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Give the Gift of Hockey, Help pay for hockey equipment.
After nine years under Justin Trudeau, the costs of youth sports have skyrocketed, creating significant challenges for families across Alberta. You can help address these rising expenses by donating and giving the gift of hockey to our youth. With your support, young athletes can grow up knowing that their community played a vital role in helping them pursue their sports dreams.
Canada Eyes Opportunities and Risks in Trump’s Energy Dominance Agenda
The article discusses how Donald Trump’s proposed energy-focused administration could present opportunities and challenges for Canada. Trump announced the creation of a National Energy Council, led by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, to prioritize U.S. energy dominance by cutting regulations and promoting private-sector innovation. Burgum’s experience with Canadian energy and cross-border collaboration could facilitate partnerships.
Canadian officials, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, view the development as a chance to strengthen energy security and economic ties. Experts suggest Canada might leverage its energy resources to engage with the U.S., though Trump’s broader policies, such as proposed tariffs and cuts to renewable energy investments, could negatively impact Canada.
Burgum, who has a history of pragmatic engagement with Indigenous nations and support for carbon capture initiatives, offers a balanced approach compared to other Trump appointees. However, concerns remain about how Trump's "America First" policies could undercut Canadian energy interests and lower oil prices. Observers urge a cautious, forward-thinking strategy for Canada-U.S. energy relations.
Trudeau Seeks Alliances at G20 Amid Global Shifts and Trump’s Return
At the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is engaging with global leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, to address shared challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and digital regulation. The summit occurs as Donald Trump's re-election signals potential U.S. isolationism and tensions with developing nations.
Trudeau’s priorities align closely with Brazilian President Lula’s focus on Indigenous inclusion, clean energy, and global governance reform. Their shared goals include improving multilateral institutions to better serve developing economies, which face high debt and climate challenges.
Trudeau also plans bilateral meetings with leaders from Mexico and Japan, discussing trade and addressing concerns like Chinese investment in Mexico. Experts emphasize the need for Canada to navigate alliances carefully to avoid pushing middle powers like Brazil toward adversarial blocs led by China and Russia.
Trudeau encouraged youth to persist in tackling climate change, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to multilateralism as global uncertainty looms with a new Trump administration.
Danielle Smith Pushes for “Canada-First” Approach Amid Trump’s Tariff Threats
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has joined Ontario Premier Doug Ford in calling for a "Canada-first" strategy to secure an exemption from president-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 10% import tariffs. Both leaders voiced concerns over Mexico's trade practices, which they argue undermine North American manufacturing by allowing Chinese goods to enter Canadian and U.S. markets.
Smith emphasized Canada’s balanced trade relationship with the U.S. and urged collaborative efforts among premiers and federal officials, including Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, to negotiate a carve-out from the tariffs. She highlighted Canada’s reliability as a U.S. energy supplier and suggested pipeline expansion as a bargaining tool.
Freeland acknowledged U.S. concerns about Mexico's trade with China, expressing some sympathy for those issues, while Ford proposed a bilateral Canada-U.S. trade deal, leaving Mexico to negotiate separately if needed.
The proposed tariffs, part of Trump’s return to protectionist policies, could severely impact Canada’s economy, with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce estimating a $30-billion loss. However, energy experts believe Canadian oil may be spared.
Smith also called for Canada to accelerate its commitment to NATO's defense spending target, arguing that meeting this goal could bolster U.S.-Canada relations and safeguard cross-border trade.
Trudeau Announces $35M in Pacific Rim Investments Amid APEC Summit Focus on Trade and Protectionism
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged $35 million in Canadian funding for Pacific Rim initiatives, addressing issues such as cybersecurity, domestic violence, and reproductive healthcare. Announced during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, the funding is part of Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
Key projects include:
A $3.9-million investment in Malaysia's BlackBerry Cybersecurity Centre, training 3,500 individuals.
Integration of 2,500 Venezuelan refugee doctors into Peru’s medical system.
Expanding nuclear-energy collaborations across Southeast Asia to support AI-related energy demands.
Trudeau also highlighted Canada’s completed trade deal with Indonesia, emphasizing its importance as a significant market for agriculture, resources, and manufactured goods.
Amid the summit, discussions centered on trade barriers and rules-based trade, particularly as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats loom. Trudeau met with South American leaders, including Peru’s President Dina Boluarte and Chile’s President Gabriel Boric, while China’s growing influence in South America, led by Xi Jinping, added complexity to the discussions.
Trudeau stressed Canada’s focus on sustainable communities, regional partnerships, and securing economic opportunities across the Pacific Rim.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to Attend Canadian Embassy Event for Trump Inauguration
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will join the Canadian Embassy’s inauguration party in Washington, D.C., to virtually watch U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in. The event will feature Canadian and American officials, though specific attendees were not disclosed.
Smith plans to use the trip to strengthen ties with the Trump administration and has been invited to speak with conservatives working on climate policy. This follows her government’s ongoing efforts to build relationships with U.S. Republicans and aligned lawmakers.
Earlier this week, Smith signed an energy pact with 12 U.S. states to advocate for Alberta’s energy interests, signaling a continued focus on cross-border collaboration.
Potential Canada Post Strike Threatens Calgary Businesses During Holiday Season
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce warns that a potential Canada Post strike could severely disrupt Calgary businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises that rely on affordable and reliable shipping. The strike, involving approximately 2,500 local postal workers, could begin as early as Thursday if an agreement isn’t reached.
Union president Wycliffe Oduor criticized Canada Post for not negotiating in good faith, citing demands for improved conditions for temporary employees, increased short-term disability payouts, and inflation-adjusted wages.
Canada Post’s latest offer includes 11.5% wage increases over four years, pension protection, and job security, which the union rejected. While rotating strikes may cause package delays, a full strike would halt operations entirely.
The Chamber’s CEO Deborah Yedlin urged swift resolution to avoid delivery delays, cash flow disruptions, and economic strain, particularly during the crucial holiday season. Both parties remain in negotiations, with Canada Post aiming to minimize service disruptions.