Ottawa Daily Digest — Feb 7, 2026

Big date set — The Ontario Liberal Party will pick a new leader on Nov. 21, starting its third leadership race since 2020; nomination papers are due by July 31 at 5 p.m. and party members will vote electronically using a ranked ballot from Nov. 9–20. This replaces Bonnie Crombie (who resigned earlier this year) and names being floated include MP Nate Erskine-Smith, Lee Fairclough, Adil Shamji, Rob Cerjanec, former president Mike Crawley and housing advocate Eric Lombardi — a race that could change the party’s direction and affect an upcoming Scarborough Southwest byelection.

Bitter cold hangs on — A prolonged cold snap is gripping southern Ontario with wind chills of about −30 °C to −35 °C (Environment and Climate Change Canada), blowing snow and gusts up to 80 km/h reported in Mississauga; Toronto has now seen 20 straight days below freezing. Officials warn frostbite can form within minutes, especially for children, older adults, outdoor workers and people without shelter, so dress warmly, limit time outside, carry emergency supplies in cars and check on vulnerable neighbours.

Small crowd, big spirit at FanFest — Despite a wind chill around −31 °C, families skated at Nathan Phillips Square as Toronto marked Feb. 7 as Team Canada Day and kicked off the Team Canada FanFest celebrating 206 athletes at the Milan–Cortina Olympics. Mayor Olivia Chow and others praised the unity the Games bring; fans can meet athletes like Dylan Moscovitch, Calynn Irwin, Jessica Tudos and Elvis Stojko as the FanFest tours Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal (Milan Games run until Feb. 22).