Canada
Canada's premiers divided on response to Trump's tariff vow
Canada's plan to avoid U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariffs seems to be taking shape, but not all premiers are on the same page. On Global Natioanal David Akin looks at the different ways premiers are preparing for potential tariffs. Ontario is ready to turn out the lights but Alberta and Newfoundland will not turn off the taps.
Canada not a significant source of fentanyl flowing into U.S., CBSA says
“Canada is not a significant source of fentanyl in the United States," said Aaron McCrorie, vice-president of intelligence and enforcement at the Canada Border Services Agency. He made the comment to a House of Commons committee studying the impact of president-elect Donald Trump's plans for border security and migration.
Ottawa unloads its Air Canada stake, cashing in on the airline’s 67-per-cent share price surge
The federal government bought $500-million of Air Canada shares in 2021 as part of a bailout package after the carrier’s pandemic losses. (🎁 link)
The Provinces
How the Ford government in Ontario plans to escalate trade war with the U.S.
Ford threateans to ban exports of minerals and power; ban imports of American booze; and ban American firms from Ontario government contracts. -DA
Quebec, Newfoundland strike tentative Churchill Falls deal
After decades of friction over a lopsided energy deal, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador have struck a tentative new deal to end the dispute. The original contract was signed in 1969 and heavily favours Quebec, which assumed most of the financial risk of building the facility. In exchange, Quebec got the right to buy power from Newfoundland and Labrador at a fixed price. On Global National Heidi Petracek looks at how Churchill Falls, N.L.'s hydroelectric plant became a point of contention and why both sides see the revised agreement as a win-win.
Alberta Premier Smith unveils border security plan in wake of Trump’s tariff pledge
While some provinces are vowing to respond with harsh measures if U.S. president-elect Donald Trump applies tariffs to Canadian imports, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is taking a more diplomatic approach. Smith is responding to Trump’s concerns about the Canadian-U.S. border’ security with a plan to boost security along Alberta’s southern border with Montana. On Global National Heather Yourex-West looks at Smith’s proposed measures and whether they will have an impact.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe calls for federal election
“We have just heard today that the federal government may be looking at export tariffs on oil, potash and uranium,” Moe said. “Export tariffs on our own products. So taxing Canadians on products that we are exporting, which is exactly as ridiculous as it sounds.
Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative premier names new 21-member cabinet
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston named an expanded 21-member cabinet Thursday during a ceremony in downtown Halifax that excluded reporters in a departure from a long-standing tradition of open coverage. In an address that was livestreamed, Houston said his newly re-elected government would continue to deal with issues that matter to Nova Scotians, including health care, housing and affordability.
Rustad defends right to free speech amid caucus tension
The NDP and B.C. Liberals had a policy that the communications people gave speaking notes. It's impossible to think that everybody should be saying the same thing, says John Rustad
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley says she’s resigning from her position as MLA
Notley revealed her plans in a social media post on Thursday. She said it is with “mixed feelings” that she plans to send a letter to the Speaker of the Alberta Legislative Assembly to advise she intends to resign effective Dec. 30.
Elsewhere
Ontario premier warns energy cut off to New York Trump imposes tariffs
Ontario's premier Doug Ford is threatening to cut off energy supplies to parts of the United States, including New York, if President-elect Donald Trump imposes sweeping tariffs on Canadian products.
Conservative states move agendas further right ahead of Trump’s return
Governors, legislators and attorneys general ready plans for the “perfect storm of conservative policies” coming to many state legislatures and Washington. (🎁 link)
Media
Trump’s Kari Lake ‘pick’ sparks fears at Voice of America
Voice of America is part of the US Agency for Global Media, which also runs networks like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Middle East Broadcasting Networks. VOA produces award-winning journalism and, in doing so, promotes democratic values around the world. The US government has historically portrayed VOA as a counterweight to foreign propaganda and a model for free, fair, truth-telling news coverage. Partly for that reason, VOA says it has a “firewall” in place that “prohibits interference by any US government official in the objective, independent reporting of news.”
The Calendar
- 1200 ET: Pointe-Claire, QC - Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks to supporters.
- 1200 ET: Toronto -Deputy PM and Fin Min Chrystia Freeland , International Trade Min Mary Ng and Mental Health Min Ya'ara Saks speak about the Fiscal Economic Statement.
- 1300 ET: 025-B West Block -Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN) | Meeting 145 - Air Canada's Plan to Impose Carry-on Baggage Fees
- 1300 ET: Rivière-au-Renard, Gaspé, QC - Fisheries Min Diane Lebouthillier makes a funding announcement.
- 1500 ET: Calgary -LPC MP George Chahal makes a funding announcement.
- Vancouver -PM Trudeau attends a virtual meeting of G7 leaders.
- Vancouver -PM Trudeau and Natural Resources Min Jonathan Wilkinson marks the launch of the HMCS Protecteur
- Vancouver -PM Trudeau meets with senior citizens.