Toronto Daily Digest — Jan. 29, 2026

Heads-up for travellers: First Nations leaders, led by Alberta’s Blood Tribe Chief and Council, are warning members to take extra care crossing into the U.S. after reports that U.S. officials (including ICE) stopped or detained Indigenous people — they recommend carrying a long-form birth certificate, passport and a blood-quantum letter from your First Nation and even advise avoiding non-essential travel right now.

Tough week for Oshawa autoworkers: General Motors will cut the third shift at its Oshawa plant starting Feb. 2, leaving about 500 workers directly out of work and more than 1,000 across the supply chain affected, a move Unifor leaders say was driven by U.S. policy and President Donald Trump; Ontario Premier Doug Ford says there will be support and re‑training opportunities.

No SIU probe — yet: Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit says it hasn’t invoked its mandate in an allegation that Durham police assaulted lawyer Sudine Riley at an Oshawa courthouse, despite claims (from counsel Neha Chugh) that officers slammed her head into a desk, used force on a client and ripped a headscarf; police are investigating and legal groups want an independent inquiry.

Watch those videos: Some viral clips of Toronto’s recent snowstorm are AI‑generated fakes — a widely shared TikTok (about 89,000 views) of a buried TTC streetcar and other dramatic scenes were made with AI (accounts like “We Truly Believe” and others) and omit disclaimers, so check sources before you share.

Arctic bite warning: Environment Canada issued yellow cold‑weather alerts across southern Ontario — Toronto can feel like -30 to -35°C and parts of the region -33 to -38°C with wind chill Thursday night into early Friday; officials remind people (and pets) to cover exposed skin and watch for frostbite.

Big cigarette bust: On Jan. 20 at about 12:40 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP stopped a truck on Hwy 16 in the RM of Battle River and seized 9.1 million illicit cigarettes; a 41‑year‑old man from Brampton is charged with possession/transportation of unstamped tobacco and other offences and appeared in North Battleford court on Jan. 21.

Blue Jays boost Rogers’ finances: Rogers said its quarter ended Dec. 31 brought $743 million in profit (up from $558 million) and media revenue rose to $1.24 billion, helped by the Blue Jays’ World Series run — Game 7 averaged 10.9 million viewers — and the company plans to buy the remaining 25% of MLSE by July to gain full control.

Major guns-and-drugs takedown: Project Alias led to searches on Jan. 14 in London and Toronto where police seized 31 guns (sourced from several U.S. states), 12.5 kg of fentanyl and 4.5 kg of cocaine (street value over $2 million); 11 people in their 20s face 214 charges, and two suspects remain at large.

Escape foiled: Toronto police arrested 32‑year‑old Steven Alexander Guzman Marroquin after he allegedly escaped the Toronto South Detention Centre by impersonating another inmate and removing an ankle monitor at a gas station; he was arrested near Yonge and Eglinton and charged with escape, personation and obstructing police.

Barrie buried — month‑long alert: The City of Barrie says it’s under a continuous significant weather event since Dec. 28, 2025, after about 300 cm (over 9.5 ft) of snow from Nov. 1 to Jan. 28; crews are still clearing narrowed roads and residents should follow overnight parking rules (Dec. 1–Mar. 31).

New policing rules, tight budgets: Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act (263 sections) took effect April 2025 and raises training and equipment standards, but small forces — like Owen Sound (pop. ~22,000, ~40 officers) — say the province provided no extra funding and are struggling to meet costs; municipalities want steady, predictable support.

Crown Royal dispute cools — maybe: Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew urged spirits maker Diageo to offer Ontario Premier Doug Ford a “path forward” after Diageo moved production out of Amherstburg; Ford had threatened to pull Crown Royal from LCBO shelves by end of February, while Diageo insists it still employs 500+ people in Canada and keeps other plants and HQ.

Raptors stumble at home: The Toronto Raptors blew a 12‑point lead and lost 119–92 to the New York Knicks; Brandon Ingram had 27 points and Scottie Barnes a 17/10 double‑double, while Mikal Bridges scored 30 for the Knicks — Toronto’s four‑game win streak ended and the team fell to 29–20.