Canada news today

Here are some of the top news stories from Canada today:

Politics

• The Canadian government has announced a new plan to address the country's housing affordability crisis, which includes increasing funding for affordable housing programs and introducing new measures to help first-time homebuyers. (Source: CBC News)
• The Ontario government has introduced a new bill aimed at reducing the province's carbon footprint, which includes a plan to phase out single-use plastics and increase the minimum price of gasoline. (Source: Toronto Star)

Economy

• The Canadian economy grew at a slower pace than expected in the second quarter, according to data released by Statistics Canada. The economy grew by 1.3% in the quarter, down from 2.1% in the first quarter. (Source: Globe and Mail)
• The Bank of Canada has kept interest rates unchanged, citing concerns about the global economy and the impact of trade tensions on Canada's economy. (Source: Financial Post)

Health

• The Canadian Medical Association has called for a national strategy to address the country's opioid crisis, which has claimed thousands of lives in recent years. (Source: CTV News)
• A new study has found that the use of medical marijuana is increasing among Canadian children, with many parents using it to treat conditions such as epilepsy and autism. (Source: Global News)

Crime

• A man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a 17-year-old girl in Toronto. The girl's body was found in a park in the city's east end earlier this week. (Source: Toronto Sun)
• A group of suspects has been arrested in connection with a string of robberies in Montreal, including a convenience store and a bank. (Source: Montreal Gazette)

Sports

• The Toronto Raptors have signed a new deal with their star player, Pascal Siakam, to a five-year contract extension worth $130 million. (Source: Sportsnet)
• The Canadian women's soccer team has qualified for the 2023 World Cup, defeating the United States 2-0 in a playoff match. (Source: CBC Sports)

Weather

• A heat wave is expected to hit parts of Western Canada this weekend, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 35°C in some areas. (Source: The Weather Network)
• A storm system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Eastern Canada this weekend, with some areas expected to receive up to 50 mm of rain. (Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada)