Canada
Calls for made-in-Canada solution to energy shipments
The prospect of a Canada-US trade war that might involve Canadian energy imports has reignited discussion about an all-Canadian pipeline that could take western crude to eastern Canadian customers. Much of the oil and gas in eastern Canada gets there via pipelines that go through the United States. Federal energy minister, Jonathan Wilkinson, said this week said that exposure to U.S. pipelines makes Canada vulnerable and that its time for what he called 'a conversation' about infrastructure projects that enchance Canada's economic security. On Global National, David Akin takes a look at the debate.
Delaying Tariffs Buoys Federal Government Approval, as Fear of the Trump Presidency Grows
Conservatives now hold 40% of the (decided) popular vote, with the Liberals following at 27% and the NDP at 16%. The Liberals jumped to 27% last week and held steady this week. The Conservative support dropped from 43% to 40%. Support for the Conservative party is highest in Alberta at 59%, while the Liberals enjoy their highest support among those living in Atlantic Canada (35%).
Chefferie du PLC: Mark Carney ne financera pas de 3e lien à Québec sans plan ou études
«À ce moment-ci, il n’y a ni coûts, ni plan, ni études», a fait remarquer Mark Carney, flanqué du député Joël Lightbound et du ministre Jean-Yves Duclos. «C’est l’argent des contribuables et l’on ne peut pas [le] dépenser [sans plan].» FWIW: CPC Leader Pierre Poilievre, who will be trying to steal a few seats in and around Québec City, has said a government he might lead would not provide a penny for a tramway project and that he supports 'the third link' for cars.
Le congé de TPS n’était pas une bonne idée, affirme Mark Carney
«Trouviez-vous que c’était une bonne idée de donner un congé de TPS aux Canadiens et aux Canadiennes pendant les Fêtes avec un déficit de cette nature-là?», lui a demandé Paul Larocque «Pas nécessairement, non», a répliqué M. Carney.
European trip gives PM a chance to tout Canada’s AI efforts, strengthen ties: experts
Justin Trudeau’s visit to Europe offers Canada an opportunity to shore up its relationship with the EU and show leadership in artificial intelligence regulation, experts say.
Blanchet a motivé les troupes
L’Association du Bloc québécois de Charlevoix-Montmorency est prête pour le prochain rendez-vous électoral. Dans un communiqué, l’Association mentionne que le passage du chef , Yves-François Blanchet dimanche dernier , à Baie-Saint-Paul, « a galvanisé les troupes ». Selon le président de l’Association, 250 militants ont participé au rassemblement. BQ MPs in this riding and elsewhere in the national capital region will be pressed to defend their seats from a challenge by the CPC.
Alberta MP will not re-offer
The Conservative MP for the southern Alberta riding of Bow River, Martin Shields, will not seek re-election. There is almost no chance that this riding will not be won by a Conservative so the nomination race here will be the one to watch. -DA
The Provinces
Alberta Premier Smith denies any wrongdoing in AHS allegations
"I have read various media stories containing allegations regarding the procurement and contracting processes of AHS. They are troubling allegations and they should be reviewed as quickly as possible," Smith .
Elsewhere
Ukraine’s robotic army is bringing the fight to Russia
Ukraine is building a robotic army, aiming to have more than 200 uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) in operation by the end of the year. As it continues deploying these robots, it is gathering valuable data and insights that will shape the development of future autonomous systems. This experience positions Ukraine to train AI models and lead the way in deploying next-generation autonomous robots when the time comes.
At least 200,000 protesters rally in Munich against far-right AfD ahead of German election
More than 200,000 protesters have demonstrated in Munich against far-right extremism ahead of the German general election
Baltic States Cut Ties With Russia's Power Grid Ahead Of EU Switch
The three Baltic states disconnected their electricity systems from Russia's power grid on February 8, the region's operators said.
Lebanese leader forms new government, pledges reforms
Speaking to reporters at the presidential palace, new Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the 24-member Cabinet would prioritize financial reforms, reconstruction and the implementation of a United Nations resolution seen as a cornerstone to stability on the Lebanese border with Israel. Hezbollah's ally Amal — which is headed by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri — was allowed to choose four of the new Cabinet's members, including the finance minister Yassin Jaber, and give its nod of approval to a fifth.
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Science and tech
Feds putting the kibosh on national EV charging program
The US Department of Transportation has ordered states to kill their implementation plans related to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, according to a memo obtained by WIRED that was later made public. The decision appears to halt in its tracks a $5 billion program designed to fund state projects to install electric vehicle charging stations across the United States.
