Western Standard News Update | 09 Jan 2026

In this Western Standard News Update, Chief Editor Dave Naylor breaks down key stories making headlines across Alberta, Ottawa, and the United States — from skyrocketing insurance losses to federal staffing cuts and Trump’s escalating rhetoric on cartel violence.A new report reveals Alberta insurance companies lost $1.2 billion last year as payouts surged 18% over premiums, raising questions about industry stability and future premiums. In Ottawa, new figures from the Parliamentary Budget Office show Mark Carney’s campaign promise to cut the federal civil service by 10% is falling far short of the target. Calgary Police Homicide detectives have launched an investigation into the suspicious death of an elderly woman in Canyon Meadows. And in Washington, President Donald Trump says he would consider bombing mainland Mexico to take out drug cartels flooding the U.S. with narcotics. Get the full update and visit WesternStandard.News