The Canadian Press reports on several significant stories as of January 29, 2025, providing an overview of political, social, and cultural events in Canada.
Joly to Meet with U.S. Counterpart Rubio
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is in Washington, D.C., for a crucial meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio amid looming concerns of substantial tariffs potentially being imposed on Canada. Joly expressed her belief in diplomacy as a means to avert U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to enforce a 25 percent tariff across the board starting as early as Saturday. The Canadian minister emphasized her positive assessment of Rubio from their recent phone conversation, describing him as a “good interlocutor.” This marks Joly's fifth visit to the United States following the presidential election in November 2024.
Events Mark Anniversary of Quebec Mosque Attack
Eight years after the tragic shooting at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec, where six Muslim men were killed while praying, the community reflects on the enduring impact of the event. A singular bullet hole remains in the mosque's wall as a poignant reminder of the January 29, 2017, attack. Mosque president Mohamed Labidi expresses concerns that as time goes on, the significance of remembrance may diminish within the broader population, emphasizing the need to keep the memory alive.
Ontario Party Leaders Hit the Campaign Trail
Political leaders across Ontario embarked on their first official day of campaigning, amidst a snowy landscape. The election was triggered by Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford, acting more than a year ahead of the next scheduled election. Ford argues that a new mandate is necessary to address challenges posed by the U.S. administration under President Trump and to manage financial responses to anticipated tariffs. Opposition parties contest that this winter campaign is unnecessary.
Bank of Canada Expected to Cut Interest Rates Today
The Bank of Canada is poised to announce its first interest rate change of the year, with widespread expectations of a quarter-percentage-point cut. Such a move would lower the key rate to three percent, marking the sixth consecutive decrease. Recent employment statistics reveal that the national jobless rate has decreased to 6.7 percent, alongside a decline in the annual inflation rate to 1.8 percent in December, partly attributed to a temporary GST reduction instituted by the federal government.
PCO Urged Denmark to Speed Up Bennett Appointment
Amidst diplomatic maneuvers, bureaucrats for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Danish officials to expedite the appointment of Carolyn Bennett as Canada’s ambassador to Denmark. This directive, conveyed through communication from Global Affairs, notably occurred shortly before Bennett’s resignation as a Member of Parliament. The Liberal Party experienced a setback in a recent byelection, losing Bennett’s former seat of Toronto-St. Paul’s, which adds context to the urgency surrounding her appointment.
Deryck Whibley Shocked Sum 41 with Their Breakup
The members of Sum 41 share their reflections on the unexpected decision made by their frontman, Deryck Whibley, to dissolve the band after years of collaboration. Whibley’s email announcing the breakup took the band by surprise, particularly for bassist Jason McCaslin, who expressed his astonishment at the sudden change. As the band grapples with this newfound reality, both McCaslin and guitarist Dave Baksh find themselves reminiscing about their past while processing the implications of life without Whibley.
This report encapsulates a series of critical developments influencing Canadian society, politics, and culture as the nation navigates these changes and commemorates significant moments in its history.
