Sorry we missed you last week! As you probably know, we were busy producing a big six-part story on Canada’s federal election: why we’re having one, where the various parties stand, what’s a stake in the race, and much more. We hope it helps you make sense of this hectic, news-packed, five-week sprint to see who will govern our nation.
Election aside, if you are wondering what in the world happened while we were building your lesson, we’re ready to get you caught up.
More Tariffs! Paused Tariffs!
Yes, another week and another rounds of tariffs, this time impacting almost every country – but not Russia, strangely. Even penguins weren’t spared.
Trump’s sweeping new levies on U.S. trade partners threatens to fracture global systems of trade
US defends tariffs on remote island of penguins and seals
How did our caretaker prime minister react to the news?
Carney warns of ‘tough days ahead’ as tariffs make U.S. recession ‘likely’
The markets – that all powerful equalizer in our free-market economic system – weren’t exactly impressed with Trump’s latest policy decision:
A global recession is coming, economists warn
And apparently the market reaction did made Trump think twice, at least about his latest round of tariffs:
Stock markets in Canada and U.S. soar after Trump pauses some tariffs
So, where does this leave us? In a world of uncertainty! And guess who hates uncertainty? Businesses! Markets! Economies!
Retreat or negotiating strategy? Trump steps back from all-out trade war
Canada’s Economy Is Starting to Crack Under Trade-War Pressure
The latest ride on the Trump policy rollercoaster helped our nation better understand where our major political leaders stand on the issue, and what they plan to do about the trade war with America should they win this election.
Carney lays out plan to help economy along amid Trump-induced market chaos
Poilievre lays out his plan to deal with Trump and help Canada weather the tariff storm
Of course, some disagree that we should be moving away from the American market, regardless of the threats. Your teacher Donna Kennedy-Glans has the story:
We still need America, and other truths from former MP Candice Bergen
See? National unity is a centimetre deep.
Speaking of National Unity…
If you’re keen to know who, day-to-day, is poised to win the election, we highly recommend 338Canada (and don’t worry, they analyze polls for all 343 ridings, despite having not changed their domain name).
And if you’re watching the polls, you’ve probably seen that the incumbent Liberal Party is winning at the moment. This reality led the founder of the Reform Party, Preston Manning (watch our video to understand the context), to pen this interesting opinion editorial in the Globe and Mail:
Mark Carney poses a threat to national unity
Neither Liberal leader Mark Carney, nor Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, were particularly impressed.
Carney calls Preston Manning’s Western independence comments ‘dramatic’
‘We need to unite the country,’ Poilievre says after Manning warns of looming crisis
But Manning – a voice that carries significant weight amongst those who subscribe to the prairie west nationalism philosophy (again, watch the video!) – is just the latest leader to give voice to a growing separation movement in Alberta.
Frustration over early trajectory of federal election campaign prompts separatist talk in Alberta
How many support this fledgling separation movement you ask? Your teacher Shachi Kurl has the answer:
Now, some believe the numbers aren’t impressive:
If you’re going to threaten to secede, you might at least have the numbers to back it up
While others, including a Conservative Party strategist, think the entire concept is wrong-headed:
The West wants out? That’s not how this works
But the premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, as well as her backers, are certainly making a lot of noise:
Premier plans post-election panel to gauge Albertans’ appetite for referendum
Bell: Danielle Smith leaves the door open for a vote on Alberta leaving Canada
What does it all mean? This is a helpful primer:
Western separation is unlikely, Alberta political scientist says. Here’s what might happen instead
And so, too, is this:
Why Alberta can’t resist fighting Ottawa over jurisdiction
The discontent, obviously, is driven by long-standing feelings of western alienation:
Chris Selley: The job of repairing national unity begins in Central Canada, not Alberta
One issue that really seems to drive a wedge between the prairie west and the rest of Canada is the environment, specifically climate policies. Is there room to grow the oil and gas sector while also taking action on the environment?
Well, the Liberals certainly believe the answer is yes:
Mark Carney walks a fine line on climate in a tight campaign
And while some Conservatives believe balance can be struck on this issue, Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives are making a different pitch to voters in this election:
That promise is one that is likely music to ears of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, since she very clearly believes the country needs to focus on resource development, particularly in Alberta.
Carney says he’ll work with oil and gas industry, says he opposes ‘preset caps’
Where does this leave us? In a tough spot! Which is why this article, though a bit off topic, should be required reading for all of our leaders.
The Death of the Carbon Tax
One of the aforementioned divisive federal policies that aimed to address climate change was the consumer carbon tax. One of Carney’s first moves as prime minister was to kill the federal tax, and now almost every province has killed their version of the carbon tax as well.
Quebec becomes only province with a price on carbon, but it might not last
Was the tax – and the divides it created – worth it? Here are two takes:
Canada’s federal carbon tax experiment has ended. Here’s what it accomplished (not much)
Clearing the air: How carbon pricing helps Canada fight climate change
Climate Change is Still a Thing
Why do we keep highlighting the complexity of the issues we face? Well, how about this: a new study has reinforced that climate change isn’t just an environmental problem, but also an economic crisis.
That bit of news has led a few influential financial institutions to sound warnings and begin preparing for the impact:
Big Banks Quietly Prepare for Catastrophic Warming
Climate crisis on track to destroy capitalism, warns top insurer
Others are worrying that worsening climate change might drive violent uprisings:
Climate Violence Is Coming for Rich Countries, and They’re Not Ready
And though this is all very alarming, don’t forget all of what we discussed earlier. Is there room for tackling climate change (and biodiversity) in a bad economy? Time magazine explores this question:
Do Climate Goals Matter in a Bad Economy?
It’s possible that the better answer rests with you, and that’s why this story is worth your time, whether you’re an up-and-coming scientist or an emerging storyteller:
Science ‘storytelling’ is desperately needed amid climate and biodiversity crisis, say researchers
An Anniversary and an Opinion
On April 1st, 1999, our third territory – Nunavut – was created. Ever wondered how it came to be? Here’s the story!
Creating Nunavut … step by step
That bit of background, in some ways, prepares you for this next story, which focuses on an issue that we think will be at the heart of many of our debates in the coming months and years, as we fight for our nation’s sovereignty:
As Canada is threatened, it’s urgent to revisit Indigenous sovereignty and nationhood
Of Deepfakes and AI
As AI improves, the threats to our society grow as well:
As generative AI becomes more sophisticated, it’s harder to distinguish the real from the deepfake
Some worry that the real issue with AI isn’t the technology itself, but rather those who are controlling it:
AI isn’t what we should be worried about – it’s the humans controlling it
Which might be a good moment to share this take:
Are a Handful of Wealthy Tech Bros Bringing DOGE to Canada?
Final Thought
There was a big moment in hockey this past weekend. Maybe you heard. Maybe you watched the moment. Maybe you ignored it in protest.
If you found the moment complicated, we think this story might be a worthwhile read. And it’s an especially important read if you didn’t know it was a complicated moment.
Feeling conflicted about Ovechkin’s goal chase? You’re not alone
Next week, in lieu of our weekly update, we will be doing a live Q&A during the federal election debate on April 17th to help break down the election and current events on Instagram. Hope to see you there!