GLP-1 Drugs: More Than Weight Loss

GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, have become household names for managing weight and type 2 diabetes. But recent research suggests these medications may offer an unexpected bonus: protecting mental health.

A study published in Lancet Psychiatry found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in these drugs, is linked to a lower risk of worsening anxiety, depression, and even substance use disorders.

The Study Behind the Headlines

Researchers analysed health data from 95,490 people in Sweden, using the country’s comprehensive national registry. Among participants, 81% had anxiety, 55% had depression, and 36% had both.

The study compared periods when participants were taking GLP-1 medications to periods when they weren’t. The results? Semaglutide was associated with:

• 42% lower risk of worsening overall mental health

• 38% lower risk of worsening anxiety

• 44% lower risk of worsening depression

• 47% lower risk of worsening substance use disorders

Liraglutide, sold as Victoza in Canada, also showed benefits, though more modest, reducing the risk of mental illness by 18%.

Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, a professor at McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, called the findings “significant” but cautioned that these results are observational.

Observational, Not Definitive

While the study is large and thorough, it has limitations. Researchers stressed that correlation does not equal causation. The findings suggest a connection, but they don’t prove that GLP-1 drugs directly improve mental health.

Dr. Gerstein explained, “To confirm causality, we’d need a randomized trial where some participants take semaglutide and others don’t, then track changes in depression or anxiety over time.”

Additionally, access may be a challenge in countries without universal healthcare, as GLP-1 medications can be expensive until generics become available.

Promising but Not Risk-Free

GLP-1 drugs continue to show benefits beyond mental health, from potential heart and kidney protection to helping with osteoarthritis. However, risks exist.

• A 2023 University of British Columbia study linked GLP-1 drugs to stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstruction.

• A 2024 Harvard study noted increased risk of sudden, irreversible vision loss.

• The European Medicines Agency warned that Wegovy may rarely cause a serious eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

Common side effects include nausea, bloating, constipation, and stomach pain, while rare cases report dizziness, confusion, or fainting.

What This Means for Canadians

For Canadians struggling with mental health challenges, GLP-1 drugs may hold unexpected promise. But experts emphasize caution and consultation with a healthcare provider. While semaglutide could become part of future mental health strategies, the next step is rigorous clinical trials to confirm its effects.

The message is clear: GLP-1 drugs may not just change bodies—they might change minds too, but science still needs to catch up before making broad claims.

The post Could GLP-1 Drugs Boost Mental Health? New Research Says Yes first appeared on Maple News Wire.

A Historic Shift Unfolds

For the first time in more than 150 years, Canada’s population has taken a step backward. That’s right—after decades of steady growth, the country recorded a yearly decline, signalling a surprising shift in its demographic story.

According to new preliminary data, Canada’s population stood at just over 41.47 million on January 1, 2026. That marks a drop of about 102,000 people compared to the previous year, or a modest decline of 0.2 per cent. While the number may seem small, the moment is anything but.

Growth Early On, Then a Sharp Reversal

At first, 2025 appeared promising. In fact, the population grew by more than 77,000 people in the first half of the year. However, things changed quickly. During the second half, nearly 180,000 people were lost from the overall count.

As a result, the gains made earlier simply could not keep up. Consequently, the year ended with a net decline—something Canada has not experienced since Confederation in 1867.

The Key Factor Behind the Decline

So, what caused this sudden shift? The answer lies largely in the drop in non-permanent residents.

This group includes international students, temporary foreign workers, asylum claimants, and their families. While their numbers peaked at over 3.1 million in late 2024, they steadily fell to around 2.67 million by early 2026.

Therefore, as fewer temporary residents stayed in the country, overall population growth slowed—and eventually reversed.

Policy Changes Played a Major Role

At the same time, government decisions also shaped the outcome. In recent years, Canada had increased immigration levels to address labour shortages after the pandemic. However, that approach began to shift.

Gradually, the federal government reduced both temporary and permanent immigration targets. For instance, plans now aim to bring in fewer temporary residents over the next few years. Similarly, limits have been set on permanent resident admissions.

Because of these changes, fewer newcomers entered the country, especially toward the end of 2025. As a result, population growth lost momentum.

Numbers May Still Change

Even so, experts urge caution. These figures remain preliminary, which means updates are expected. For example, some people may extend their work or study permits, which could affect future counts.

Therefore, while the decline is notable, it may not be final. In fact, revised data could show a smaller drop—or even a slight increase.

