Premiers have 'constructive' meeting at White House as they lobby against tariffs
B.C.'s Eby says premiers were urged to take Trump at his word
White House official says he 'never agreed' Canada won't be 51st state in meeting with premiers
Premiers hail 'constructive' meeting as they lobby against tariffs
A team of Canada's premiers met with senior White House officials on Wednesday as they continue to make the case against tariffs on Canadian goods.
When asked, B.C. Premier David Eby told reporters outside the White House that the premiers had raised concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump's claims that Canada should join the U.S.
"We had frank conversations about the 51st state comment where we underlined that was a non-starter," he said.
While P.E.I. Premier Dennis King and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston had to leave early due to weather concerns, the remaining premiers met with James Blair — Trump's deputy chief of staff for legislative affairs — and Sergio Gor — Trump's director of personnel.
Blair posted on social media that his meeting with the premiers was "pleasant" but also said he "never agreed that Canada would not be the 51st state."
"We only agreed to share Premier Eby's comments," Blair wrote.
Eby and other premiers described the meeting fairly positively.
"It was a good conversation. I thought it was constructive," Eby said.
"They urged us to take the president at his word."
Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai told CBC News Network's Power & Politics that he shared Eby's sentiments.
"There's no Canada becoming the 51st state. President Trump is not going to own Canada, but he also certainly doesn't want to own inflation — and all the tariffs will lead to that," he told guest host Catherine Cullen.
Pillai said that Trump's aim seems to be "resetting relationships globally."
"[The American] people want to feel like America is winning. They want to feel that this president is going to lead that charge and he wants to fulfil that," Pillai told guest host Catherine Cullen after leaving the White House.
Premiers describe ‘constructive’ meeting with Trump officials in WashingtonTrump signed executive orders on Monday that will impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports — including from Canada — starting March 12.
Those tariffs would stack on top of 25 per cent tariffs that Trump has been threatening to impose on most Canadian goods. Those tariffs were set to come into force last week, but Ottawa reached an agreement with the Trump administration to delay their implementation until at least March 4.
Trump has shifted back and forth on his reasoning for the March 4 tariffs, though one of his common complaints is about fentanyl entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. Trump's Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested during his confirmation hearing that the tariff threat on those two countries is meant to spur action at the shared borders.
"When [the president] talks about his concerns about the border, about issues of fentanyl — the need for us to work on those things — [his advisers told us] that we should take that very seriously," Eby said after the leaving the White House
Despite U.S. data showing that the amount of fentanyl entering the U.S. from the north is a fraction compared to the amount crossing in from the southern boundary, Ottawa has shown a willingness to engage the administration on the issue
The federal government has committed $1.3 billion to boost border security and on Tuesday named former Mountie Kevin Brosseau as a new fentanyl czar.
Eby said those measures "had caught the president's attention," but that "work needed to continue."
Pillai said he thinks there is a path for Canada to avoid Trump's tariffs.
"You're dealing with someone who is a dealmaker and somebody who is always open for negotiation. So you have to be swift in preparing for that," he said.
"If you're essentially sitting down and you're trying to cut the pie up differently with this president, you know he's going to want the biggest piece — if not all the pieces — so you better figure out what the next pie looks like."
Premiers speak with CBC News outside White House ahead of meeting with officialsOn her way into the White House, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the premiers would be making the case that Canada is cracking down on fentanyl.
"We recognize that fentanyl's a problem for us too and we're doing everything we can to stomp it out in our communities," she said.
When asked what a win for the premiers would look like, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said "no tariffs."
"We're a great friend of America and Canadians are very proud of the relationship we've had over the years and so we're here as Team Canada," he said.
Federal Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who is also in Washington, met with Lutnick and other officials on Wednesday.
"I told them clearly that Canadians have become quite emotional in the last number of weeks and quite united in terms of doing what's necessary to avoid this punitive impact on our economy," LeBlanc told reporters.
LeBlanc details ‘constructive and positive conversation’ with top U.S. trade officials"We have work to do with the government to continue to make that point, but I certainly raised with them the solidarity that we've seen across the country in terms of meeting this moment in a way that protects the sovereignty of Canada and protects our economic interests.".
LeBlanc said Wednesday that he brought up the recent actions Ottawa has taken on the border in his meeting with Lutnick.
"We believe that the national security interest around border integrity and the common fight against fentanyl is in a positive lane, but we're going to continue to do that work," he said.
LeBlanc also said he stressed to Lutnick that impacts from steel and aluminum tariffs would be felt on both sides of the border.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Katie Simpson and Kate McKenna
Liberals closing the gap in latest polling numbers | CTV National News at 11 for Friday Feb. 14 2025
CTV News Tariff anxieties in Washington cross both sides of U.S. political spectrum, says Holt
N.B. premier hopes Republicans' concerns can help the fight against Trump's tariff threat
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says meetings this week in Washington, D.C., have shown her there's widespread opposition to potential U.S. tariffs, and it's coming from both sides of the political spectrum.
Holt has been in the U.S. capital alongside Canada's 12 other premiers, hoping to back the administration down from President Donald Trump's threats to impose crippling tariffs on Canadian imports.
Holt said she's met with lawmakers from several states, including North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Maine, and heard concerns expressed even among Republicans about Trump's tariff threats.
"We haven't met with someone in support of the tariffs," Holt said, speaking to reporters Wednesday afternoon from Washington.
Holt in Washington: ‘We haven’t met with someone in support of the tariffs’"Everyone we have met with — Republican and Democrat alike — have recognized the damage that the tariffs will do in their state to their workers and to their economies."
Trump has said he plans to impose a universal 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico starting next month, aside from energy products, which will be subject to a 10 per cent tariff.
He has promised a 25 per cent tariff starting March 12 on all steel and aluminum imports.
Holt said anti-tariff Republican lawmakers she's met with include Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who chairs the Senate appropriations committee.
In a Jan. 31 post on X, Collins said certain tariffs would "impose a significant burden" on families and businesses, adding she was working with the Trump administration to help its officials better understand the potential effects on Maine.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has openly opposed Trump's plan to impose tariffs on Canadian imports. (Jason Burles/CBC)
Holt said her hope is that concerns by Collins and other Republicans can make their way to the president and potentially push him to walk back his plans.
"[In] one of our very first meetings today, and actually [in] our conversation with a senator yesterday as well, they both said explicitly that they had already passed on messages to the administration about the impact [of tariffs] on businesses in their state," said Holt, who is to return to New Brunswick on Thursday afternoon.
"And so that's exactly the kind of thing that we are here to encourage, is folks expressing the real impact on the ground to Americans, to American jobs, to the economy."
Meeting with Trump advisers
Whether the advocacy by Holt and other premiers pays off could be learned Wednesday afternoon.
Council of the Federation spokesperson Paola St-George issued an email notice that the premiers had been invited to a meeting with senior Trump advisers that afternoon.
Holt's news conference was held prior to the start of that meeting, and she didn't know exactly which U.S. officials would be there.
"I think there's a number of senior officials that that we've been told may be participating," Holt said.
New Brunswick is not unlike other Canadian provinces when it comes to the importance of free trade south of the border.
Agriculture, seafood and forest products produced in New Brunswick have significant markets in the U.S., and Holt has said the tariffs could cost the province 4,000 to 6,000 jobs.
Holt said the delegation to Washington includes representatives from companies such as Mrs. Dunster's, Cooke Aquaculture, J.D. Irving Ltd., and industry representatives for potato and snow crab producers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
C'est vrai.
Content Deactivated
I maintain that we should ignore The Donald and do nothing at all
Content Deactivated
Premiers have 'constructive' meeting at White House as they lobby against tariffs
B.C.'s Eby says premiers were urged to take Trump at his word
Content Deactivated
A new heading
White House official says he 'never agreed' Canada won't be 51st state in meeting with premiers
Premiers hail 'constructive' meeting as they lobby against tariffs
Allan Marven
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
Yes, it never ceases to amaze me as to a politician's interpretation of the term "constructive".
Clay Bergen
Content Deactivated
So a very zealous legacy is the theme.
Content Deactivated
Federal Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who is also in Washington, met with Lutnick and other officials on Wednesday.
"I told them clearly that Canadians have become quite emotional in the last number of weeks and quite united in terms of doing what's necessary to avoid this punitive impact on our economy," LeBlanc told reporters.
Allan Marven
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
Is Nutlick another Trump appointee?
Allan Marven
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
Like taking down interprovincial trade barriers lol?
Clay Bergen
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
United? ha ha ha ha
Content Deactivated
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc on Tuesday in an ethics filing promised to avoid all discussions benefiting J.D. Irving Ltd., which is based in his home province.
Irving is one of the largest private employers in New Brunswick — and operator of the biggest oil refinery in the country. Federal judges have ruled so-called “conflict of interest screens” are legal, according to Blacklock’s Reporter.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
Irving President and CEO James D. Irving is a close friend of LeBlanc's.
“The Ethics Commissioner and I have agreed a conflict of interest screen is an appropriate compliance measure for me aimed at preventing any opportunity to further the private interests of my friend James D. Irving, president and CEO of J.D. Irving Limited, including J.D. Irving Limited, its subsidiaries, affiliates, associates, divisions and any legal form of business or give preferential treatment to any of them while I exercise my official powers,” wrote LeBlanc.
The two New Brunswickers are such close friends LeBlanc earlier used an Irving corporate jet to attend medical appointments in Montréal. LeBlanc’s conflict screen is the most sweeping signed by a finance minister involving a federally-regulated contractor.
Irving companies manage timberlands, shipyards, freight shippers, sawmills and pulp and paper mills. Irving subsidiaries also sell consumer products like Royale-brand tissue paper and Cavendish frozen foods.
“I have agreed to recuse myself from any discussion or decision in relation to my friend’s private interests including his business interests,” wrote LeBlanc.
“I also agree not to have any communication with government officials in relation to any matter or decision-making process which I or my administrator knows or reasonably should know would affect Mr. Irving’s interests.”
“This screen is administered by my chief of staff and the deputy minister of finance to ensure I am neither made aware of nor participate in any official matters or decision-making processes involving Mr. Irving’s interests.”
Allan Marven
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
And their interpretation of the word promise...
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Allan Marven
“I will participate in decisions or matters of general application and those that may affect Mr. Irving’s interests as a member of a broad class of persons unless those interests are disproportionate to the other members of the class.”
Content Deactivated
Important Message for all Canadians!
Yes, Mark Carney can be PM without a seat or single vote, and in an emergency, stay PM till September 2026.
How?
With Mark Carney clearly making moves for the Liberal Party leadership, already securing 30 MPs, and talking with media, and is clearly a strong frontrunner, many Canadians are about to receive a huge surprise and shock.
It is a common misconception that the Prime Minister of Canada must be a Member of Parliament. Not true. The PM is appointed, not elected, to the position by the Governor General.
Mark Carney can win the Liberal Party leadership and be appointed to the role of PM. Canada has done this once before.
The 17th Prime Minister John Turner in 1984. He left politics a decade earlier and returned to succeed Pierre Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party and was then appointed PM by the Governor General without holding a seat in the HoC.
I have attached some information if you don't know anything about John Turner. He was PM for a few months in 1984.
Is history about to repeat itself? A Trudeau resigns, and Canada gets a non-elected Prime Minister?
I think that is exactly what is about to happen.
I predict the 24th Prime Minister will be unelected, Mark Carney.
Also, did you know that constitutionally, in Canada, terms can be up to 5 years? Making the next forced election date September 20, 2026.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
The next question is, how are they going to stall the election? Clearly, the Liberal Party will want some rebound time to clean the Trudeau stink before the next election.
Well, there really are only two ways to stall the next election in Canada
1) Avoiding a Confidence Loss. So, make a deal with NDP or Bloc.
or
2) Delaying the Election in an Emergency. This includes economic emergencies, such as a US President threatening "economic force" and imposing harmful tariffs against Canada.
We could be stuck with the Liberals for another 20 months under non-elected PM Carney.
I do pray I'm wrong about this.
Albalita Star
Content Deactivated
Singh?...
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Pending approval
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
That's about as scary as it gets.
Content Deactivated
I believe President Trump's tariffs are completely justified. Why shouldn't he protect the interests of Americans? As for Canada, they should be proactive in addressing their protectionist policies and meeting NATO commitments for defense spending.
Jack Straw
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
Because you do not understand how economies work. Trade is good for both countries. If you listen to Trump, then everything should be made in the USA. I am not sure what the other countries are going to make or have the money to buy all of Trump s newfound items his companies are going to make.
Bill Watson
Content Deactivated
Reply to Jack Straw
I couldn't be more supportive of our President's policies. Not only is he going to make America great again, he'll do amazing things for the entire world. I would like to see him continue beyond his 4-year term.
Marcel Belanger
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
How much more do you US citizens want to pay for everything?
That’s where the MAGA are heading, high prices and turmoil.
Hope you enjoy the ride.
Marcel Belanger
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
He will be impeached in 2 years when the dems retake the house and senate.
If he lasts that long.
Harison Faraday
Content Deactivated
Reply to Marcel Belanger
maybe less tthan tthat
half inch to the right
Bill Watson
Content Deactivated
Reply to Marcel Belanger
I'm a Canadian citizen.
Marcel Belanger
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
No you’re not.
Harison Faraday
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
sure Jim
Bill Watson
Content Deactivated
Reply to Marcel Belanger
Sarcasm? I don't believe the Democrats will be a party then, at least based on how they are performing now. I couldn't be happier about President Trump's policies and decisions.
Bill Watson
Content Deactivated
Reply to Marcel Belanger
That's what my passport says. And I'm even a real Canadian.
Marcel Belanger
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
"Your president Trump" will make the democrats stronger than they’ve ever been.
Harison Faraday
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
I bet you were 100 percent happy with thatt european leader in 1939 , Jim
Bill Watson
Content Deactivated
Reply to Marcel Belanger
Sarcasm?
Bill Watson
Content Deactivated
Reply to Harison Faraday
Who was that? I wasn't even born then.
Marcel Belanger
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
Nope, a real Canadian stands with his country against all ennemis.
Bill Watson
Content Deactivated
Reply to Marcel Belanger
I've been ashamed on my country since October 2015
Marcel Belanger
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
"Who was that?"
Wow, that explains a lot.
Bill Watson
Content Deactivated
Reply to Marcel Belanger
What explains a lot?
Marcel Belanger
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
No problem, leave, you won’t be missed.
Harison Faraday
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
Moscow?
Marcel Belanger
Content Deactivated
Reply to Harison Faraday
Could be, sure sounds like it.
Bill Watson
Content Deactivated
Reply to Harison Faraday
Not sure what your question means.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
Are you sure about anything?
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
I suppose you also believe in the tooth fairy.
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
Doug Ford, of all people, has become the captain of a fractured "Team Canada".
Trudeau seeks solace in Western Europe.
Allan Marven
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
He's over in Paris visiting the Point lepreau contingent of employees and their spouses . Three week sojourn.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
Dougy and the Donald are two peas in a pod
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
Reply to Allan Marven
Isn't that special!
Albalita Star
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
He's in Brussels now....because We do so much Business with Belgium...or maybe he likes chocolate...
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
Reply to Albalita Star
That must be why the premiers named him captain.
Nadine Buckmaster
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
It's where the EU headquarters is located.
Nadine Buckmaster
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
Oh, he can probably get the chocolate at the airport.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Nadine Buckmaster
I doubt that he knows that Chocolate Town in on the border
Nadine Buckmaster
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
I do too. It's great chocolate. Had a guest from Switzerland, best tip every.
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
Highly unlikely for sure.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Nadine Buckmaster
A guest from Switzerland knew about our Chocolate Town???
Nadine Buckmaster
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
No, Didn't realize there was a chocolate border town on the NB border. Thoughts you met the belgian border, Until I looked at the map, and realize that switzerland was more in the middle then I thought.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Nadine Buckmaster
St. Stephen has officially been named Canada’s Chocolate Town, and visitors continue to flock to town for a taste. Or ten!
Anthony Iommi
Content Deactivated
Llberals Led By Carney Would Win A Majority, Leger Poll Says A hypothetical poll with Mark Carney as leader of the Liberal Party sees the party with 178 seats
John Lydon
Content Deactivated
Reply to Anthony Iommi
Anthony Iommi
Content Deactivated
Reply to John Lydon
Nope, look up Polling Canada.
Danny Sterns
Content Deactivated
Reply to Anthony Iommi
Think you need to re read the polling results.
