Canada
Will the Liberals’ ‘tax holiday’ pay political dividends? What it signals
Here's how the Liberal affordability measures announced Thursday could signal about the party's standing in the eyes of voters and the wider Canadian economy.
Trudeau floats ‘other options’ if Mexico won’t address China trade concerns
Trudeau said he would prefer the North American free trade agreement to remain in place, but that Ottawa was 'leaving all doors open' to secure Canadian interests.
‘Battlefield evidence’ from Syria is coming to Canada’s courts
The RCMP said it is working on a framework to use collected exploitable material in court against ISIS members.
[Press release] Pierre Poilievre reaffirms his support for the Canadian construction industry at the CCI Group Christmas Party
The leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Mr. Pierre Poilievre, attended the CCI Group's annual Christmas party held on the 16th of November, 2024 at Surrey, BC. Also in attendance were Mr. John Rustad, leader of the BC Conservatives, the Mayor of Surrey, Ms. Brenda Locke, and Mr. Tim Uppal, the Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.
As Canada Post strike continues, 85K passports are stuck in the mail
Employment and Social Development Canada says approximately 85,000 passports that were printed and ready to be mailed are being held by Service Canada.
The Provinces
Alberta forecasts $4.6-billion surplus in budget update, but braces for uncertainty
The government's second-quarter fiscal update says just $2.9 billion of that surplus is expected to be cash, which would be split between paying down debt and the Heritage Savings Trust Fund.
Quebec fiscal update: $2.1B in new spending, end of tax credit for some older workers
Girard painted a positive picture of the province's finances today despite a projected $11-billion deficit that remains unchanged from March's budget. The new spending he announced in Quebec City includes more than $250 million for the forestry sector and $1.2 billion for community development, which includes public transit.
Parties offer mixed diagnoses, remedies for ailing N.S. health-care system
The Progressive Conservatives rode a persistent promise to fix health care to a majority government in August 2021 but widespread public appraisal and the premier’s own admission confirm that the fix is far from complete.
Alberta OIPC calls for overhaul of proposed access to information laws
'Bill 34 ... should be re-considered and amended in order to ensure a well-functioning access to information system continues to operate in the province,' Diane McLeod stated
Elsewhere
The International Criminal Court Issues 'Watershed' Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, for War Crimes in Gaza
“This is a watershed event in the history of international justice. The ICC has never, in over 21 years, indicted a pro-Western official. Indeed, no international court since World War II has done so,” said human rights attorney and war crimes prosecutor Reed Brody. “Up until now, the instruments of international justice have been used almost exclusively to address crimes by defeated adversaries as in the Nuremberg and Tokyo tribunals, powerless outcasts, or opponents of the West such as Vladimir Putin or Slobodan Milošević."
Trudeau says Canada would abide by ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former defence minister
The warrant marked the first time that a sitting leader of a major democratically elected Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court of justice. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said the arrest warrants are binding for all EU member states. Italy and France have said they would abide by the arrest warrant.
Automakers plead with Trump: don’t kill the EV tax credit
In a November 14th letter to Trump and his transition team, the auto industry’s main lobbying group urges the new administration to preserve incentives for EV buyers and manufacturers that were enacted under President Joe Biden, arguing these policies keep the US competitive globally while also creating “good jobs.”
Russia launches experimental ballistic missile at Ukraine, U.S. says
Ukraine raised alarm suggesting Russia may have used an intercontinental ballistic missile to hit the city of Dnipro, but the U.S. National Security Council does not believe it was an ICBM.
Trump picks Pete Hoekstra as ambassador to Canada. Who is he?
Donald Trump has picked a former Michigan congressman as his upcoming administration's ambassador to Canada. He must still be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration as Trump’s attorney general
The Florida Republican's announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department.
Media
Ready to Join Bluesky? Here's How to Get Started
The alternative social network Bluesky is blowing up right now. Here's everything you need to know about posting, following, custom algorithmic feeds and moderation. And once you're on the platform, find me, if you'd like, @davidakin.bsky.social . You may also be interested in following a BlueSky list if put together of Canadian political players -- politicians, staff, & Pollsters.
Twitter: A necessary evil? Journalistic responses to Elon Musk and the denormalization of social media
Annina Claesson I show that Musk’s actions as CEO prompted journalists to question the broader legitimacy of social media as a journalistic tool. However, rather than abandoning Twitter entirely, journalists employed strategic disconnection in order to reconcile their continued Twitter use with their normative discomfort. These findings not only provide empirical evidence on the effects of Musk’s takeover, but also showcases how strategic disconnection can be used as a method of resistance to unwelcome influences in the media sector.
Science and tech
I Don't Own a Cellphone. Can This Privacy-Focused Network Change That?
A small tech company called Cape has been selling a privacy-focused cellphone service to the U.S. military. Now Cape will be offering its product to high-risk members of the public. An investigative journalists explains why he's avoided cellphones -- and why he's thinking of buying one now.
Study Finds Tesla Has Higher Rate of Fatal Accidents Than Any Other Car
The fatality rate for Tesla is twice as high as the average for all automakers in the US, with the Model Y being its most dangerous car.
The Calendar
- Brampton, ON - PM Trudeau and Families and Social Development Min Jenna Sudds speak about the national school food program.
- Montreal - Deputy PM and Fin Min Chrystia Freeland meets with energy sector leaders.
- 900 ET: Ottawa, ON - Treasury Board President Anita Anand , Mental Health Min Ya'ara Saks and LPC MP Yasir Naqvi speak about the GST.
- 1000 ET: Halifax - Defence Min Bill Blair speaks to reporters.
- 1015 ET: Halifax - Defence Min Bill Blair participates in a panel at the Halifax International Security Forum
- 1100 ET: Winnipeg - LPC MP Terry Duguid makes a funding announcement
- 1130 ET: Hamilton, ON - Government House Leader Karina Gould and FEDDEV Min Filomena Tassi speak about the GST
- 1300 ET: St Catharines, ON - LPC MP Chris Bittle makes a funding announcement
- 1400 ET: Halifax - Defence Min Bill Blair speaks at the Halifax International Security Forum
- 1530 ET: Halifax - GPC MP Elizabeth May campaigns in support of NS Green Party candidates
- 1730 ET: Halifax - GPC MP Elizabeth May campaigns in support of NS Green Party candidates