What This Means for Canada

Clearly, this moment marks a turning point. Canada has long relied on immigration to drive population growth and support its economy. Now, with numbers shifting, new questions arise.

Will the decline continue? Or will future policy changes bring growth back?

For now, one thing is certain—Canada’s population story has entered a new and unexpected chapter.

The post Canada Population Decline 2025: Historic Drop first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Khamenei’s remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to publicly weigh military options while insisting Tehran is “seriously talking” with Washington over negotiations, including Iran’s nuclear program.

Speaking at his compound in Tehran during commemorations marking the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the 86-year-old leader accused the U.S. of seeking to “seize” Iran’s natural resources and framed recent unrest as an attempted coup.

“The Americans must be aware that if they wage a war this time, it will be a regional war,” Khamenei said, adding that Iran would respond with “a heavy blow” to any attack.

The warning follows the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the Arabian Sea, a move ordered by Trump after Iran’s violent crackdown on protests that erupted in late December over economic collapse and rapidly escalated into direct challenges to Khamenei’s rule.

Human rights groups estimate tens of thousands have been detained and thousands killed, figures Iran strongly disputes. Iranian authorities have labeled many protesters “seditionists,” a charge that can carry the death penalty — a scenario Trump has described as a red line for U.S. military action.

Further escalating tensions, Iran announced live-fire military drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trade passes. U.S. Central Command has warned Tehran against threatening American forces or disrupting commercial shipping.

At the same time, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared all European Union militaries “terrorist groups,” retaliating after the EU designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over its role in the crackdown. Lawmakers punctuated the announcement with chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”

Trump, meanwhile, has remained deliberately ambiguous. Speaking to reporters en route to Florida, he declined to confirm whether he had decided on military action but reiterated that Iran must reach a “satisfactory” deal to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons.

“I don’t know that they will,” Trump said. “But they are talking to us. Seriously talking to us.”

As protests, sanctions, military posturing, and nuclear tensions converge, analysts warn the standoff risks tipping from brinkmanship into a wider regional conflict — one with global economic and security implications.

The post Khamenei Warns U.S. Attack Would Spark Regional War as Trump Signals Talks first appeared on Maple News Wire.

In an interview on CTV’s Question Period, Alberta Prosperity Project legal counsel Jeffrey Rath confirmed the group has met U.S. officials over the past year but cited confidentiality agreements as the reason for withholding identities.

Asked whether Canadians would recognize the officials, Rath replied “probably,” while declining to confirm whether Stephen Miller was among them. He did, however, clarify that Donald Trump himself was not involved.

The controversy escalated after a Financial Times report claimed the group was exploring a potential $500-billion credit facility with U.S. officials and financial institutions in the event Alberta votes for independence. Rath later dismissed the report as “fake news,” acknowledging meetings with U.S. State Department officials but denying that any agreements or funding requests were made.

The issue dominated discussions at the first ministers’ meeting in Ottawa, where B.C. Premier David Eby labeled the group’s actions “treason.” U.S. officials, speaking on background, told CTV News that meetings with civil society groups are routine and that “no commitments were made.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney avoided directly calling the situation foreign interference but stressed he expects the U.S. to respect Canadian sovereignty.

Defending the meetings, Rath said the Alberta Prosperity Project is not seeking U.S. money but is instead studying access to credit should Ottawa restrict provincial funds after a hypothetical declaration of independence.

“The entire world runs on credit,” Rath said, adding that “nobody is independent in the modern world.”

Fuel was added to the fire after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described Alberta as a “natural partner” for the United States and suggested the province should expand oil shipments south of the border — remarks Rath says validate the group’s outreach.

As Alberta separatists work to collect 178,000 signatures to trigger a referendum, the episode underscores rising tensions around sovereignty, foreign influence, and Canada–U.S. relations at a particularly fragile moment.

The post Alberta Separatists Admit “High-Level” U.S. Talks, Refuse Names first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Federal agents executed a warrant at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operations Center in Union City, a large facility opened in 2023 to support election administration in the Atlanta area. The FBI confirmed the search but offered limited details, describing it only as a lawful enforcement action.

Fulton County officials said the warrant sought records connected to the 2020 presidential election. A law-enforcement source familiar with the matter said investigators were looking for computers and ballots believed to be stored at the site as part of a broader probe into alleged election interference.

Renewed focus after Trump remarks

The search came days after Trump again raised claims of election rigging during public remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he suggested prosecutions were forthcoming over the 2020 vote.

Joe Biden narrowly carried Georgia in that election, helping secure his victory over Trump. Multiple recounts, audits, and legal reviews later confirmed the outcome.