Anthony Iommi
Content Deactivated
Reply to Danny Sterns
"Llberals Led By Carney Would Win A Majority, Leger Poll Says
A hypothetical poll with Mark Carney as leader of the Llberal Party sees the party with 178 seats, while the NDP is decimated across the country."
Curtis Fric
Feb 12, 2025
John Lydon
Content Deactivated
Reply to Anthony Iommi
I just looked at the Leger poll you quoted.
Anthony Iommi
Content Deactivated
Reply to Danny Sterns
It's an article by a polling expert. Have a look.
Anthony Iommi
Content Deactivated
Reply to Danny Sterns
By the way, did you pay your $200 EV registration fee yet? Sorry Alberta is hostile to EVs.
John Lydon
Content Deactivated
Reply to Anthony Iommi
There's nothing in the latest poll that says Carney is in majority territory.
Danny Sterns
Content Deactivated
Reply to Anthony Iommi
Yes, not a problem, I paid over $200,000 for it. If $200 was an issue, I would not have bought it. It is like asking the mileage of a Ferrari, of you have to ask the question, you cannot afford it.
BD Morgan
Content Deactivated
Reply to John Lydon
Vote distribution means tied in popular vote will likely result in a L majority.
Getting 40-45% in a riding most likely gives the same result as 60-65%, a seat.
BD Morgan
Content Deactivated
Reply to John Lydon
Some 2021 election math C 0.28% per seat L 0.20% per seat
40% more seats per vote for L
John Lydon
Content Deactivated
Reply to BD Morgan
Is that hypothetical vote distribution like Anthony's talking about?
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
Reply to BD Morgan
That statement is highly incorrect.
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
Reply to BD Morgan
Arithmetic will never be one of your strong points.
Anthony Iommi
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
Maybe you should read the article.
Anthony Iommi
Content Deactivated
Reply to Danny Sterns
Ah. Rich guy. I'll keep that in mind.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
OTTAWA — A new poll suggests that if Mark Carney wins the Liberal leadership race, he would erase the massive lead the Conservatives have enjoyed for the past year and a half.
A Leger survey suggests a Carney-led party would boost Liberal support by six points to 37 per cent, putting them in a dead heat with the Tories.
The poll says the Liberals are currently at 31 per cent support, the Conservatives are still riding high in majority territory at 40 per cent and the New Democrats are trailing far behind at 14 per cent.
Leger recorded a six-point bump in Liberal support since Jan. 26, after weeks of headlines about U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and calls for Canada to become a U.S. state.
The pollster suggests support for a Liberal party led by Chrystia Freeland would slide three points to 28 per cent, with the Conservatives at 39 per cent.
The poll reached more than 1,500 adults between Feb. 7 and Feb. 10, but can’t be assigned a margin of error because it was conducted online.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 11, 2025
BD Morgan
Content Deactivated
A completely hypothetical question.
If you were running to be PM and were representing yourself as having Canadian interests and values, would you accept endorsements from prominent MAGA supporters?
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to BD Morgan
Nope
The premiers are going back to try again?
Sam Smithmoose
Reply to Sam Smithmoose
Keep the communcations going is the key.
David Amos
Reply to Sam Smithmoose
Eby gets White House pushback after calling Trump's 51st state plan a 'non-starter'
Premiers' White House meeting was constructive, B.C. premier says
Sam Smithmoose
Reply to David Amos
Eby is a good communicator.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Sam Smithmoose
Nope He is just another lawyer to me
I like the way China played the tariffs, it does not care that the price for Chinese goods are going to cost US consumers more.
They just put the brakes on what the US can sell in China, and threatened Google and other companies, not affecting their consumers at all.
David Amos
Reply to John Charlton
Me too
Tom Campbell
Reply to John Charlton
US can't bully China any more and it's not just on tariffs.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to John Charlton
I maintain that we should ignore The Donald and do nothing at all
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
That makes too much sense for a politician to understand.
John Montgomery
Reply to David Amos
For once I agree with you. Wait for him to come to his senses, which is probably never.
David Amos
Reply to John Montgomery
Amazing things never cease
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
It appears we are wasting or precious time again
No matter whether all of these meetings with the US officials by federal and provincial representatives accomplish anything at all - including just more communication - many have noted that just the *threat* of tariffs is a negative impact. Given Trump's talk and action so far I don't see that threat going away any time soon.
David Amos
Reply to Eileen Kinley
Nor I
Sam Smithmoose
Trump is re-appealing everything in the law courts! Musk is having too much control and slashing everything.
Sam Smithmoose
Hopefully the premiers visit in Washington helps. See what happens this with Orange Trump.
Sam Smithmoose
Reply to Sam Smithmoose
*this week with Orange Trump
Eileen Kinley
Reply to Sam Smithmoose
Or Leblanc's meeting with Luttnick yesterday helps.
Sam Smithmoose
Reply to Eileen Kinley
Definitely need Leblanc. Trump administration are not making common sense.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Sam Smithmoose
Nobody is making any sense common or not
Allan Marven
Reply to Eileen Kinley
A spoonerism on that name would be appropriate.
Ronald Miller
I am sure our premier is happy with what is happening south of the border, it distracts people from the mess happening here in our province.
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
Of that I have no doubt
Don Corey
Reply to Ronald Miller
The federal Liberals are sure milking it, and will continue to right down to the last drop. Who could blame them, except we Canadians who'll be paying for their words and actions?
Tom Campbell
If the EU becomes involved in a major conflict, don't expect any help from the Americans. It will be like they did in WWs 1 and 2. They sat back on their haunches making massive amounts of money on the conflicts, until they were dragged into it. German U-boats sank ships up and down the Eastern Seaboard right into the estuary of the St. Lawrence River, including a North Sydney/Port aux Basque passenger ferry, the SS Caribou and the Americans. That is why they were able to build up their military while every one else's was being destroyed.
Gregory Wulf
Reply to Tom Campbell
The shouldn't "expect" our involvement either - particularly if the European nation in question isn't a NATO member.
Tom Campbell
Reply to Tom Campbell
Edit: And the Americans didn't even blink an eye
David Amos
Reply to Gregory Wulf
Of course
Tom Campbell
Reply to Gregory Wulf
If it's a NATO nation, then, yes. If it isn't a NATO then the motives of the aggressor has to be considered, like in previous conflicts.
Hopefully Trump gets impeached and soon.
David Amos
Reply to Denis van humbeck
Dream on
Denis van humbeck
Reply to David Amos
Most Canadians would like for Trump to get impeached. Good chance it will happen.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Denis van humbeck
Spin much?
Albalita Star
Maybe figure out how Gasoline in Maine that comes from a New Brunswick Refinery is 50% cheaper than the same gas in New Brunswick?...Do you think that gives companies in the US an advantage to us?...
Gregory Wulf
Reply to Albalita Star
You have the moral high ground because you're fighting climate change... /s
MR Cain
Reply to Albalita Star
Irving buys crude from the States, refines it, and delivers it through their own station to a market twice the size of ours.
David Amos
Reply to Albalita Star
Surprised???
Albalita Star
Reply to MR Cain
Yes I know...now why Is Maine 50% cheaper...
Albalita Star
Reply to David Amos
More like worried...Canada is pricing it's self out of the game...
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Albalita Star
Its always been that way
Albalita Star
Reply to David Amos
Not this badly....
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Albalita Star
Best confer with the ghost of Louis Riel
MR Cain
Reply to Albalita Star
Look it up. Taxes. Without taxes, they are comparable. This of course excludes the price on pollution as the vast majority of us benefit from the rebate.
MR Cain
Reply to Albalita Star
We also had a premier adding the clean fuel surcharge borne by Canadian consumers instead of the refinery.
BD Morgan
Reply to Albalita Star
I don't believe the idea of becoming the 51st state is gaining much traction outside of the RW base.
Gerry Ford
Sometimes have the white men in a chess game is an advantage.
David Amos
Reply to Gerry Ford
Nay not so
Gerry Ford
Reply to David Amos
The first move can drive the direction.
David Amos
Reply to Gerry Ford
It is also a tell
Talk is cheap, action and results are what count.
David Amos
Reply to Gerry Ford
Yup
Sam Smithmoose
Great job Premiers!
Gerry Ford
Reply to Sam Smithmoose
You can sit around the fire and talk about it all you want, making things happen is what the real game is.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Sam Smithmoose
Yea Right
Sam Smithmoose
Reply to Gerry Ford
Rather difficult when DJT sits in his office.
Don Corey
Reply to Sam Smithmoose
So what exactly do you think they accomplished?
Sam Smithmoose
Reply to Don Corey
Having conservations with US politicians. This can help for them to talk to DJT. He just won’t listen.
Don Corey
Reply to Sam Smithmoose
Hopefully you're right. I doubt it though. We need a new PM who can actually dialogue constructively with Trump.
Nadine Buckmaster
Reply to Don Corey
There is no dialogue constructively with Trump. It's either one hundred percent loyalty or you take what you can get.
Fred Emmersen Turner
Sadly, there will be multiple visits to the Washington DC by the premiers. 4 more years of this uncertainty
David Amos
Reply to Fred Emmersen Turner
Yup
Michael Samson
Reply to Fred Emmersen Turner
No there won't. Why would they go back and forth knowing they are wasting time ?
MR Cain
Reply to Michael Samson
It is called diplomacy.
Michael Samson
Reply to MR Cain
they should "call it a day" if it's not working
MR Cain
Reply to Michael Samson
We have 4 years of lunacy to deal with; there will be plenty diplomacy.
Walter Vrbetic
Dow was down 225pts on a reported 0.5% inflation bump. Wait and see what happens to inflation once tariffs kick in!
David Amos
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
Yup
Walter Vrbetic
Even long time party stalwart, Mitch McConnell, warned today that they were a mistake and would be inflationary.
Dave Wilson
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
Funny how Mitch no longer seeking reelection, suddenly has some integrity.
Walter Vrbetic
Reply to Dave Wilson
Not DjT's attack on Elaine Chao?
Don Corey
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
You are aware that counter tariffs of the same dollar value will be even more inflationary here in Canada?
Walter Vrbetic
Reply to Don Corey
Only if we're purchasing the tariffed items... last go around our tariffs focused on red state products... I'm good without bourbon for the duration.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
Welcome back to the circus
Don Corey
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
Do you struggle with arithmetic?
Walter Vrbetic
Reply to Don Corey
As much as you do with logic.
Don Corey
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
Interesting that you mention logic, since it seems to be missing from most of what you post here.
Mike Fowler
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
Mitch's state is one of the targets.
Gerry Ford
Well once the US have heard from Legault, they well may vote to put up a border wall at Quebec for free.
David Amos
Reply to Gerry Ford
Dream on
Brian McHomen
Good job Team Canada 🇨🇦. Good to see Canadians united
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Brian McHomen
Surely you jest
Denis van humbeck
Trump and his followers are to blame for all this.
Dave Wilson
Reply to Denis van humbeck
It's not like people weren't given ample warning about the right.
David Amos
Reply to Dave Wilson
True
Allan Marven
Power out here in St George area. Hope the Lepreau guys are enjoying their stay in Paris. Maybe Jt will visit them to brighten their day.
David Amos
Reply to Bill Watson
Of that I have no doubt
Bill Watson
Got to head out, guys, on a Costco run. I was a slice.
Allan Marven
Reply to Bill Watson
Stock up on beer too. 15% increase Saturday Another 2 bucks in April....shop Canadian LOL.
Harison Faraday
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
a slice of bologna
Bill Watson
Reply to Harison Faraday
Whatever. Have fun with the other guys. Their opinions are entertaining.
Bill Watson
Reply to Allan Marven
I only buy beer in the US.
Harison Faraday
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
so not real beerr
Bill Watson
Reply to Harison Faraday
Coors Light. Nature's perfect beer. You know they use Rocky Mountain spring water.
Rosemary Hughes
Reply to Bill Watson
So you buy water in the US?
Arron Wheatly
Reply to Bill Watson
Sure they do. More like the water company's name is Rocky Mountain.
David Amos
Reply to Allan Marven
Wow
John Pokiok
400 million dollars over budget tell me again how is this government different from Gallant one.
Allan Marven
Reply to John Pokiok
We don't care. The plan to get rid og Higgs was a sucess
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Allan Marven
Who is "We"???
Don Corey
Reply to Allan Marven
Speak for yourself.
Allan Marven
Reply to Don Corey
I did, and all the people in his riding too.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
Some of them voted for me
Don Corey
Reply to Allan Marven
All of them????
MR Cain
Reply to John Pokiok
Higgs left us with a huge mess to clean up; more than the "surplus" he starved us over.
Mario Doucet
quebc as prevented any development of atlantic canada
Dan Lee
Reply to Mario Doucet
outhouse is in the house
Allan Marven
Reply to Mario Doucet
Hopefully when they separate, they ask us to go with them. Would own the St Lawrence Seaway canadian side.
Gerry Ford
Reply to Allan Marven
Doesn't work like that
David Amos
Reply to Gerry Ford
How so?
Gerry Ford
Reply to David Amos
Read up on it, there's a specific agreement that controls that waterway.
David Amos
Reply to Gerry Ford
After separation???
Gerry Ford
Reply to David Amos
You mean if Quebec did?
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Gerry Ford
Mr Marven said "Hopefully when they separate, they ask us to go with them"
Gerry Ford
Reply to David Amos
Means nothing, not going to happen
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Gerry Ford
Why did you try to argue him?
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
I have no interest in going with "them".....ain't gonna happen.
Mario Doucet
canada knew this was coming but the liberals chose to focus on 10 dollar a day day care instead
Bill Watson
Reply to Mario Doucet
I sure didn't agree with government funded daycare. The wife looked after our three daughters.
Don Corey
Reply to Mario Doucet
And $40 billion in tax subsidies to foreign-owned companies to produce batteries for EV's.
David Amos
Reply to Mario Doucet
Go Figure
John Pokiok
400 million dollars over budget tell me again how is this liberal government different from previous one.
Dan Lee
Reply to John Pokiok
thats just a day s subsidy that smith gives to trump for the oil
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to John Pokiok
We get the governments we deserve
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Do we ever.
Harison Faraday
Content Deactivated
12 premiers standing up for Canada
one hadda be draggedd..kkickingg...and scream , ing
Marcel Belanger
Content Deactivated
Reply to Harison Faraday
Yep, but she seems to be having big problems right now.
Dan Lee
Reply to Harison Faraday
hmmmm....nobody had any bills to put in her hands
Bill Watson
Reply to Harison Faraday
Which one?
Harison Faraday
Content Deactivated
Reply to Bill Watson
tthe one who's a urban transit planner
Bill Watson
Content Deactivated
Reply to Harison Faraday
That trans person who is Premier of NB?
David Amos
Reply to Harison Faraday
No doubt
Dan Lee
cut the hydro and the oil for a couple days........see how fast he reacts
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Dan Lee
It would be quite a hoot
David Amos
Reply to Dan Lee
Bingo
Jack Straw
Susan Collins?? The woman will change her mind in a NY Minute. She says one thing and then does the opposite. Do not take her seriously. Until layoffs hit and price increases show up this trip like the others is a waste of taxpayers' money.
David Amos
Reply to Jack Straw
Oh So True
King and other premiers hit Washington hoping to open Americans' eyes to 'quicksand' of tariff fallout
'It's going to cost them more to live every day,' says P.E.I. premier
Prince Edward Island's premier says Canada's ongoing trade dispute with the United States will ultimately lead to a higher cost of living for people on both sides of the border.
Dennis King was in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, along with other Canadian premiers, to talk with leaders in the U.S. about the strained trade relationship between the two countries.
The trip comes just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced punishing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum — with the threat of more tariffs looming.
"Sometimes in politics and business, you have to deal with shifting sand, but this is like quicksand under our feet," King told CBC News of the political and economic uncertainty levied by Trump.
"The rules just keep changing, and I think it's frustrating for many of the politicians that we're speaking to south of the border."
At the moment, the U.S. is threatening two actions:
- An economy-wide 25 per cent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico has been paused until March 4 as the Trump administration works on border-security deals with both countries.
- A tariff of 25 per cent on steel and aluminum imported into the U.S. from anywhere in the world is set to start March 12. On Tuesday night, Trump said the Canada-wide tariff would be bundled on top of the other 25 per cent tariff for aluminum and steel products.
Meanwhile, Trump is threatening even more tariffs for a variety of reasons, including on automobiles.
