Here is a summary of key stories from The Canadian Press to keep you informed...

Trump Signals Possible Tariffs on Canada Starting Feb. 1

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that his administration might implement a 25 percent across-the-board tariff on Canadian imports beginning February 1. This announcement was made during an executive order signing at the White House on Monday evening.

The February deadline follows proposals from Trump’s officials, who hinted to reporters that the president would only be signing a memorandum to instruct federal agencies to investigate various trade issues, including claims of unfair trade practices and currency manipulation by Canada, Mexico, and China. However, the executive order establishing the studies has set an April 1 deadline for reports, which is significantly later than the proposed tariff implementation date.

Federal and provincial officials expressed relief that tariffs were not mentioned in Trump’s inaugural speech but remained cautious, stressing that Canada must be proactive in preparing for what could be a damaging economic impact.

Liberal Leadership Candidates Move Away from Carbon Pricing

In the ongoing Liberal leadership race, the three leading candidates—Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould, and Mark Carney—have shown hesitance towards the Liberal government’s core climate initiative: carbon pricing. Initially introduced as a campaign promise in 2008, the carbon pricing mechanism was established following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s electoral victory in 2015 and became a key element of the federal climate plan in 2019.

The candidates have recently strayed from endorsing consumer carbon pricing, aiming to mitigate a significant point of contention exploited by Conservative opposition. An analysis from March 2024 by the Canadian Climate Institute revealed that while Canada’s carbon price could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 100 million tonnes annually by 2030, only 20 percent of that reduction would be attributable to consumer carbon pricing.

Statistics Canada to Release December Inflation Data

Statistics Canada is scheduled to publish its consumer price index report for December. Economists polled by Reuters anticipate that the annual inflation rate will remain stable at 1.9 percent, the same as the previous month. Some predictors even suggest a lower inflation rate of 1.5 percent, influenced by the federal government’s GST tax holiday initiated in mid-December.

Overall, inflation rates have significantly decreased since reaching recent highs and are currently stabilizing around the Bank of Canada’s two percent target. Following an aggressive interest rate cut that brought the key rate to 3.25 percent, further cuts may also occur later this month.

Thawing Permafrost Releases Planet-Warming Gases in the Arctic

A recent study published in the academic journal Nature Climate Change indicates that certain regions of the Arctic tundra are now emitting more greenhouse gases than they are able to absorb. This study identifies thawing permafrost as a primary driver of this concerning trend, which could dramatically shift carbon dynamics in the region.

Permafrost, which makes up nearly half of Canada’s land mass, has remained frozen for thousands of years. However, as thawing occurs, previously trapped plant matter decomposes, releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, contributing to a feedback loop that exacerbates global warming. The study notes that while the boreal forest and Arctic regions increased their carbon-storage capacity from 2001 to 2020, roughly one-third of these areas are now net emitters of carbon dioxide.

Advocacy for Small Homes in Long-Term Care for Seniors

Allan Dugas, who resides in a long-term care facility, expressed his initial fears of being placed in a large, institutional environment with limited personal autonomy. He chose to move to a "small care home" in Digby, Nova Scotia, consisting of 10 houses and housing only nine residents in each. Dugas shared his positive experiences over the last four years at Tideview Terrace, enjoying personal space, autonomy, and comforts such as having his cat with him and access to hobbies like playing drums.

According to Dugas, his experience reflects a desire for long-term care that emphasizes respect, autonomy, and a homelike environment for residents.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 21, 2025.