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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Mark Carney have finalized a new trade and defense cooperation agreement on Parliament Hill. This comprehensive trade deal, the first bilateral pact with an ASEAN member, will eliminate or reduce over 95% of tariffs on Canadian exports to Indonesia. The agreement also encompasses defense cooperation, deepening collaboration on areas like maritime security and cyber defense. These developments are part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy and reflect Indonesia’s interest in Canadian resources and technology.
The speaker acknowledged this measure is not a perfect solution, but it’s essential for the current situation. This necessity is supported by the speaker’s judgment, as well as that of most nations globally. The importance of acting now was also emphasized during the discussion with the Council on Foreign Relations. This underscores the urgency and widespread agreement on the issue.
For years, Canada has experienced a “brain drain” of skilled workers to the United States, particularly in technology and healthcare. However, the recent move by President Trump to increase the cost of H-1B visas may alter this trend. This executive order, signed on Friday, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, which could lead to confusion and frustration for companies. These companies heavily rely on the program to recruit global talent in various fields, including computer programming and engineering.
Consumer shopping habits are constantly evolving, with significant shifts observed in recent times. A rise in online purchases and a growing preference for sustainable products are key trends. Furthermore, the influence of social media on purchasing decisions has become increasingly prominent. These changes highlight the need for retailers to adapt and meet evolving consumer expectations.
Canada, along with Britain and Australia, officially recognized the State of Palestine, shifting from its previous stance of requiring a negotiated peace agreement. Prime Minister Mark Carney cited the eroding viability of a two-state solution due to Israeli actions, including settlement expansion and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as justification for this recognition. This move, which will be followed by France, aims to support a peaceful future for both Palestine and Israel, despite conditions set to prevent Hamas from having any role in government and requiring democratic reforms. However, the decision has received criticism from the United States and some hostage families, who fear it will embolden Hamas and undermine peace efforts.
The U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, stated that the White House initially aimed for a broader agreement with Canada, extending beyond the USMCA, and encompassing areas like defense and trade. While the U.S. hoped to negotiate a more comprehensive deal, this broader ambition seems unlikely to materialize at present. The ambassador also noted the U.S. is beginning public consultations on the USMCA as they determine what a revised deal would look like. Hoekstra acknowledged the economic impact of Canada’s actions against China, specifically the tariffs on Chinese EVs and steel, and indicated the U.S. appreciates Canada’s stance.
Canada announces a new federal agency to build affordable housing. Well, here’s the scoop. It seems like the government is trying to tackle the housing crisis, which, let’s be honest, is a pretty pressing issue. But the question is, how? Unfortunately, from the sound of it, this new agency is leaning heavily on private enterprise to get the job done. And that, my friends, is where things get a little tricky. We’ve seen this song and dance before, with the feds and Ontario giving it a go for years, and the results haven’t exactly been stellar.
You see, when you hand over the reins to private companies, especially when it comes to handling public funds, the incentives can get a bit… skewed.… Continue reading
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood