Roundup: Such concern about drugs

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Another day, and other leak that claimed that Trump wasn’t really serious about the tariffs, but that this was just him trying to get an early start on New NAFTA re-negotiations rather than waiting for 2026, and trying to bring more auto manufacturing back to the US-side of the border. But when asked about this during his media availability, Trump insisted that no, he was very serious about the “millions” of people who had come illegally through Canada (it’s certainly not in the millions), and the scourge of fentanyl. He even went on this extended tirade about how mothers never recover when they lose their sons to drugs, and so on. But then he also issued a pardon to Ross Ulbricht, a crypto drug dealer. So yeah, he’s really concerned about the scourge.

Meanwhile, Danielle Smith spent the day in full-on appeasement mode, insisting that we need to find a diplomatic solution rather than stand up to Trump’s bullying. Oh, and she also tried to blame this situation on Trudeau, because of course she did. What I find particularly irksome, however, are the whitebread pundits who also try to keep blaming Trudeau for Smith not falling into line, because he should somehow debase himself in order to get her on-side when it’s clear that she has no interest (and absolutely no incentive) to do so. Her political brand and that of her party right now is about hating Trudeau. Nothing he can or will do will get her on-side, particularly when her ideology is more in line with Trump’s than it is to stand up for Canada.

Back home, Pierre Poilievre is demanding Parliament be summoned because we’re in an “emergency,” erm, except there is nothing for Parliament to do. Cabinet has all of the powers they need in the current situation, and they continue to function. The only reason for the House of Commons to sit would be to have a take-note debate to read prepared speeches that would be used for clips. But more likely, Poilievre wants to try and force an election right now, because that suits his political interests rather than the country’s as a whole (because once there is dissolution, government goes into caretaker mode and really can’t respond to Trump). In fact, Trudeau has a lot more latitude right now because he’s on his way out and doesn’t need to worry about re-election. We’re not leaderless, there is no “vacuum,” and it would be great if the media stopped repeating this nonsense, just because Cabinet hasn’t been lighting their hair on fire on a daily basis.

Ukraine Dispatch

Good reads:

  • Following the Cabinet retreat, Justin Trudeau reiterated that all options are on the table, including dollar-for-dollar counter tariffs.
  • François-Philippe Champagne says that Canada needs to move from a defensive to an offensive position on dealing with Trump.
  • Here are five ways that Trump’s executive orders will have repercussions here.
  • Arlene Dickinson, on the Canada-US relations committee, took some swipes at Kevin O’Leary’s annexationist positions.
  • The foreign interference public inquiry’s final report will be released Tuesday.
  • Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan says that they can get to NATO spending commitments faster.
  • US business groups are trying to weaponise the Online Streaming Act as a “trade irritant,” but most of their concerns are either trolling or bullshit.
  • Three men in Quebec are facing conspiracy charges for allegedly smuggling people into the US (which I’m sure will be touted as the border plan working).
  • Mark Carney got the endorsements of four more Cabinet ministers.
  • Yves-François Blanchet says threatening to cut off electricity or oil to the US is “absurd” because it’s a scorched-earth policy. (That may be the point).
  • Doug Ford may be calling his election as early as next week.
  • The Alberta government is threatening to pull Jasper rebuilding funding because they demand detached homes when Jasper needs multi-unit buildings.
  • Emmett Macfarlane argues for an aggressive response to Trump tariffs, including things like banning Starlink, Tesla, and cryptocurrencies.
  • David Moscrop offers tips on how to deal with the coming news apocalypse now that Trump is back in office and there’s a tsunami of crazy.
  • My column points out that the carbon levy was the right policy, poorly handled by a government that can’t communicate their way out of a wet paper bag.

Odds and ends:

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2 thoughts on “Roundup: Such concern about drugs”

  1. I suggest that Canada immediately apply to join BRICS and encourage Mexico to do the same. It would supply a bit of support. and send Trump apoplectic.

    Members To Date
    Country Status
    1: Brazil Member
    2: China Member
    3: Egypt Member
    4: Ethiopia Member
    5: India Member
    6: Indonesia Member
    7: Iran Member
    8: Russia Member
    9: South Africa Member
    10: UAE Member
    11: Belarus Partner
    12: Bolivia Partner
    13: Cuba Partner
    14: Kazakhstan Partner
    15: Malaysia Partner
    16: Thailand Partner
    17: Uganda Partner
    18: Uzbekistan Partner

    • Yes, we really want to sent a message to an autocrat by joining the club with all of the other autocrats and corrupt regimes. That makes total sense.

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