Judge dismisses election interference case against Donald Trump at prosecutors’ request
Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding U.S. Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he wasRead more
Trump’s tariffs would crush Canada’s economy. Why some industry leaders are calling his bluff
Donald Trump’s threat of a 25 per cent tariff on imported goods would have a devastating impact on Canada’s economy. But some Canadian workers, industry leaders and economists aren’t convinced they’ll actually be implemented. In a social media post Trump made Monday evening, the proposed tariffs were framed as a warning to the U.S.’s primary trading partners that “they will pay a very big price,” unless both Canada and Mexico take aggressive action to tighten border security. But analysts and those working in impacted industries say the mutually beneficial nature of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship, worthRead more
Jamieson Greer is Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. trade rep in coming administration
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday chose trade lawyer Jamieson Greer as his new U.S. trade representative, elevating a key veteran of his first-term trade war against China to execute a sweeping tariff agenda that promises to upend global trade. “Jamieson will focus the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on reining in the Country’s massive Trade Deficit, defending American Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Services, and opening up Export Markets everywhere,” Trump said in a statement. Greer, 44, served as chief of staff to Trump’s former U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer, the architect of Trump’sRead more
Canada-U.S. border hours to change at 35 ports of entry in new year
People who frequently cross the Canada-U.S. border will find they have a shorter window for travel come the new year. The Canada Border Services Agency says as of 12:01 a.m. local time on Jan. 6, 35 ports of entry will adjust their hours of service as a way to enhance security for both Canada and the U.S., a news release said Monday. There will be hours adjustments seven days per week at 12 ports of entry in Manitoba, 10 in Quebec, six in Saskatchewan, four in New Brunswick, two in B.C. and one in Alberta. Details are on the Canada Border Services Agency website. Time changes vary dependingRead more
Service Canada holding 85,000 passports as Canada Post strike continues
Service Canada has been holding off on mailing out 85,000 passports due to the labour dispute at Canada Post. Employment and Social Development Canada said that “in anticipation of a potential labour disruption,” Service Canada stopped mailing passport packages on Nov. 8 — a week before Canada Post workers walked off the job. Canada Post stopped delivering mail across the country on Nov. 15 when tens of thousands of postal workers went on strike over wages, working conditions and other issues. The shutdown will affect millions of Canadians and businessesRead more
Trump names his tariff man. Here’s what he’s said and what it means for Canada
What’s new Donald Trump now has a point man for his plan to impose punishing trade tariffs. Someone who’s publicly shared his views on them. Howard Lutnick will now wield influence over an issue with major consequences over the global economy. Trump hasn’t just nominated the Wall Street executive as his commerce secretary; he’s also put Lutnick in charge of his tariff and trade agenda, with an additional role overseeing the Office of U.S. Trade Representative. American trading partners will eagerly study Lutnick’s views on Trump’s plan to slap aRead more
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