Western Standard News Update | Eby missing as Canada-U.S. trade talks hit final hours | 21 Aug 2026

In this Western Standard News Update, Chief Editor Dave Naylor covers Danielle Smith calling AI data centres a new type of refinery, documents showing Global Affairs hospitality spending jumped 53% to $15.5 million, and David Eby missing in action as Canada-U.S. trade talks enter their final hours. Naylor also looks at an Afghan war memorial land acknowledgement, Calgary dog bites rising nearly 50%, Ottawa dropping electoral reform, a Nova Scotia eviction over racist remarks, AI’s impact on skilled trades and health care, and a fatal aircraft incident in Prince George.»»» Subscribe to the Western Standard: https://www.westernstandard.news/subscriptionFor breaking news, videos, opinion and in-depth coverage: https://www.westernstandard.news/Follow the Western Standard on X: https://x.com/WesternStandardFollow the Western Standard on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westernstandardonline/Sign up for Western Standard newsletters: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/788568/130204520588249083/shareSupport independent journalism in Western Canada: https://www.westernstandard.news/subscription