U.S.
President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order on aluminum
tariffs this week, alongside his point man on tariffs, Commerce
Secretary Howard Lutnick. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
The U.S. is deeply reliant on Canadian aluminum, in particular, and critics of the tariffs say they will merely punish U.S. companies importing a product they will need for the foreseeable future.
King said that punishment will ultimately be passed along to consumers.
"At the end of the day, it's what the consumer pays at the grocery store, what they pay for their electric bill that's going to really be the defining factor in this," he said.
"I think Americans will begin to see that the tariffs mean it's going to cost them more to live every day, and I don't think that's what they signed up for in November when they chose the path they have."
51st state idea 'wrong-headed'
Taken together, Trump's proposed tariffs are so punitive that many question whether the president's threats are real or merely leverage for negotiations to get the best terms on a new three-way trade deal involving the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Trudeau says Trump’s comments about absorbing Canada are seriousAdding fuel to the fire, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was recently heard on a hot mic telling business leaders at the Canada-U.S. Economic Summit in Toronto that Trump's threat to annex Canada as a 51st American state "is a real thing" motivated by a desire to tap into this country's critical minerals.
"Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing," Trudeau said, before a microphone cut out at the start of the closed-door meeting.
King said Tuesday he was "offended" at the notion of annexation.
"I think it's short-sighted and… wrong-headed. We're going to stand up for ourselves, and our best relationship with the United States is one that's fair on both sides of the border," he said.
"We can't be kicked around for too long. I think we're going to kick back."
With files from Kate McKenna
Skyler José
Who did they meet with?
Eileen Kinley
Reply to Skyler José
I just heard a clip on radio that at least some of the meeting/speeches where to groups that are already against the tariffs, and in some cases the crowd was mostly Canadians.
George Finn
Reply to Eileen Kinley
so a waste of money and time for our leaders to be making trips to the US. what do they think to accomplish?
Eileen Kinley
Reply to George Finn
At this point I tend to agree that it is likely a waste of time.
George Finn
Reply to Eileen Kinley
by going to the US and pestering them will only encourage the same rhetoric. I'm disappointed in our leaders for not using common sense. To be honest I feel that they already knew this (people are not that slow witted) and jumped at the chance for a road trip. Bet they even indulged in libations and some outlet shopping.
George Finn
I'm completely frustrated with King and his people making trips to Washington. To what end?? It's a complete waste of time knowing that it's impossible to negotiate with Trump when he's clearly has shown it will only make matters worse with Canada by trying to appease.
anyone with any inkling of common sense knows that's it's a complete waste of time to try and convince Trumps and his underlings that tariffs will hurt them. we've seen this already. So are these so called trips to Washington an excuse for a fun road trip?
Paul Greenspan
Reply to George Finn
What we need is Danielle Smith on board.Mr.Trump is a bully and on March 4th said he will be toying with the idea that he will up the tariffs to 50%. This has nothing to do with fair trade or border control.Trump pushed and got border control from Canada.That won't be enough and it never will be enough.Trump just wants control and power over others.Why did he only place a 10% tariff on oil? Because he needs it! USA gets 605% of their crude from Canada so if Trump wants to play hardball, then hit him with much larger tariffs on oil!.You need to stand up to a bully because if you don't, they'll push and push you everyday of your life.
George Finn
Reply to Paul Greenspan
we could do a tit for tat... see where that gets us. However we may not have a choice regardless. I truly believe we could place this scenario in a school yard with bullies'.. and how does that typically end??
AN Dufrane
Reply to George Finn
You are right. Dennis cant get much done here so what makes him this he will change anything down there? This is laughable
Anything for another trip.
Paul Greenspan
Reply to George Finn
As an educator, I know how it used to end but these days , woke society allows the bully to say "sorry" and continue on until the outcome escalates.I have no idea how this particular scenario, on a global scale , will end. Our Premier says they will pay higher prices but both countries' citizens will pay higher prices.It is a lose - lose.
George Finn
Reply to Paul Greenspan
yes and all orchestrated by Trump. Do you think perhaps his angle truly is to cripple Canada economically so we end up crawling to the US as a state?
Seems to me that's the purpose. There's no other explanation because all else makes no logical sense.
Paul Greenspan
Reply to George Finn
Absolutely!
Skyler José
How big was the PEI delegation?
Dave White
Reply to Skyler José
I am sure lots of tax money worth.
Freddie Fender
This is a Federal issue. Why would King and his people even think they could do anything. I home they took a map to show Trump where PEI is.
Mike Hamilton
Reply to Freddie Fender
Trump would call the map fake news.
Paul Adams
Reply to Mike Hamilton
He'd probably rename the Northumberland Strait the Strait of America
Dennis Woodman
Reply to Freddie Fender
Because we are basically leaderless federally.
Dave White
Reply to Freddie Fender
Some DC hotels, sight seeing and nice resturants?
Holt government will spend $19,000 US per month lobbying Washington
New Brunswick hires Nashville-based firm with Republican ties to press province’s case against tariffs
The New Brunswick government will spend more than $19,000 US per month of taxpayer dollars on a Republican-connected lobbying firm to advance its case against U.S. tariffs in Washington.
The province has hired the Ingram Group, headed by a former chief of staff to a Republican senator, to help develop strategy and organize meetings with Trump administration officials, elected members of Congress and staffers.
Premier Susan Holt told CBC News she's not an expert on how Washington works, and it was essential to find a "partner" who could help the province operate effectively there.
"We want to make sure that we are focusing our time and energy on the right people, that we are getting through to them with the right messages," she said Friday morning after her return from a trip to Washington with other Canadian premiers.
Premier
Susan Holt told CBC News she’s not an expert on how Washington works,
and it was essential to find a partner who could help the province
operate effectively there. (Ben Curtis/Associated Press)
U.S. President Donald Trump said Feb. 3 he would put threatened tariffs on Canadian products on hold for 30 days to see if "an economic deal" with Canada could be struck.
Holt said meetings in the U.S. capital can take months to arrange and "we don't have months, we have weeks."
"We were looking for the right partner who could get us meetings quickly, make sure we made the best use of that time and can also help with followup, because I can't spend all my time in Washington."
U.S.
President Donald Trump said Feb. 3 he would put threatened tariffs on
Canadian products on hold for 30 days to see if 'an economic deal' with
Canada could be struck. (Alex Brandon/The Associated Press)
The contract, dated Feb. 3 and worth almost $27,000 per month in Canadian dollars, was first reported by O'Dwyer's, an American online newsletter devoted to the public relations and marketing sectors.
There's no fixed duration for the contract but it's cancelable with 30 days' notice by either party.
St. Thomas University political scientist Jamie Gillies, who studies how access to power works in the U.S., said hiring lobbyists is essential to getting things done there.
Premier Susan Holt went to Washington. Here’s what she said happened"From years of studying Washington and the way lobbying works and the way money gets accessed, it's a good idea," he said.
"It's the nature of the game. Money has always been present in Washington."
St.
Thomas University political scientist Jamie Gillies, who studies how
access to power works in the U.S., said hiring lobbyists is essential to
getting things done there. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
The Nashville-based Ingram Group is headed by Tom Ingram, a former chief of staff to one-time Tennessee Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander.
"New Brunswick has a story to tell and an economy to protect," Ingram wrote in a letter that was part of its public filing under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
"Our team has extensive experience in a number of areas that could be beneficial as we work to protect New Brunswick commodities before the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration."
In a statement to CBC News, Ingram said, "our overarching goal is simple: solve problems and maximize opportunities."
The previous Liberal government of Brian Gallant hired David Wilkins, an influential South Carolina Republican and former U.S. ambassador to Canada, to lobby the first Trump administration on softwood lumber tariffs.
The
Nashville-based Ingram Group is headed by Tom Ingram, pictured, a
former chief of staff to one-time Tennessee Republican Sen. Lamar
Alexander. (The Ingram Group)
Wilkins billed New Brunswick $40,000 Cdn per month and got Gallant meetings with Trump's director of the Office of Management and Budget and with Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, among others, in 2018.
The softwood lumber tariffs remain in place, however.
The Ingram contract was subcontracted through Jordan O'Brien, a former Liberal government adviser to premiers Shawn Graham and Gallant and now a partner at the Fredericton marketing firm Porter O'Brien.
Jacqueline Durnford, a senior associate at Porter O'Brien, managed Holt's local riding campaign in Fredericton South-Silverwood.
"We reached out to Porter O'Brien because they're in our neck of the woods, to ask if they knew anybody, and they did," Holt said.
"So it was them that did the introduction and the connection to the firm in the U.S."
The
previous Liberal government of Brian Gallant, left, hired David
Wilkins, right, an influential South Carolina Republican and former U.S.
ambassador to Canada, to lobby the first Trump administration on
softwood lumber tariffs. (CBC, Blair Gable/Reuters)
O'Brien turned down a request for comment.
"I would defer to my client for them to comment on our work," he said.
Ingram said in his statement that his firm has worked with Porter O'Brien for three years.
According to Ingram's public registration as a foreign agent, two lobbyists with the firm will take the lead representing New Brunswick.
Amanda Kelsey is a former staffer to Sen. Mitch McConnell and former director of government affairs for the American Conservative Union.
The
Ingram contract was subcontracted through Jordan O’Brien, pictured, a
former Liberal government adviser to premiers Shawn Graham and Brian
Gallant, and now a partner at the Fredericton marketing firm Porter
O’Brien. O'Brien turned down a request for comment. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
Brandi Lowell worked for two Democratic members of Congress from Tennessee and at the U.S. embassy in Mexico as part of its narcotics affairs section.
The $19,000 US expense is on top of New Brunswick's contribution to the $85,000 cost of hiring another Republican lobbyist to help organize meetings during the visit by Canada's premiers to Washington this week.
That expense was covered by the Council of the Federation, the organization of 13 provincial and territorial premiers.
It led to the premiers being invited to the White House to meet Trump's deputy chief of staff for legislative affairs James Blair, who said on social media afterward that "we never agreed that Canada would not be the 51st state."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
How a meeting with Donald Trump Jr. led Canada's premiers to an $85,000-a-month lobbying firm
'We were all hanging out,' says Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai
How did Canada's premiers end up hiring a Washington lobbying firm for $85,000 US a month? The story involves a meeting with Donald Trump Jr.
It was at an encounter with the president's son that one of them met the head of a lobby firm that helped organize the premiers' visit to Washington this week.
The Council of the Federation — the grouping of the 13 provincial and territorial leaders — hired Checkmate Government Relations LLC to help it connect with U.S. officials in hope of averting a trade war.
Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai says he and his counterparts decided to act late last year, following Chrystia Freeland's surprise resignation from the federal cabinet.
He says they were all meeting at an airport Hilton in Mississauga, Ont., at the time, talking strategy about how to deal with the tariff threats then being raised by president-elect Donald Trump. Three former ambassadors to Washington were also in the room, and the old political hands swiftly realized Freeland's departure was a crisis imperilling the Trudeau government, and would mark "a significant change," to how Ottawa would deal with Washington.
"At that moment, we all knew that we had to do what we could," Pillai told reporters this week, as the premiers visited the U.S. capital.
Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai arrives for a first ministers meeting in Ottawa on Jan.15. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
He reached out quickly to the president's son, whom he'd met once before, and was invited to a get-together days later in North Carolina.
Pillai says he raised the subject of trade tensions. Donald Jr. made clear he did not speak for the incoming administration. But among the people in the room was a young lobbyist who introduced himself — Charles F. McDowell IV, a hunting buddy of the younger Trump and a partner at Checkmate Government Relations.
"We were all hanging out. There was a number of people there together," he said.
Pillai later mentioned McDowell to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the current chair of the Council of the Federation, who was soliciting ideas as they began planning a Washington visit.
Pillai said he told Ford: "Look, this is somebody I think that has maybe an effective ability to deal with the Trump administration or to get the doors open."
The resulting contract is available for public viewing online thanks to the U.S. Foreign Agent Registration Act. It says the firm will help the premiers, but makes no promises about the outcome of any talks.
Donald Trump Jr., centre, attends the inauguration of his father, U.S. President Donald Trump, on Jan 20. (Shawn Thew/Reuters)
The company also employs Chris LaCivita Jr., the son of Donald Trump's campaign co-chair.
The firm is new to Washington. It has its roots in North Carolina but has moved to the capital, just as co-founder and McDowell's brother, Addison McDowell, entered Congress this year.
One source of Canada-U.S. tension — the trafficking of fentanyl, Trump's initial stated rationale for imposing tariffs — is personal to the family. Another McDowell sibling, Luke, died of fentanyl poisoning in 2016. Last week, the day before what would have been his 29th birthday, Addison McDowell gave his first speech in the House in support of an anti-fentanyl bill.
"He was only 20 years old. It changed everything for our family," the freshman Republican from North Carolina said. "There is not a day that goes by that we don't feel the pain of that loss."
The results of the premiers' visit are far from clear. They got meetings with two relatively high-level White House officials, who promised to pass along their concerns but offered no guarantees.
Premiers describe ‘constructive’ meeting with Trump officials in WashingtonBut after the meeting one of those officials, deputy chief of staff for legislative affairs James Blair, posted a tweet that infuriated a number of Canadians, saying that the meeting had been "pleasant " but that: "We never agreed that Canada would not be the 51st state."
Trump also continued to heap verbal abuse on Canada, on Thursday again belittling its military and economy, adding: "I think Canada is going to be a very serious contender to be our 51st state."
Pillai says he doesn't want to get distracted by the talk of statehood. He says he's focused on the immediate problem of preventing tariffs.
"[Let's] just be laser-focused on what we have to do. Like, there's a border issue. We've responded," he said.
"Donald Trump's not going to own the Arctic and he's not going to own Canada. But he will own inflation if these tariffs come in the way they possibly can."
One source, speaking on condition they not be named, who was involved in the visit said the premiers had been hoping to meet the president this week, but got the meeting they did via their new lobbyist.
Another premier hinted the firm had, indeed, helped set up that White House meeting.
"I think it's really important that we're in these rooms," B.C. Premier David Eby said.
"This was a meeting on short notice with senior decision-makers."
He noted that it's a busy week in Washington. Getting meetings was not guaranteed.
"I was glad for the conversation," Eby said. "I'm glad they made the time."
Premier says 'there's always an opportunity' to negotiate when it comes to TrumpABOUT THE AUTHOR
7534
b) Name and title of official(s) with whom registrant engages
Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 02/05/2025 5:16:09 PM
INSTRUCTIONS. Furnish this exhibit for EACH foreign principal listed in an initial statement and for EACH additional foreign principal acquired
subsequently. The filing of this document requires the payment of a filing fee as set forth in Rule (d)(1), 28 C.F.R. § 5.5(d)(1). Compliance is
accomplished by filing an electronic Exhibit A form at https.7/www.fara.gov.
Privacy Act Statement. The filing of this document is required by the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. § 611 er seq.,
for the purposes of registration under the Act and public disclosure. Provision of the information requested is mandatory, and failure to provide this
information is subject to the penalty and enforcement provisions established in Section 8 of the Act. Every registration statement, short form
registration statement, supplemental statement, exhibit, amendment, copy of informational materials or other document or information filed with the
Attorney General under this Act is a public record open to public exammation, inspection and copying during the posted business hours of the
FARA Unit in Washington, DC. Statements are also available online at the FARA Unit’s webpage: https://www.fara.gov. One copy of every such
document, other than informational materials, is automatically provided to the Secretary of State pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Act, and copies of
any and all documents are routinely made available to other agencies, departments and Congress pursuant to Section 6(c) of the Act. The Attorney
General also transmits a semi-annual report to Congress on the administration of the Act which lists the names of all agents registered under the Act
and the foreign principals they represent. This report is available to the public in print and online at: https://www.fara.gov.
6. Country/Region Represented
CANADA
1 "Government of a foreign country," as defined in Section 1(e) of the Act, includes any person or group of persons exercising sovereign de facto or de jure political jurisdiction
over any country, other than the United States, or over any part of such country, and includes any subdivision of any such group and any group or agency to which such sovereign de
facto or de jure authority or functions are directly or indirectly delegated. Such term shall include any faction or body of insurgents within a country assuming to exercise
governmental authority whether such faction or body of insurgents has or has not been recognized by the United States.
