SUISSE News Winter 2026
Canada-Switzerland News
February 2026
A collection of recent, random articles about Switzerland and Canada!
Feb 5, 2026
Winter Olympics 2038
The Olympic Winter Games in 2038 are slated to be held in Switzerland again, after a long hiatus of 90 years (the 1948 Winter Olympics were held in St. Moritz). Reuters now reports that Canada would seriously consider hosting the Games should anything happen to the Swiss plan. Switzerland’s bid should be finalized relatively soon (by next year) but if the deadline passes the interest in Canada remains strong.
Feb 4, 2026
Lost AirPods
Imagine flying home to Toronto from Rome to find out that you’ve lost your AirPods on the airplane ☹ This is exactly what happened to one blogTO reader. However, thanks to the tracking feature on the device she was able to locate her AirPods in Geneva, then Ireland, before they finally made it back to Canada again!
Feb 3, 2026
Glencore and Quebec Government
Trouble between Swiss mining giant Glencore and the Quebec government. According the Journal de Montréal, the Quebec government is not prepared to write Glencore a CAD 149 M cheque to support the environmental clean-up of the Horne Smelter in Rouyn-Noranda, arguing that it had already helped Glencore by allowing it to fast track its environmental process. This has led to a suspension of upgrades aiming to reduce emissions at the site. The steelworkers’ union meanwhile is drawing attention to the fact that hundreds of well playing jobs are now in jeopardy.
Feb 2, 2026
New Visa Rules
There are new rules for Swiss citizens visiting their children and grand-children in Canada. As of early 2026 the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) no longer exists. It has been replaced by a Super Visa which needs to be used for visits of extended periods of time in Canada. Under this new program stays of up to five consecutive years per entry are possible (the visa is valid 10 years). However, the entry barriers have been tightened: proof of medical insurance and of income are now mandatory. Apparently, Swiss insurers have already reported a spike in enquiries about visits to Canada.
Jan 30, 2026
Skiing in Engelberg
During his search for perfect ski resort in Switzerland, Toronto Sun writer Glenn Crouter visited several resorts that may be lesser known in Canada. The article linked below reports on his experience in Engelberg, a ski town in the canton of Obwalden. Engelberg is not only known for its long (October to May) skiing season on the Titlis glacier but it is also steeped in medieval, catholic history thanks to its Benedictine Monastery which dates back to 1120. Engelberg has 82 kilometres of groomed trails with plenty of runs for all skill levels. Read the article in the Sun before you book your next skiing trip to the Alps!
Jan 26, 2026
Carney Speech Reaction
According to the popular Swiss tabloid Blick, Canadian PM Mark Carney’s now infamous speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos about how middle-power nations should abandon the "fiction" of the old system and engage instead in proactive cooperation drove the US president to a “white hot rage” (Weissglut). It triggered multiple proverbial shots fired back by the president: first, Canada was uninvited from the “Board of Peace”, and then, 100% tariffs were threatened if Canada were to enter into a free trade agreement with China.
Jan 25, 2026
How Will Switzerland Proceed?
After the American visit at the World Economic Forum, Switzerland finds itself in a very uncomfortable situation, according to a report in Heidi.news. Only a year ago there was still quite a bit of support for the American nationalist rhetoric but now that Switzerland is still trying to negotiate lower tariffs with the United States everything is becoming increasingly difficult. Canada’s PM showed a different path during his speech in Davos and Switzerland may want to consider the Canadian approach more closely, according to the publication Heidi.news
Jan 24, 2026
Little Switzerland?
For those of us who have been to Switzerland and enjoyed a winter vacation in the Alps the title of this article may be promising a bit too much … Mont Tremblant is definitely worth a visit but everyone will have to judge for themselves if it is truly a ‘Little Switzerland’!
