass player Matt Maust when he toured Eastern Europe after the fall of communism and saw all these kids hanging out at a park in Budapest.
• And if you really want to get super technical about it, the name of alt-J is the Greek letter “delta,” which is looks like a triangle and is used as a mathematical symbol for change. To type it on a screen using a Mac, you use the keystroke alt-j. Try it sometime.

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

A state of local emergency has been declared in Dauphin, Man., after significant rainfall in the community over the past few days led to “rapidly worsening” flooding.

Approximately 115 mm has fallen since Sunday.

“The unprecedented volume of water has caused widespread flooding on streets and properties while placing extraordinary pressure on the City’s storm, wastewater and water infrastructure,” the city said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

The city woke up to relatively clear conditions, though Deputy Mayor Christian Laughland told Global News it had clouded over as of about 11 a.m. However, no rain has started.

Laughland said he’s been helping residents clean out their basements and assisting where he can, something other members of the community have also been doing.

“I would say everybody in the city of Dauphin is affected in some capacity,” Laughland said. “We’ve just been going around, kind of checking in on people. Some people’s basements are dry, some people’s basements have a foot of water, some people’s basements have five feet of water. It’s just kind of people helping people.”

Residents are being asked to avoid all non-essential travel. Many roads are flooded and storm-water systems remain overwhelmed.

People have also been urged to minimize water use wherever possible as the wastewater system is also under significant strain.

By issuing the state of emergency, the city said it can access additional emergency resources and coordinate response efforts with the provincial government.

Some areas are starting to see water recede a bit, Laughland said, but he cautioned other parts are seeing the water pool.

“It’s tough to say around the community as a whole, but just from what I’m seeing in my little bit of a neighbourhood, it seems like the water is going down quite a bit and that’s a good sign,” Laughland said. “Obviously people now, it’s the cleanup process. That’s the battle going forward.”

If people are in immediate danger or require emergency assistance they should call 911, the city said. If floodwater has entered a home or business, people should not go in affected areas where electrical hazards could be present and should shut off power only if it’s safe to do so.

The state of emergency also comes hours after it cancelled its Canada Day Party in the Park celebration due to the ongoing flooding. The decision was made even after exploring potential indoor options.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

TORONTO – Montreal Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot, Edmonton Elks running back Sheldon Rankin and Montreal quarterback Davis Alexander are the CFL’s players of the month for June.

Philpot leads the CFL with 36 receptions on 46 targets and 587 yards — 203 yards more than second-place Tyler Snead.

Philpot also has had 100-plus receiving yard games in three consecutive weeks for the 3-1 Alouettes, having never gone back-to-back weeks before.

Rankin has had three straight 100-plus yard rushing games for the 3-0 Elks, including a 179-yard performance in a win over Montreal in Week 3.

He leads the league with 387 rushing yards on just 46 carries for an absurd 8.4 yards average per carry.

Alexander, meanwhile, leads the CFL with 1.478 passing yards and has thrown for seven touchdowns while completing 69.5 per cent of his passes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

BROSSARD – Ivan Demidov is staying in Montreal for the long haul.

The Canadiens signed the skilled Russian forward to an eight-year, US$73-million contract extension Wednesday, according to agent Dan Milstein, locking up another cornerstone of their talented young core.

Demidov, 20, led all NHL rookies with 62 points (19 goals, 43 assists) last season and finished second in Calder Trophy voting.

The extension keeps Demidov with the Canadiens through the 2034-35 season. He joins Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky and Lane Hutson, among others, as key members of Montreal’s young core signed through at least 2030.

Earlier Wednesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded pending restricted free agent Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in 2028.

Robertson was under contract on a one-year, US$1.825 million deal last season. He produced career-highs of 16 goals and 32 points in 78 games.

The transaction reunites the 24-year-old American forward with former Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas, now the Penguins’ president of hockey operations.

Dubas drafted Robertson to Toronto in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2019 NHL draft.

Elsewhere, the Ottawa Senators re-signed Nick Cousins to a two-year contract worth US$3.175 million Wednesday morning, keeping the veteran forward off the free-agent market.

