CTV National News for Friday, September 18, 2026: Record diesel costs ripple through Canada’s economy

Diesel prices hit record highs, driven by wars in Iran and Ukraine, with higher costs expected to ripple through Canada’s economy; Federal government eyes binding arbitration before public-sector strikesPlanned federal labour legislation could require binding arbitration before strikes, sparking concern among public-sector unions; More than 100 AI experts are urging companies and governments to strengthen oversight of the technology. 

PM Mark Carney outlined a deeper Canada-EU partnership, promising a parliamentary debate and a vote on the future of the relationship; U.S. President Trump criticized the EU’s offer to Canada as lawmakers push to repeal the authority behind his tariffs; Prime Minister Carney highlights Canada-Europe Arctic ties. CTV’s Graham Richardson reports from above the Arctic Circle with the Coast Guard; Rising oil prices drive fuel costs higher, with surging diesel prices hitting commercial fishers hardest across Atlantic Canada.

Rachel Aiello reports on PM Mark Carney's travels, including the official offer by the European Commission for Canada to become an associate EU member; Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his caucus are convening at a retreat in B.C. this week ahead of Parliament's return. Abigail Bimman has more; Joy Malbon looks at how U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber are impacting family-run businesses south of the border.

Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver airports will be open to private investment; CTV’s Chief Financial Correspondent Amanda Lang explains who could invest in Canadian airports and how new tax deductions could affect investment and Canadians; Former prime ministers Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper are taking part in the summit. Judy Trinh looks at why and what to expect from Harper’s closing remarks.

Prime Minister Carney launched Canada’s first investment summit as Ottawa courts global capital and seeks closer ties with the EU; Prime Minister Mark Carney clarifies Canada’s position on EU ties after a Wall Street Journal headline suggested associate membership; Leading AI figures warn the technology could threaten humanity, renewing debate over safety and the need for guardrails. 

PM Carney’s international investment summit hopes to bring major financial gains into Canada; municipalities throughout the country say Ottawa needs to help support them better to help fix community infrastructure; hundreds of firefighters converged on Ottawa to remember those who died, putting their lives on the line for others; and more.

Trump continued to make claims about Canada while golfing in Ireland; a new report from Statistics Canada says income and security are contributing factors for Canadians choosing to have kids; Canadians may expect a dip in flight prices, despite multiple airlines struggling to pay for fuel; and more.

Garrett Barry has more on some of the remarkable stories emerging on how the town of Gander, N.L., acted at a moment's notice to help on 9/11; Rachel Aiello examines how the relationship between Canada and the U.S. has changed over the decades since 9/11; Heather Butts shares the unique stories by citizens of Gander, N.L., as they continue to spread a message of hope 25 years after 9/11.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sign a joint declaration on defence, minerals and drone technology; PM Mark Carney says Canada is ready to strike a deal with the U.S. as tariffs and counter-tariffs continue to hit Canadian businesses; Gander, N.L., welcomes U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra ahead of the 9/11 anniversary event in the face of controversy.

Mike Le Couteur examines the impact on businesses across Canada as they try to manage under double-digit U.S. tariffs and a potential ban of their products; As many late-night hosts return from summer break, U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada was a main talking point. Joy Malbon explains; Adrian Ghobrial looks at the growing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles in Canada as the price of oil and gas continue to climb.