U.S. Department of Justice
Washington, DC 20530
1. Name of Registrant
Checkmate Government Relations LLC
FORM NSD-3
Revised 10/23
3. Primary Address of Registrant
121-A Reyno!da village Way, winston-Salem, NC 27106
8. If the foreign principal is a foreign government, state:
a) Branch or agency represented by the registrant
4. Name of Foreign Principal
Council of the Federation secretariat
5. Address of Foreign Principal
360 Albert Street, Suite 630
Ottawa, Ontario
CANADA KIR 7X76 7 8
February 3, 2025
Dear Ms. O’Connor
Council of the Federation Secretariat/Secretariat du Conseil de la federation
Loretta O’Connor
Executive Director
It is understood that CGR will use its best efforts and reasonable skill in furtherance of this
representation and provision of the Services to Client. Client and CGR will comply with all
applicable requirements of federal ethics regulations, federal registration and disclosure
requirements, and federal election laws and regulations regarding activities undertaken during
the term of this Agreement.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide Council of the Federation Secretariat (“Client”) with
our firm’s services. This letter constitutes the proposal of Checkmate Government Relations
LLC (“CGR”) to represent Client on federal governmental relations matters in Washington, D.C.
hereto (collectively, the “Services”). Upon Client’s execution hereof, this letter will constitute
our agreement (this “Agreement”).
As compensation for the Services, Client shall pay to CGR a fee of eighty five thousand and
00/100 Dollars ($85,000.00) per month (the “Fee”), payable in advance on the first day of each
month or upon receipt of invoice from CGR, commencing February 1,2025.
CGR agrees to maintain all aspects of this representation in the utmost confidence and to take
all reasonable measures to protect the confidence of Client. All discussions between Client
personnel and CGR staff will be kept confidential unless permission is expressly given by you
or your representatives to disclose such information. This obligation of confidentiality shall
survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
As part of this Agreement, CGR may recommend to Client that Client join and/or sponsor
certain state, national, or other organizations, to the extent permissible, and/or retain other
In addition to the Fee, Client will be responsible for any fees related to any registration and
disclosure required of CGR and for reasonable expenses related to the representation by CGR
on behalf of Client. Any reimbursable expenses over one hundred dollars ($100) will be
submitted for approval before incurred. It is understood that such fees and expenses will be
paid within thirty (30) days of receipt of invoice and any required supporting documentation
detailing such fees and expenses.
CHECKMATE
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 02/05/2025 5:16:12 PM
Sincerely J
(Signature and approval page attached below)
Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 02/05/2025 5:16:12 PM
Charles F. McDowell IV
Managing Partner, Checkmate Government Relations
If the foregoing terms are acceptable, please sign below to indicate your approval of this
Agreement on behalf of Client. We look forward to working with you.
This Agreement is binding until terminated by either party for any reason upon thirty (30) days’
prior written notice. If any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed unenforceable, this
Agreement shall be construed as if such provision were not a part of the Agreement and all
other provisions shall remain enforceable. This Agreement may not be assigned without the
prior written consent of the other party and any such assignment is binding on the parties hereto
and their respective principals, successors, and assigns.
outside assets, contractors, or service providers to accomplish the goals of the agreed-upon
statement of work. There may also be circumstances where it is advantageous for Client to
hire or retain additional parties. If any of the aforementioned actions are taken by Client, fees,
dues, and/or compensation of additional parties retained on behalf of Client shall be the
financial responsibility of Client and shall not be part of the Fee covered by this Agreement
between Client and CGR.
Client acknowledges that CGR has not made any promise or guarantee concerning the
outcome or results of the Services or the total amount of fees and expenses which may be
incurred by Client as those things are impossible to determine until the services have been
completed.
The Services will be provided within the context of this Agreement. This Agreement is entered
into pursuant to the laws of the State of North Carolina and the United States of America, which
laws shall govern its interpretation and enforcement, without regard to conflicts of law
principles. Any questions about the terms of this Agreement should be directed to your
attorney. Any questions about the status of work by CGR on behalf of Client should be directed
to the attention of myself or such person as I may direct to appropriately address your query.
CGR employs professionals who maintain licenses as attorneys, however, this Agreement is
not a contract for legal services. It is understood, by virtue of this Agreement, that any such
person employed by CGR is not forming an attorney-client relationship with you and is not
being hired or held out to be acting in his capacity as an attorney for the course of your
representation. Additionally, it is understood that CGR is not a law firm and does not offer legal
services and that Client acknowledges that no one at CGR has provided Client with legal advice
regarding the terms of this Agreement or any services provided by CGR to Client.
Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 02/05/2025 5:16:12 PM
BY
Loretta O'Connor
NAME
Council of the Federation Secretariat
COMPANY
Executive Director
TITLE
February 3, 2025
DATE
Bills should be sent to:
Loretta@canadaspremiers.ca
Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 02/05/2025 5:16:12 PM
Charles F. McDowell IV – “Ches” – leads Checkmate’s team and focuses primarily on the North Carolina General Assembly and the North Carolina Congressional Delegation.
He has delivered victories for clients in health care, financial services, entertainment, technology, outdoor sports, aviation,municipal government, nonprofits, state-wide associations, elections, energy, pharmaceuticals, real estate development, gaming, and professional sports.
He has been selected as one of the top 10 lobbyists in North Carolina by the North State Journal – every year they have done the poll – and has received honorable mentions for representing a diverse portfolio.
Ches was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® in 2023 and 2024 for Government Relations Practice. He was selected by Triad Business Journal as one of its “40 Leaders Under 40” in 2021. Ches was recognized as a “Young Gun” in 2019 by Business North Carolina magazine.
Ches’
career began while he was earning an undergraduate degree at North
Carolina State. He became one of the only college students to work full
time at the legislature, where he managed various projects for State
Senate Leader Phil Berger.
Ches also remains committed to civic engagement and serves his community
and state in multiple capacities, including as a Trustee at the
University of North Carolina School of the Arts and a member of the
Board of Visitors of Campbell Law School. In addition, he serves on the
National Board of Directors for Cross Trail Outfitters, on the Host
Committee for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s annual Wine,
Wheels, and Wildlife fundraiser, and as Deputy Province Commander of the
Kappa Alpha Order’s Smith Province.
Nelson Freeman has represented a diverse set of clients before Congress and state legislatures. His policy expertise is financial services, emerging technology, energy, and agriculture. His background as both a tax policy advisor and a legislative liaison for the Department of Revenue have helped him deliver advocacy victories for nationally chartered banks, state chartered banks, electronic transaction corporations, and financial technology (FinTech) start-ups, as well as clients benefiting from energy and environmental incentives.
Nelson also worked nearly a decade for a large international membership advocacy organization in Washington, D.C. There, he managed the entire public affairs program—including in-house lobbyists, external lobbying firms, and public relations consultants—and acted as an industry wide coordinator for international, national, and state-based lobbying.
Fritz Vaughan brings two decades of experience in law and politics and provides clients a whole board perspective on policy trends across the federal and multi-state levels. Fritz leads the firm’s federal efforts related to the financial services industry, and he has advised a range of clients in other highly regulated industries, including gaming, tobacco, energy, and life sciences.
Fritz’s government experience includes serving as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Treasury Department, Senior Counsel for the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at The White House, and as a judicial clerk for the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He also has worked on and advised presidential and congressional campaigns. In addition to his government and political experience, Fritz has helped clients address high-stakes issues in private legal practice, where he focused on white collar and securities litigation, regulatory investigations, and corporate governance matters.
121-A Reynolda Village Way,
info@checkmategr.com
February 12, 2025
All 13 of Canada’s Premiers travelled to Washington, D.C. this week as part of a joint mission to strengthen Canada-U.S. relations. Doug Ford, Chair of the Council of the Federation, led the group of Premiers, who are united in their view that tariffs on Canadian goods, if implemented, would hurt workers and businesses on both sides of the border.
Canada’s Premiers met with bipartisan members of Congress, and American and Canadian business leaders. Canada’s Premiers were also invited to the White House to meet with senior advisers to President Trump. During this discussion, Canada’s Premiers stressed the need to work together to avoid tariffs which would hurt workers on both sides of the border. They also listened and learned about opportunities to work with the Trump administration to align on and achieve shared priorities, including creating jobs, growing economies and protecting communities from the impact of fentanyl and other illegal drugs.
The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.
– 30 –
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Kristine Bunker
Assistant Director | Issues & Media Relations
Cabinet Office Communications
(437) 778-4306
kristine.bunker2@ontario.ca
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvl6LQYbSBk
94 Comments
Looking Death in the Eye ("this tells us 3 things") | Curse of Politics
Air Quotes MediaFeb 19, 2025
David Herle, Scott Reid, Jordan Leichnitz, and while Kory Teneycke is away for the Ontario election, we've got special guest Deb Hutton here to provide insights on the latest in Canadian politics.
19 Comments
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Subject: Yo Mr Herle I just called again Correct?
To: <contact@airquotesmedia.com>, rfife <rfife@globeandmail.com>, Robert. Jones <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, David.Akin <David.Akin@globalnews.ca>, <info@checkmategr.com>, hon.melanie.joly <hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, <ps.ministerofpublicsafety-ministredelasecuritepublique.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, <Loretta@canadaspremiers.ca>, <bdara@ontarioliberal.ca>, <info@feschuk-reid.com>, <kristine.bunker2@ontario.ca>
Cc: <herle@rubiconstrategy.com>, Michael.Duheme <Michael.Duheme@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Mark.Blakely <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, washington field <washington.field@ic.fbi.gov>, <info@on.ndp.ca>, Leader's Office <leader@gpo.ca>, <contact@ontariondp.ca>, <bonnie@ontarioliberal.ca>, <daniel@rubiconstrategy.com>, <jkott@capitolcounsel.com>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, premier <premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>, <premierministre@quebec.ca>, Premier <premier@novascotia.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, premier <premier@gnb.ca>, <premier@yukon.ca>, <pakeeagok6@gov.nu.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>
Paul Palango + the Political Panel with Jenni and Chris | The Herle Burly
6 Comments
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Feb 18, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Subject: Fwd: Trump makes request of the Supreme Court
To: <info@mikeforguelph.ca>, <info@on.ndp.ca>, Leader's Office <leader@gpo.ca>, <contact@ontariondp.ca>, <bonnie@ontarioliberal.ca>, <daniel@rubiconstrategy.com>, <jkott@capitolcounsel.com>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, premier <premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>, <premierministre@quebec.ca>, Premier <premier@novascotia.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, premier <premier@gnb.ca>, <premier@yukon.ca>, <pakeeagok6@gov.nu.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>
Cc: <contact@airquotesmedia.com>, rfife <rfife@globeandmail.com>, Robert. Jones <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, David.Akin <David.Akin@globalnews.ca>, <info@checkmategr.com>, hon.melanie.joly <hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, <ps.ministerofpublicsafety-ministredelasecuritepublique.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, <Loretta@canadaspremiers.ca>, <bdara@ontarioliberal.ca>, <info@feschuk-reid.com>, <herle@rubiconstrategy.com>, <kristine.bunker2@ontario.ca>
I just called and talked to Morgan Correct?
Contact
Email: info@mikeforguelph.ca
Call/Text: 519-710-6453
Address: 21 Gordon Street, Guelph, ON N1H 4G8
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Subject: Re: Trump makes request of the Supreme Court
To: Leader's Office <leader@gpo.ca>
From: Leader's Office <leader@gpo.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Subject: Re: Trump makes request of the Supreme Court
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for your email. You have reached the office of the Leader of the Ontario Greens.
If you live in Guelph and are trying to reach Mike Schreiner, please contact mschreiner-co@ola.org, or call 519-836-4190.
Please note that we receive a lot of correspondence so it may take several days for us to respond.
If you are emailing from the media please call us at 888-647-3366 or email us at media@gpo.ca
Thank you once again for contacting me
Mike Schreiner
Leader
Green Party of Ontario
{#HS:2852116339-234814#}Mike Schreiner
Leader
Green Party of Ontario
From: Minister of Finance / Ministre des Finances <minister-ministre@fin.gc.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: Trump makes request of the Supreme Court
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
The
Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic
correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your
comments.
Le ministère des Finances Canada accuse réception de votre courriel. Nous vous assurons que vos commentaires sont les bienvenus.
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Subject: Trump makes request of the Supreme Court
To: <info@on.ndp.ca>, <leader@gpo.ca>, <contact@ontariondp.ca>, <bonnie@ontarioliberal.ca>, <daniel@rubiconstrategy.com>, <jkott@capitolcounsel.com>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, premier <premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>, <premierministre@quebec.ca>, Premier <premier@novascotia.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, premier <premier@gnb.ca>, <premier@yukon.ca>, <pakeeagok6@gov.nu.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>
Cc: <contact@airquotesmedia.com>, rfife <rfife@globeandmail.com>, Robert. Jones <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, David.Akin <David.Akin@globalnews.ca>, <info@checkmategr.com>, hon.melanie.joly <hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, <ps.ministerofpublicsafety-ministredelasecuritepublique.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, <Loretta@canadaspremiers.ca>, <bdara@ontarioliberal.ca>, <info@feschuk-reid.com>, <herle@rubiconstrategy.com>, <kristine.bunker2@ontario.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Subject: Trump makes request of the Supreme Court
To: Friend <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
|
|
|
|
|
21 Comments
How the leaders' debate affects the rest of the Ontario election campaign
Liberal's Bonnie Crombie told Doug Ford, 'You were raised privileged,' as she amps up attacks on PC leader
Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford's campaign slogan is "Protect Ontario," but during the province-wide leaders' debate on Monday night, he seemed to switch it to "Protect My Lead."
Ford played it safe for the 90 minutes of televised debate time, and he played it even safer after the broadcast by skipping out on the scheduled post-debate news conferences.
That's the second straight time Ford has refused to participate in a post-debate Q and A, as he did the same thing on Friday after the northern debate. This means Ford has now gone more than a week without taking any questions from reporters on Ontario soil, smack-dab in the middle of an election campaign that lasts just four weeks.
It's all part of a very clear Ford strategy that was also on display during the debate: sticking to his single-minded campaign message of protecting Ontario from the threat of tariffs, and spending as little time as possible talking about anything else.
Among Ford's rivals, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie was the most aggressive at attempting to knock him off his talking points.
The debate format gave each leader one opportunity to go one-on-one against each other for two minutes, and Crombie started off her segment with Ford with a bang.
Crombie to Ford: 'Why should anyone trust a word you say?' "Doug, I have one question for you and one question only," Crombie said, as she appeared on a split screen with Ford. "After seven years of lies, why should anyone trust a word you say?"
Crombie — who spent some of her childhood living in a rooming house — ratcheted up her attack on Ford near the end of the debate with a comment about him being born into wealth.
'Silver spoon in your mouth'
"You don't get the plight of real people because you were raised privileged, with a silver spoon in your mouth," Crombie said. "You didn't have to work for anything. You had a company handed to you, Doug, so you don't understand how expensive things are today. I bet you couldn't tell me what the cost of eggs are."
If Ford didn't know the price of eggs before the debate, guaranteed that his handlers will tell him by the next time he faces reporters.
Crombie is attempting to chip away at the "For The People" persona that Ford has successfully portrayed throughout his time in politics. That's a rather difficult task.
Laryssa Waler, Ford's former communications director, says Liberal and NDP messaging has typically failed to hurt Ford because it's been attacking a version of him that she says doesn't exist.
"You can't convince everyday voters that Doug Ford doesn't care about you, because he genuinely does," said Waler in a recent interview.
When NDP Leader Marit Stiles had her two-minute opportunity to go one-on-one with Ford, in contrast to Crombie, she spent nearly 45 seconds on preamble, before getting around to tackling him on per-student funding in the school system.
'Class sizes are huge'
Near the end of that two-minute exchange, Stiles challenged Ford's boast about hiring more teachers.
"Parents with kids in our schools right now, they know that that's not true. The class sizes are huge," said Stiles. "You've actually reduced funding by $1,500 per student."
The NDP issued a news release declaring Stiles the winner of the debate. Although she came across as comfortable and warm on screen, it's quite a challenge to find moments where Stiles said something particularly punchy and memorable.
Stiles did drop a mini-bombshell against Crombie, alleging the Liberals received $25,000 in political donations from what she called "private health-care insiders."
Asked for further details, an NDP official provided a list of 11 Liberal donors, including executives of companies involved in long-term care homes, medical laboratories and health-care services.
Liberals received $25K in donations from 'private health-care insiders': StilesCrombie pitches to NDP voters
It's not a stretch to say that Stiles and Crombie faced the toughest assignments of the four leaders.
As rookie leaders of their parties, in their first province-wide televised debate, with more Ontario voters watching them at any one time since they took on their jobs, the stakes were pretty high for both.
They needed to strike the right balance between speaking about their own policies, going after Ford for his record, and going after each other in their effort to position themselves as the best alternative to the PCs.
Crombie made a blatant pitch to NDP supporters in her closing statement. "I'm asking those of you who voted NDP in the last election to vote Liberal, to vote for a government that will fix our health-care system and to get you a family doctor," she said.
Crombie's aggressive approach to Ford, and her direct courting of NDP voters, could shift the dynamic in the campaign — maybe not enough to influence who wins the election, but maybe enough to determine who comes second and forms the official opposition.
Ontario
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, left to right, Ontario Liberal
Leader Bonnie Crombie, Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford, and Ontario NDP
Leader Marit Stiles pose for a photo before the Ontario Leaders' Debate
at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)
The fourth leader on stage, Mike Schreiner of the Green Party, accomplished what he needed to simply by being there.
He focused his time on articulating his party's policies, and if it didn't make for a compelling viral moment, it did help boost his profile in his efforts to add another Green seat or two at Queen's Park.
Debate went beyond tariffs
The debate format and questions aimed to broaden the discussion beyond tariffs to other key issues that matter to provincial voters, including health care, affordability, public safety, education and climate change. (Full disclosure: I was part of the editorial team that developed the structure, chose the topics and worded the questions.)
The segment in which each party leader was forced to defend a specific campaign promise, and then explain the holes in their platforms, generated some of the most revealing non-answers of the night.
- Ford refused to address the price tag of what is quite possibly the single most expensive campaign promise ever made by an Ontario party leader: building a tunnel under the 401.
- Crombie danced around the fact her middle-class tax cut doesn't help anyone earning less than $50,000 per year.
- Stiles offered little in the way of specifics about dealing with the addictions crisis.
- Schreiner was called out for dropping his long-running promise of eliminating Catholic school boards.
We'll know whether the debate had an impact on voters once the results comes in on election night next Thursday.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Herle, Scott Reid, Jordan Leichnitz, and while Kory Teneycke is away for the Ontario election, we've got special guest Deb Hutton here to provide insights on the latest in Canadian politics.
NDP, Liberals ask integrity commissioner to probe Ford's anti-tariff trip to Washington, D.C.
Both parties say Ford's trip is being used for partisan purposes during snap election campaign
The Ontario NDP has formally asked the province's ethics watchdog to investigate Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford's recent trip to Washington, D.C., alleging Ford used the visit for partisan purposes during the snap election campaign.
In a letter to Integrity Commissioner David Wake, NDP Leader Marit Stiles said that in calling the election, "Ford has put himself and Ontario into an unprecedented situation."
"In my view, his actions have repeatedly and intentionally blurred the lines between partisan campaigning and official provincial business. This demands transparency and accountability," Stiles continued.
The request was sparked by social media posts Thursday featuring video from Ford's trip. Ford and the country's other premiers travelled to the American capitol this week to push back against U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to impose steep tariffs on Canadian goods.
Ford went in his capacity as premier, but he is also in the midst of campaigning for re-election.
The roughly half-minute video includes clips from the trip and features narration from Ford. It was posted to Ford's accounts on X, Instagram and Facebook. An original version included the Ontario PC logo at the end, as well as Ford's campaign slogan, "Protect Ontario."
After the video drew the attention of the opposition parties, the original was deleted and an edited version with the PC logo and slogan removed was re-posted by Ford.
"New campaign videos published by Doug Ford today use footage of his visit to Washington to promote a clearly partisan political message encouraging Ontarians to vote for the PC Party," Stiles said in her letter.
Ahead of the trip, Wake wrote that it would not violate the caretaker convention — a principle that during an election only select government business should continue, including routine matters or those that are urgent and in the public interest.
Wake wrote that in the context of current U.S.-Canada political relations, the trip met the urgent and public interest criteria. However, he said that such work was appropriate "provided that the activities are not then used for partisan purposes."
In its own letter to the integrity commissioner Thursday evening, the Liberal Party expresses concern over "a clear violation of the rules you outlined to take advantage of government resources and turn them to partisan advantage."
"Taxpayer-funded ads and press junkets are not a tariff response strategy — they are a blatant attempt to sway voters," says Ottawa South MPP John Fraser in the letter, shared widely by the party.
"From day one Mr. Ford has framed his ability to respond to tariffs as the centrepiece of his campaign, justifying the election call because he needed 'a strong mandate to outlast Trump,'" Fraser says.
A spokesperson for Ford's campaign said the re-posted video was edited "out of an abundance of caution."
"Footage of the premier being the premier is routinely used in political social content; however, out of an abundance of caution, the video was reposted without campaign branding," Ivana Yelich said in an email.
In her letter, Stiles specifically asks Wake to investigate whether Ford has violated the caretaker convention and whether the agenda for the visit was determined by "public servants acting in the public interest, or by partisan staffers trying to optimize the trip to the benefit of their election campaign."
"Ontarians deserve to know if taxpayer funds are being inappropriately used for partisan purposes before they go to the polls in this critical election," she said.
Why Ontario’s opposition says Ford’s recent comments defy democratic normsYelich said earlier this week the PC party covered travel expenses, such as airfare and hotels, for Ford and any of his staff currently involved in the campaign. Costs related to an appearance with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and networking events were paid by the province, she said.
During a Tuesday campaign stop in the Barrie area, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie said Ford's trip was not appropriate in the middle of an election.
"Why isn't his focus the people of Ontario and protecting us all of the time, not just some of the time when it's convenient for him?" she said.
"The only job he's gone there to protect is his own. Clearly, that's why he's called an early and unnecessary and expensive election in Ontario."
Crombie has previously said she believes the trip contravened the caretaker convention.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Mike Crawley and The Canadian Press
The race is on: Ontario's NDP and Liberals battle to claim their place as the best choice against Ford
Experts say the parties will have to battle for the same pool of left-leaning voters
As Ontario's election campaign kicks off, experts say the fight is on between the provincial New Democrats and Liberals to stake out their place as the main rival to Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford.
Both NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie have come out of the gate trying to strike contrasts with each other on style and substance, and have already exchanged verbal barbs. Experts says it's all part of the so-called "progressive primary", the fight between Ontario's centre-left parties to become a competitive alternative to the PCs.
During her campaign launch this week, Stiles likened the Liberals to a car in the repair shop, making a direct appeal to their traditional voters.
"Today's Liberal leader would be right at home as a cabinet minister in Doug Ford's government," Stiles said, surrounded by supporters. "Bonnie Crombie doesn't want to get rid of Doug Ford. Bonnie Crombie wants to be Doug Ford."
Crombie shot back the next day, flanked by supporters in her campaign office in Mississauga. She didn't mention Stiles or the NDP by name, instead focusing on policy differences.
"Well, that leader does not have a very serious plan," she said. "We will have the most robust platform."
CBC's Aarti Pole speaks with U. of Windsor Professor Lydia Miljan on Ontario election and tariffs Liberals, NDP had similar vote share in 2022
In the 2022 election, neither party was able to eke out a lead over the other, each finishing with just over 23 per cent of the vote share. But the concentration of those votes in ridings across the province saw the NDP win 31 seats and form the Official Opposition, while the Liberals secured eight seats, short of the 12 needed to gain official party status.
Trent University political studies professor Cristine de Clercy said the campaign is already shaping up to be a tough fight between the parties, and one will need to peel support from the other to compete with Ford's PCs.
"I think all elections test bases of support and the reality is, that particularly in Ontario, the Liberals and the New Democrats share a lot of the same sorts of supporters," she said.
"So fundamentally, this is a contest for base."
NDP strategist Mélanie Richer, a principal at Earnscliffe Strategies, was part of the Ontario campaign in 2022. She said her biggest message to her party was that they needed to remove the Liberals as a viable option as early as possible in the campaign.
"If you haven't done that, the story throughout the election, like we saw in 2022 is, will it be the NDP? Will it be the Liberals?" she said. "And then Doug Ford's kind of hanging out by himself."
David Herle, a partner at Rubicon Strategies, said neither party was able to present themselves as a "credible challenger" to Ford in the last election and that meant the anti-PC vote was split. Herle, who was co-chair of the 2014 and 2018 Ontario Liberal campaigns, said he has run into pitfalls in trying to deliver a nuanced message that woos NDP voters.
Launching attacks on the NDP can often backfire, driving away the party's base, he said.
"Liberal voters do not like it when the Liberal Party attacks the NDP because the NDP are seen by Liberal voters as people that probably shouldn't govern, but are well intentioned," he said. "When the Liberal campaign goes hard at them, they actually repel Liberal voters."
Herle said the Liberals need to offer a viable campaign with policies that appeal to NDP voters. He points to former premier Kathleen Wynne's supplement to the Canada Pension Plan in 2014 as an example.
"The NDP really suffered because people found the Liberal project attractive, both as a way to stop the Conservatives and as a way to advance a progressive policy agenda," he said.
Attacks, appeals coming early: experts
Liberal strategist Charles Bird said he thinks Stiles's direct attacks so early in the race could be a mistake and risk turning off voters. Typically, these kinds of attacks come late in an election, he said.
"It seems a bit misplaced, if not maybe a smidge desperate for the NDP to be playing that card," he said. "By contrast Bonnie Crombie has been focused squarely on health care … and that really goes to the question about the progressive primary."
Richer said the NDP are trying to emphasize their competitiveness not just against the Liberals, but also in ridings held by the PCs in the early days of the campaign. That will illustrate they're the true alternative to Ford's Tories, she said.
"The importance is to position yourself as the person who's going up against the premier and not to spend all your time talking about who's going to come in second place," she said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
From: Minister of Finance / Ministre des Finances <minister-ministre@fin.gc.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: I hope everybody enjoyed their email as I look forward to the debate tonight
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
The
Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic
correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your
comments.
Le ministère des Finances Canada accuse réception de votre courriel. Nous vous assurons que vos commentaires sont les bienvenus.
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Subject: I hope everybody enjoyed their email as I look forward to the debate tonight
To: <info@on.ndp.ca>, <leader@gpo.ca>, <contact@ontariondp.ca>, <bonnie@ontarioliberal.ca>, <daniel@rubiconstrategy.com>, <jkott@capitolcounsel.com>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, premier <premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>, <premierministre@quebec.ca>, Premier <premier@novascotia.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, premier <premier@gnb.ca>, <premier@yukon.ca>, <pakeeagok6@gov.nu.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>
Cc: <contact@airquotesmedia.com>, rfife <rfife@globeandmail.com>, Robert. Jones <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, David.Akin <David.Akin@globalnews.ca>, <info@checkmategr.com>, hon.melanie.joly <hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, <ps.ministerofpublicsafety-ministredelasecuritepublique.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, <Loretta@canadaspremiers.ca>, <bdara@ontarioliberal.ca>, <info@feschuk-reid.com>, <herle@rubiconstrategy.com>, <kristine.bunker2@ontario.ca>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m-wfqts5zs
49 Comments
From: Premier of Ontario | Premier ministre de l’Ontario <Premier@ontario.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: YO Mr Herle are Crombie or Stiles or Schreiner ethical enough to bring up your partner Kory Teneycke and all the other lobbyists tonight?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
As you may know, there is a provincial election underway. Writs of Election were issued on January 29, 2025, for the next general election on February 27, 2025.
You can be assured that all emails and letters are carefully read, reviewed and taken into consideration.
We remain ready to answer your questions about services and other routine government business at this time.
Thanks again for your email.
______
Merci pour votre courriel. Nous vous sommes très reconnaissants de nous avoir fait part de vos idées, commentaires et observations.
Comme vous le savez peut-être, une élection provinciale est en cours. Les décrets de convocation des électeurs et électrices ont été émis le 29 janvier 2025, en vue de la prochaine élection générale, qui aura lieu le 27 février 2025.
Nous tenons à vous assurer que nous lisons attentivement et prenons en considération tous les courriels et lettres que nous recevons.
Nous demeurons à votre disposition pour répondre à toutes questions concernant les services et autres affaires courantes du gouvernement.
Merci encore pour votre courriel.
From: Contact <contact@ontariondp.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: YO Mr Herle are Crombie or Stiles or Schreiner ethical enough to bring up your partner Kory Teneycke and all the other lobbyists tonight?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for taking the time to write Ontario's NDP.
If you need assistance, please direct your inquiry to one of the email
addresses below and a member of our team will be glad to assist:
For general inquiries contact: info@ontariondp.ca or call:
1-866-390-6637
For membership inquiries contact Ashley Shiwprasad at: leadershipmembership@
If you would like to unsubscribe from our mailing list, please use the link provided at the bottom of the email that was sent to you.
New Democratic Party of Ontario
2069 Lakeshore Blvd West, Suite 201
Toronto, ON
M8V 3Z4
From: Ontario NDP <info@ontariondp.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: YO Mr Herle are Crombie or Stiles or Schreiner ethical enough to bring up your partner Kory Teneycke and all the other lobbyists tonight?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
(le français suit)
Hello;
Thank you for your email. It has been received and we are working to respond to all concerns as quickly as possible.
Correspondence regarding membership, tax receipts, contributions and other administrative items are forwarded daily to the relevant internal departments.
Correspondence addressed to the Leader of Ontario’s New Democrats, or general policy questions are forwarded daily to Queen’s Park. Due to the volume of correspondence received it will take time for a reply, however we do want to ensure you that your concerns are heard and that the Ontario NDP and our Opposition Caucus are doing everything we can to ensure the well-being of all Ontarians at this time.
For updates on the actions of the ONDP Caucus at Queen’s Park please visit
https://www.ontariondp.ca/news
For media inquiries, please contact media@ndp.on.ca
As this is not a government office we do not have the capacity to address specific constituency concerns or casework. The most effective means of accessing information to address your specific situation that is both current and accurate is through the local offices of your Federal or Provincial elected Member of Parliament.
To
find your MPP (Member of Provincial Parliament for Ontario), please
visit the Ontario Legislative Assembly website – you can enter your
postal code and find your MPP as well as contact information:
https://www.ola.org/en/members
To find your MP (Federal Member of Parliament), please visit the House
of Commons website – you can enter your postal code and find your MP as well as contact information:
https://www.ourcommons.ca/
We are hoping that the information provided above will help address your concerns and allow you to take immediate steps to access support.
Sincerely,
The Ontario NDP Team
Bonjour,
Nous vous remercions de nous avoir fait parvenir un courriel. Nous nous efforçons de répondre à toutes les préoccupations le plus rapidement possible.
La correspondance portant sur l’adhésion, les reçus d’impôt, les dons et autres questions d’ordre administratif est transmise quotidiennement aux services internes pertinents.
La correspondance adressée à cheffe des néo-démocrates de l’Ontario, ou celle portant sur des questions de politique générale sont transmises quotidiennement à Queen’s Park. En raison du volume reçu, la réponse peut tarder. Mais, nous tenons à vous assurer que vos préoccupations sont entendues et que le NPD de l'Ontario et notre Caucus de l'Opposition font tout ce qui est en leur pouvoir pour assurer le bien-être de tous(toutes) les Ontarien(ne)s en ce moment.
Pour obtenir des mises à jour sur les actions du Caucus du NPDO à Queen’s Park veuillez
consulter le site https://fr.ontariondp.ca/
Toute demande médiatique doit être adressée à media@ndp.on.ca
Ceci n’est pas un bureau gouvernemental et nous ne sommes pas en mesure de répondre aux préoccupations spécifiques des circonscriptions ou de traiter les cas. Le moyen le plus efficace d'accéder à des informations à la fois actualisées et précises pour répondre à votre situation spécifique est de passer par le bureau de circonscription de votre député(e) fédéral(e) ou provincial(e) élu(e).
Pour
savoir qui est votre député(e) provincia(e) de l'Ontario), veuillez
consulter le site Web de l'Assemblée législative de l'Ontario.
Entrez votre code postal pour trouver votre député(e) provincial(e)
ainsi que ses coordonnées
:
https://www.ola.org/fr/deputes
Pour savoir qui est votre député(e) fédéral(e), veuillez consulter le site
Web de la Chambre des communes. Entrez votre code postal pour trouver votre député(e) fédéral(e) ainsi que ses coordonnées :
https://www.noscommunes.ca/
Nous espérons que les informations fournies ci-dessus vous aideront à répondre à vos préoccupations et vous permettront de prendre des mesures immédiates pour obtenir de l’aide.