Cousins registered nine goals, 23 points and 92 penalty minutes in 81 games for the Senators last season, his second in the nation’s capital.

His previous deal was set to expire when free agency opened at 12 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

A third-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2011, Cousins has collected 86 goals and 218 points with seven different teams across parts of 12 NHL seasons.

The 32-year-old from Belleville, Ont., won a Stanley Cup championship with the Florida Panthers in 2024 before joining Ottawa the following season.

The Senators have had a busy off-season already, trading captain Brady Tkachuk to the Panthers and acquiring forward William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Ontario is the second province in Canada to lower the routine colorectal cancer screening age from age 50 to 45.

As of July 1, Ontarians age 45 and up are eligible to receive the at-home fecal immunochemical screening test — or FIT — that detects traces of blood in the stool.

If someone has an abnormal result, they can be referred for a colonoscopy.

Prince Edward Island was the first province to lower the screening age last March.

Colorectal Cancer Canada president Barry Stein says colorectal cancer is on the rise among younger adults and can be prevented if polyps in the colon or rectum are detected early and removed.

Both Stein and the Canadian Cancer Society are urging the other provinces and territories to follow P.E.I.’s and Ontario’s lead, saying that the change will save lives as well as health-care costs.

“We should all be able to have the same advantages to prevent the disease, regardless of the province or territory that you live in,” said Stein, who endured multiple surgeries after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 41 in the 1990s.

According to Cancer Care Ontario, nine out of every 10 people can be cured when colorectal cancer is detected early.

Stein said all the provinces are at various stages of looking at the numbers and considering the change for people with an average risk of colorectal cancer.

The other provinces currently recommend FIT screening for people between age 50 and 74.

People who are at above-average risk of colorectal cancer generally get specialized screening, regardless of what province or territory they live in.

Someone is considered at higher risk if one parent, sibling or child had colorectal cancer before age 60 or if two family members had it at any age.

People at higher risk get colonoscopies rather than FIT screening and they can start them at age 40 — or 10 years earlier than the age their family member was diagnosed — whichever is earliest.

People with existing symptoms of possible colon cancer, including blood in the stool, bleeding from the rectum, changes in bowel habits or anemia should not do a FIT test but instead should see a health-care provider to assess whether a colonoscopy or other diagnostic test is needed.

Trish Riley was shocked when a colonoscopy triggered by unexplained blood loss revealed she had stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 51.

“My first question that came out of my mouth was, ‘Am I going to die?’ It’s a reality that you’re hit with very quickly in those first few hours, weeks and months,” said Riley, now 55, who lives in Ottawa.

She went through surgery to remove the tumour, followed by months of gruelling chemotherapy because the cancer had spread to four lymph nodes.

Because it usually takes about 10 years for a benign polyp to turn cancerous, Riley wonders if she could have been diagnosed at an earlier stage if testing had been available when she was 45.

She strongly believes in early detection even though she had a false negative FIT screening just months before her cancer diagnosis.

The Canadian Cancer Society said in an email to The Canadian Press on Tuesday that no screening test is 100 per cent accurate, but “the scientific evidence tells us that having regular FIT or stool tests with appropriate followup lowers the risk of dying from colorectal cancer.”

“When you think about how important it is to find cancer early, the Canadian Cancer Society believes the benefits of having regular stool tests for colorectal cancer outweigh the limitations,” said Elizabeth Holmes, the society’s director of health policy.

Riley, whose CT scans over the last few years have shown no cancer, said she was “super proud” of P.E.I. when it announced it was lowering the age for FIT screening to age 45 and was “thrilled” that Ontario is doing the same.

She said she feels sad for people in other provinces who may not have their cancers detected early enough.

“My heart goes out to the people who will be diagnosed at a stage where it’s possibly too late to really end up with a result such as mine, or just that they will go through some treatments that possibly they might have avoided had it been detected at an earlier stage.” 

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Eligible Canadians are set to receive the inaugural quarterly Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) payment on July 3, marking the first installment of a new government program.