Trump, who returned to the White House after winning the 2024 election, has continued to assert that the earlier contest was illegitimate — a claim rejected by state officials from both parties.

Legal fight over ballots

The FBI action follows a separate legal effort by the Trump administration to obtain Fulton County’s 2020 ballots. Last month, the administration filed a lawsuit seeking access to physical ballots and related election materials, arguing they are necessary for federal review.

Fulton County’s court clerk has asked a judge to dismiss the case, stating that the ballots remain sealed under Georgia law and cannot be released without a court order. The clerk also argued that the administration directed its request to the wrong authority.

It remains unclear where all physical ballots from the 2020 election are currently stored.

Long-running Georgia dispute

Trump’s attempts to overturn Georgia’s election results have been among the most closely examined episodes of the post-2020 period. He previously pressured state officials to “find” votes and later faced criminal charges in Fulton County related to alleged election interference.

That prosecution was dismissed last year following controversy involving the district attorney’s conduct in the case.

Since returning to office, Trump’s Justice Department has launched or revived multiple investigations involving states, election officials, and political opponents. Several states have challenged federal demands for voter data, arguing that election administration is a constitutional state responsibility. Courts have dismissed some of those cases.

Broader implications

Legal scholars say the Georgia search underscores continuing tension between federal authority and state-run election systems — a fault line likely to sharpen as the U.S. heads toward future national elections.

Fulton County, which includes Atlanta, remains a Democratic stronghold and was a focal point of Trump’s efforts to contest the 2020 outcome.

Neither the FBI nor the Justice Department has indicated whether further searches or charges are expected.

The post FBI searches Georgia election site tied to 2020 vote dispute first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Speaking Wednesday in Washington at an event unveiling the Trump administration’s new “Trump Accounts” investment program for children, Bessent used a television interview to send a pointed message to Ottawa. Asked about tensions following Carney’s recent speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Bessent said Canada should tread carefully.

“I would encourage Prime Minister Carney to focus on what’s best for Canadians — not scoring political points,” Bessent said in an interview with CNBC. “You don’t pick a fight going into a USMCA negotiation.”

The comments underline growing strain in Canada–U.S. relations as the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) comes up for mandatory review later this year. The three countries must decide by July 1 whether to extend the pact, reopen negotiations, or allow it to lapse.

Trade pressure resurfaces

Bessent’s remarks come after months of escalating rhetoric from the Trump White House, which imposed tariffs on several Canadian exports in 2025 and has repeatedly floated the idea of rewriting — or even abandoning — the trade deal.

Canada remains the United States’ largest trading partner, but Bessent made clear that size matters at the negotiating table.

“When you’re negotiating with an economy that’s many times larger than yours, posture matters,” he said, adding that Carney’s rise to office on what he described as an “anti-Trump message” could complicate talks.

A personal swipe at Carney

Bessent also questioned Carney’s shift from central banking to elected politics, noting the prime minister previously served as governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.

“In my investment career, I’ve seen technocrats try to become politicians,” Bessent said. “It doesn’t usually end well.”

The comments follow claims from Trump officials that Carney softened his Davos remarks during a private phone call with the president earlier this week — an assertion Carney has firmly rejected.

“I meant what I said,” Carney told reporters on Parliament Hill Tuesday. “I was clear then, and I was clear with the president.”

Davos fallout continues

At Davos, Carney warned that global powers were increasingly weaponizing trade, using tariffs and economic integration as leverage — remarks that drew swift backlash from U.S. officials.

Trump later withdrew Carney’s invitation to join a newly announced advisory group dubbed the “Board of Peace,” while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick dismissed the Davos speech as “political noise.”

On Saturday, Trump escalated further, threatening a sweeping 100-per-cent tariff on Canadian goods should Ottawa strike a trade deal with China.

Carney has downplayed the criticism, saying the reaction should be viewed through the lens of upcoming trade negotiations rather than personal animosity.

Talks moving ahead — without Canada, for now

While formal Canada–U.S. discussions have yet to begin, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met Wednesday with Mexican officials to outline potential changes to the agreement, including tougher rules of origin, closer coordination on critical minerals, and tighter alignment on external trade policy.

For Canada, the message from Washington is becoming increasingly clear: tone, timing, and diplomacy may matter as much as policy substance in the months ahead.

The post Bessent warns Canada ahead of CUSMA renegotiation talks first appeared on Maple News Wire.

