February marked the second consecutive month of declining Canadian car trips to the U.S., with a 23% decrease compared to the previous year. This significant drop follows similar declines in January, unprecedented since March 2021. Contributing factors include President Trump’s economic threats against Canada, a weakened Canadian dollar increasing travel costs, and severe snowstorms impacting travel conditions. Air travel to the U.S. also experienced a slight decrease.
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Mark Carney has been elected leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, succeeding Justin Trudeau. He will lead the Liberals into the next federal election, facing a strong challenge from the Conservatives amid strained US-Canada relations. Carney’s platform focuses on economic prosperity through clean energy and strategic resource management, while vowing strong countermeasures against US tariffs and disrespect. He inherits a complex situation involving escalating trade disputes and an “existential challenge” from the United States, as described by Trudeau. The upcoming election will pit Carney against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
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Rep. Seth Magaziner’s emergency legislation, aiming to prohibit US Armed Forces funding for any operation involving the invasion or seizure of Canadian territory, has sparked intense debate and reveals a deep-seated unease about the current political climate. The very existence of such a bill suggests a level of apprehension that’s unsettling, prompting concerns about the potential for escalating tensions between the US and Canada. The fact that this legislation is even necessary highlights the extraordinary circumstances and the widespread fear that a conflict with our closest ally is not entirely unthinkable.
The potential consequences of a US invasion of Canada are painted in stark terms: a chaotic scenario unfolding with a full-blown civil war within the US, a surge in organized crime, the collapse of the Canadian dollar, and a significant downturn in the US dollar.… Continue reading
Mark Carney, a former central banker, is poised to become Canada’s next prime minister following a Liberal Party leadership vote. His candidacy gained momentum amidst President Trump’s trade war against Canada, which has fueled Canadian nationalism and bolstered the Liberals’ standing. Carney’s experience navigating economic crises, coupled with Chrystia Freeland’s association with the unpopular Justin Trudeau, solidified his position as the frontrunner. The upcoming election is expected to center on handling US-Canada relations, with Carney’s calm demeanor offering a contrast to the opposition’s populist approach.
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In response to new tariffs on steel and aluminum, Prime Minister Trudeau warned that the resulting trade war will negatively impact American consumers, leading to job losses and increased prices for various goods. These tariffs, set to take effect March 12th, will significantly raise production costs for numerous industries, exacerbating existing challenges like the housing crisis. Experts contend that this protectionist approach, intended to offset the costs of Trump’s 2017 tax plan, will ultimately harm American families and benefit global competitors. The anticipated economic fallout underscores the interconnectedness of the U.S. and Canadian economies.
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Following President Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, Ontario Premier Doug Ford vowed a forceful Canadian response unlike any previously witnessed. This unprecedented retaliation will likely involve significant countermeasures targeting U.S. imports. The announcement follows the collapse of last-ditch negotiations aimed at averting the tariffs.
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In response to President Trump’s 25% tariff on Canadian goods, Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to halt energy exports to the U.S., stating he would do so “with a smile.” This action is a significant retaliatory measure, given Canada’s substantial energy exports to the U.S. and the potential for increased energy prices in the U.S. Ford emphasized Canada’s crucial role in supplying energy to several American states. Trump’s tariffs, initially delayed, were implemented despite relatively low levels of fentanyl seizures at the Canadian border.
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The statement by the Canadian premier, threatening to cut off electricity exports to the United States “with a smile on my face,” is certainly provocative. It highlights a significant escalation in the already tense relationship between the two countries. The seemingly casual phrasing underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for widespread consequences.
This bold declaration isn’t merely a political manoeuvre; it represents a potential disruption of energy supplies to a significant portion of the United States. The interconnected nature of the North American power grid means that a cutoff of Canadian electricity would impact numerous states, potentially causing widespread blackouts and economic hardship.… Continue reading
A top White House advisor, Peter Navarro, is advocating for significant changes to the US-Canada relationship, including redrawing the border and removing Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence network. These proposals, stemming from President Trump’s desire to make Canada the 51st state, have prompted Canada to halt negotiations until the confirmation of less extreme cabinet members. Trump’s actions also include renewed threats of tariffs and a push to revive the Keystone XL pipeline. Canada, while implementing retaliatory tariffs, has vowed to resist these aggressive maneuvers.
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Peter Navarro’s recent proposals to renegotiate the US-Canada border and expel Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance have alarmed Canadian and some US officials. These actions, deemed “crazy and dangerous,” prompted Canada to temporarily halt trade negotiations pending the confirmation of less-extreme cabinet members. Navarro’s unilateral actions are attributed to a power vacuum within the Trump administration, a situation expected to change as more officials are appointed. The escalating tensions raise concerns about potential economic repercussions for Canada, potentially requiring shifts in government spending priorities.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood