Welcome to 2026, iPolitics readers! Even though it’s a new year, we’re starting today’s brief with the latest in our year-end interview series. Next up is Vicky Eatrides, CEO and chairperson of the CRTC.

She spoke with us about the Commission’s efforts to bring more competition to the telecoms industry, as well as its approach to regulating artificial intelligence.

“It’s really a balance because we absolutely want to see competition. It leads to lower prices, more choice, more innovation, and all these good things. We want to see that for Canadians,” she said about how she assesses the CRTC’s job in promoting competition in the industry.

Meanwhile, Canada’s spy watchdog is examining the use and governance of artificial intelligence in national security activities.

The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency has informed key federal ministers and organizations of the study, which will look at how the security community defines, uses and oversees aspects of AI technologies. Canadian security agencies have used AI for tasks ranging from translation of documents to detection of malware threats.

The Canadian Press has more.

In Other Headlines:

Internationally:

Swiss investigators said Friday that they believe sparkling flares atop Champagne bottles ignited the fatal fire at a ski resort when they came too close to a crowded bar’s ceiling.

Forty people were killed and another 119 injured in the blaze as it ripped through the busy Le Constellation bar at the ski resort of Crans-Montana while revelers were celebrating New Year’s Eve, authorities said.

AP reports.

In Other International Headlines:

The Kicker:

And just like that, our holiday schedule is coming to a close.

iPolitics will return to its regular programming schedule on Monday, complete with our morning and evening briefs.

We’ll see you on Monday!