CTV National News for Friday, October 23, 2026: Trump announces tariff exemptions with Canada-U.S. trade deal 'very close'

Judy Trinh has more on the new framework announced by the federal government and how it aims to bolster Canada’s capabilities to protect key resources; Genevieve Beauchemin reports on the meeting between Canadian and European leaders as they aim to take the alliances to historic new heights; Andrew Johnson shares the story of Maya Gebala, who has been released from the hospital after being critically injured in the Tumbler Ridge, B.C., mass shooting.

Judy Trinh reports on the Bank of Canada’s decision to increase its benchmark interest rate in response to inflation and international instability; A deadly crash between two Spanish passenger trains has left at least 68 people dead with several Canadians in unknown condition. Adrian Ghobrial reports; and, a Toronto lab is researching CTE, a brain disease that can only be diagnosed after death, in hopes of diagnosing living patients. Kelly Greig reports.

Prime Minister Carney says U.S. President Trump is moving closer to Canada's position amid mixed signals from Washington; Cleveland-Cliffs wants to meet with Industry Minister Mélanie Joly as she demands a timeline to reverse planned job cuts at Stelco; From B.C. to Ontario and Quebec, voters are increasingly choosing change over long-serving political leaders. 

Advance voting has reached record highs in recent elections across Toronto, Quebec and Manitoba; With midterms approaching, political pressure on U.S. President Trump could shape accelerated trade negotiations with Canada; Montreal police face scrutiny as investigators examine allegations of an officer’s conduct involving homeless people. 

Andrew Johnson observes the dramatic victory of the B.C. Conservatives and the political blunder that led to the collapse of the B.C. NDP; Maria Sarrouh has more on how some communities in P.E.I. are struggling to find enough people to run in their municipal elections; Alberta's referendum results have reignited discussions about immigration in Canada and the direction the federal government will take. Jeremie Charron reports.

B.C. has officially elected interim Conservative Party leader Lorne Doerkson as premier after David Eby called a snap election, P.E.I. schools say fewer international students are leading to increased tuition pressures for domestic students in the province; Carney’s new strategic partnership includes a plan for trade, defence, and energy, but not all Canadians are convinced; and more.

U.S. President Trump signals a broader Canada-U.S. trade deal is close as tariff exemptions emerge ahead of key U.S. midterm elections; PM Carney meets Turkish energy and defence firms in Istanbul as Canada seeks closer ties amid scrutiny of Türkiye’s human rights record; Preliminary referendum results show support for greater provincial control over immigration, prompting other provinces to seek changes. 

Five days after the fatal CFB Wainwright fire, military officials give an update on the injured and the investigation into the tragedy; Fake fundraisers are targeting the grieving families and friends of fallen Wainwright soldiers, including those of Pte. Shaun Farrell; Industry Minister Mélanie Joly gives Stelco’s U.S. owners 15 days to reverse layoff notices. Mike Le Couteur examines whether her ultimatum will work.

Graham Richardson breaks down a fact sheet released by the U.S. embassy, which includes a list of quotes indicating Canada is trying to influence U.S. voters; Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled their plan to help Canadian manufacturers impacted by U.S. tariffs. Mike Le Couteur explains; Genevieve Beauchemin reports on what cybersecurity experts are warning could be the largest vulnerability they’ve ever had to patch.

More than three-quarters of Albertans voted to stay in Canada, while some one in four backed exploring separation; The Quebec government is breaking with royal tradition by swearing in cabinet ministers without the lieutenant-governor; Emotions run high as families grieve four killed servicemen and await updates on 33 injured soldiers, many suffering severe burns. Kathy Le reports.