The joint statement, published Tuesday on the Alberta Courts website, was signed by Acting Chief Justice of Alberta Dawn Pentelechuk, Court of King’s Bench Chief Justice Kent Davison, and Alberta Court of Justice Chief Justice James Hunter. While the message does not reference any specific remarks, its timing closely follows Smith’s comments on her Saturday call-in radio show.

Judges rarely speak publicly outside of written rulings, making the statement notable in both tone and timing.

“The separation between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government is essential to a functioning democracy,” the justices wrote. “It is equally important that each branch respect and support the independence of the others.”

They emphasized that judicial independence exists to protect the public, allowing judges to decide cases based solely on law and evidence — free from political pressure, including from governments responsible for judicial appointments.

“We are Albertans, like the people we serve,” the statement continued. “We are proud of the work judges and court staff do every day to protect rights and safeguard democracy.”

Premier’s comments spark response

The statement follows Smith’s appearance on 880 CHED’s Your Province, Your Premier, where a caller raised concerns about bail decisions in a high-profile Edmonton homicide case. Smith responded by saying she wished she could “direct the judges,” adding that judges “deserve criticism” for some decisions.

Smith also argued that provinces should have more influence over judicial appointments, particularly at the Court of King’s Bench and Court of Appeal levels, which are federally appointed. She said she had written to Prime Minister Mark Carney suggesting a joint appointment process.

In a statement Tuesday, Smith’s press secretary said the government respects judicial independence, while acknowledging public frustration with aspects of the criminal justice system and ongoing calls for bail reform.

Legal experts raise concerns

Legal scholars say the judges’ statement signals unease.

Gerard Kennedy, associate dean of the University of Alberta’s law faculty, said debate over court decisions is legitimate, but political control over judges crosses a line.

“The idea that courts may overstep their role is a valid discussion,” Kennedy said. “But the notion that the executive could direct the judiciary is fundamentally incompatible with judicial independence.”

Chris Samuel, president of the Alberta branch of the Canadian Bar Association, noted similar tensions elsewhere in Canada. Ontario’s chief justices issued a comparable statement last year after Premier Doug Ford criticized judges and suggested they should be elected.

“Courts must stay out of legislative policymaking,” Samuel said. “But governments must also stay in their lane and not undermine judicial independence.”

Political fallout

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said the judges’ statement should concern all Albertans.

“This unprecedented intervention from Alberta’s chief justices shows how far this government has gone in attacking the rule of law,” Nenshi said. “Interfering with judicial independence erodes public trust in democracy itself.”

The post Alberta judges issue rare warning on court independence first appeared on Maple News Wire.

While westbound lanes of the highway have since reopened, eastbound lanes remained closed into Tuesday evening between Brighton and Belleville as police and road crews continued cleanup and investigation efforts.

The first reports of crashes came in shortly after 8:30 a.m., when multiple collisions were reported along a roughly 2.5-kilometre stretch of eastbound Highway 401 in the Quinte West area. As the day unfolded, police confirmed additional crashes and lane closures across nearly 100 kilometres of highway between Brighton and Odessa.

OPP said there were no fatal or life-threatening injuries. However, three to four people were taken to hospital as a precaution. In one dramatic incident, officers pulled a woman from her vehicle moments before it caught fire. Images released by police show the burned-out vehicle covered in spinach, believed to have spilled from a nearby tractor trailer involved in the crash.

By 7 p.m., eastbound lanes remained shut down between County Road 30 in Brighton and Wallbridge Loyalist Road in Belleville. Westbound lanes, which had been closed for several hours between Trenton and Belleville, reopened around 3:15 p.m.

OPP Sgt. Erin Cranton urged drivers to take winter conditions seriously, emphasizing that speed and following distance play a critical role during snow squalls.

“This is a clear reminder of how important it is to slow down and leave space between vehicles,” Cranton said in a video posted to social media.

Environment Canada had issued a snow squall warning for the region, forecasting blowing snow and near-zero visibility. The Ministry of Transportation reported snow-covered lanes and rapidly deteriorating conditions along the corridor between Quinte West and Napanee, prompting police to issue travel advisories for roads east of Trenton.

As vehicles became stranded, emergency crews moved along the highway checking on motorists. Buses were dispatched to transport people to a warming centre at the Trenton Arena, while tow trucks worked to clear drivable vehicles from the roadway.

Police warned drivers to expect extended closures as cleanup continued.

“Public safety remains our top priority,” OPP said in a statement, adding that crews were working as quickly as possible despite the challenging weather.

