CTV National News for Wednesday, September 16, 2026: EU opens the door for Canada to be the first-ever associate member

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Ottawa carefully examined the risk of a possible U.S. invasion and weighed Canada's military readiness; China's Xi Jinping meets Donald Trump in Washington to discuss trade, Taiwan, Iran and AI as tech leaders warn of the technology's potential dangers; Police call the Belleville synagogue attack a hate-motivated crime targeting the Jewish community as an officer remains hospitalized.

Jeremie Charron reports from the United Nations General Assembly where Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand discussed Canada’s new sanctions on Iran; Abigail Bimmin breaks down the latest data as Canada records the slowest population growth numbers in a century; Heather Wright looks at the emerging dangers AI poses as the industry continues to push for governments to implement AI legislation.

A suspect is dead after a shooting outside a Belleville synagogue, prompting increased security at Jewish institutions across Canada; The U.S. president addresses the UN General Assembly, threatening Iran, criticizing the ICC and renaming AI 'super intelligence.'; Sask. Premier Scott Moe responds to Trump’s threat to source potash from Belarus, as the province supplies most of the U.S. market. 

Sean Leathong has more on a shooting at a Belleville, Ont., synagogue that left the suspect and a police officer injured on the holiest holiday in Judaism; Questions surround a potential snap election after the leader of the B.C. Conservatives and 13 caucus members resigned. Andrew Johnson reports; and, brands such as Canada Goose and Lululemon are expanding resale programs to keep items out of the landfill and back in your closet. Kathy Le reports.

Carney’s meeting with French officials is just the latest in Canada’s move to expand ties into Europe; Canada’s restaurant industry continues to be hit hard by the trade war between Canada and the U.S.; students can expect to pay around three per cent more this year for their education; and more.

Despite both Carney and Trump attending the UN General Assembly in New York, it is unknown if the two leaders will actually interact; a poll conducted by Nanos Research suggests Canadians are interested in favouring ties to the EU amid strained relations to the U.S.; people in Alberta, Manitoba, and most of B.C. will not turn their clocks back, modifying time zones throughout the country; and more.

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.