Liberal MPs are expressing unity following the resignation of Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault from the cabinet. Guilbeault stepped down in response to the federal government's recent agreement with Alberta regarding a proposed pipeline. In a social media post on Thursday, he announced that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier that day. He voiced his concerns about the prime minister's reversal of key environmental policies established by the previous Liberal administration.

Despite his resignation, Guilbeault plans to continue serving as a Liberal MP but will no longer act as Carney's Quebec lieutenant. Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon acknowledged Guilbeault's "impressive track record" but stated he "respectfully" disagrees with Guilbeault's interpretation of the agreement with Alberta.

In related news, Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson commented on the West Coast tanker ban. He stated it is "premature" to make any conclusions about the potential removal or modification of the ban, as no pipeline route has been established to transport oil from Alberta to British Columbia's coastline. Hodgson emphasized that discussions about altering the ban are speculative at this stage. He is currently in British Columbia to meet with Premier David Eby, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Ottawa and Alberta to facilitate the pipeline construction.

Meanwhile, Ontario is experiencing a significant winter storm, with snowfall expected to continue into the weekend. Environment Canada forecasts that some areas could see up to 60 centimeters of snow, particularly in northeastern Ontario and regions off Georgian Bay. The storm has already caused power outages for thousands of Hydro One customers, and crews are working diligently to restore service.

In British Columbia, conservation officers have captured two additional grizzly bears as part of the investigation into an attack on schoolchildren. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service is analyzing forensic evidence from the incident, which left three children and a teacher seriously injured. Drones equipped with thermal cameras are being deployed to locate any bears involved in the attack. Previously, two other bears were captured during the search for a grizzly sow and her cubs, who are suspected of attacking a group of 20 students on a field trip.

Statistics Canada is set to release its latest gross domestic product figures today. The agency will provide data for September and the third quarter overall. A recent poll of economists predicts an annualized growth rate of 0.5 percent for the third quarter. Last month, Statistics Canada estimated a 0.1 percent increase in real GDP for September and an annualized growth of 0.4 percent for the quarter.

As the holiday season approaches, Christmas tree sellers are experiencing high demand despite some price increases. With less than a month until Christmas, sellers are preparing for their busiest days of the year. David Thibeault from Treasy International reported that demand has exceeded expectations, with sales up 15 to 20 percent compared to last year. Doug Drysdale of Drysdale Tree Farms Ltd. noted that the last weekend of November and the first weekend of December are typically the busiest times for tree sales.