ACTUAL NEWS: Weekly Recap 🇨🇦 Edition
- Olga Nesterova
- Mar 22
- 10 min read
Updated: Mar 22
News, Moments & Canadian Brands to Support
MOMENTS OF THE WEEK
Canada is ready to talk with the U.S. about the two countries’ economic and security ties but not until the Trump administration ceases referring to its northern neighbor as the 51st state, Prime Minister Mark Carney said.
“They’re disrespectful, they’re not helpful, and they will have to stop.”
Prime Minister Carney: In the face of this trade crisis, the premiers and I are going to build one resilient, united Canadian economy. Let’s get to work.
Canadian MP Charlie Angus: I am here today to urge Canadians to avoid travel to the United States if at all possible and to call on our government to stand up for our citizens who are being denied their rights through arbitrary detention in the United States.
In fact, a Canadian who was detained for over two weeks by American ICE has urged fellow Canadians to be extra careful when traveling to the U.S.
THIS MONTH
March 11: National Day of Observance for COVID-19
March 14: Commonwealth Day
March 15: International Day to Combat Islamophobia
March 31: National Indigenous Languages Day
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DOMESTIC POLICY
Prime Minister Carney announced that the Government of Canada will eliminate the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time homebuyers on homes priced at or under $1 million. This tax cut, saving Canadians up to $50,000, aims to make homeownership more accessible for young people and families. The move also seeks to boost the housing supply by encouraging new home construction. The government remains committed to addressing the housing crisis and implementing solutions to strengthen Canada's economy.
Prime Minister Carney announced that the Government of Canada will cancel the proposed hike in the capital gains inclusion rate, acknowledging the importance of builders and small businesses in shaping the country's future. This decision aims to attract private investment, create jobs, and foster growth. Additionally, the government will maintain the increase in the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption limit to $1.25 million for the sale of small business shares and farming and fishing property. Legislation for this increase will be introduced soon, as the government focuses on stimulating investment and rewarding successful builders.
Canada’s space industry is expanding rapidly. Ontario-based startup NordSpace has announced the creation of the Supersonic and Hypersonic Applications Research Platform (SHARP), which aims to enhance the country’s hypersonic capabilities with three new technological developments.
Prime Minister Carney announced a $187 million investment in Jasper National Park to repair and rebuild critical infrastructure damaged by last summer's wildfire. The funding, allocated to Parks Canada over two years, will support the reconstruction of roads, campgrounds, trails, and staff housing. It will also provide interim housing for staff and residents during the rebuilding process. The investment aims to accelerate construction during the upcoming season, ensuring timely and effective repairs.
Prime Minister Carney met with the leaders of the three National Indigenous Organizations: Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak (Assembly of First Nations), Natan Obed (Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami), and Victoria Pruden (Métis National Council). During the meeting, the Prime Minister outlined his vision for building a strong Canadian economy in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing meaningful reconciliation and integrating Indigenous leadership and perspectives. Carney announced the doubling of the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion, expanding it beyond energy and natural resources to support Indigenous-led infrastructure, transportation, and trade projects. He reiterated his commitment to advancing reconciliation, upholding Indigenous rights, and ensuring a distinctions-based approach with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. The leaders agreed to continue their collaboration.
On March 21, 2025, Canada’s First Ministers met to discuss strengthening the country’s economy. They reaffirmed their commitment to addressing economic challenges, including the imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports. They emphasized fostering procurement across the country, simplifying domestic trade, and supporting the recognition of products and professional credentials. The Prime Minister committed to ensuring federal regulations do not hinder free trade. The First Ministers also discussed advancing major national projects, with an emphasis on a “one project, one review” approach to environmental assessments. They agreed on the need for a national trade corridor to support exports and Canadian sovereignty. They further underscored the importance of Arctic security and collaboration with Indigenous partners to unlock the North’s economic potential. Concerns were raised over China’s tariffs on Canadian goods, with the Prime Minister pledging to escalate engagement to remove the tariffs while protecting Canada’s automotive and manufacturing sectors. Community safety was also highlighted as a priority for future discussions. The First Ministers agreed to meet regularly to defend Canada’s economy and sovereignty.
