In response to Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs, Premier François Legault convened a meeting with key Quebec financial leaders. The afternoon session included executives from Desjardins, Banque Nationale, Caisse de Dépôt, Investissement Québec, and Hydro-Québec, along with key ministers. Discussions focused on potential countermeasures, including the possibility of restricting hydroelectric power exports to the United States, a suggestion previously floated by Legault. Further action has already been taken, with the SAQ instructed to remove all American products from its shelves and distribution channels. A press conference is scheduled to follow the meetings.
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Following a 30-day postponement of U.S. tariffs negotiated by Prime Minister Trudeau, Ontario has paused its retaliatory measures. These measures included removing U.S. alcohol from LCBO shelves and cancelling a $100 million Starlink internet deal. While the retaliatory actions are temporarily suspended, Premier Ford warned they could be reinstated if tariffs are implemented. The pause allows for further negotiations and underscores the precarious nature of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship.
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Following two phone calls between Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump, a 30-day reprieve on U.S. tariffs against Canadian goods was secured. This temporary ceasefire resulted from Canada’s commitment to enhance border security, including a $1.3 billion plan and the creation of a joint strike force to combat crime and money laundering. The agreement, however, is considered an initial step, with Trump indicating a desire for a comprehensive economic deal. Canada also committed to appointing a fentanyl “czar” and designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations.
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Former President Trump proposed a deal where Ukraine would provide the U.S. with rare earth minerals in exchange for continued aid. This request, made amidst uncertainty surrounding future U.S. aid to Ukraine, involves securing crucial resources for the U.S. while bolstering Ukraine’s own security guarantees. While military aid remains unaffected, USAID funding has been cut, prompting Ukraine to seek alternative funding sources from European partners. The specifics of the rare earth materials sought and the security guarantees remain undefined.
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Following President Trump’s announcement of 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, a 30-day pause was agreed upon. This reprieve, mirroring a similar agreement with Mexico, follows both countries’ commitments to combat fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. Trump’s initial plan also included tariffs on Chinese goods and Canadian energy resources. Canada had threatened retaliatory tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to the initial tariff announcement.
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Following the indictment of a New York doctor for allegedly prescribing abortion pills to a Louisiana minor, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill immediately protecting the identities of doctors who prescribe abortion medications by allowing the use of practice names instead of individual doctor names on prescription labels. This action directly addresses the Louisiana case, where the doctor’s name on the medication label led to her indictment. The new law aims to prevent similar prosecutions in states with restrictive abortion laws. Hochul also plans to introduce legislation requiring pharmacists to comply with doctors’ requests for anonymity on labels.
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez vehemently criticized Elon Musk’s expanding influence within the Trump administration, citing the suspension of USAID security chiefs who refused to share classified information with Musk’s teams as a “five alarm fire.” Ocasio-Cortez decried this as a “plutocratic coup,” emphasizing the illegitimacy of an unelected billionaire wielding such power and access to sensitive government data. Musk, meanwhile, has consolidated control over key agencies, including the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), granting him unprecedented access to federal information and systems. This has prompted ongoing clashes between Ocasio-Cortez and Musk, highlighting concerns over national security and democratic governance.
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Elon Musk declared USAID irredeemably corrupt, likening it to “a ball of worms” beyond repair. This assessment prompted the Trump administration to initiate a purge, temporarily barring staff from the office and suspending access to computer systems for approximately 600 employees. Two security chiefs were placed on leave for refusing to comply with information requests from Musk’s team. The agency’s website was also shut down as part of this sweeping action.
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In response to concerns about foreign interference in its upcoming election, Greenland’s government introduced a bill to ban foreign political donations. The bill, aiming to safeguard Greenland’s political integrity, prohibits parties from receiving contributions from foreign or anonymous donors and limits private donations. This action follows repeated assertions by Donald Trump of his desire to acquire Greenland, despite Greenland’s repeated declarations that it is not for sale. The bill is expected to pass quickly, potentially taking effect immediately.
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Elon Musk’s administration is attempting to access sensitive information from federal agencies like the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Treasury, prompting outrage among federal employees. This unauthorized access threatens the private data of millions of Americans, including financial and personal information. The administration’s actions are characterized by a lack of legal justification and disregard for established procedures, leading to widespread fear and uncertainty among federal workers facing potential unlawful dismissals and a lack of transparency. This chaotic approach, described as a “smash and grab,” contrasts sharply with claims of a calculated strategy, further exacerbating concerns about the erosion of democratic processes and the safety of vital public services.
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John Q. Hosedrinker