Welcome back to class!
The holidays might be fast approaching, but that doesn’t mean news takes a break. Here are a few stories we think should be on your radar this week.
Nova Scotia’s Supermajority
Hopefully you enjoyed following along on TikTok as we broke down the Nova Scotia election in real-time. If you’re keen to review what happened on election night and what the result might mean for not only Nova Scotia, but Canada moving forward, we suggest these articles:
Nova Scotia PCs secure supermajority government with re-election win
The Takeaways from Tim Houston’s Nova Scotia Sweep
Trump’s Tariff Threat
This news broke on the same day as the Nova Scotia election and we discussed it extensively in our videos. But this might be the most pressing issue facing Canada in the months and years to come, so really understanding the stakes – and the perspectives – matters. To dig deeper on what exactly is a tariff and why this threat might impact us all, start here:
The Issue:
How seriously should we take Trump’s tariff threat, and how could it affect Canadians?
What would a trade war actually look like?
Opinions:
What to do about Trump’s big new tariff threat
Trevor Tombe: Is Canada betting too much on the United States?
Social Media Ban
You’ve probably already heard the news: Australia is banning social media for those under 16. Should you be nervous as a Canadian social media user? Take a read:
Australia is banning social media for those under 16. Is it a solution for Canada?
The Rise of Extremism
Extremism is on the rise. This isn’t new news. But three stories this week caught our attention and we think they’re worthy of your attention as well:
Who is Călin Georgescu, the far-right TikTok star leading the Romanian election race?
Canada’s Far Right Is Getting Bolder
Trump and the strongman feedback loop
The Death of International Treaties
You already know that COP16 (biodiversity) and COP29 (climate) weren’t exactly wild success stories. And guess what? Last week’s international gathering that sought to address plastic pollution? It also failed. Here’s a bit more background on why treaties aren’t working and what that means going forward:
UN plastic treaty talks end without a deal – POLITICO.eu
Climate conferences are dying. How to save the world now?
Nature Debates
While we’re on the topic of decision-making at the intersection of people and nature, here are a couple of stories that touch on the issues you’ve been exploring through your Inquiry Media:
How (not) to save Quebec’s threatened boreal caribou (Can We Save Every Species?)
Crowsnest Pass residents vote in favour of Grassy Mountain coal project (Save the Economy to Save Nature?)
Biodiversity is not a luxury: Study explores the connection between wealth and ecosystem health (Does Nature Need Half?)
Métis Governance
Oh, and this just happened. What does the future hold for the Métis National Council? What does this news mean for Indigenous governance and decision-making? Start here:
Métis National Council annual meeting over before it starts
B.C. Métis group leaves Métis National Council assembly, mulls removal entirely
See?! Just because inflatable animals are dotting your neighbour’s lawn and Maria Carey is blaring every time you walk into the grocery store doesn’t mean the news stops. Hopefully we’ve helped you understand your world just a bit better.
Back to class!
❄️ BTW: All our virtual hikes and drives have transformed into their winter editions! Embrace the season and explore the snowy beauty of Mount Robson Provincial Park from wherever you are!