THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Thursday, September 24, 2026 – Trade, energy security and major infrastructure decisions connect many of today’s leading stories.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are meeting in Washington with the future of their trade truce, rare-earth supplies and Taiwan on the agenda. In Canada, the Bank of Canada is warning that new U.S. tariffs could cut economic growth sharply. In Northwestern Ontario, a fatal apartment fire is under investigation in Fort Frances, while the Port of Thunder Bay is reporting strong grain and potash traffic.
Here is what NetNewsLedger NewsHawks need to know this morning. Several stories are still developing, and the facts should be refreshed before publication.
International: Trump and Xi Meet with Trade and Rare Earths in Focus
The most closely watched international event today is the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said American and Chinese negotiators agreed to extend their trade truce by two months, to January 10, 2027. China had not publicly confirmed that extension when early reports were published.
The larger question is whether the two presidents can turn a temporary pause into a more stable economic relationship. Their agenda includes tariffs, technology, artificial intelligence, rare-earth minerals, Taiwan and the war involving the United States and Iran.
Rare earths matter because they are used in electronics, defence systems, electric vehicles and clean-energy equipment. China remains the dominant processor and supplier. That gives Beijing bargaining power even as the United States and its allies try to build other sources.
International: U.S.-Iran Diplomacy Remains Far from a Settlement
Iran says it remains open to diplomacy, but an Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran and Washington are still far apart on the terms needed to end the conflict.
Oil prices eased early Thursday after rising about four per cent in the previous session. Brent crude remained above US$100 a barrel. The market is reacting to every sign of progress or failure because shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and oil exports from the Gulf affect fuel prices around the world.
For Canadians, this is not a distant issue. Higher crude oil and refined-fuel prices can raise the cost of gasoline, diesel, air travel, food distribution and goods moved over long Northern routes.
International: A Strong El Nino Raises New Food-Security Concerns
A developing strong El Nino is creating drought, heat and wildfire risks across parts of Asia. The Associated Press reports that falling water levels and reduced rainfall are threatening crops, fisheries and food supplies in several countries.
Southeast Asia is a major source of rice and palm oil. Poor harvests could add pressure to global food prices at a time when energy and fertilizer costs are already high. El Nino does not produce the same weather in every region, but its global effects can reach Canadian consumers through food prices and supply chains.
National: Bank of Canada Warns Tariffs Could Cut Growth
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem says the latest U.S. tariffs could reduce Canada’s annualized fourth-quarter growth to below one per cent. Before the new measures, the Bank had expected growth of about 1.5 per cent.
The problem is not only the direct cost of tariffs. Businesses may delay hiring, investment or expansion when they cannot predict market access and input costs.
The Bank is also facing two opposing pressures. Slower growth can reduce inflation, while higher oil and fuel prices can push inflation upward. Canada’s annual inflation rate was three per cent when Macklem made his comments, above the Bank’s two per cent target.
This creates a difficult interest-rate decision. Raising rates could make mortgages and business borrowing more expensive. Holding rates too low could allow energy-driven inflation to spread into other prices.
National: Population Returns to Modest Growth
Statistics Canada estimates that Canada’s population reached 41,798,407 on July 1, 2026. That was an increase of 0.2 per cent during the second quarter, following a decline in the first quarter.
The estimated number of non-permanent residents fell 0.7 per cent to 2,779,774. Canada received an estimated 99,148 immigrants during the quarter, 4.2 per cent fewer than in the same quarter one year earlier.
Ontario’s population was estimated at 16,262,121, up 0.1 per cent during the quarter. The province’s estimated non-permanent resident population fell 1.5 per cent.
These are preliminary estimates, not final 2026 Census counts. The census results are scheduled for release in 2027.
National: Ottawa Moves to Speed Major Project Reviews
The federal government has introduced draft legislation intended to complete federal reviews and decisions for major projects within one year. Permit processes and reviews would run at the same time instead of one after another.
Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said the bill does not remove the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous peoples. However, he said consultation must be completed more efficiently.
The bill also proposes a 21-day mediation and reporting process before the federal labour minister could intervene in major strikes or lockouts in sectors such as railways, ports, airlines or postal services.
Northern Ontario impact: The review target could affect mines, transmission lines, roads and other large developments. Faster timelines may reduce uncertainty, but speed alone will not settle questions about Indigenous consent, cumulative environmental effects, project economics or local benefits. Those issues will still determine whether a proposal earns support and reaches construction.