Previously known as the HST/GST credit, the CGEB program was announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on Jan. 26, 2026 in an effort to support Canadians struggling with costs of living, particularly with food expenses. The CGEB payment is separate from the HST/GST top-up payment issued in June.

According to the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA), benefit amounts are recalculated every July based on a family’s income and size from the previous year’s tax return. For example, the information from a 2025 tax return determines the CGEB payable amount for the payment period from July 2026 to June 2027.

Eligible Canadians can receive up to:

• $679 if you are a single individual
• $890 if you are married or have a common-law partner
• $234 for each eligible child under the age of 19

The CGEB payment will be 25 per cent higher than the former HST/GST credit with Friday’s payment and through to 2031.

The payments will be made quarterly, with the last payment of the year will be Oct. 5, 2026.

 

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

There’s never been a better time to support Canadian brands. From beauty and fashion to home and fitness, Canada is home to incredible homegrown labels delivering next-level products. Some might even become your new favourites! Read on to discover the Canadian brands we can’t get enough of – including Article, Organika, Vitruvi, and more. Happy Canada Day, everyone!

 

Home

Article was founded in 2013 in British Columbia and started as a small, Canadian-based company with a big dream to make beautifully designed furniture accessible to everyone. If you’re looking for a new coffee table that’s big in design and function, this one has your name on it. Perfect for small spaces or open floor plans, the fluted doors open to house books, chords, remotes and more–so everything has a place.[/product_listing]

 

This ultra-plush, fully modular Cozey couch will be your statement sofa for every Netflix movie and well-deserved nap. With washable, removable covers and extra large seating, this cloud-like sectional is what living room dreams are made of![/product_listing]

 

The Umbra Picket Coat Rack is a modern wall-mounted storage solution with five flip-down wooden hooks that blend into a clean, art-like design when not in use. Made from natural pine wood, it offers sturdy everyday functionality for coats, bags, and towels while saving space in entryways, bedrooms, or bathrooms.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian home brands:

Bouclair – Corn Fiber and Cotton Rope Hamper – $48

Tonic Living – Valentina Velvet 20 x 20 Pillow – $73.95

 

Bedding

Founded in 2017, Silk & Snow set out to create a better home—and a better planet—through thoughtfully sourced, high-quality materials, from European flax linen to sustainably harvested Acacia wood from Vietnam. Drift off in luxurious comfort with their mix-and-match bedding, designed for both style and sustainability. Bonus: Customize your colour palette and enjoy 10% off every purchase.[/product_listing]

 

Founded in Toronto in 2017, Hush is a Canadian sleep and wellness brand known for creating products designed to improve comfort and rest. These cooling sheets are made from 100% viscose bamboo, a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that draws heat and sweat away so you stay cool and comfortable all night, while offering a silky-soft, hypoallergenic sleep experience.[/product_listing]

 

This Canadian Down & Feather Co. Soft Support White Goose Feather Pillow is filled in Canada with small white goose feathers, offering a breathable and lightly cushioned feel for comfortable sleep. It features a 255 thread count, 100% cotton shell designed to prevent feather leakage while providing durability and long-lasting support.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian bedding brands:

Endy – Everyday Pillows – Set of two – $130

 

 

Kitchen

Meyer is a proud Canadian-owned and operated company that started in Prince Edward Island back in 1979. Looking to upgrade your current pots and pans? This 10-piece set is a match made in heaven. It includes saucepans in three different sizes, a Dutch oven, a non-stick frying pan and five tempered glass lids so you can cook up endless meals for family and friends. Plus, the thick gauge stainless steel provides maximum durability for years of use.[/product_listing]

 

Beeswax Food Wraps: Honey Bees Set of 3 are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap, made from 100% cotton infused with Canadian beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin to naturally seal and preserve food. This reusable set includes three sizes designed to keep food fresh while reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable kitchen.[/product_listing]

 

This may just be the perfect everyday pan, the Paderno Canadian Signature 11-inch frying pan from Paderno, a trusted Canadian cookware brand known for its quality kitchen essentials. Built with durable 18/10 stainless steel and a PFOA-free non-stick surface, it delivers reliable, consistent cooking performance and is compatible with all stovetops, including induction, while featuring stay-cool riveted handles for safe, comfortable handling.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian kitchen brands:

Fable – Dinnerware Set – $315

Kline – The Knife Set – $295

 

Beauty

Ilia Beauty is a Canadian brand that started in 2011 in Vancouver and was founded by sibling duo Sasha Plavsic and her brother Zac. Now, Ilia is an award-winning beauty company that delivers clean makeup and beauty products. This retinol-based eye cream is clinically shown to visibly brighten, hydrate, and reduce puffiness and dark circles so you can look awake despite not having a good night’s sleep.[/product_listing]

 

This is the perfect everyday hand care set, the Delectable by Cake Beauty Assorted Ultra Nourishing Hand Cream Set of 4 from Cake Beauty, a Canadian brand founded in Toronto in 2003 and known for its playful, dessert-inspired self-care products. Enriched with shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera, each travel-size cream deeply moisturizes and softens dry hands, while indulgent scents like coconut, lemon, strawberry, and vanilla deliver long-lasting hydration and a beautifully smooth finish.[/product_listing]

 

Nudies Cream Blush Stick is the perfect everyday multi-tasking cream blush stick from NUDESTIX, a Canadian beauty brand founded in Toronto. It delivers rich matte, long-wear colour for a natural, fresh look on cheeks, eyes, and lips, and it’s vegan, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, and fragrance, making it a clean and versatile beauty essential.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian beauty brands:

Quo Beauty – Flash Dry Nail Colour in Rose – $12.49

The Ordinary – Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner – $10.20

 

Wellness

Organika was born in British Columbia providing Canadians natural wellness, collagen, supplements and more, including this electrolytes powder. It helps provide healthy hydration (in case you’re looking for a boost) and supports immune and gut health. Each sachet is convenient for on-the-go sips.[/product_listing]

 

Purely Matcha is a ceremonial grade matcha from Lake & Oak Tea Co., a Canadian wellness brand founded in Vancouver in 2015. Sourced from organic spring-harvested tea leaves in Kyushu Island, Japan, it delivers a smooth energy and mood boost, and can be enjoyed whisked traditionally, as a creamy latte, or blended into smoothies and baked goods.[/product_listing]

 

Blume SuperBelly Packets are a sugar-free gut health and hydration blend from Blume, a Canadian women-owned wellness brand founded in Vancouver. This Canadian brand is known for creating clean, functional wellness products designed to support everyday health. Made with apple cider vinegar, probiotics, and prebiotic inulin, this strawberry hibiscus drink mix supports digestion and daily hydration in a refreshing, on-the-go format with zero sugar and only 10 calories per serving.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian wellness brands:

Bird&Be – Ovulation Test Strips – $35.99

Province Apothecary – Daily Glow Facial Dry Brush – $39.20

 

Home fragrance

Vitruvi is a Vancouver-born brand with a mission to eliminate the toxic ingredients often found in traditional air care and home scents. What started with a collection of high-quality essential oils has evolved into a full line of thoughtfully designed products, including diffusers, humidifiers and home scenting systems that double as décor. Naturally scent your home for up to eight hours and enjoy peace of mind with a lifetime warranty on this cult-favourite diffuser.[/product_listing]

 

Bring warmth to any space with this Pom & Kim French Vanilla scented candle, a Canadian brand known for its handcrafted, vegan 100% soy wax candles that offer a cozy, buttery vanilla fragrance with an eco-friendly, clean burn.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian fragrance brands:

Mala the Brand – Cabin Fever Candle – $42

AromaTech – Santal and The Hotel Gift Set – $75

 

Kids

Attitude is a Canadian company that develops natural personal care and household products. All their products are clean, are made with less plastic and more sustainable for a healthier planet. Founded in 2006, they’ve grown into a brand that’s 100 per cent vegan and cruelty-free, not only making them safe for adults but the whole family. This toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps protect teeth from cavities with a natural yet yummy watermelon taste.[/product_listing]