The highway closures come just one day after a separate winter storm resulted in more than 100 collisions across eastern Ontario. Belleville alone recorded about 35 centimetres of snow on Monday, with an additional five to 10 centimetres falling Tuesday due to squalls.

The post Snow Squalls Trigger Major Highway 401 Closures in Eastern Ontario first appeared on Maple News Wire.

In a post shared Saturday on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said Canada would face severe consequences if it becomes a conduit for Chinese goods entering the United States.

“If Prime Minister Mark Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘drop-off port’ for China to send goods and products into the U.S., he is sorely mistaken,” Trump wrote.

“If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the USA.”

The comments mark a significant escalation in rhetoric as trade tensions rise amid growing global scrutiny of China’s manufacturing dominance and export practices.

Trade tensions already high

Trump’s warning comes as Canada explores broader trade options amid shifting global supply chains and increased pressure to diversify economic partnerships. While Canadian officials have not publicly confirmed the details of any new trade agreement with China, recent discussions around easing tariffs and expanding trade quotas have drawn sharp reactions from Washington.

The former and current U.S. president has repeatedly accused China of exploiting international trade systems and has vowed to block what he calls “backdoor access” to U.S. markets through allied countries.

During his previous term, Trump imposed aggressive tariffs on Chinese imports, triggering a prolonged trade war that reshaped global commerce and supply routes. His latest remarks suggest a similar approach toward close U.S. allies if they are perceived to undermine American trade policy.

Canada’s economic exposure

Canada is one of the United States’ largest trading partners, with hundreds of billions of dollars in goods crossing the border annually. A blanket 100 per cent tariff would have sweeping implications for key Canadian industries, including automotive manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and consumer goods.

Trade experts warn that such tariffs would disrupt integrated North American supply chains built under agreements like the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), potentially raising prices for consumers on both sides of the border.

Political pressure mounts

Trump’s comments also inject new uncertainty into Canada-U.S. relations at a time when cooperation on security, immigration, and economic stability remains critical. The statement places additional pressure on the Canadian government to clarify its trade posture amid an increasingly polarized global trade environment.

So far, Prime Minister Carney’s office has not responded publicly to Trump’s remarks. Canadian officials have previously emphasized the country’s commitment to rules-based trade while maintaining strong economic ties with the United States.

What comes next

It remains unclear whether Trump’s threat reflects an imminent policy decision or a negotiating tactic as discussions around global trade intensify. However, analysts note that Trump has frequently used tariff threats to influence diplomatic and economic outcomes.

The situation is expected to evolve quickly, with further responses anticipated from Canadian officials and U.S. trade representatives in the coming days.

This is a developing story. More details will be reported as they become available.

The post Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs if Canada Finalizes China Trade Deal first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Environment Canada says wind chill values could dip below minus 30, creating dangerous conditions for anyone spending time outdoors. Officials warn that prolonged exposure to extreme cold increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, particularly affecting fingers, toes, ears, and the face.

Health experts caution that extreme cold can also trigger symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle weakness, and numbness, urging residents to limit outdoor activity and dress in layers if travel is unavoidable.

Heavy Snow Expected Sunday

In addition to the bitter cold, a special weather statement has been issued for Sunday as a snow system moves into the area. Snowfall totals could reach between 10 and 20 centimetres by Sunday night, with reduced visibility and slippery road conditions likely.

Forecasters say snow will begin late Saturday night and intensify Sunday morning, with periods of heavy snow and localized blowing snow expected throughout the day. Gusty northeast winds could further worsen driving conditions.

Weekend Forecast Highlights

• Saturday: Sunny in the morning, becoming a mix of sun and cloud. High near -14°C. Morning wind chills near -31, improving slightly in the afternoon. Risk of frostbite.

• Saturday Night: Cloudy with snow developing overnight. Around 2 cm expected. Low near -15°C.

• Sunday: Snow, at times heavy, with blowing snow possible. Snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 cm during the day, increasing by evening. High near -9°C.

• Monday: Clearing skies. High around -9°C.

Travel and Safety Advisories

Officials recommend postponing non-essential travel during periods of heavy snow and extreme cold. Motorists are urged to drive with caution, reduce speed, and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles.

Residents are also encouraged to check on vulnerable individuals, including seniors and those without stable housing, as temperatures plunge.

Weather conditions are expected to remain colder than seasonal averages into next week, with additional chances of flurries in the forecast.

The post Cold Warning in Effect as Polar Vortex Brings Extreme Cold and Heavy Snow first appeared on Maple News Wire.