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In a week marked by erratic behaviour from U.S. President Donald Trump, tensions escalated between the United States and Canada. Amidst a series of unusual online tirades, Trump threatened to impede the construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge, which connects Windsor, Ontario, with Detroit, Michigan. Simultaneously, the U.S. House of Representatives exhibited a rare act of defiance against the President by voting to roll back some tariffs imposed on Canadian goods.
Trump’s Unusual Rant
President Trump’s social media outbursts took a bizarre turn as he expressed concerns over Canada’s trade relations with China. In an extraordinary claim, he warned that such dealings could jeopardise the future of ice hockey in Canada. “Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China – which will eat Canada alive. We’ll just get the leftovers! I don’t think so,” Trump declared. He went on to assert that a trade agreement with China would lead to the termination of all ice hockey activities in Canada, as well as the elimination of the Stanley Cup. Such comments have drawn ridicule and disbelief from both sides of the border.
Congressional Pushback
In a rare moment of unity, six Republican members of the House joined Democrats to vote 219 to 211 in favour of reducing some of Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports. This bipartisan move is significant, given the historically unwavering support Trump has enjoyed from his party. However, despite this symbolic victory, the measure is unlikely to pass in the Senate, and even if it does, a presidential veto is expected. This growing willingness among Republicans to challenge Trump’s policies comes amid increasing voter discontent, signalling a potential shift in the political landscape.
Gallup Ends Longstanding Polling
Adding to the week’s notable developments, Gallup announced it would discontinue tracking presidential approval ratings after nearly nine decades. The polling agency cited shifts in research priorities for this decision, even as Trump has frequently scrutinised and lambasted media coverage of his declining popularity. The end of Gallup’s approval rating system may raise eyebrows about the state of public sentiment in relation to the presidency.
Canadian Transportation Agency Faces Backlog
On the domestic front, the Canadian Transportation Agency reported an alarming backlog of over 93,000 complaints from air passengers grappling with flight disruptions. This staggering number highlights significant inefficiencies within Canada’s passenger protection framework, where complex regulations lead to lengthy processing times for even minor disputes. As frustrations mount among travellers, the agency faces mounting pressure to address this backlog effectively.
Troubling Times for Canadian Firms
Compounding the challenges, Toronto-based Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) saw its stock plummet by over 25% following an unexpected announcement of a $500 million share sale aimed at debt reduction. This decision shocked investors and has raised concerns about the company’s financial health after a significant portfolio writedown.
Meanwhile, Japanese stocks surged in response to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s historic election victory, which promises expansive fiscal policies aimed at revitalising the economy.
Why it Matters
The events of this week illustrate a potentially shifting political landscape in North America, with President Trump’s erratic rhetoric clashing with a growing bipartisan willingness to oppose his policies. This dynamic could have profound implications for trade relations, particularly between Canada and the U.S., as well as broader economic stability in the region. As tensions rise, both governments must navigate this tumultuous period carefully, while citizens increasingly demand accountability and effective governance in the face of growing challenges.
