Here is a roundup of stories that highlight recent developments in Canada, showcasing the impact of political decisions, social sentiments, and economic trends.
Trump's Threats Bring Canadians Together
In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a proposed 25% tariff on Canadian exports, many Canadians are demonstrating a surge in patriotic sentiment. McGill University undergraduate Daniel Miksha made a notable decision over the weekend by choosing to withdraw his applications to prestigious U.S. institutions like Boston University, Yale, and Harvard for graduate school. Miksha's action reflects a broader movement among Canadians who are rallying together due to Trump's anti-Canadian rhetoric, which frequently suggests that Canada should be integrated as the 51st state of the United States.
On social media, an influx of pro-Canadian and anti-Trump memes has emerged, with many Canadians sharing lists of products made in Canada and publicly canceling trips to the United States. During recent professional hockey and basketball games, there were instances where the American national anthem was met with boos from Canadian fans, further expressing their discontent with U.S. policies and rhetoric.
Hundreds Could Seek Wrongful Conviction Reviews
The establishment of an independent Miscarriage of Justice Review Commission by the federal government aims to investigate wrongful convictions within the Canadian justice system. Advocates believe that this commission could uncover a larger number of wrongful convictions than previously suspected. Senator Kim Pate, a notable advocate for those wrongfully convicted, stated that previous similar commissions in other countries have revealed a more significant number of miscarriages of justice than initially anticipated. The commission was initiated under former justice minister David Lametti and is now being implemented by Justice Minister Arif Virani.
Ontario Votes: Leaders Make Stops in Toronto Area
As Ontario’s political landscape heats up in advance of a snap election, the main party leaders are largely focused on campaigning within the Greater Toronto Area. Initially dominated by concerns about U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, the electoral conversation is shifting to local issues like healthcare and education with tariffs currently on hold until early March. Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie is scheduled to announce health and poverty initiatives in Hamilton, while NDP Leader Marit Stiles is also expected to make appearances to bolster provincial discussion. Meanwhile, Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford continues to highlight concerns over tariffs and has an event planned in Pickering followed by a gathering with the international electrical workers’ union in Oshawa.
Donations Flowed to BC United After Campaign Ended
Recent political financing reports reveal that the defunct BC United party managed to collect over $223,000 in donations even after suspending its campaigning for the previous provincial election. The financial report, filed with Elections BC, indicates that a significant portion of these donations came in the form of automatic bank transfers post-election. Despite suspending the campaign on August 28 and directing supporters to vote for the B.C. Conservative Party, BC United received more than $86,000 following the October 19 vote.
Number of Video Game Companies Dropped 9%: Report
The latest economic report from the Entertainment Software Association of Canada reveals that the number of video game companies in Canada has decreased by 9% following a gaming boom sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report indicates that there were 821 video game companies operating in the 2023-24 period, 78 fewer than the peak established during the pandemic in 2020-21. Paul Fogolin, president of the association, explained that while a post-pandemic downturn was expected, the data shows that the number of people who played video games did not see significant increases, though those who did play spent more time gaming during lockdowns.
This roundup is designed to inform readers about notable developments across Canada, emphasizing social unity, political dynamics, economic trends, and emerging issues in the justice system.
