Wildfire Smoke Crisis: Toronto’s air hit “very high risk” levels as wildfire smoke from northern Ontario blanketed the city and Environment Canada issued warnings, with haze also spreading across parts of the Northeast U.S. Central Bank Watch: The Bank of Canada held its key rate at 2.25% for a sixth straight time, saying the economy is improving but warning of risks tied to the Middle East and uncertain U.S. trade. Ontario Politics: Doug Ford’s government is moving to scrap a rule that lets MPPs expense Toronto hotel stays under “special circumstances,” after scrutiny over thousands in hotel bills. Food Safety: CFIA says it’s not considering fresh-produce import restrictions amid a U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak, while monitoring developments. Energy & Industry: Alberta and Canada struck a deal with oil sands producers to double oil output and advance the Pathways carbon capture project, tied to a proposed West Coast pipeline. Indigenous Equity in LNG: LNG Canada announced an equity option for five First Nations to invest up to C$1B in Phase 2 storage infrastructure. Public Safety & Corrections: Vancouver Island officials are reviewing how prison-break alerts are communicated after a recent escape. Business & Culture: Lactalis Canada is buying Agropur’s fine cheese division, adding brands and Quebec facilities; Home Hardware was named a top workplace culture company by Forbes.