Cordialement,
L'équipe du NPD de l'Ontario
From: Premier of Manitoba <premier@manitoba.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Subject: Premier’s Automatic Acknowledgment
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
On behalf of The Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, we would like to acknowledge the receipt of your email. Please note that this is an automated response to let you know that your email has been received.
Thank you for taking the time to write.
Premier’s Correspondence Team
******************************
Au nom de Wab Kinew, premier ministre du Manitoba, nous accusons réception de votre courriel. Veuillez noter qu’il s’agit d’un message automatique qui confirme que nous avons bien reçu votre message.
Nous vous remercions d’avoir pris le temps de nous écrire.
L’Équipe chargée de la correspondance du premier ministre
From: Premier <PREMIER@novascotia.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Subject: Thank you for your email
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for contacting the Office of the Premier. This is an automatic confirmation that your message has been received.
Please note that the Premier receives a tremendous volume of e-mails and letters every week. If your message requires an answer, we will get back to you as soon as possible.
To get you the best answer possible and ensure accurate information, your message may be shared with other Ministers or appropriate government officials to respond on the Premier’s behalf. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Here are some helpful resources:
- To discover Nova Scotia Loyal and learn how to identify, buy, and support local Nova Scotian products, please visit: https://nsloyal.ca/
- To book health services, get secure access to your own health records, or find the right care option for you, please download the YourHealthNS app or visit: https://yourhealthns.ca/
- To learn more and apply for the
$750 Seniors Care Grant to help with the costs of household and health services, including home heating, please visit:
https://novascotia.ca/seniors-
care-grant - For more information about the new Nova Scotia School Lunch Program and to order an affordable, nutritious lunch for your public school student, please visit: https://nslunch.ca/
- To learn more and sign up for the Nova Scotia Guard to rise to the occasion in the wake of an emergency, please visit: https://nsguard.ca/
For the most up-to-date information from the Government of Nova Scotia, please visit: https://novascotia.ca/.
Thank you,
The Premier’s Correspondence Team
From: Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Subject: Thank you for your email
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
This is to acknowledge that your email has been received by the Office of the Premier.
We appreciate the time you have taken to write.
NOTICE: This e-mail was intended for a specific person. If it has reached you by mistake, please delete it and advise me by return e-mail. Any privilege associated with this information is not waived. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.
Avis: Ce message est confidentiel, peut être protégé par le secret professionnel et est à l'usage exclusif de son destinataire. Il est strictement interdit à toute autre personne de le diffuser, le distribuer ou le reproduire. Si le destinataire ne peut être joint ou vous est inconnu, veuillez informer l'expéditeur par courrier électronique immédiatement et effacer ce message et en détruire toute copie. Merci de votre cooperation.
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Subject: Automatic Reply
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for writing to the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
Due to the volume of correspondence addressed to the Minister, please note that there may be a delay in processing your email. Rest assured that your message will be carefully reviewed.
We do not respond to correspondence that contains offensive language.
-------------------
Merci d'avoir écrit à l'honorable Arif Virani, ministre de la Justice et procureur
général du Canada.
En raison du volume de correspondance adressée au ministre, veuillez
prendre note qu'il pourrait y avoir un retard dans le traitement de
votre courriel. Nous tenons à vous assurer que votre message sera lu
avec soin.
Nous ne répondons pas à la correspondance contenant un langage offensant.
From: Minister of Finance / Ministre des Finances <minister-ministre@fin.gc.ca>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: YO Mr Herle are Crombie or Stiles or Schreiner ethical enough to bring up your partner Kory Teneycke and all the other lobbyists tonight?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
The Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your comments.
Le ministère des Finances Canada accuse réception de votre courriel. Nous vous assurons que vos commentaires sont les bienvenus.
---------- Original message ---------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Subject:
YO Mr Herle are Crombie or Stiles or Schreiner ethical enough to bring
up your partner Kory Teneycke and all the other lobbyists tonight?
To:
<info@on.ndp.ca>, <leader@gpo.ca>,
<contact@ontariondp.ca>, <bonnie@ontarioliberal.ca>,
<daniel@rubiconstrategy.com>, <jkott@capitolcounsel.com>,
premier <premier@ontario.ca>, premier
<premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, Office of the Premier
<scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier
<premier@gov.nl.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>,
<premierministre@quebec.ca>, Premier
<premier@novascotia.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>,
premier <premier@gnb.ca>, <premier@yukon.ca>,
<pakeeagok6@gov.nu.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>
Cc:
<contact@airquotesmedia.com>, rfife
<rfife@globeandmail.com>, Robert. Jones
<Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, David.Akin
<David.Akin@globalnews.ca>, <info@checkmategr.com>,
hon.melanie.joly <hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca>, mcu
<mcu@justice.gc.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin
<fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>,
<ps.ministerofpublicsafety-ministredelasecuritepublique.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca>,
pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, pm
<pm@pm.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>,
<Loretta@canadaspremiers.ca>, <bdara@ontarioliberal.ca>,
<info@feschuk-reid.com>, <herle@rubiconstrategy.com>,
<kristine.bunker2@ontario.ca>
Rubicon Team
Ford campaign manager partnered with U.S. firm that received Ontario government contract
As potential tariffs on Canadian goods put Ontario’s relationship with America under the spotlight, political opponents claim those close to Progressive Conservative Party Leader Doug Ford may be benefitting from his approach to U.S. policy.
Weeks before Ford called a snap election campaign with the threat of tariffs looming, his campaign director signed an “exclusive partnership” with a Washington D.C.-based lobbying firm.
That firm, Capitol Counsel, had recently received a government contract under Ford’s past administration for up to $1.3 million to help position Ontario with the next American administration.
“It is so like Doug Ford to take care of his rich friends and rich insiders first rather than the people of Ontario, to provide the very basics for people,” Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie said on Sunday.
The deal signed in August by Ford with Capitol Counsel included a stipulation the American company “devise a plan for the first 100 days of the new Congress and administration.”
Ever since signing that agreement, Ontario under Ford has been operating a full-on charm offensive with the United States, paying to run a multi-million dollar campaign of commercials across U.S. networks, sending ministers to Washington D.C. and arranging meetings between Ford and several governors.
Months after the Progressive Conservatives signed off on a contract between the U.S. lobbying firm and the Ontario government, Capitol Counsel announced it had formed a partnership with a company run by the chair of Ford’s re-election campaign.
In January, the firm signed an “exclusive partnership to navigate cross-border trade and government relations” with Rubicon Strategies, the Ontario-based lobbying company headed by Ford’s campaign manager and close ally, Kory Teneycke.
“This strategic partnership comes at a crucial time as tensions surrounding trade policies dominate headlines and the potential for wide-reaching tariffs on Canadian goods,” a Jan. 7 news release said.
The PC campaign said Teneycke had not helped Capitol Counsel get its government contract.
“Kory Teneycke has taken a leave of absence from Rubicon to manage the Ontario PC campaign and has recused himself from any work related to Capitol Counsel,” a spokesperson said.
Rubicon did not respond to questions in time for publication but told The Trillium the company did not have any financial stake in Capitol Counsel.
Teneycke also ran Ford’s 2022 election campaign and is a key adviser to the PC leader. As campaign manager, he is responsible for shaping the party’s tariff-focused message ahead of election day.
As part of the Teneycke-run campaign, Ford will visit Washington, D.C. twice this month to campaign as PC leader and attempt to meet U.S. officials in his role as incumbent premier.
It’s unclear if any of the meetings Ford takes during the trip will be arranged by Capitol Counsel.
The Ontario NDP questioned the contract for Capitol Counsel, its ties to Rubicon and whether the agreement was benefiting the province.
“Ford spent taxpayer dollars on giving a sweetheart deal to an American company associated with his campaign manager and what good did that do?” the party said in a statement.
“This is yet another bad deal from a Premier who puts his insiders first.”
Colin D’Mello is one of Ontario’s most prominent political journalists, currently working as the Queen’s Park Bureau Chief at Global News.
He began his career as a radio reporter in Moncton, NB., before returning to Ontario. He helped launch 1310 News in Ottawa and later reported for 680 News in Toronto. In 2011, Colin moved to television broadcasting, beginning a long run at CTV News where he most served as their Queen’s Park Bureau Chief. He also held the role of President of the Queen’s Park Press Gallery, advocating for journalists and helping to manage the relationship between newsrooms in Ontario and the provincial legislature. In April of 2022, he joined Global News.
Colin was born in Kuwait and lived there until 1998, crediting the events of the first Gulf War for shaping his interests in political reporting. He is a graduate of the broadcast journalism program at Seneca College and worked as a guest lecturer at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
Isaac Callan is an Online Digital Broadcast Journalist for Global News Toronto, specializing in provincial and municipal politics from Global’s Queen’s Park Bureau. His work spans daily news coverage, in-depth features and investigative reporting, leveraging freedom of information laws to uncover new stories.
Collaborating closely with Queen’s Park Bureau Chief Colin D’Mello, Isaac has contributed to breaking stories, including articles about Bill 124, Premier Doug Ford’s daughter’s stag and doe fundraiser, Ford’s 2018 mandate letters and revelations about the premier’s use of his personal cellphone.
Prior to joining Global News, Isaac delved in-depth in the Region of Peel, establishing a firm foundation for both local and provincial politics. His commitment to reporting extends beyond the headlines, pushing for detailed and nuanced perspectives alongside new, untold stories.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Isaac is a keen soccer fan and history student. He also stays up to date with the occasional sporting achievements of his home country, Scotland.
You can connect with Isaac on X @isaaccallan or via email at isaac.callan@globalnews.ca. He welcomes story ideas, diverse viewpoints and is always looking for ideas for new investigations and features.
Ottawa, Canada and Washington, D.C. – January 7, 2025 – Rubicon Strategy Inc. and Capitol Counsel, two of North America’s premier government relations firms, have formed an exclusive partnership to address the growing complexities of cross-border trade and government relations. Together, they will provide clients with unparalleled expertise in navigating U.S.-Canada trade and regulatory challenges.
This strategic partnership comes at a crucial time as tensions surrounding trade policies dominate headlines and the potential for wide-reaching tariffs on Canadian goods. Companies with operations in both countries are facing significant challenges as the threat of countervailing tariffs and other retaliatory measures loom on the horizon.
By combining their expertise, Rubicon Strategy Inc. and Capitol Counsel
will offer a seamless solution to clients seeking to influence policy and manage cross-border trade issues. This partnership will provide businesses with an integrated, one-stop resource for managing government relations, lobbying efforts, and strategic advice on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.
Kory Teneycke, CEO of Rubicon Strategy Inc., said:
Clint Robinson, Partner and Canadian Practice Leader at Capital Counsel, added:
“By joining forces with Rubicon, we can now provide clients with a coordinated approach to the complex issues affecting U.S.-Canada trade, delivering targeted solutions across both markets.”
The partnership aims to provide clients with expert counsel on navigating trade negotiations, tariff disputes, and broader regulatory issues. With a strong network of relationships in both Ottawa and Washington, the firms will work together to advocate on behalf of companies, industries, and organizations operating across the Canada-U.S. border.
For more information about Rubicon Strategy Inc. and Capitol Counsel, or to inquire about services provided this new partnership, at www.rubiconstrategy.com and www.capitolcounsel.com
.
Contact:
Rubicon Strategy Inc.
Daniel Pascucci
Vice President
Email: daniel@rubiconstrategy.com
Capital Counsel
Jonathan Kott
Partner
Email: jkott@capitolcounsel.com
About Rubicon Strategy Inc.
Rubicon Strategy Inc. is a leading public affairs and government relations firm based in Ottawa, Toronto, and Calgary. With significant experience supporting clients across these key markets, we leverage our expertise in public policy, communications, and government relations to help clients navigate complex regulatory environments and achieve their business objectives.
About Capital Counsel
Capitol Counsel is a premier government relations firm based in Washington, D.C. Specializing in U.S. federal policy, legislative affairs, and strategic communications, Capitol Counsel provides clients with expert advice and advocacy to influence key policy decisions.
---------- Original message ---------
Date: Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Subject: Attn Bonnie Crombie, Marit Stiles and Mike Schreiner
To: <leader@gpo.ca>, <bdara@ontarioliberal.ca>, <info@on.ndp.ca>, <contact@ontariondp.ca>, <bonnie@ontarioliberal.ca>
What the Ontario election candidates need to do for tonight's debate
Watch on CBC-TV, stream it online, get live updates, listen on CBC Radio
Ontario’s major party leaders take the stage for final debate before snap electionWith polls suggesting Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford commands a strong lead in the Ontario election, tonight's prime-time debate could be one of the last opportunities for the opposition leaders to deflate some of that support.
Last Friday afternoon, Ford, along with NDP Leader Marit Stiles, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner faced off against each other in North Bay, Ont., where much of the focus of their first debate was related to northern issues.
Tonight's debate, taking place in Toronto just 10 days before voters go to the polls, will be seen by a much wider audience, raising the stakes for each candidates' performance.
This final debate of the campaign runs from 6:30-8 p.m. ET and will be moderated by David Common, the host of CBC Radio's Metro Morning. People can also watch the debate on CBC-TV, stream it online, get live updates, or listen on CBC Radio.
There will be no live audience and, unlike the debate in North Bay, candidate will be allowed to bring prepared notes.
CBC News spoke with political analysts, observers and academics about what each leader needs to do tonight:
Ford
should stick to his campaign message that only he as premier is best
suited to deal with Donald Trump's tariff threat, some analysts say. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)
Doug Ford
Ford triggered the snap election saying he needed a new mandate to deal with U.S. President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs. And he has since taken on a so-called "Captain Canada" mantle, becoming the unofficial advocate for not just the province, but the country. He has travelled to Washington and appeared in U.S. media to make the case against tariffs.
Polls suggest these actions appear to be paying off politically. His job tonight, say some analysts, therefore should be to stick to the relatively simple message he has hammered throughout the campaign — that only he as premier is best suited to deal with Trump's tariff threat.
"If I'm the premier, I want to be focused on the economy and President Trump," said Adam Yahn, a partner with the government relations firm Summa Strategies Canada, who has worked with various Conservative politicians.
"Those are the areas that the PCs are seen as the leading party, the party best positioned to support and deliver on those issues."
Over the past seven years of government, and during the campaign, Ford has been able to sail through without much sticking to him and he should mostly ignore the criticisms that will be hurled at him during tonight's debate, Yahn said.
"Why even acknowledge what they're saying? Just stick to your lines and stick to your message," he said.
Jaskaran Sandhu, a political organizer and strategist with State Strategy, agrees that Ford should pay little attention to the other leaders, and bring everything back to Trump and tariffs.
"I would literally say, 'OK, well, as these two fight for who's the Opposition leader, I'm here to talk about the most important fight of how I'm going to deal with Trump."
The debate will give Crombie a chance to hammer Ford with troubling statistics about the provincial health-care system. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)
Bonnie Crombie
For the Liberal leader, who has attempted to make the campaign more about health care than tariffs, the debate is an opportunity to bring that issue to the forefront, some analysts say.
"There's not a lot of room for error," said Liberal strategist Stevie O'Brien. "She needs to… cut through that noise and bring the focus back to health care."
The debate will give the former mayor of Mississauga, Ont., a chance to hammer Ford with troubling statistics about the provincial health-care system, in particular the number of Ontarians without a family doctor, O'Brien says.
(Some 2.5 million Ontarians don't have access to a family physician or regular access to any other primary care provider, such as a nurse practitioner, according to the Ontario College of Family Physicians.)
She has to "land those points well" in the debate, O'Brien said.
Crombie needs to be on the offensive about health care but not get tripped up by her association with the Liberal Party of the past, says Andrea Lawlor, an associate professor of political science at McMaster University in Hamilton.
"She has to do the careful dance of attacking on health care… but doing it in a way where she's not taking responsibility for the decisions made by the previous [Liberal] government and instead pointing to a completely different agenda," she said.
However, Sandhu says Crombie should not so much focus on issues like health care or affordable housing, and instead present herself as the "anyone but PC" vote.
She should spend the whole debate "just blasting Ford," he said. "I wouldn't even engage the NDP."
Sandhu also says Crombie needs to hammer Ford over calling an "unnecessary election" — saying it was irresponsible and asking whether Ontarians should "reward someone who has plunged us into a winter election during a national crisis."
