Affordability battles, CBC News in Iraq, Italy’s Olympic challenge, and more

As Canadians struggle to put food on their tables, MPs in Ottawa are fighting over who has the best plan to bring down the price of groceries. The Conservatives say the country can’t afford Prime Minister Mark Carney’s GST rebate, but are voting for it anyway. New data from the Parliamentary Budget Officer suggests the rebate may save money for everyday Canadians but cost the government billions.

Also: CBC News is in Iraq, near the border with Iran, as tensions between the Iranian regime and the Trump Administration intensify, while talks are scheduled for Friday.

And: Travel advisory. The big test facing organizers and athletes as the Milano Cortina Winter Games gets set to host one of the most geographically challenging Olympics in history.

Plus: Canada’s changing auto sector, Epstein files fallout, mental health worries for Ontario youth, and more.