National: Canada Pushes for New Asia-Pacific Trade Agreements
Canada’s trade minister says negotiations on separate free-trade agreements with the Philippines and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are more than 90 per cent complete. Ottawa hopes to finish both agreements by the time Prime Minister Mark Carney visits Manila in November.
Canada is offering energy, infrastructure and technology partnerships as it tries to reduce its economic dependence on the United States. A completed agreement could create opportunities for Canadian energy, agriculture, minerals and professional services. However, no final deal has been announced and no investment total has been confirmed.
Regional: Fatal Fire at Fort Frances Seniors’ Residence
A 92-year-old person died after an apartment fire at Rose Manor in Fort Frances early Tuesday, September 22.
Fort Frances Fire Rescue responded at about 5:22 a.m. Firefighters carried out suppression, search and rescue work. Other residents were evacuated, and community agencies have been supporting people affected by the fire.
The Ontario Provincial Police and the Office of the Fire Marshal are investigating. The cause had not been publicly confirmed when this report was prepared. The identity of the deceased should not be published unless authorities or the family release it.
Regional: Indigenous Forestry Projects Receive Provincial Funding
Ontario is investing more than $1.1 million in five Indigenous forestry projects in Northwestern Ontario. The province says the projects could support more than 200 jobs over the longer term.
The money comes through the Forest Biomass Program and is intended to increase Indigenous participation, make greater use of underused wood and mill by-products, and support energy or economic-development projects.
The announced job figure is a potential long-term outcome, not a count of positions already created. Each project will still need to meet its own financing, engineering, regulatory and market requirements.
Regional: Wildfire Activity Is Lower, but the Season Is Not Over
Ontario reported no new wildland fires in the Northwest Region by early Wednesday evening. There were 27 active fires: nine under control and 18 being observed.
No provincial restricted fire zone was in effect. Municipal fire bans can still apply separately, and residents should check local rules before burning.
The latest total is far below the peak of the summer emergency, but it does not mean every fire is out. Anyone who sees a wildland fire north of the French and Mattawa rivers should call 310-FIRE.
Regional: Education Unions Prepare November Strike Votes
Three major Ontario education unions have scheduled strike-mandate votes for November while bargaining remains stalled.
- CUPE education workers are scheduled to vote from November 4 to 18.
- Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario members are scheduled to vote from November 9 to 18.
- Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association members are scheduled to vote November 12 and 13.
These are votes on whether to give unions a strike mandate. They are not strike dates, and no immediate school closure has been announced. Families should watch their school board and union notices as bargaining continues.
Local: Port of Thunder Bay Reports Strong Grain and Potash Volumes
The Port of Thunder Bay is having a strong season despite the Canada-U.S. trade dispute.
Port CEO Chris Heikkinen says most potash and grain moving through Thunder Bay is headed overseas rather than to the United States. A port spokesperson said none of the potash handled this year was destined for the United States.
August statistics showed just over one million tonnes of grain had moved through the port, nearly 400,000 tonnes more than at the same point in 2025. Potash traffic was just under 240,000 tonnes, more than 100,000 tonnes above last year’s level.
There is still a trade-war risk. Great Lakes shipping depends on vessels carrying cargo in both directions. If tariffs reduce inbound U.S. freight, fewer ships may be available to carry Canadian grain and potash outward. For now, strong overseas demand is helping Thunder Bay.
Local: Marina Park Festival-Area Renewal Moves Ahead
Phase one of the Marina Park festival-area renewal is expected to be completed this fall. The reconfigured site is planned to hold up to about 15,000 people, almost twice the previous capacity.
The project is intended to support larger events and improve the waterfront site. Residents should expect construction activity and temporary changes in how parts of the area are used while work continues.
Local Public Safety: Be Alert for Spoofed Calls
Thunder Bay Police recently warned residents about telephone spoofing. Scammers can make caller identification display a bank, government office or police number even when the call comes from somewhere else.
Do not provide personal information, banking details, passwords or security codes because a familiar number appears on the screen. Hang up and call the organization using a verified number from its official website, bank card or statement.
What NewsHawks Should Watch Today
- Trump-Xi outcome: Watch for confirmed language on the trade truce, rare-earth exports, tariffs and Taiwan.
- Energy prices: Any progress or breakdown in U.S.-Iran talks could move oil and fuel prices quickly.
- Canadian economy: Statistics Canada is scheduled to release retail-trade, payroll and job-vacancy data this morning. Add the figures only after the official release.
- Fort Frances fire: Watch for a confirmed cause, support information for displaced residents and any official identification.
- Northwestern Ontario fires: Refresh the provincial fire count and local restrictions before posting.