 

The Joy Print Baby Romper is from Petits Genoux, a Canadian brand proudly made in Canada, known for thoughtfully designed children’s clothing. This soft, unisex one-piece is crafted from 100% cotton and features adjustable “grow with me” straps and a snapped crotch for easy diaper changes, combining everyday comfort with a sweet, modern design.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian kids’ brands:

Beluga Baby – The McKenzie Beluga Wrap – $94.99

 

Travel

Monos has become a household name in the world of travelling providing carry-ons, luggage sets and more keeping simplicity in mind. With its award-winning design and solid build this carry-on is the perfect travel companion for short trips and long vacations. The outer shell is dent-resistant, so it’ll survive the airplane’s overhead storage. With so many colours to choose from, there’s a luggage for everyone.[/product_listing]

 

From Samsonite, a Canadian-founded travel brand established in Denver in 1910 and widely trusted in Canada for durable travel gear, these 3-piece compression packing cubes help maximize luggage space and keep items organized. Made from durable 100% polyester with a compression zipper system and mesh panels for easy identification, they make packing more efficient whether you’re travelling light or for longer trips.[/product_listing]

 

From Herschel Supply Co., a Canadian brand founded in Vancouver in 2009, this Classic Backpack combines timeless style with everyday functionality. Made from recycled polyester, it features a padded floating laptop sleeve, convenient storage pockets, and comfortable adjustable straps, making it a durable and versatile choice for school, work, or travel.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian travel brands:

Bugatti – Palermo Duffle Bag – $100

Heys – Milos Luggage – $231.99

 

Fashion

Founded in Vancouver, Aritzia has grown from a beloved local boutique into one of Canada’s most iconic fashion brands known for its curated in-house labels and elevated everyday pieces. This bestselling v-neck cami is made from 100 per cent cotton jersey, light enough for those sunny summer days. We’re obsessed with this dreamy shade, the fit and relaxed style that you can dress up or down.[/product_listing]

 

If you’re looking for a sleek jacket to keep you warm between reps or errands, the lululemon Define Jacket—by the Canadian brand lululemon, founded in Vancouver in 1998—is made from buttery-soft, weightless fabric designed for all-day comfort. It features sweat-wicking performance and four-way stretch to move with you through workouts, daily activities, and everything in between.[/product_listing]

 

From Bikini Village, a Canadian swimwear retailer founded in Montreal in 1995, this versatile tankini brings together style, comfort, and support for every occasion. Figure-flattering ruching and halter-style straps create a confident, supportive fit that works just as well from beach days to brunch plans.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian clothing brands:

Knix – Super Leakproof High Rise Underwear – $36

Kotn – Men’s Luxor Jersey Polo – $70

 

Jewellery

Founded with the belief that luxury should be accessible, Mejuri has redefined fine jewellery with ethically sourced materials, timeless design and everyday wearability. From 14k solid gold to responsibly mined diamonds, each piece is crafted to elevate your daily look without the traditional markups. This classic design is practically made for stacking.[/product_listing]

 

From LISA Gozlan, a Canadian jewelry brand founded in Montreal in 2014, The Pavé bracelet is an iconic everyday piece designed to spark joy. Featuring the signature Happy Face™ design and available in 18K gold or sterling silver plating, it’s stackable, hand-strung on elastic, and made to bring a playful yet elevated touch to any look.[/product_listing]

 

Founded in Toronto in 2008, Jenny Bird is a Canadian jewelry brand known for modern, elevated everyday pieces. The Gia Bangle is a versatile staple crafted from lightweight, water-resistant stainless steel with a high-polish finish, featuring a secure hinge clasp and a timeless design that can be worn alone or stacked to elevate any look.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian jewellery brands:

Hunter & Trove – Gold Hoop Earrings – $57.99

Biko – Vera Ring in Gold – $125

 

