Canada’s digital services tax set for a reckoning with U.S.
The fight over Canada’s controversial digital services tax may escalate this week as the deadline looms for the Biden administration to decide whether to proceed with dispute arbitration amid threats of retaliation from Donald Trump’s incoming administration. On Aug. 30, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai filed an official complaint under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) arguing that the three per cent tax Canada implemented over the summer unfairly discriminates against American corporations. The move started a 75-day consultation period that ends this week. But with President Joe Biden’sRead more
Trump makes triumphant return to Washington, meets with Biden
Donald Trump made a victor’s return to Washington on Wednesday, visiting the White House for an Oval Office meeting with President Joe Biden and committing to a smooth transition of power as the president-elect moves quickly to build out his new administration. Sitting in front of a crackling fire, the rivals shook hands as reporters looked on. Biden called Trump “Mr. president-elect and former president” before settling on “Donald.” “Congratulations,” the Democrat told the Republican. “I look forward to having, like they said, a smooth transition,” Biden said. Trump replied,Read more
Trump’s appointees have criticized Trudeau, warned of border issues with Canada
Donald Trump’s second administration is filling up with some of his most loyal supporters — and many of the people landing top jobs have been critical of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and security at Canada’s border. One expert says there are not many Canadian allies, so far, in the president-elect’s court. “I don’t see a whole lot of friends of Canada in there,” said Fen Hampson, a professor of international affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa and co-chair of the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations. As the Republican leader startsRead more
Trump’s return to the White House: His cabinet choices so far
Donald Trump, fresh off an election win earlier this month that capped a stunning comeback, is quickly announcing plans for an emboldened new administration. Trump’s first term as president between 2017 and 2021 was marked by heavy turnover, and he made strategic use at times of having people serve in an acting capacity in cabinet-level positions for several months. Cabinet positions, along with several other administration roles, generally require Senate approval. In a social media post on Nov. 10, Trump said anyone seeking to be Republican majority leader must agreeRead more
With Trump’s return, another wave of uncertainty washes over Canadian politics
For Canadians, American democracy is a spectator sport, a source of eternal concern and a measuring stick – a spectacle we regard with a mix of fascination, inspiration, fear and powerlessness, all the while defining ourselves by how we compare. The United States is both our loud neighbour and — by orders of magnitude — our most valuable trading partner. But living beside (and under the umbrella of) the world’s most powerful democracy has also brought with it a certain peace of mind. At least, until recently. Now, once again,Read more
Workers owed $60M in unpaid wages Ontario failed to collect since 2017
Workers in Ontario are owed tens of millions of dollars in unpaid wages that the provincial government has yet to collect from employers, according to internal government records. The records, obtained by CBC Toronto through a freedom of information request, provide a snapshot of the prevalence of wage theft in Ontario, which worker advocates say is a major issue. The records show there’s around $60 million in unpaid wages the provincial government has yet to collect from employers, between the 2017-2018 fiscal year and July 2024. The figures include OntarioRead more
Republicans take back control of U.S. Senate, Democrats cling to House hopes
Republicans have seized control of the U.S. Senate after flipping multiple Democrat-held seats while seeing their own incumbents successfully fend off challenges. The unexpected battleground of Nebraska pushed Republicans over the top late Tuesday, when incumbent Sen. Deb Fischer brushed back a surprisingly strong challenge from independent newcomer Dan Osborn. Democrats watched their efforts to salvage their slim majority slip out of reach as tallies rolled in across a map that favoured Republicans, who had to defend just 11 seats in comparison with 21 for the Democrats. Early in theRead more
The women’s wave fell short for Kamala Harris. What happened?
At a café in the heart of a swing county in the largest of the American swing states, no music played the morning after the presidential election. The Lawrence Park Dinor in Erie, Pa., heard only conversation between bleary-eyed customers absorbing the night’s stunning result over coffees and breakfast. Those who had thrown their support behind the Republican president-elect felt joy, relief and a touch of vindication. Their Democratic counterparts were visibly dazed. “I didn’t think I was going to come to the diner because I was, until 40 minutesRead more
Canadian government already bracing for potential Trump tariffs
Canada is preparing for the possibility of former U.S. president Donald Trump swiftly imposing a broad tariff on all U.S. imports if he’s re-elected Tuesday, potentially sparking a damaging trade dispute. Canadian officials received no reassurances in conversations with multiple Trump allies ahead of next week’s vote, CBC News has learned from one official privy to the details of these talks. Trump’s proposal for a minimum 10 per cent global tariff has raised more alarms in Ottawa than any other promise by either U.S. presidential candidate. To better understand how this mightRead more
U.S. ambassador to Canada says democracy will ‘easily’ survive outcome of Tuesday election
Ahead of a highly consequential election on Tuesday, the U.S. ambassador to Canada said “democracy is easily going to survive” the outcome of the race and reminded Canadians to be patient as results from across the United States come in. David Cohen said in an interview on CBC’s Rosemary Barton Live that U.S. democracy “has survived and thrived in the face of many challenges to that democracy.” He cited both world wars and the U.S. civil war as examples. “I firmly believe that regardless of the outcome of the election, the United States isRead more