Canada
‘We need to be strong’: Calls for Canadian unity over Trump’s tariff threats
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump won't be in office until January, but he is already threatening to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico until both countries crack down on migrants and drugs crossing into the U.S. Mackenzie Gray has reaction, and which premier might not go along with a "Team Canada" approach.
A Vulnerable Trudeau Hopes to Muster Unity Against Trump Tariff Plans
Many of the prime minister’s political opponents were as critical of him as about the president-elect’s plan, which would adversely affect Canada’s economy. (🎁 link)
Canada-US border security a growing concern: “So many crossings”
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is promising to slap a 25 per cent tariff on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico until both countries crack down on migrants and drugs crossing into the U.S. While Trump's concerns are mostly about its southern border with Mexico, there is a growing problem along the northern border with Canada as well. Touria Izri has a reality check on Canada-U.S. border security.
Trudeau confirms premiers meeting, Poilievre calls Trump tariff threat 'unjustified'
In stating he was intending to put partisanship aside, Poilievre called on the prime minister to present "a plan to put Canada first on the economy and on security" that starts with halting the next carbon tax increase. He also said if he was prime minister he'd retaliate "if necessary."
Justin Trudeau to Appear on 'Hot Ones Québec'
For the uninitiated, Hot Ones Québec has the exact same concept as the famous American YouTube series, where a celebrity answers interview questions while eating 10 chicken wings of increasing spiciness.
The Provinces
‘Let’s keep it rolling’: Houston’s PCs win 2nd majority government in Nova Scotia
The Progressive Conservatives have won a landslide victory in Nova Scotia, with Tim Houston securing a second term as premier after making the decision to call a snap election. Nova Scotia PCs defying the year's political gravity. In every national election around the world this year and in every election in Canada, the incumbents either lost (NB, USA) or took a major haircut (BC, SK, India). But the Houston PCs not only won a majority they increased their plurality.
NDP become Official Opposition as Liberals dealt devastating blow
The New Democratic Party is now the Official Opposition in Nova Scotia as the Liberals are being dealt a devastating blow on election night. Liberal leader Zach Churchill, an MLA since 2010, said he'd take the next few days to talk to his family and the party about his future but it's hard to see how he could continue as leader. NS Liberals need a complete re-boot. And that includes the leader.
Alberta invokes its sovereignty act amid looming Trump tariffs
“We’ve been very clear that we will use all means at our disposal to fight back against federal policies that hurt Alberta, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Smith said. “We are asserting our ownership over our oil and gas resources.”
Elsewhere
Mexico suggests it would impose its own tariffs to retaliate against any Trump tariffs
President Claudia Sheinbaum says Mexico could retaliate with tariffs of its own, after President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican goods.
China state media dismiss Trump's tariff vow, focus on fentanyl
The tariff threat is rattling China's industrial complex, which sells goods worth more than $400 billion annually to the US
Key Russian air defence system hit in Ukraine Atacms strike
In a rare admission, Russia's defence ministry says its equivalent of the US Patriot system was damaged.
Russia launches largest drone attack of war, pushes deeper into Ukraine
Russia claims to take 600 square kilometers of Ukraine this month
Media
Musk All But Admits X Throttles Posts With Links
Elon doesn't like lazy linking. Instead, he prefers long-form posts that keep users on his social network.
Tips and Tricks for Bluesky Search
Let’s dive into all the tips and tricks for advanced Bluesky search! Over time, we’ll make these features easier to use directly within the Bluesky app. Think of these as advanced features!
Science and tech
Utilities build flow batteries big enough to oust coal, gas power plants
“Most utilities are definitely recognizing that if they’re adding renewables, they have to add storage,” said Vanessa Witte, a senior analyst at the energy data and analytics firm Wood Mackenzie. After decades of development, the world has figured out how to make wind turbines and solar panels cheaply and at massive scale. They’re starting to make a dent in energy production, accounting for 15 percent of electricity globally, according to the International Energy Agency. But now, a few of the regions that have adopted wind and solar most aggressively are finding some of that energy goes to waste because they can’t store it.
The Calendar
- 0930 ET: 125B West Block - The NDP national caucus will meet
- 0930 ET: 025B West Block - The CPC national caucus will meet.
- 1000 ET: 225A West Block - The LPC national caucus will meet.
- 1630 ET: 125-B West Block - Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) | Meeting 131 - Review of the Fisheries Act
- 1630 ET: 430 Wellington - Canadian Heritage (CHPC) | Meeting 142 - Further consideration of the eighth report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage
- 1630 ET: 425, Wellington Building - Environment and Sustainable Development (ENVI) | Meeting 135 - Briefing on Canada's Emissions Reduction Policies
- 1630 ET: 125-B West Block - Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) | Meeting 131 - Review of the Fisheries Act
- 1630 ET: 035-B West Block - International Trade (CIIT) | Meeting 129 - Recent Developments Concerning the Canada–United States Softwood Lumber Trade Dispute
- 1630 ET: 025-B West Block - Natural Resources (RNNR) | Meeting 116 - Supplementary Estimates (B), 2024-25 Vote 1b under Canadian Energy Regulator, and Votes 1b, 5b, and 10b under Department of Natural Resources
- 1630 ET: 330 Wellington - Public Accounts (PACP) | Meeting 154 - Report 6, Sustainable Development Technology Canada, of the 2024 Reports 5 to 7 of the Auditor General of Canada
- 1700 ET: West Block - PM Trudeau holds a teleconference with the Premiers.
- 1730 ET: 420 Wellington - the Status of Women (FEWO) | Meeting 134 - Gender-based Violence and Femicides against Women, Girls and Gender-Diverse People