The tariffs could hurt a lot of Canadians.
Trudeau understands that because he’s seen this movie before, and he wasted no time in putting together a first minister’s meeting to talk turkey (hey it is US Thanksgiving) on the issue. And shocker: they actually seemed to have a constructive discussion, even though most have little or no time for the guy at the head of the table. But did they form an alliance against Trump or did they crater under the reality host’s bluster?
The Mexican president, when hit with the same issue, told Trump where to get off. The Canadians kind of did the opposite. On this issue, it looked like one Trudeau could, if he plays his cards right, separate himself from the pretenders, but did he, or can he?
Former Conservative candidate Robert Libman thinks this may work out in Trudeau’s favour:
Robert Libman: Tariff showdown holds the possibility of a major victory for Trudeau Read >
But not everyone sees it that way.
See what I mean with this piece from David Staples in the Edmonton Journal:
David Staples: Trudeau taking dead wrong approach to Trump tariffs — and Alberta could pay wicked price Read >
Are you up to speed on tariffs and how they work?
I included a very good piece in last week’s Buzz from the NY Times. But this is pretty good too …our friend Andrew Chang from CBC’s About That had this out to hundreds of thousands of the program’s YouTube viewers within hours of Trump making his tariff threat:
The real impact of Trump's 25% tariff on Canada, Mexico Watch >
Meanwhile, how is the economy doing?
The Canadian economy that is. Well, silly us. We always assumed that looking at the economic stats like inflation, unemployment, GDP etc. would easily answer that question. But no, we’ve been wrong all along. It’s the “vibe” we should be gauging. In fact, it’s all about the “vibe,” says Chrystia Freeland and she should know. After all, she’s the finance minister. Enjoy this from The Globe’s Robyn Urback:
🔒Good news, Canada! The economy is great, it’s just your ‘vibes’ that are bad Read >
Let’s move to Meanwhile #2, which goes back to last week’s tax and cheque giveaways and the fallout.
I did an unscientific call-out for emails this week from the listeners to my podcast, The Bridge. I got opinions from across the country. About a hundred emails with thoughtful comments to back up their views. I’d say the split was about 80-20 who felt the whole thing was a political ploy that didn’t address the real problems that everyone seemed to agree do exist. Editorial comment wasn’t much better – here's Max Fawcett in the National Observer:
The Trudeau Liberals are officially out of ideas Read >
Pierre Poilievre is so sure the GST-free zone is bad he voted against it. And that takes some courage (or something else), I guess, for a politician to vote against a tax break.
And what about the Conservative leader on the tariff question – these are tricky times for PP. Time for a Delacourt moment:
🔒 When it comes to Donald Trump's tariff threat, Doug Ford is getting it right. Pierre Poilievre? Not so much Read >
Okay, moving on.
How far do you want to go in playing hardball with kids over their access to social media? They’ve stopped asking that question in Australia because they’ve just passed a tough new law. What do you make of this, from Associated Press?
Australia passes world's first social media ban for under-16s Read >
Have you started watching the new show from writer/director Taylor Sheridan?
It’s called Landman and if you don’t like Billy Bob Thornton, then you probably shouldn’t start now. He’s the star and for those of us who like his acting, it’s a treat. In episode 3 there’s a terrific scene where he makes the pro-oil argument that has oil fans drooling this week.
Here it is …sorry about the occasional F-bomb Billy Bob drops, he is Bill Bob after all.
However as interesting (and debatable I guess) that clip is, that’s not what I’m writing about.
This is. You know the Trump line, “Drill, baby drill”? Guess who is taking issue with that? Check this out:
‘Drill, Baby, Drill’ Is Unlikely Under Trump, Exxon Says Read >
As we approach the holidays, you’re probably making yourself promises that you are really going to watch your weight this year.
Cut back on the big meals and overdosing on desserts. But you know that’s a promise you miss every year. And guess what? You’re still carrying a good chunk of the extra weight you put on last year, or so says the latest study from Studyfinds.org:
1 in 4 people still carrying weight from holidays last year! Read >
