Aitchison Poised to Resign, Ottawa Police Probe Reforms & Chabot Named Captain — Ottawa Tuesday

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

1. Ottawa Police weigh policy changes after unauthorized database searches. The service is reviewing internal access rules and audit procedures following recent reports that officers made unauthorized checks of police databases, Chief Markations (article did not name a chief) acknowledged, and the review will recommend new controls and training to prevent future breaches. These steps respond to at least one confirmed inquiry into improper searches, according to sources in the report.
2. Ottawa Police investigating apparent sale of missing Trump Avenue sign. Officers opened an investigation after a community sign for Trump Avenue went missing and was allegedly offered for sale online; investigators have interviewed witnesses and are checking online listings as part of the probe, the police statement said.

🏛️ Government & Politics

1. Conservative MP Scott Aitchison poised to resign, becoming Poilievre’s eighth caucus departure. Global News reports Aitchison plans to announce his resignation as soon as Wednesday, which would make him the eighth MP to leave Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative caucus since the 2025 election; sources say Aitchison informed Poilievre about his plan a week ago and is expected to resign before Parliament rises for its December break.
2. Ontario, federal governments extend affordable child-care funding for four years, but not $10-a-day in Ontario. The new deal secures funding through at least 2031 with $12 billion federally plus Ontario’s share of an extra $5.4 billion, while Ontario will keep average parent fees at about $19 per day (capped at $22) until June 30, 2027, the federal minister said.

💼 Economy & Business

1. Stelco to lay off up to 500 workers, industry experts blame U.S. tariffs. Stelco announced up to 500 job cuts at Hamilton and Lake Erie plants, citing U.S. tariffs, weak demand and import pressure; economists warn the tariffs have reduced U.S. sales for Canadian manufacturers and shrunk demand across integrated supply chains.
2. Ford government had days‑old warning of Stelco layoffs before public announcement. Minister Vic Fedeli confirmed provincial officials were told “within days” of the planned idling at Stelco’s Hamilton facility, though he said nothing was definitive until employees and unions were informed.

🎨 Community & Culture

1. Thomas Chabot named captain of the Ottawa Senators. The Senators announced defenceman Thomas Chabot will serve as team captain for the upcoming NHL season, a leadership appointment made official by the club at its media day.

📰 Also Today

• Nearly a quarter of Quebec voters cast advance ballots for Oct. 5 election, about 25% reported.
• Closing submissions delivered in Ajax murder trial, defence cites intoxication evidence.
• RJ Barrett says he’ll wait on Raptors contract extension, averaged 19.3 points last season.
• Kebaowek pauses UNDRIP consultations over proposed nuclear dump, community halted engagement.
• Ontario woman seeks to overturn 2002 manslaughter conviction, new experts cite SIDS possibility.
• Fatal collision closes Highway 7 near Kaladar, highway shut for investigation.
• Study finds wait times for most priority Ontario surgeries increased since 2017, according to researchers.
• RCMP confirms probe into death threat to Muslim schools, including Vancouver, federal police investigating.