Trump Eyes Changes in Trade Deal as Western Canada Faces Freeze

As the review of the North American trade agreement approaches in 2026, former President Donald Trump has raised questions about its effectiveness. This comes as cold weather grips Western Canada, prompting warnings about power use in the Yukon. Meanwhile, an Alberta chocolatier has made headlines as a finalist on a baking show inspired by the Harry Potter franchise.

Trump’s Trade Deal Considerations

The mandatory review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will take place in 2026. Trump has suggested that the deal may have outlived its usefulness. The three countries involved have three options: renew the agreement for another 16 years, withdraw from it, or pursue a strategy of non-renewal combined with non-withdrawal, which would lead to annual reviews and ongoing negotiations.

Trump has frequently voiced concerns regarding persistent trade issues with Canada. Ryan Majerus, a partner at the Washington-based law firm King & Spalding, anticipates that negotiations will mirror those from Trump’s first term. He believes the U.S. may demand increased regional content for automobiles. For Canada, securing deals on critical minerals and energy resources will be essential bargaining points.

Severe Cold Strains Yukon Power Grid

In a separate development, a severe cold snap has settled over much of Western Canada, leading the Yukon government to urge residents to limit their electricity consumption. Cold weather warnings are currently in effect for northern areas of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, as well as the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

Ted Laking, the Yukon Energy Minister, stated that the grid is under significant strain due to the extreme temperatures and equipment failures. He recommended that residents prepare for potential rolling blackouts by having emergency kits ready.

Controversial Segment from ’60 Minutes’ Leaked Online

A segment of the American news program “60 Minutes,” which was pulled by CBS News before its airing, has surfaced online with branding from Canadian broadcaster Global TV. Reports indicate that the segment, which featured detainees who experienced torture in a Salvadoran prison, was uploaded to Global’s streaming platform, StackTV, although it was not accessible as of late Monday.

Bari Weiss, CBS News editor-in-chief, stated that the decision to remove the segment was made as it did not contribute significantly to the show’s narrative. The journalist responsible for the segment has criticized Weiss’s decision, claiming it was cleared by CBS lawyers and suggesting it was an effort to appease the Trump administration, which has been critical of the program.

Canadian Chocolatier Shines on Baking Show

In lighter news, Priya Winsor, a chocolatier from St. Albert, Alberta, has gained recognition as a finalist on “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.” Winsor, owner of Compass Chocolates, described the experience as transformative, pushing her beyond her creative limits.

The baking competition featured chefs from around the globe crafting detailed, edible representations inspired by the Harry Potter universe. Winsor noted that many of her creations drew from her own experiences and included elements reflective of her Canadian heritage, particularly inspirations from her home province of Newfoundland.

This roundup of stories highlights significant developments in trade discussions, regional weather impacts, media controversies, and cultural achievements. Each story reflects the diverse and dynamic landscape of current events across Canada and the broader North American context.

This report was originally published by The Canadian Press on December 23, 2025.