The government announced several measures to support workers and businesses affected by tariffs. For workers, the government will temporarily waive the one-week employment insurance (EI) waiting period, suspend rules on severance pay, and increase access to EI by adjusting regional unemployment rate thresholds. For businesses, the government will defer corporate income tax payments and GST/HST remittances from April 2 to June 30, 2025, offer a new financing facility, and provide more funding to regional development agencies. Carney outlined plans for a national trade and economic corridor to drive investment and growth, including the First Mile Fund to improve transportation infrastructure for energy extraction, a streamlined “one window” approval process for major projects, and investments in key infrastructure like the Cedar LNG processing facility and the Hudson Bay Railway. Additionally, Carney committed to table legislation by July 1, 2025, to eliminate federal barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility, aiming to create a more open and competitive Canadian market. These efforts are designed to strengthen Canada’s economy, improve trade, and create higher-paying jobs.
FOREIGN POLICY
A town in Quebec has protested a unilateral U.S. decision to restrict Canadian access to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, a historic site that straddles the Canada-U.S. border. The library has long served as a symbol of cross-border unity and a meeting place for separated families.
France and Canada have agreed to establish a new intelligence and security partnership.
Canada is in talks to support Europe’s military expansion in a deal that could reduce its economic dependence on the U.S.
Canada is strengthening its military defenses in the Arctic as global competition over the region intensifies, with the U.S., Russia, and China all seeking to expand their influence.
The U.S. mission has informed China and Canada that it is prepared to engage in discussions in Geneva after both countries filed trade disputes in response to new U.S. tariffs, according to World Trade Organization documents released on Tuesday.
Canada's Prime Minister Carney and Council members discussed the status of U.S. tariffs on Canada, retaliatory counter-tariffs, and support measures for affected Canadian businesses and individuals. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to engage with U.S. counterparts based on mutual respect and underscored Canada's strategic priorities: reinforcing Arctic security, diversifying trade partnerships, and building the strongest economy in the G7.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has downgraded its global growth forecast, citing escalating trade tensions. It now predicts global growth will slow to 3% by 2026—0.3 percentage points lower than its previous estimate three months ago. Canada and Mexico saw the steepest downward revisions, with Mexico’s economy expected to shrink in 2025. The OECD also projects U.S. growth will fall to 1.6% in 2026, its lowest level since 2011, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tesla is under investigation in Canada for allegedly inflating EV sales to claim $43 million in government rebates during the final days of the iZEV program. Over a three-day period, Tesla reported selling 8,653 cars across four dealerships—equivalent to two cars per minute—securing over half of the program’s remaining rebate funds. This sudden surge coincided with the program’s announced suspension, raising suspicions. Independent dealers are now out $10 million after issuing rebates they expected to be reimbursed for. Transport Canada officials noted discrepancies, suggesting Tesla may have backdated claims or exaggerated sales figures. One Quebec dealership alone claimed 4,000 sales in a single weekend—an implausible number. Tesla and Elon Musk are also under investigation for similar EV sales schemes in multiple countries.
President Zelenskyy spoke with Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney, with one of the key topics being increasing pressure on Russia. Carney shared his vision for intensifying sanctions against Moscow, particularly through all-out measures targeting the shadow tanker fleet and the banking sector. Zelenskyy and Carney also discussed humanitarian aspects of security guarantees for Ukraine, including post-war recovery and economic support. Additionally, they explored the development of bilateral relations, with Canada expressing interest in military-industrial and defense cooperation. Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s significant wartime advancements in electronic warfare systems, long-range missiles, and drones, noting the country’s readiness for joint production.
Prime Minister Carney has invited Zelenskyy to the G7 summit in Canada this June.
A preliminary report from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB) found that the Delta flight that crash-landed, flipped upside down, and caught fire on February 17 was descending too rapidly. The aircraft was traveling at 155 mph approximately 2.6 seconds before touchdown when its ground proximity warning system activated. TSB Chair Yoan Marier noted that factors beyond descent speed may have contributed to the crash, which left 21 people hospitalized. The incident is one of several recent high-profile aviation accidents in North America, raising safety concerns among travelers and impacting airline sales forecasts.
