Your Quick-Start Guide to Ottawa News: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Good morning, Ottawa. It is Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Today’s briefing covers critical developments in federal AI regulation, a significant shift in national defense projections, and local updates spanning from the hockey rink to the Westin ballroom. Here is the essential news you need to start your day in the capital.

1. AI Accountability: Minister Summons OpenAI Safety Team to Ottawa

In a significant move for Canada’s tech regulatory landscape, AI Minister Evan Solomon has formally summoned the senior safety team from OpenAI to Parliament Hill. The summons follows a high-profile investigation into the Tumbler Ridge, B.C., mass shooting.

The core of the investigation centers on how OpenAI managed the ChatGPT account belonging to the teenager responsible for the tragedy. While OpenAI reportedly identified and banned the account for violating its terms of service regarding violent content, federal authorities allege the company failed to notify the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or local law enforcement at the time of the ban.

Minister Solomon stated that the summons is a direct response to gaps in the current reporting framework for artificial intelligence service providers. The federal government is looking to determine if the company’s internal safety protocols are sufficient to prevent future incidents or if legislative amendments are required to mandate the reporting of "imminent threats" detected by AI algorithms.

The meeting is expected to take place behind closed doors later this week, with a public statement from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development anticipated shortly after. This development comes as the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) continues to see rigorous enforcement and updates in early 2026.

2. Parliamentary Budget Officer Outlines Massive Hike in Defense Spending

The Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) released a comprehensive report yesterday detailing the financial roadmap required for Canada to meet its revised NATO commitments. According to the report, the federal government faces a steep climb to hit the 3.5 percent of GDP target by the 2035/36 fiscal year.

Currently, for the 2025/26 fiscal year, core defense spending sits at approximately $63 billion. However, to meet the 3.5 percent threshold demanded by the alliance, that figure will need to balloon to $159 billion annually within the next decade.

The PBO’s analysis suggests that current procurement schedules and recruitment efforts are not currently aligned with this level of expenditure. The report highlights that simply allocating funds will not be sufficient; the Department of National Defence will need to significantly overhaul its acquisition process to manage the influx of capital for new equipment, including the ongoing F-35 program and the modernization of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

Critics and analysts in the capital are pointing to the massive budgetary pressure this will place on other federal programs. The PBO warns that without significant economic growth or a reallocation of existing resources, the deficit could see long-term upward pressure as the 2035 deadline approaches.

3. Indigenous Leadership in Resource Development: Forum Opens at the Westin

The inaugural Responsible Resource Leadership Forum begins today at the Westin Ottawa. This two-day event (February 25–26) is a landmark gathering focused on Indigenous involvement and leadership in Canada’s mining and natural resource sectors.

As Canada seeks to position itself as a global leader in critical minerals: essential for the green energy transition: the forum aims to establish a new gold standard for partnership. Media and delegates will hear opening remarks this morning from representatives of the National Family and various First Nations leaders who are at the forefront of resource negotiations.

The forum is expected to tackle several key themes:

• Equity Ownership: Moving beyond traditional impact-benefit agreements toward full equity stakes for Indigenous communities in mining projects.
• Environmental Stewardship: Integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern mining practices.
• Regulatory Streamlining: Ensuring that Indigenous-led environmental assessments are given weight in federal and provincial approval processes.

The outcome of this forum is expected to influence upcoming federal policy regarding the "Critical Minerals Strategy," particularly as it pertains to Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire and lithium projects in Quebec.

4. Federal Commitment to Mental Health: $120.2 Million for 9-8-8 Hotline

The federal government announced a significant investment in national mental health infrastructure today. A total of $120.2 million has been committed over the next two fiscal years to ensure the continued and expanded operation of the 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline.

The 9-8-8 service, which provides 24/7 bilingual support via call or text to anyone in Canada, has seen a steady increase in volume since its inception. The new funding is earmarked for several critical areas:

• Staffing and Training: Increasing the number of trained responders at local partner agencies across the country.
• Technological Infrastructure: Upgrading the routing systems to ensure callers are connected to local resources more efficiently.
• Targeted Outreach: Specific programs aimed at high-risk demographics, including veterans, Indigenous youth, and rural farmers.

Health officials in Ottawa emphasized that the funding is a bridge to ensure no service interruptions occur as the government evaluates a long-term permanent funding model for the crisis line.

5. Sports: Senators Prepare for Red Wings After Emotional OT Win

The Ottawa Senators are back on home ice tonight at the Canadian Tire Centre, hosting the Detroit Red Wings. The Sens enter the matchup with momentum following a hard-fought 2-1 overtime victory against the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this week.

The victory over Philadelphia was characterized by standout goaltending and a defensive core that managed to neutralize the Flyers' transition game. The overtime winner has provided a much-needed morale boost for the squad as they navigate a tight race in the Atlantic Division.

Tonight’s game against Detroit is a crucial "four-point game," as both teams are battling for wild-card positioning. The Red Wings arrive in Ottawa with an aggressive offensive lineup, making the Sens' defensive discipline a primary narrative for the evening.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Local traffic around the Kanata area is expected to be heavy starting at 5:30 PM, and OC Transpo has announced extra 400-series buses to accommodate the sell-out crowd.

Summary of the Day’s Weather and Transit

For those commuting through the capital today, expect overcast skies with a high of -4°C. A light dusting of snow is possible in the late afternoon, which may impact the evening rush hour.

On the transit front, OC Transpo reports that Line 1 is running at full capacity this morning. However, commuters should be aware of ongoing construction on Bank Street that may result in minor delays for bus routes 6 and 7.

Local Business Brief: The Economy at a Glance

In local business news, the Ottawa Board of Trade is keeping a close eye on the PBO's defense spending report. Local aerospace and defense contractors in the Kanata North tech hub stand to see significant contract opportunities if the federal government follows through on the projected spending hikes.

Conversely, the retail sector in the downtown core continues to monitor federal back-to-office mandates, which have seen a slight uptick in foot traffic over the last quarter, providing some stability to small businesses in the Sparks Street and ByWard Market areas.

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This news briefing is compiled daily by OTTAWA BUREAU to provide a factual, non-partisan overview of the stories shaping our city and country. Check back tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM for your next update.