Stiles
still suffers from lack of name recognition and the debate is a chance
for her to, among other things, introduce herself to Ontarians, analysts
say. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
Marit Stiles
The NDP leader needs to differentiate herself from Crombie and the Liberals. But if she's looking to capitalize on the anti-Ford vote, recent polls show she's losing it to Crombie, says Peter Graefe, associate professor of political science at McMaster.
"She has to make the case that she's a defender of a certain, social vision of the province," he said.
Stiles needs to make the case that Crombie doesn't really represent the social values of the Liberal Party, that she is just another Ford, and that "if you want an alternate support, you should choose another real one." Graefe said.
Stiles would also benefit by making health care an issue during the debate and should take a swing at both the PC and Liberal records on this issue, says NDP strategist Kim Wright.
Wright says Stiles had a "great line" in the previous debate, that the Liberals "started hallway medicine and Doug Ford poured gasoline on it," referring to the lack of beds in hospitals, which forces patients into hallways and other rooms during peak demand.
Tonight, "she needs to continue to make those kinds of comparisons," Wright said.
But despite her role as leader of the Opposition, Stiles still suffers from lack of name recognition and the debate will be the time for her to "not only introduce herself to Ontarians, but also make the point hat she's ready for governing," Wright said.
Schreiner's party currently holds two seats in the Ontario Legislature. (Chris Young/ The Canadian Press)
Mike Schreiner
The leader of the Green party could be seen as being in a "luxurious position'" as the fourth party candidate, Lawlor said.
"It's a big opportunity for him really to hit hard on Ford," she said. "He can swing for the fences here."
Schreiner was aggressive against Ford in the first debate. But his party currently holds just two seats in the Ontario Legislature and is tied to the issues of climate change and the environment when affordability and housing have dominated the campaign, says David Coletto, the founder and CEO of Abacus Data.
"The challenge for Mike Schreiner and the Greens is to position themselves as relevant in the debates," he said.
Schreiner's seat is likely safe, meaning, "he has the opportunity to bring himself a little bit more focus," Lawlor said.
"Because the last I saw, the recognition on his name is still pretty low."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from The Canadian Press
Friday, 31 January 2025
U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods will come into effect Saturday, White House says
From: Contact <contact@ontariondp.ca>
Date: Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: Attn Bonnie Crombie, Marit Stiles and Mike Schreiner
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for taking the time to write Ontario's NDP.
If you need assistance, please direct your inquiry to one of the email
addresses below and a member of our team will be glad to assist:
For general inquiries contact: info@ontariondp.ca or call:
1-866-390-6637
For membership inquiries contact Ashley Shiwprasad at: leadershipmembership@
If you would like to unsubscribe from our mailing list, please use the link provided at the bottom of the email that was sent to you.
New Democratic Party of Ontario
2069 Lakeshore Blvd West, Suite 201
Toronto, ON
M8V 3Z4
---------- Original message ---------
Date: Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Subject: Attn Bonnie Crombie, Marit Stiles and Mike Schreiner
To: <leader@gpo.ca>, <bdara@ontarioliberal.ca>, <info@on.ndp.ca>, <contact@ontariondp.ca>, <bonnie@ontarioliberal.ca>
Friday, 31 January 2025
U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods will come into effect Saturday, White House says
From: Minister of Finance / Ministre des Finances <minister-ministre@fin.gc.ca>
Date: Sat, Feb 1, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Subject: Automatic reply: On Valentines Day 2017 I discussed NAFTA etc with President Donald J. Trump's lawyer Mr Cohen and reminded them Feb 15, 2024
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
The Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your comments.
Le ministère des Finances Canada accuse réception de votre courriel. Nous vous assurons que vos commentaires sont les bienvenus.
From: Ministerial Correspondence Unit - Justice Canada <mcu@justice.gc.ca>
Date: Sat, Feb 1, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Subject: Automatic Reply
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for writing to the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
Due to the volume of correspondence addressed to the Minister, please note that there may be a delay in processing your email. Rest assured that your message will be carefully reviewed.
We do not respond to correspondence that contains offensive language.
-------------------
Merci d'avoir écrit à l'honorable Arif Virani, ministre de la Justice et procureur
général du Canada.
En raison du volume de correspondance adressée au ministre, veuillez
prendre note qu'il pourrait y avoir un retard dans le traitement de
votre courriel. Nous tenons à vous assurer que votre message sera lu
avec soin.
From: Premier of Manitoba <premier@manitoba.ca>
Date: Sat, Feb 1, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Subject: Premier’s Automatic Acknowledgment
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
On behalf of The Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, we would like to acknowledge the receipt of your email. Please note that this is an automated response to let you know that your email has been received.
Thank you for taking the time to write.
Premier’s Correspondence Team
******************************
Au nom de Wab Kinew, premier ministre du Manitoba, nous accusons réception de votre courriel. Veuillez noter qu’il s’agit d’un message automatique qui confirme que nous avons bien reçu votre message.
Nous vous remercions d’avoir pris le temps de nous écrire.
L’Équipe chargée de la correspondance du premier ministre
From: Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>
Date: Sat, Feb 1, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Subject: Thank you for your email
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
This is to acknowledge that your email has been received by the Office of the Premier.
We appreciate the time you have taken to write.
NOTICE: This e-mail was intended for a specific person. If it has reached you by mistake, please delete it and advise me by return e-mail. Any privilege associated with this information is not waived. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.
Avis: Ce message est confidentiel, peut être protégé par le secret professionnel et est à l'usage exclusif de son destinataire. Il est strictement interdit à toute autre personne de le diffuser, le distribuer ou le reproduire. Si le destinataire ne peut être joint ou vous est inconnu, veuillez informer l'expéditeur par courrier électronique immédiatement et effacer ce message et en détruire toute copie. Merci de votre cooperation.
From: Premier <PREMIER@novascotia.ca>
Date: Sat, Feb 1, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Subject: Thank you for your email
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for contacting the Office of the Premier. This is an automatic confirmation that your message has been received.
Please note that the Premier receives a tremendous volume of e-mails and letters every week. If your message requires an answer, we will get back to you as soon as possible.
To get you the best answer possible and ensure accurate information, your message may be shared with other Ministers or appropriate government officials to respond on the Premier’s behalf. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Here are some helpful resources:
- To book health services, get secure access to your own health records, or find the right care option for you, please download the YourHealthNS app or visit: https://yourhealthns.ca/
-
To learn more and apply for the
$750 Seniors Care Grant to help with the costs of household and health services, including home heating, please visit:
https://novascotia.ca/seniors-
care-grant - For more information about the new Nova Scotia School Lunch Program and to order an affordable, nutritious lunch for your public school student, please visit: https://nslunch.ca/
- To learn more and sign up for the Nova Scotia Guard to rise to the occasion in the wake of an emergency, please visit: https://nsguard.ca/
For the most up-to-date information from the Government of Nova Scotia, please visit: https://novascotia.ca/.
Thank you,
The Premier’s Correspondence Team
archive.today webpage capture | Saved from | |
| All snapshots | from host davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com | |
Date: Sat, Feb 1, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Subject: Forsætisráðuneytið hefur móttekið tölvupóst þinn / Prime Minister's Office hereby confirms the receipt of your email.
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Forsætisráðuneytið hefur móttekið tölvupóst þinn / Prime Minister's Office hereby confirms the receipt of your email.
Vinsamlega ekki svara þessum tölvupósti, hafið samband í gegnum for@for.is / Please do not reply to this email, contact via for@for.is.
Athygli er vakin á að skv. 2. mgr. 13. gr. upplýsingalaga nr. 140/2012
er ráðuneyti í Stjórnarráði Íslands skylt að birta upplýsingar úr
málaskrám sínum með rafrænum hætti/
Note that, pursuant to art. 13., para. 2, of act no. 140/2012, a
Government Ministry in Iceland is obliged to publish electronically
information from its case files.
Með bestu kveðju / Best regards
------------------------------
Forsætisráðuneytið / Prime Minister's Office
Stjórnarráðshúsinu, IS - 101 Reykjavík, Sími/Tel. +354 545 8400
www.stjornarradid.is - Fyrirva
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Feb 1, 2025 at 2:44 AM
Subject: On Valentines Day 2017 I discussed NAFTA etc with President Donald J. Trump's lawyer Mr Cohen and reminded them Feb 15, 2024
To: Jean.Chretien <jean.chretien@dentons.com>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, dominic.leblanc <dominic.leblanc@parl.gc.ca>, <ps.ministerofpublicsafety-ministredelasecuritepublique.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, bmiller <bmiller@fosterllp.ca>, Jason Lavigne <jason@yellowhead.vote>, Susan.Holt <susan.holt@gnb.ca>, premier <premier@gov.yk.ca>, prontoman1 <prontoman1@protonmail.com>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>, premier <premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>, premier <premier@gnb.ca>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, PREMIER <premier@gov.ns.ca>, <business@sprouht.com>, Melanie.Joly <melanie.joly@parl.gc.ca>, John.Williamson <john.williamson@parl.gc.ca>, Katie.Telford <katie.telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>, <chase.irwin@dentons.com>, Chrystia.Freeland <Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca>
Cc: <info@thesimpleinvestor.com>, djtjr <djtjr@trumporg.com>, mdcohen212 <mdcohen212@gmail.com>, hon.melanie.joly <hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca>, Marco.Mendicino <Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca>, Michael.Duheme <Michael.Duheme@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Mark.Blakely <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, washington field <washington.field@ic.fbi.gov>, President Trump <contact@win.donaldjtrump.com>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, Nathalie.G.Drouin <Nathalie.G.Drouin@pco-bcp.gc.ca>, newsroom <newsroom@globeandmail.ca>, CNN.Viewer.Communications.Management <CNN.Viewer.Communications.Management@cnn.com>, melissa.lantsman <melissa.lantsman@parl.gc.ca>, lionel <lionel@lionelmedia.com>, postur <postur@for.is>, <stephen.kimber@ukings.ca>, Jacques.Poitras <Jacques.Poitras@cbc.ca>, oldmaison <oldmaison@yahoo.com>, andre <andre@jafaust.com>, NightTimePodcast <NightTimePodcast@gmail.com>, nia_ig.fct <nia_ig.fct@navy.mil>
Friday, 31 January 2025
U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods will come into effect Saturday, White House says
New Brunswickers can expect to feel the pain from tariffs, business leaders say
The White House on Friday said U.S. President Donald Trump's deadline on tariffs still stands as Feb. 1
When it comes to the impact New Brunswickers may feel from U.S. President Donald Trump's promised 25 per cent tariff on Canadian exports, Ron Marcolin, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters' divisional vice president for New Brunswick, said prepare for the worst.
"I think it is going to definitely hurt," said Marcolin.
"Consumers in this province have to realize that they may have sticker shock and ... feel some short term pain."
Marcolin said while some industries, such as oil and gas, forestry and agriculture, will be particularly impacted, no industry is immune.
While tariffs were an issue during the last Trump presidency, specifically on steel and aluminum, their target nature meant some industries were spared the worst.
Ron Marcolin of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association says people should prepare for the worst. (CBC)
That won't be the case this time around.
"We'll feel the pain — we'll feel it immediately," said Marcolin
Marcolin said while manufacturers can adjust somewhat and sell more goods domestically, in many cases that's not possible.
He said a lot of the manufactured goods in New Brunswick are bespoke to the needs of a particular company, often an American one, so they can't just be sent to other markets.
Many companies have also linked themselves heavily with the U.S. market because of its geographic closeness and appetite for Canadian goods, but manufacturers are exploring other markets.
"This type of threat of tariff, though, allows the business owner in New Brunswick to say, 'OK, let's at least look at other markets and other options," he said.
Marcolin said manufacturers are looking more closely at markets in Mexico, Europe and Asia.
And it's not just manufacturers that will have to deal with tariffs, exporters will also be affected.
Craig
Estabrooks, the president and CEO of Port Saint John, said most of
export business at the port doesn't go to the United States. (CBC)
Craig Estabrooks, CEO of Port Saint John, said they're working with the province to understand the effect of potential tariffs and what can be done to mitigate the damage.
When it comes to the port, the biggest loser may be the oil businesses.
"The liquid bulk business that is owned and operated by Irving Oil would be a very large exporter to the United States. So that's something we think about a lot," said Estabrooks.
However, it appears the port's growing container business may avoid the brunt of tariffs.
"Our container services today do not export to the United States," said Estabrooks.
"The five container services we have today are north-south to the Caribbean and Latin America and then a lot of trade to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean."
While
Canadians will no doubt suffer from any tariffs, so will U.S.
consumers, according to Michelle Robichaud, president of the Atlantica
Centre for Energy. (Rachel Cave/CBC)
While Canadians will no doubt suffer from any tariffs, so will U.S. consumers, Michelle Robichaud, president of the Atlantica Centre for Energy, said.
Robichaud said a lot of products used in the New England region are produced or finished in the Maritimes, and any increase in price will impact our neighbours to the south.
One place New Englanders are likely to feel the pinch in their pockets is when they gas up.
"Eight out of 10 cars in the northeast U.S. are fuelled by the refined petroleum products that come from Saint John," said Robichaud.
"Ninety per cent of the jet fuel that goes into some extremely busy airports — Boston, Portland — that jet fuel comes from New Brunswick."
Robichaud said businesses would likely have tried to move as much product into the U.S. as possible before any tariff goes into effect.
"They have been doing that since Trump was elected, stockpiling as they can," said Robichaud.
"They are preparing for reduced orders out of the U.S. They are preparing for an increase in price."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Rachel Cave, Information Morning Fredericton and Saint John
David Amos
Legions of people know that on Valentines Day 2017 I discussed NAFTA etc with President Donald J. Trump's lawyer Mr Cohen
David Amos
Chantal LeBouthi
Reply to David Amos
lol absolutely
Sam Smithmoose
Reply to David Amos
Hilarious. 😊
Denis van humbeck
Reply to David Amos
Trump thinks Ontario is in California.
Bob Leeson
Reply to David Amos
That explains why he's so angry at Ontario! lol
David Amos
Reply to Bob Leeson
Of that I have no doubt
David Amos
Reply to Denis van humbeck
Methinks Trudeau the Younger should agree that Donald and Dougy deserve each other N'esy Pas?
Chantal LeBouthi
Poor trump ha well good luck
David Amos
Reply to Chantal LeBouthi
Surely you jest
Sam Smithmoose
Can we get a different photo without 47? We know who he is.
Duncan MacLeod
Reply to Sam Smithmoose
The back end of a mule would do
David Amos
Reply to Duncan MacLeod
True
Sam Smithmoose
Reply to Duncan MacLeod
😂
Anne Wallenberg
Survey: 96% of Alberta business leaders say Canada must retaliate on U.S. tariffs, 92% want united front between premiers and Ottawa.
https://discoverairdrie.com/articles/survey-96-of-alberta-business-leaders-say-canada-must-retaliate-on-us-tariffs
David Amos
Reply to Anne Wallenberg
Oh My My
Sam Smithmoose
Reply to Anne Wallenberg
Awesome info. Thank you for the assurance!
Denis van humbeck
Things were much better with Chretien, Clinton and Bush. And better with Harper and Obama. The last good leader in the U.S.A was Obama.
Sam Smithmoose
Reply to Denis van humbeck
Obama was outstanding. 🙂
David Amos
Reply to Denis van humbeck
I Disagree
Bob Leeson
Reply to David Amos
Yeah I disagree on the Bush and Harper part too.
Bob Leeson
Reply to Sam Smithmoose
Bush and Harper, not so much. lol
Sam Smithmoose
Reply to Bob Leeson
😊
Chris Jones
Trump said there’s nothing we can do about it. His excuses for the tariffs seemed pretty thin so all the attempts to placate him seemed to play to his riff but he wasn’t really serious about a lot of it, imo. He was pulling our chain. I mean, what does fentanyl or immigration really have to do with tariffs? Maybe he was surprised we went for it? The fact that he loves even the word tariffs so much indicates he likes the idea.
The only thing that I see tariffs as good for is to stimulate local industry to expand and create a domestic supply independent of foreign suppliers. That may be his reasoning but he doesn’t like many of us. He has friends here he says, but we call him a bully and we were never very nice or polite to him, especially our media.
And a lot of our rancour was in lock step with the partisans against him in his own country. It was organized and profitable for his opposition, and I mean money. Now he has power again, this is one way to use it to become more independent.
