2025 in Review: A Year of Change in Canada

2025 marked a period of profound transition for Canada, defined by a shift in its relationship with the United States, a change in federal leadership, and significant domestic turbulence. The aggressive "America First" trade policies of Donald Trump, including tariffs and threats of annexation, became the central issue in the federal election. This culminated in a victory for the Liberals under Mark Carney, who campaigned on a platform of standing firm against American pressure. The trade war created significant headwinds for Canadian manufacturing and spurred an urgent push for trade diversification.

Domestically, there was labour unrest, with major strikes impacting Canada Post and Air Canada. The ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls gained national attention through the difficult searches of Winnipeg-area landfills. A protracted, high-profile legal battle over a cull order at a British Columbia ostrich farm captured international headlines.

The new Carney government initiated a pivot on key tax policies while facing criticism over its approach to Indigenous relations, marked by both historic appointments and significant budget cuts. Culturally, 2025 saw major triumphs for Indigenous artists, an explosion of Korean pop culture and numerous viral moments online. The year also saw the passing of foundational Indigenous icons Graham Greene and Marion Meadmore.