CARTOON OF THE WEEK
POSTS OF THE WEEK
NEWS CLIPS - NO COMMENTARY
Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney: Canada will create new trade corridors with reliable partners
PM Mark Carney holds a news conference after meeting with premiers – March 21, 2025
Premiers, Carney speak after 1st meeting
Canada's minister of finance speaks to media
See Canadian official’s response to Trump’s verbal attack on Canada
Canada, Europe planning defense 'without US at the centre' for first time since WWII • FRANCE 24
FOX News' Doocy: What if Canada became a very very big and "blue" (aka democratic) state?
Angus shared his message for Trump
American envoy Witkoff, tasked with "solving the Russia-Ukraine war," gave an interview to Tucker Carlson that aired on Friday on the Russian state media channel RT.
Witkoff spews Russian propaganda
Witkoff: Putin gave Trump a painting and “prayed for him”
Russian state tv propagandists went wild declaring: Let’s help Trump conquer Greenland and Canada
Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy visited the command post of the Tactical Group Pokrovsk and met with the Drone Line commanders.
Prince William, while visiting Estonia, spoke a bit of Ukrainian. This clip has gone viral online.
Prince William rode a tank in army uniform near Russia’s border, joining UK troops in Estonia
The Prince of Wales didn’t just show up — he suited up.
Wearing a military uniform, Prince William jumped into a tank and took part in field exercises with British forces stationed in Estonia, near the Russian border.
RECOMMENDED READ
GOOD TO KNOW
BUY CANADIAN - BRANDS OF THE WEEK
Did You Know? Women Are Powering Canada’s Small Business Economy
Ahead of International Women's Day (March 8, 2025), new data from GoDaddy revealed the incredible impact of female founders on Canada’s small business landscape:
43% of small businesses (0-9 employees) in Canada are run by women.
Over 1 in 4 female founders are the primary income earners in their households.
Women entrepreneurs are leading in AI adoption, with 48% believing it will help them compete with larger companies in the next year.
These insights come from Venture Forward, GoDaddy’s global research initiative analyzing data from 770,000+ Canadian small businesses.
Here are 🖐️ (of many more) Canadian FEMALE OWNED small businesses to love and support
This Indigenous-owned brand isn’t just about makeup—it’s about empowerment. Founded by Jenn Harper, Cheekbone Beauty inspires Indigenous youth to see their beauty and worth while creating sustainable, high-quality beauty products.
Blending Indigenous wisdom with modern science, the brand delivers formulas that look amazing, feel great, and are kind to the planet. And the world is noticing—Blake Lively recently wore Cheekbone Beauty at the Super Bowl, standing alongside Taylor Swift.
SmartSweets is revolutionizing candy, cutting up to 92% of the sugar per serving while keeping the delicious taste. Founder Tara Bosch turned her passion for candy into an innovation—starting in her own kitchen with a gummy bear mold from Amazon. In 2015, she took a bold leap, dropping out of college to build what is now a North American sensation, sold in thousands of stores.
After exploring 40+ countries in search of the finest teas, Grounded Tea is bringing Fair Trade, high-quality blends to Canada—all while supporting local businesses and fighting poverty in tea-producing regions.
What started as a Vancouver-based facial chain by JJ Walsh has grown into a North American sensation, blending science, luxury, and efficiency in skincare.
Designed for the "girl on the go", Formula Fig offers best-in-class facials and aesthetic treatments led by trusted medical professionals. But it’s not just about glowing skin—the brand also champions fair wages and a healthy work culture, ensuring staff thrive without relying on tips.
What started in 2004 as a tiny salad bar in the back of a Montreal clothing store has grown into a nationwide success with 10 locations—thanks to sisters Mandy and Rebecca Wolfe.
Mandy crafted the delicious menu, while Rebecca designed the iconic decor—a winning combo that still defines the brand today. Their success even extends beyond restaurants, with two best-selling cookbooks bringing their signature salads to kitchens everywhere.
COVER PHOTO
The Canadian government bought ads in 12 U.S. "red" states to explain to "hardworking Americans" that the tariffs on Canadian products—and the retaliatory tariffs—are, in fact, a tax.
United Sates
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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