Ford Set to Dissolve Government for Early Election
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is expected to request the dissolution of the provincial parliament today, aiming to trigger an early election scheduled for February 27. Ford's office has confirmed that he will meet with Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont this afternoon to request an end to the 43rd parliament. The Premier has indicated that a new mandate from voters is necessary for him to effectively manage the province's relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Opposition leaders, including NDP Leader Marit Stiles, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, have criticized the decision to call an election over a year earlier than necessary, labeling it a misuse of time and resources. Meanwhile, Ford is planning to fulfill his duties as Premier by preparing for a visit to Washington, D.C., in February alongside other provincial leaders while also campaigning as the leader of the Progressive Conservatives.
Snowbirds Rush to Sell Their Homes Amid Loonie Decline
A growing number of Canadian snowbirds are hurrying to sell their Florida homes, driven by a weak Canadian dollar and soaring insurance costs. Cesidia Cedrone, who has been enjoying the sun in her Florida condo every winter since 2011, recently finalized the sale of her home, ending her retirement dream. According to a report from the National Realtors Association, Canadians represented nearly 25% of foreign sellers in Florida between April 2023 and March 2024, a noticeable increase from 11% the previous year.
Real estate broker Alexandra DuPont, specializing in properties for Quebecers in Southeast Florida, reports a dramatic increase in her workload, managing over 30 listings at once as demand surges.
Quebec Legislature Resumes with Trade War Concerns
The Quebec legislature is set to resume on Tuesday for a spring session, which is likely to be dominated by concerns regarding a potential trade war with the United States, as well as ongoing discussions about secularism and national identity. Ahead of the assembly's return, Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge announced plans to introduce a new bill focused on integration that emphasizes adherence to shared culture and values such as democracy, gender equality, and secularism.
Roberge described the legislation as a historic move to define Quebec's identity and future trajectory. At the same time, the threat of a proposed 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump looms large. Premier François Legault has sounded alarms for weeks, warning that such tariffs could cost Quebec approximately 100,000 jobs.
Peavey Mart to Close All Canadian Locations
In a significant development for Canadian retail, Peavey Industries LP has announced it will be closing all its stores across Canada. The company has revealed that store-closing sales will begin at 90 Peavey Mart locations and six MainStreet Hardware stores, following an initial order for creditor protection. The decision to close follows the shutdown of 22 Peavey Mart locations specifically in Nova Scotia and Ontario, with all closures expected to be finalized by April.
The reasons cited for the decision include record-low consumer confidence, rising operational costs, and ongoing supply chain disruptions, all contributing to the company's financial struggles.
Historic Tobacco Settlement Faces Final Approval
A landmark proposal could lead to three major tobacco companies disbursing $32.5 billion to Canadian provinces and territories, as well as former smokers, over the coming weeks. The proposed settlement agreement between JTI-Macdonald Corp., Rothmans, Benson & Hedges, and Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. has already received unanimous support from creditors but requires court approval to move forward.
Formal hearings will commence on Wednesday, allowing companies and stakeholders to voice any concerns regarding the settlement. At least one tobacco company has expressed opposition to the implementation of the proposed deal unless critical issues are addressed first. The Canadian Cancer Society, a stakeholder in the negotiations, has called for additional smoking-reduction measures, emphasizing the importance of this opportunity to further regulate the tobacco industry for the health of Canadians.
