CTV National News for Monday, June 1, 2026: Canada enters technical recession amid political debate over economy

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is urging policy changes to address growing separatist sentiment and strengthen national unity; Former Supreme Court justice and human rights advocate Louise Arbour was sworn in as Canada’s 31st Governor General; The federal government announced support for airlines facing fluctuating fuel costs amid a fragile Iran ceasefire. 

The Israeli military says Iran fired 11 missiles towards the country, all of which were intercepted amid ongoing and escalating violence; Poilievre is expected to call for a united Canada and speak against the separatist movement in Alberta; Maria Sarrouh speaks to Douglas and Roberta Jenkins, who are suing the P.E.I. government over the amount of PFAS in their private well; and more.

June 6: The Canadian government is considering a mixed fleet of fighter jets that could total more than its initial target of 88 aircraft, according to industry sources.

A new federal GST top-up is reaching eligible Canadians, with some families receiving hundreds of dollars in added support; Canada's labour market exceeded expectations last month, adding 88K jobs while the national unemployment rate dropped to 6.6%; With the World Cup set to begin in Toronto next week, officials are outlining final preparations for transit, traffic, stadium readiness, and safety.

 Ottawa’s new AI strategy promises growth and jobs, but critics say key questions about security and safeguards persist; As Canada and the U.S. hold trade talks, the provinces and Washington offices seek to influence the negotiations; Advocates say Manitoba’s new funding and staffing measures fall short as frontline workers battle a growing opioid overdose crisis. 

The Trump administration is targeting forced-labour imports and proposing a 10 per cent tariff on Canada and other partners; A 50 per cent U.S. tariff on Canadian steel is straining Sault Ste. Marie, where many jobs depend on the steel industry;The federal government wants the CRTC to revisit a decision requiring foreign streamers to invest more in Canadian content.

Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc called on the U.S. and Mexico to pursue a long-term renewal of CUSMA; U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his threat of Canada joining the U.S. as some economists dismissed it as political rhetoric; A new Nanos poll shows most Canadians want changes to health care as frustration grows over wait times and staffing shortages. 

Canada has entered a technical recession, sparking political debate as economists assess what two quarters of declining GDP mean for Canadians; As food bank use climbs nationwide, advocates are urging major reforms to address growing food insecurity and rising need; Amid U.S. tariffs, a new Canada–South Korea partnership aims to strengthen auto manufacturing and boost domestic production.

Vancouver and Toronto’s FIFA matches aren’t sold out, despite the World Cup being less than two weeks away; A $50 million grant from the Weston family aims to help bridge the projected labour gap in P.E.I., Poilievre calls for emergency debate after Canada reaches technical recession; and more.

Canada, the U.S., and Mexico are in the early stages of automotive trade talks, but what should PM Carney expect? Experts say it could take ‘many more months’ for the youth employment rate to bounce back; a community in northern Saskatchewan is still reeling from a fast-moving wildfire that tore through the area last year; and more.