Bob Leeson
Reply to Chris Jones
Being friendly and bowing helps. Pence did, and it worked well for him. Except of course for the noose waiting for him at the end. Condolences to the families of the Capitol Police who lost their lives :(
Chris Jones
Reply to Bob Leeson
Being nice has a lot to do with reason, in my opinion. It’s a word that has changed significantly over the centuries to mean the opposite of its original meaning. There’s a cut off sometimes but it doesn’t have to be us that forsakes reason and Christian charity, if we actually believe in that. There’s nothing wrong with trying to reason with Trump but trying to run a play around him is foolish imo. We should simply accept what he’s doing and we can become more independent of them when they do it to us. I don’t think reprisals are the answer but it takes all kinds to make a Canada and an America.
I think it’s reasonable to say Jan. 6 was an attempt at a semi hard coup. But so was the convoy in Canada. That’s what we really have to watch out for.
Bob Leeson
Reply to Chris Jones
Recent history (well since Trump has been alive), has shown anyone/anything gets thrown under the bridge when those he uses begin to fail in executing his agenda. Let's not cave into furthering his questionable agenda. It will not work out for us in the end. Canada isn't any more special to him than any other entity he's used to further his goals.
Chris Jones
Reply to Bob Leeson
I agree that we can’t stop the tariffs but maybe states and provinces can work out independent agreements. But to do it federally is more risky. And USA control of our information space means we are still very vulnerable to more soft coups. It took a lot of denigration and calumny and slander but oil and gas, and a USA deep state never loved Trudeau anyway. He had his faults and I’m shut down about them also but they got rid of him, imo, and he was the best of a bad lot, and not too bad. Sometimes that’s all we get.
Bob Leeson
Reply to Chris Jones
Yes, I'm certain your leader would gladly retain her position as governor of her state by making an independent "agreement" with the US. Unlike you, I stand for our nation however, along with the other provinces of our great country.
You guys do you. Good luck!
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Chris Jones
IMHO this nonsense is just another case of Dumb versus Dumber
Chris Jones
Reply to Bob Leeson
Defending my province of origin in this venue is likely fruitless. Like I said, there’s a cut off point for reason and you reached it.
Bob Leeson
Reply to Chris Jones
Bye-bye then. Hopefully you still have Obamacare next year.
Chris Jones
Reply to Bob Leeson
It may not be reasonable but I love Obama.
We are reminded that, in the fleeting time we have on this Earth, what matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame, but rather how well we have loved and what small part we have played in making the lives of other people better.
Barack Obama
Well actually it is reasonable to tell you that. It’s the one thing that might be. lol.
When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don't really have to do anything, you just let them talk.
Barack Obama
Here I’m advertising his wisdom, not my own.
Robert Audobon
Reply to Bob Leeson
Dani can do the bowing. She seems to have the lips for it..
Anne Wallenberg
Reply to Chris Jones
lovely, thank you!
Marching into court!
Chrystia Freeland<Chrystia.Freeland@fin.gc.ca> | Thu, Feb 15, 2024 at 3:04 PM | |
| To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> | ||
The
Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic
correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your
comments. | ||
Ministerial Correspondence Unit - Justice Canada<mcu@justice.gc.ca> | Thu, Feb 15, 2024 at 3:01 PM |
| To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> | |
Thank you for writing to the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. Due to the volume of correspondence addressed to the Minister, please note that there may be a delay in processing your email. Rest assured that your message will be carefully reviewed. We do not respond to correspondence that contains offensive language. ------------------- Merci d'avoir écrit à l'honorable Arif Virani, ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada.
Nous ne répondons pas à la correspondance contenant un langage offensant. | |
Premier of Ontario | Premier ministre de l’Ontario<Premier@ontario.ca> | Thu, Feb 15, 2024 at 3:01 PM |
| To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> | |
Thank you for your email. Your thoughts, comments and input are greatly valued. You can be assured that all emails and letters are carefully read, reviewed and taken into consideration. There may be occasions when, given the issues you have raised and the need to address them effectively, we will forward a copy of your correspondence to the appropriate government official. Accordingly, a response may take several business days. Thanks again for your email. ______ Merci pour votre courriel. Nous vous sommes très reconnaissants de nous avoir fait part de vos idées, commentaires et observations. Nous tenons à vous assurer que nous lisons attentivement et prenons en considération tous les courriels et lettres que nous recevons. Dans certains cas, nous transmettrons votre message au ministère responsable afin que les questions soulevées puissent être traitées de la manière la plus efficace possible. En conséquence, plusieurs jours ouvrables pourraient s’écouler avant que nous puissions vous répondre. Merci encore pour votre courriel. | |
Forsætisráðuneytið hefur móttekið tölvupóst þinn / Prime Minister's Office hereby confirms the receipt of your email.
Forsætisráðuneytið<for@for.is> | Thu, Feb 15, 2024 at 3:01 PM |
| Reply-To: No-Reply FOR <no-reply@for.is> | |
| To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> | |
Forsætisráðuneytið hefur móttekið tölvupóst þinn / Prime Minister's Office hereby confirms the receipt of your email.
| |
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Feb 15, 2024 at 3:01 PM
Subject: Re: Marching into court!
To: President Trump <contact@win.donaldjtrump.com>, <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, <pm@pm.gc.ca>, <Pierre-Luc.Dusseault@parl.gc.ca>, Nathalie.G.Drouin <Nathalie.G.Drouin@pco-bcp.gc.ca>, <newsroom@globeandmail.ca>, CNN.Viewer.Communications.Management <CNN.Viewer.Communications.Management@cnn.com>, <melissa.lantsman@parl.gc.ca>, Chrystia.Freeland@fin.gc.ca <news-tips@nytimes.com>, lionel <lionel@lionelmedia.com>, <elizabeth.thompson@cbc.ca>, justin.ling@vice.com, elizabeththompson <elizabeththompson@ipolitics.ca>, postur <postur@for.is>, <stephen.kimber@ukings.ca>, Jacques.Poitras <Jacques.Poitras@cbc.ca>, oldmaison <oldmaison@yahoo.com>, andre <andre@jafaust.com>
Cc: djtjr <djtjr@trumporg.com>, <mdcohen212@gmail.com>, <hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca>, Marco.Mendicino <Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca>, Michael.Duheme <Michael.Duheme@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Mark.Blakely <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, martin.gaudet <martin.gaudet@fredericton.ca>, blaine.higgs <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>
http://davidraymondamos3.blogs
Thursday 15 February 2024
Donald Trump's 1st criminal trial confirmed for next month in New York
https://www.cbc.ca/news/
Donald Trump's 1st criminal trial confirmed for next month in New York
Jury selection set to begin March 25 in case involving business
records, hush money allegations
The Associated Press · Posted: Feb 15, 2024 11:53 AM AST
http://davidraymondamos3.blogs
Tuesday 14 February 2017
RE FATCA, NAFTA & TPP etc ATTN President Donald J. Trump I just got
off the phone with your lawyer Mr Cohen (646-853-0114) Why does he lie
to me after all this time???
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "MinFinance / FinanceMin (FIN)" <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin
Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2017 14:52:33 +0000
Subject: RE: RE FATCA, NAFTA & TPP etc ATTN President Donald J. Trump
I just got off the phone with your lawyer Mr Cohen (646-853-0114) Why
does he lie to me after all this time???
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
The Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic
correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your
comments.
Le ministère des Finances accuse réception de votre correspondance
électronique. Soyez assuré(e) que nous apprécions recevoir vos
commentaires.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2017 10:51:14 -0400
Subject: RE FATCA, NAFTA & TPP etc ATTN President Donald J. Trump I
just got off the phone with your lawyer Mr Cohen (646-853-0114) Why
does he lie to me after all this time???
To: president <president@whitehouse.gov>, mdcohen212@gmail.com, pm
<pm@pm.gc.ca>, Pierre-Luc.Dusseault@parl.gc.c
<MulcaT@parl.gc.ca>, Jean-Yves.Duclos@parl.gc.ca,
B.English@ministers.govt.nz, Malcolm.Turnbull.MP@aph.gov.au
pminvites@pmc.gov.au, mayt@parliament.uk, press
<press@bankofengland.co.uk>, "Andrew.Bailey"
<Andrew.Bailey@fca.org.uk>,
fin.financepublic-financepubli
<newsroom@globeandmail.ca>, "CNN.Viewer.Communications.Man
<CNN.Viewer.Communications.Man
<news-tips@nytimes.com>, lionel <lionel@lionelmedia.com>
Cc: David Amos <david.raymond.amos@gmail.com>
elizabeth.thompson@cbc.ca, "justin.ling@vice.com, elizabeththompson"
<elizabeththompson@ipolitics.c
"Bill.Morneau" <Bill.Morneau@canada.ca>, postur <postur@for.is>,
stephen.kimber@ukings.ca, "steve.murphy" <steve.murphy@ctv.ca>,
"Jacques.Poitras" <Jacques.Poitras@cbc.ca>, oldmaison
<oldmaison@yahoo.com>, andre <andre@jafaust.com>
---------- Original message ----------
From: Michael Cohen <mcohen@trumporg.com>
Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2017 14:15:14 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: RE FATCA ATTN Pierre-Luc.Dusseault I just
called and left a message for you
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Effective January 20, 2017, I have accepted the role as personal
counsel to President Donald J. Trump. All future emails should be
directed to mdcohen212@gmail.com and all future calls should be
directed to 646-853-0114.
______________________________
This communication is from The Trump Organization or an affiliate
thereof and is not sent on behalf of any other individual or entity.
This email may contain information that is confidential and/or
proprietary. Such information may not be read, disclosed, used,
copied, distributed or disseminated except (1) for use by the intended
recipient or (2) as expressly authorized by the sender. If you have
received this communication in error, please immediately delete it and
promptly notify the sender. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed
to be received, secure or error-free as emails could be intercepted,
corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late, incomplete, contain viruses
or otherwise. The Trump Organization and its affiliates do not
guarantee that all emails will be read and do not accept liability for
any errors or omissions in emails. Any views or opinions presented in
any email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of The Trump Organization or any of its
affiliates.Nothing in this communication is intended to operate as an
electronic signature under applicable law.
---------- Original message ----------
From: "Finance Public / Finance Publique (FIN)"
<fin.financepublic-financepubl
Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2017 22:05:00 +0000
Subject: RE: Yo President Trump RE the Federal Court of Canada File No
T-1557-15 lets see how the media people do with news that is NOT FAKE
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
The Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic
correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your
comments.
Le ministère des Finances accuse réception de votre correspondance
électronique. Soyez assuré(e) que nous apprécions recevoir vos
commentaires.
---------- Original message ----------
From: "Joly, Mélanie (PCH)" <hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca>
Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2017 14:16:17 +0000
Subject: Accusé de réception / Acknowledge Receipt
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Merci d'avoir écrit à l'honorable Mélanie Joly, ministre du Patrimoine canadien.
La ministre est toujours heureuse de prendre connaissance des
commentaires de Canadiens sur des questions d'importance pour eux.
Votre courriel sera lu avec soin.
Si votre courriel porte sur une demande de rencontre ou une invitation
à une activité particulière, nous tenons à vous assurer que votre
demande a été notée et qu'elle recevra toute l'attention voulue.
**********************
Thank you for writing to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of
Canadian Heritage.
The Minister is always pleased to hear the comments of Canadians on
subjects of importance to them. Your email will be read with care.
If your email relates to a meeting request or an invitation to a
specific event, please be assured that your request has been noted and
will be given every consideration.
---------- Original message ----------
From: "Hancox, Rick (FCNB)" <rick.hancox@fcnb.ca>
Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2017 14:15:22 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: RE FATCA ATTN Pierre-Luc.Dusseault I just
called and left a message for you
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
G'Day/Bonjour,
Thanks for your e-mail. I am out of the office until 24 February. If
you need more immediate assistance, please contact France Bouchard at
506 658-2696.
Je serai absent du bureau jusqu'au 24 fevrier Durant mon absence,
veuillez contacter France Bouchard au 506 658-2696 pour assistance
immédiate.
Thanks/Merci Rick
On 2/15/24, President Trump <contact@win.donaldjtrump.com> wrote:
> I’m being dragged into court this morning facing 34 felony charges from the
> corrupt Alvin Bragg…
> [image: MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! >]
>
>
> THIS IS A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP:
>
> [image: Are you voting for me again? >]
>
> MY RIGGED CRIMINAL TRIAL JUST STARTED!
>
> I’m being dragged into court THIS MORNING facing 34 FELONY CHARGES from the
> CORRUPT Alvin Bragg.
>
>
> This is the BIGGEST WITCH HUNT in American history!
>
>
> These people WON’T STOP until I’m locked up in handcuffs.
>
>
> ELECTION INTERFERENCE!
>
>
> BUT BECAUSE OF YOU, I WILL NEVER SURRENDER!
>
>
> I’m gathering my TOP PATRIOTS to chip in before the day is over:
>
> STOP THE WITCH HUNT
>
> Crime in New York is OUT OF CONTROL, but Biden & his cronies in New York
> have orchestrated this entire WITCH HUNT TO TARGET ME.
>
>
> This is the MOST critical moment of the Witch Hunt - if you’ve been holding
> out - this is your moment.
>
>
> Patriots like you are the ONLY REASON I’m still fighting.
>
>
> PLEASE join me today.
>
>
> WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
>
> [image: Now is the time to CHIP IN and help me SAVE AMERICA >]
> [image: Now is the time to CHIP IN and help me SAVE AMERICA >]
>
> Donald J. Trump
>
> 45th President of the United States
>
> STOP THE WITCH HUNT
>
> Contributions to Trump Save America JFC are not deductible for federal
> income tax purposes.
>
> Paid for by Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee, a joint
> fundraising committee composed of and authorized by Donald J. Trump for
> President 2024, Inc. and Save America. donaldjtrump.com
>
> You are receiving this email at david.raymond.amos333@gmail.co
>
> Trump Save America JFC, PO Box 13570, Arlington, VA 22219
>
> We believe this is an important way to reach our grassroots supporters with
> the most up-to-date information regarding President Trump, and we’re glad
> you’re on our team.
>
> Thank you for joining Team Trump. It’s because of grassroots supporters like
> YOU that we’ve been able to consistently call out the Fake News media EVERY
> SINGLE TIME they try to spread misinformation or outright LIES about the
> important work President Trump is doing to SAVE AMERICA. Reaching grassroots
> supporters directly is CRITICAL if we’re going to Save America from Joe
> Biden and the Left. But, in order to do that we need to provide supporters
> with the most up-to-date information on all of our efforts.
>
> TEXT TRUMP to 88022 to start receiving text messages from President Trump.
>
> It’s because of the commitment and support from real Patriots, like YOU,
> that we will SAVE AMERICA! Thank you again for your generous support. If
> you'd like to change your subscription status follow this link.
>
> Privacy Policy
>
>
> [image]
Canada’s Premiers Advocate for Stronger Ties During Visit to Washington, D.C.
Canada’s Premiers Advocate for Stronger Ties During Visit to Washington, D.C.
OTTAWA, February 12, 2025 – All 13 of Canada’s Premiers travelled to Washington, D.C. this week as part of a joint mission to strengthen Canada-U.S. relations. Doug Ford, Chair of the Council of the Federation, led the group of Premiers, who are united in their view that tariffs on Canadian goods, if implemented, would hurt workers and businesses on both sides of the border.
Canada’s Premiers met with bipartisan members of Congress, and American and Canadian business leaders. Canada’s Premiers were also invited to the White House to meet with senior advisers to President Trump. During this discussion, Canada’s Premiers stressed the need to work together to avoid tariffs which would hurt workers on both sides of the border. They also listened and learned about opportunities to work with the Trump administration to align on and achieve shared priorities, including creating jobs, growing economies and protecting communities from the impact of fentanyl and other illegal drugs.
The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.
– 30 –
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Kristine Bunker
Assistant Director | Issues & Media Relations
Cabinet Office Communications
(437) 778-4306
kristine.bunker2@ontario.ca
Canada’s Premiers are supported by a small Secretariat located in Ottawa. The Secretariat reports to the Council of the Federation Steering Committee, which is comprised of provincial and territorial deputy ministers of intergovernmental relations.
Some of the support provided by the Secretariat includes:
- Planning, preparation and execution of Premiers’ meetings and international missions
- Facilitation of intergovernmental processes related to the work of Premiers
- Administration of Council projects
- Support to Council communications
No comments:
Post a Comment