Outdoor

Based in Vancouver BC, Arc’teryx started as a company that provided the highest-quality climbing gear and outerwear and has become a global namesake. If you’re looking for an outdoor pack, this one has you covered. Made from durable, recyclable materials, it’s functional not only for camping and hiking but also for travelling with its multiple pockets for snacks, books, a camera or even your laptop. Plus, the padded back keeps you comfortable while wearing it.[/product_listing]

 

The Geo Trough Planter is from Veradek, a Canadian brand known for modern, durable outdoor design and proudly made in Canada. Built with an all-weather, real stone finish and engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, it’s impact-, crack-, fade-, and scratch-resistant, making it a sleek and long-lasting option for stylish outdoor displays and storage.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian outdoor brands:

Veradek – Geo Trough Planter – $39.99

Altitude Sports – Wynwood Large Microfiber Travel Towel – $44.99

MEC – Draco -9C Down Sleeping Bag – $319.95

 

Health & Fitness

Lole, a Montreal-born brand that has grown into a global wellness powerhouse, believes that wellness is a way of life. This eco-friendly yoga mat is a perfect example of its commitment to sustainable, high-performance fitness gear. Made from 100% recyclable materials, it’s designed to be both environmentally conscious and ultra-comfortable. Its double-core cushioning provides a luxurious feel, offering the perfect balance of support and impact absorption for stretching, posing, kneeling and high-intensity workouts.[/product_listing]

 

Jamieson 100% Complete Multivitamin for Women is from Jamieson Laboratories, a trusted Canadian wellness brand founded in 1922 in Toronto. This one-per-day formula supports energy, immunity, skin, hair, and bone health with key nutrients like cranberry, biotin, calcium, and B vitamins, all in a convenient caplet designed for everyday wellness.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian health & fitness brands:

Jamieson – 100% Complete Multivitamin for Women – $19.59

Blume – SuperBelly Gut Health Hydration Packets – $32

Vitruvi – Stone Diffuser – $159.99

 

Pets

Canada Pooch began in Toronto with a mission to create functional, high-quality stylish dog coats that will keep them warm during long Canadian winter months. In the business for around 10 years, Canada Pooch has a big variety of functional pet products just like this no-pull dog harness.Designed for everyday adventures, this harness combines comfort with control–so you and your pup can enjoy every walk, worry-free.[/product_listing]

 

Crumps’ Naturals Original Plaque Busters are a dental chew designed to help remove plaque and tartar buildup while supporting healthier teeth and gums. Made by Crumps’ Naturals, a Canadian brand proudly crafted in a family-owned facility in Canada, these natural, grain-free chews feature a unique floral shape for effective cleaning and a taste dogs love.[/product_listing]

 

More Canadian pet brands:

RC Pets – 3/4 Inch Adjustable Dog Clip Collar – $16.99

Acana Classics – Red Meat Recipe Dog Food – $104.99

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Cities around the country will celebrate Canada Day with firework displays, but the pyrotechnics may be a huge source of stress and anxiety for your pets.

While Canada Day can be the perfect time to spend some time with loved ones, including pets, your furry friends might need some extra love and attention during fireworks, some experts and advocates say.

“Fireworks can be frightening and stressful for many pets. It’s best to keep pets indoor during fireworks and avoid bringing them to any firework displays,” said Lucas Solowey, spokesperson for the Toronto Humane Society.

Keeping pets indoors during fireworks and creating a “a safe, quiet space for them” can help, the American Animal Hospital Association says on its website.

Small animals, like hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice and birds, tend to get frightened easily around loud noises, according to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

Taking their cage or enclosure to a quieter part of the house, like a basement, could help them keep calm.

“Give them their favorite toys, their favorite blankets, anything that makes them calm. Maybe play some music or put on the radio,” said Solowey.

If you have birds, putting a blanket over the cage can help dampen loud noises and block out flashing lights, he added.

Some small animals, like rabbits and rodents, tend to burrow when they’re frightened or stressed. Providing them with extra blankets and bedding can help them feel safe.

