The Canadian Press has provided a roundup of recent stories to keep readers informed. In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), both the Liberal and Conservative parties are active in their election campaigns today. Liberal Leader Mark Carney is set to announce new initiatives in Brampton, Ontario, in the morning, followed by meetings with supporters and volunteers in Hamilton, Ontario, later in the afternoon. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will hold a press conference in Milton, Ontario, in the morning and host a rally in Woolwich, Ontario, in the evening. The population of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area was recorded at over seven million in 2021, making up nearly 20 percent of Canada's total population.
In trade news, the United States continues to impose tariffs on Canada, as President Donald Trump made headlines by partially rescinding several tariffs against various countries. Trump chose to pause his “reciprocal” tariffs for 90 days but retained a 10 percent levy on nearly all global imports. This decision comes with increased tariffs on imports from China, which have risen to 125 percent. A White House official confirmed that the duties affecting Canada remain unchanged, adding to market uncertainty.
Canadian businesses are facing significant challenges due to fluctuating tariffs. Todd Rutter, co-owner of A Cappella Catering Co. in Edmonton, expressed concerns about rising food costs and tariffs affecting their operations. The company has taken proactive steps by developing a spreadsheet to track the prices of essential ingredients to manage potential tariff surcharges on their customers. Rutter emphasized the razor-thin margins that many such businesses operate within, stating that even minor cost increases could jeopardize their survival.
The ongoing trade war has also resulted in cultural impacts, such as the unavailability of Manischewitz wine during Passover celebrations across many parts of Canada. This staple of Jewish ceremonies, which is produced in New York, will be absent due to restrictions stemming from Trump’s tariffs on certain Canadian goods. Rabbi Aaron Flanzraich noted that the absence of Manischewitz wine has become a symbol of the broader struggles Canada faces due to the political and economic tensions between the two nations.
In the retail sector, significant changes are underway, particularly following Hudson’s Bay Company's decision to liquidate much of its business. Despite speculation that competitors like La Maison Simons and Holt Renfrew might seize the opportunity to occupy the vacated spaces, both retailers have indicated they are not pursuing such moves. Adam Grachnik, spokesperson for Holt Renfrew, stated that the company is not interested in acquiring leases from the Bay but is open to exploring other opportunities. Bernard Leblanc, CEO of Simons, confirmed that while there are currently no new plans, the company is always assessing market possibilities.
Lastly, some Canadian schools are reacting to political uncertainties in the U.S. by suspending trips across the border. British Columbia’s largest school district, Surrey, has halted all southern field trips to avoid potential negative experiences at the border. Similarly, New Brunswick’s largest French school district cancelled a high school band trip as a precaution. Mark Pearmain, Surrey’s district superintendent, highlighted the diverse backgrounds of students in the district, many of whom may not hold Canadian citizenship, prompting the decision to prioritize local opportunities.
