5 things you need to know this morning: May 20, 2025

Start your day off right with five things you need to know this morning.

Five things you need to know

1. Canada joins UK and France in threatening Israel with 'concrete actions' over Gaza policy

Canada has joined the UK and France in condemning Israel's recent actions in Gaza, warning that the amount of food reaching the territory is "wholly inadequate" and causing "intolerable" suffering. The trio warned of "concrete actions" in response if Israel refuses to change its approach, with the UK this morning revealing that it has suspended trade talks with the Middle Eastern nation.

Today, the leaders of Canada, the United Kingdom, and France issued a joint statement strongly opposing the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and any attempts to expand settlements in the West Bank. Read the full statement: https://t.co/wR7x5KVueR

— Prime Minister of Canada (@CanadianPM) May 19, 2025

2. Man jailed for Coutts blockade refused parole due to 'lack of accountability'

One of the men jailed for carrying out the Coutts border blockade during the COVID-19 pandemic has been refused parole despite a stellar review of his behaviour behind bars. Chris Carbert, who was convicted of mischief over $5,000 and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, was told by a parole board that he has "demonstrated a lack of accountability" for his actions in 2022.

“When asked about the harm he had caused, Carbert noted the ‘inconvenience’ he'd created for people looking to travel across the border.”

Despite model prison behaviour, Coutts blockade leader denied parole over ‘lack of accountability’ https://t.co/xYnjwNGoYl

— Greg MacEachern (@gmacofglebe) May 20, 2025

3. BC NDP MLA under fire for defending use of terms 'colonizer' and 'uninvited guest' for non-First Nations people

An BC NDP MLA has caused a stir in the province after defending the use of the terms "settler," "uninvited guest" and "colonizer" for non-First Nations people. Independent MLA Dallas Brodie referred to Rohini Arora's speech in the legislature as "racist drivel," adding: "We are not uninvited guests. Canada belongs to every citizen."

In yesterday’s speech, the Settler from Burnaby East tells “white folks” to self-identify as colonizers.

This racist drivel has gone too far. British Columbians owe no apologies for their existence. We are not uninvited guests. Canada belongs to every citizen. pic.twitter.com/F1dmwkIwRz

— Dallas Brodie (@Dallas_Brodie) May 17, 2025

4. Biden's cancer announcement sparks debate among doctors, political figures

Former President Joe Biden's revelation on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer has sparked fierce debate in the US. The 82-year-old said he was diagnosed on Friday, but medical experts as well as political figures have questioned the announcement, speculating that the disease would have been apparent a long time ago – when Biden was still president and intending to run for a second term.

Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support. pic.twitter.com/oSS1vGIiwU

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 19, 2025

5. Charles visits Canada House ahead of Ottawa trip

King Charles and his wife Queen Camilla got a small taste of Canada this morning as they prepare to travel to Ottawa next week. The regal duo visited Canada House in London's Trafalgar Square to celebrate the iconic building's 100th anniversary, but their appearance could also give them some practice with Canadians ahead of their May 26-27 visit for the King's reading of the throne speech.

A week before they open the Canadian Parliament (the first time Canada’s monarch has done so since 1977) King Charles and Queen Camilla are at the Canadian High Commission, Canada House.
It was opened 100 years ago, in 1925, by Charles’ great grandfather George V. pic.twitter.com/JyJsfPPHhC

— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) May 20, 2025