Hour 1 of Ottawa Now for Thurs. August 20th, 2026

All Canadian provinces have been asked by Prime Minister Carney to restock American liquor, as federal officials try to strike a deal with the Trump administration. According to the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the provinces have agreed to the decision. However, while Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is siding with a Team Canada approach, his emotional comments today paint a very different picture of how he’s really feeling. He says, if those U.S. products are back on the shelves, don’t buy them. Joseph Steinberg, a Professor of Economics at the University of Toronto, joins Kristy Cameron in Hour 1. Meantime, the Canadian Museum of History just hired a new digital assistant. It’s called MUSEO – located in the Canadian History Hall. It’s a new way for visitors to get a deeper look at the stories behind the exhibits. And while some might perceive it as a job-stealing Chatbot, it’s not that at all. It’s a digital sidekick designed to enhance the customer experience and support the hard-working team that currently exists. We check in with Robyn Jeffrey, the Director of Digital Transformation, Engagement, and Brand at the Canadian Museum of History. But first, we bring you up to speed on today’s top headlines.