ONTARIO: 4-POINT RACE — A new Liaison Strategies poll puts the PCs at 40% and the leaderless Liberals at 36%, with the NDP at 17% and Greens at 3%. Ford’s disapproval sits at 65% and 62% say Ontario is on the wrong track — yet many voters are still sticking with the governing party. The Liberals lead in Toronto and the North and are competitive in the 905, suggesting the race could tighten further once they choose a permanent leader.

FEDERAL TORIES LOCK DOWN PARTY DATA — The federal Conservatives cut riding associations’ access to party databases after a Vancouver riding used party resources to promote Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s BC leadership bid. The CPC says it “will not hesitate” to act again if rules are violated. The situation echoes past controversies over membership list misuse and highlights ongoing concerns about party data oversight.

PQ WINS AGAIN, HEDGES ON REFERENDUM TIMING — The Parti Québécois captured its fourth straight by-election in Chicoutimi, strengthening its momentum ahead of October. But leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon raised eyebrows by saying a referendum would be held “strategically” within a first mandate, acknowledging economic uncertainty and tariff threats. Polling shows just 15% would definitely vote to leave Canada, with modest additional soft support.

LIBERALS OPEN 13-POINT LEAD — New Angus Reid polling shows the Liberals at 45% compared to 32% for the Conservatives. Canadian favourability toward the U.S. has dropped sharply, and two-thirds want a hard line in trade talks. The Liberals hold double-digit leads in Ontario and Quebec and dominate Atlantic Canada, reshaping the electoral map.

HALF OF GTA SETTLEMENT AGENCIES AT RISK — A survey of Toronto-area newcomer agencies finds 44% expect closures and 56% anticipate service disruptions due to federal funding cuts. Demand for settlement services has surged 70% since 2020, far outpacing capacity growth. Layoffs, particularly in language training, are expected — raising concerns about long-term employment and housing outcomes for newcomers.

EBY LAUNCHES $400M STRATEGIC INVESTMENT FUND — BC Premier David Eby unveiled a $400M fund that will allow the province to take equity stakes or offer loans to major private-sector projects. The initiative aims to attract defence and industrial investment under Ottawa’s new spending targets. Business groups were cautiously supportive, while critics labeled it a political “slush fund.”

BC LEADS IN FIREARM DECLARATIONS — In the first month of the federal compensation program for banned firearms, BC gun owners declared 7,368 firearms — second only to Ontario. The declaration window closes March 31, with an amnesty running until October 2026. Participation is voluntary for compensation, but compliance with the law will eventually be mandatory.

CARNEY ELEVATES FLOOR-CROSSING MP — Days after crossing from the Conservatives, MP Matt Jeneroux joined a Liberal trade mission as a special adviser on economic and security partnerships. Reports say his constituency office remains closed and unstaffed. The switch brings the Liberals within one seat of a majority, prompting backlash from former supporters.