Avi Lewis, who was proclaimed as the new leader of the NDP, celebrates at the party convention in Winnipeg on Sunday, March 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

By The Canadian Press

In the news today: NDP tensions, Political honesty law, Joni Mitchell at the Junos

Mar 30, 2026 | 2:06 AM

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed…

Lewis begins NDP leadership with Prairie tension and a big rebuilding task ahead

New NDP Leader Avi Lewis begins his term in earnest with two major tasks ahead — rebuild and get the federal party ready for an election, and manage opposition from the Alberta and Saskatchewan NDP.

The leaders of those provincial parties have distanced themselves from Lewis over his opposition to new pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals.

Lewis has said there will be disagreements between the federal and provincial wings of the NDP on certain policies, but it’s part of having a big tent united by core values.

In addition to dealing with provincial tensions, Lewis is now responsible for trying to lead the NDP out of the political wilderness.

Liberals dismiss call for law to ensure political fibs and flubs don’t eclipse facts

The Liberal government has dismissed a Toronto man’s proposal to keep politicians honest in an age of misinformation, saying there are already several ways to fight falsehoods.

Federico Sanchez initiated an electronic petition to the House of Commons to propose legislation that would help correct the record when members of Parliament stray from the truth intentionally or simply because they are ill-informed.

The petition called misinformation a growing threat to the democratic process and said a mechanism was needed to verify MPs’ public statements to maintain trust in Canada’s governing body.

Fearing Canada could follow the path of the United States, Sanchez said he was “very upset” by the lack of federal interest.

Transgender Quebecers face surgery delays, out-of-province patients get faster care

Transgender Quebecers are facing much longer waits for gender-affirming surgery after the province’s only clinic offering fully subsidized procedures announced a change in provincial funding.

GrS Montreal says wait times could stretch by years, while out-of-province patients are largely unaffected and are — in some cases — not having to wait as long.

The province says financial resources are limited and difficult choices must be made.

Advocates say people should be outraged, saying some patients will be forced to wait or shell out thousands of dollars for surgeries performed in private clinics.

Danielle Smith says diverse opinions welcome after MLA supports separatist petition

Alberta’s premier says she welcomes diverse opinions in her caucus after a legislature member of her United Conservative Party opined a referendum on separation is good for the province.

Danielle Smith says her government supports a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, despite the views Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan expressed in an op-ed published on an online conservative media outlet’s website.

Stephan says he invites all who love freedom and prosperity to sign a petition pushing for a referendum on separation, and that Ottawa is trying to gaslight Albertans into thinking a referendum will cause economic uncertainty.

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce has said talk of the province potentially quitting Confederation is bad for business.

Joni Mitchell sings onstage at the Junos, while Drake pays video tribute to Nelly Furtado

It was an all-Canadian love-in at Sunday’s Juno Awards as Joni Mitchell took the stage for a stirring sing-along after accepting a lifetime achievement award from Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The Canadian folk icon was welcomed by Carney in a lionizing speech in which he said Mitchell inspired generations and redefined what songwriting could be.

Mitchell joined a musical tribute to her oeuvre with several Canadian artists, including Sarah McLachlan, Allison Russell, Jully Black, The Beaches and Alessia Cara.

Other highlights include Drake breaking his 15-year feud with the Junos to pay tribute in a video speech to Nelly Furtado, who was being inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame, and the rock band Rush’s first performance at an awards show since 1978.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 30, 2026.

The Canadian Press