It was quite the week and we have lots to discuss, so let’s jump right in:
Canada Wins!
We’ve been known to overuse sports metaphors in our stories (sorry/not sorry). After all, we do love sports here at Nature Labs. But at least on this occasion, sports – hockey – does deserve top billing. Even if you don’t love the game, last night’s Canada-US 4 Nations Face-Off final was clearly about more than hockey. And Canada’s victory? It might go down as one of the most monumental – and memorable – wins in our nation’s history:
The World Has Changed
Tariffs, insults, and annexation threats: Canada’s relationship with America continued to devolve this week. But we’re not the only nation stunned by the actions of the Trump administration. The Globe and Mail’s Andrew Coyne (who we’ll be interviewing for Nature Labs in the coming weeks) helps us understand what it all means:
In case you missed it, the world changed when US Vice President JD Vance delivered a speech to a major security conference in Germany:
This Year in Munich: The World-Stage Debut of Autocratic America
The speech, of course, was part of a dramatic week that included the US working with Russia to end the brutal, illegal invasion of the Ukraine without the involvement of the Ukraine. It’s not the first time something like this has happened. What can history teach us?
That’s scary. So too is this:
US isolation threatens global democracy, warns Major
And this isn’t great either:
Allies appear to duck and cover as Trump threatens Canada and Greenland
The last three stories? They’re very much connected:
And that’s definitely not good news:
Trump’s talk about Canada parrots Putin’s claims on Ukraine
Fret not. If we must go it alone, all hope isn’t lost apparently:
Don’t Test Us, Trump. It Won’t End Well for You
Elections!
The federal Liberal leadership race is well underway and this is an important story. Why? Well, in case you missed it…
One more note on the federal Liberal leadership race: that no-hope-of-winning candidate Ruby Dhalla is out. Because she had no support you ask? Nope!
Ruby Dhalla kicked out of Liberal leadership race after ‘extremely serious’ violations: party
Of course, Ruby Dhalla is far from the biggest name to bow out of a leadership position this week. Dennis King, the premier of PEI, stunned Canada’s smallest province by stepping down yesterday, citing burnout:
Dennis King steps down as Prince Edward Island’s premier after nearly 6 years in the job
We will, of course, be watching this story closely, and we’ll be here to help explain the leadership race and, possibly, a PEI election that no one would have predicted just a few days ago.
But before we breakdown PEI politics, don’t forget we have an important date to discuss Ontario’s provincial politics! Be sure to join us as we live-stream – and help contextualize – the Ontario election next Thursday, February 27th.
PCs have 13-point lead over Liberals 1 week out from Ontario election: Nanos survey
One more piece of election news: Germany heads to the polls Sunday, with the far right AfD poised to make a major breakthrough:
Katya Adler: Far right looks for breakthrough in Germany’s election
Why are we discussing Germany’s politics? Not only will the result profoundly impact a range of issues, but it also might be a warning for Canada:
Violent extremists are using antisemitism to recruit in Canada: CSIS report
Oh, Canada
As in, oh, Canada, we have some difficult decisions to make! Here’s a run-down of this week’s commentary on the assortment of debates facing the nation:
AI
If You Think We’re in a “Trade War,” Think Again…
U.S. claims AI for its own as Canada makes push for global co-operation
Artificial intelligence was made in Canada. How can we be world leaders once again?
Pipelines
Danielle Smith and pipelines could save Canada. No, really
TC Energy CEO throws cold water on pipeline revival talk, but ‘bullish’ on LNG
Critical Minerals
Critical minerals is a meaningless term, needs new definition and strategy
The Arctic
John Ivison: The Arctic is Trump’s obsession. Not every Canadian leader seems to understand that
Alberta Premier Smith pitching joint Canada-U.S. Norad military base in Arctic
International Allies
Canada Lost Its Top Ally. Time to Find New Ones.
National Unity
Lots of fodder for important national conversations. Of course, to have these debates, it’s important we understand the facts…as in are Trump’s positions on Canada grounded in fact?
Donald Trump has a hit list of gripes about Canada. Here’s how they measure up to reality
It’s also important we understand the stakes:
Tiff Macklem warns prolonged trade war with U.S. would permanently weaken Canadian economy
But as high as the economic stakes might be, they aren’t the most important stakes for Canada, as former prime minister Stephen Harper argues:
Stephen Harper: The preservation of Canada’s existence must be our highest objective
Nature Labs Updates
Several news stories this week touched on lessons and themes that you’ve been exploring in class. Get caught up on the latest!
Biodiversity: With just 5 years to go, the world is failing on a vital deal to halt biodiversity loss, research suggests
Treaties: Haida celebrate title agreement, Trudeau emotional at ceremony
Save the economy to save nature: Protected habitats aren’t enough to save endangered species: Models show species are impacted by far-off threats
Can we save every species?: All 6 endangered spotted owls released in Fraser Valley have died, B.C. says
Does one individual matter?: WWF helping facilitate trade in polar bear fur, investigation reveals
Does one individual matter?: Wildlife photographer believes cougar kittens orphaned near Canmore after mother killed by hunters
Are we loving nature to death?: The feds tried to hold the line in an invasive species battle — and lost. What’s next?
Are we loving nature to death?: Proactively exposing ecosystems to mild environmental stressors offers protection, study finds
Two Final Stories
As the international rules-based order erodes, we might be entering the end of the postwar world, argues The Atlantic’s Anne Applebaum:
Why is this happening? Well, this can’t be discounted:
Online brain rot is undermining our ability to tell meaningful stories
Now go have a great weekend and tell some meaningful stories that can mend our troubled world!