For some families, it might make sense to skip the fireworks and celebrate during the day instead, said Blair Budgell at the Ontario SPCA.

“I have a very anxious dog when it comes to Canada Day. We make sure that as a family, we go out and celebrate during the day where she can be home safe. When the fireworks go off, we make sure we’re home with her,” she added.

Walking your dog earlier in the day, instead of in the evening when some cities schedule their fireworks displays, can help, Solowey said.

“You also want to ensure that they’re microchipped or have up-to-date information on their collar in case they do get startled and run off,” he added.

If your pet has a history of feeling fearful or stressed during loud events, it might be a good idea to speak to your veterinarian, the Ontario SPCA says on its website.

“They may be able to help with medical intervention that can help keep your furry friends calm, and cool during all the excitement,” it says.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

With a provincewide referendum looming on Alberta’s future in Canada, federalists and separatists say they hope Albertans will spend some time this Canada Day thinking about what the country has done for them.

Thomas Lukaszuk, the former deputy premier who spearheaded a pro-Canada petition last year, wants Albertans to appreciate the freedom that Canada affords its residents and how the country serves as a global role model.

Keith Wilson, a lawyer campaigning for the province to go its own way, says Albertans should take heed of their affordability challenges and consider the politicking needed for Ottawa to be open to producing and moving Alberta’s lifeblood oil resources.

On Oct. 19, voters are to decide whether they want the province to remain in Canada or to start the process for holding a second, binding vote on quitting Confederation.

The campaign period for the referendum began late last month, and a number of groups have formed to try and sway public opinion.

To his chagrin, Lukaszuk has been back on the road in what he calls the Unity Bus. The motorhome decked out in the Maple Leaf motif that he used for his petition campaign is now cruising across Alberta so he can hand out pro-Canada lawn signs.

His petition of more than 400,000 names called on Premier Danielle Smith to avoid a referendum and instead make it provincial policy that separation is off the table.

When a judge threw out a competing separatist referendum petition last month, Smith cited Lukaszuk’s signature count and the separatists’ claim of 300,000 names to say she thinks enough Albertans want to see the matter put to rest once and for all at the polls.

She said even though she’ll be voting for Alberta to stay, many have a decade-long list of grievances with Ottawa over its energy and environmental policies.

Lukaszuk said he’s still holding out hope that Smith calls off the referendum.

But in any event, it’s a “moment of awakening” for Albertans.

“There comes a time, for every generation, where we have to stand up for what we stand for and be courageous and not allow negative forces to win simply because of apathy,” he said.

Lukaszuk plans to start Canada Day with a campaign stop in Calgary before driving to Edmonton for an evening celebration. In between, he’ll stop at a Red Deer brewery to unveil a new beer with his Forever Canadian message.

Wilson also plans to be at a celebration but one that promotes Alberta independence.

Hell be spending Canada Day in Mirror, a hamlet east of Red Deer, where a café owner and fellow separation supporter is throwing an “Albertans’ Day Rally” with speeches, musical performances and activities for kids.

“A typical Canada Day celebration type event but with an Alberta theme,” he said.

Reflecting on Canada’s 159th birthday has Wilson feeling both sad and hopeful.

“The sadness comes from Canada changing so much,” he said.

“Canada is not the country it once was — economically, from a quality-of-life perspective, from affordability, from the perspective of people achieving their potential.

“For myself and many others here in Alberta, we then look at, well, what Alberta could be.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Smith are hoping Albertans reach the opposite conclusion.

Carney is set be in Edmonton, where he’s expected to speak at a Canada Day event. Smith plans to be in Calgary celebrating the country’s birthday at Spruce Meadows, an equestrian and entertainment facility.

And on Thursday, the premier is to make an announcement about her government’s proposed bitumen pipeline to the West Coast. She has touted the proposed pipeline and associated energy deal with Carney as proof that Albertans shouldn’t give up on Canada.

Wilson said the fact that an energy deal is needed at all proves Confederation isn’t working.

“Ottawa controls Alberta,” he said, “and is holding back our prosperity.”

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