Start your day off right with five things you need to know this morning.
Five things you need to know
The Canadian Armed Forces have worked out a model for a hypothetical invasion of Canada by the United States, according to reports, the first time such a framework has been created in a century. The outcome? Canada would be overcome in as little as two days, and would afterwards rely on the hit-and-run tactics of Islamic radicals in Afghanistan against Soviet invaders.
Military models Canadian response to hypothetical American invasion https://t.co/r1UsMeXh5d
— Globe Politics (@globepolitics) January 20, 2026
Somewhat awkwardly, given the above, British magazine The Economist has reminded the world that many Canadian military personnel are not just aligned with their US counterparts, but quite literally fighting by their side and taking their orders. The article focuses on Canadian personnel potentially involved in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, blowing up suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and providing support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The Economist explains that military staff are routinely sent to the US on exchange programs, adding: "Lower-ranked personnel on exchange are not routinely identified, but there may be hundreds of Canadian soldiers serving in the United States."
Canada regularly sends members of its armed forces on exchange programmes with American military units. But Donald Trump’s aggression has brought this co-operation into question https://t.co/fioQoUkYyp
— The Economist (@TheEconomist) January 20, 2026
Tory Leader Pierre Poilievre will not run in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding in Alberta in the next federal election, the party has confirmed. Poilievre was parachuted into the riding after losing his long-held seat in Ottawa last year. Instead of Poilievre running in the Tory safe seat, Damien Kurek, who resigned to allow Poilievre to take over the riding, will return as the party's candidate. The Tories did not say where Poilievre would run.
Pierre Poilievre will run in another riding in next election, former MP Damien Kurek to run again in Battle River-Crowfoot #cdnpoli https://t.co/yLLCnfR4RY pic.twitter.com/NfX5ehjRcX
— Calgary Sun (@calgarysun) January 20, 2026
Canada's "whistle-blowing regime" could soon collapse, according to Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada Harriet Solloway, who said her office needs an urgent cash injection of $6.7 million to survive in the short-term and an extra $14.3 million a year to secure its long-term viability. Solloway's office investigates complaints from public servants about alleged wrongdoing. She said there has been an "unprecedented" amount of wrongdoing allegations in recent months, as well as reprisals against whistleblowers. She added: “In the face of the current situation, I cannot guarantee that allegations of wrongdoing and reprisal will be investigated in a timely manner."
Watchdog says funding needed to avoid the ‘collapse’ of whistle-blowing https://t.co/r0kIG3dHQv
— CP24 (@CP24) January 21, 2026
In British Columbia, meanwhile, David Eby has said that – "with time, energy and commitment" – the province's beleaguered forestry sector can be made into a "sustainable industry." Hailing a deal with China on wood construction, the premier said expanding into new markets, alongside solving "long-standing structural permitting issues" and guaranteeing "predictable land access," will create a better future for the industry.
Premier Eby says new markets, reforms will help forestry, but results will take time https://t.co/0DG0rWl4MC
— CTV News Vancouver Island (@CTVNewsVI) January 21, 2026
