In a significant gathering, Canada’s premiers are convening in Ottawa for two days of discussions focused on economic issues, affordability, and trade relations, particularly with the United States. The meeting, set to take place ahead of the formal review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) this summer, includes a session with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday. The premiers are keen to present a unified front, dubbed "Team Canada," especially as trade tensions escalate with the U.S., Canada’s largest trading partner. Recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, including potential 100 percent tariffs on Canadian exports, have heightened concerns, particularly affecting sectors like steel, softwood lumber, and vehicles.
Additionally, Gregor Robertson, the federal housing minister, is calling for increased transitional housing support from the provinces. In a recent interview, he expressed gratitude for the collaboration with provincial and municipal entities aiming to accelerate the construction of affordable housing to address the pressing need for long-term housing solutions. Robertson highlighted the establishment of Build Canada Homes, a federal agency initiated in September to promote the development of affordable, non-market housing. The agency has reportedly received around 450 proposals from various stakeholders, including provinces, cities, and private developers, to create new affordable housing projects, reflecting the widespread need across all provinces and territories.
In another development, employees of Global Affairs Canada are facing potential job cuts after receiving notices indicating they may lose their positions. This comes ahead of a comprehensive foreign policy review that aims to redefine the department's priorities. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has indicated that although the broad outlines of Canada’s foreign policy are established, the union representing diplomats is concerned about the timing of these cuts. Pam Isfeld, president of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers, criticized the premature nature of the cuts, advocating that staffing changes should occur after priorities are clearly outlined. A total of about 700 employees within her union have reportedly received layoff notices, alongside notifications sent to additional staff members from various associations linked to Global Affairs Canada.
Meanwhile, a sentencing hearing is scheduled today for Stéphanie Borel, a Quebec woman who pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for scalding a 10-year-old boy with boiling water last year due to a prank. Borel acknowledged her actions stemmed from frustration over repeated doorbell ringing by children. The sentencing arguments will occur at the Longueuil courthouse, where the Crown prosecutor is expected to push for a prison sentence. The young boy, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, suffered severe burns affecting about four percent of his body, particularly on his face, chest, and shoulder blade, following the incident on October 2, 2024.
On a different note, Southern Ontario experienced a magnitude 3.7 earthquake late Tuesday night, with the tremor recorded near Orillia shortly before 11:00 PM Eastern Time. The depth of the quake was reported to be five kilometers, and the Canadian seismic monitoring agency’s "Did you feel it?" link received over 2,000 reports from residents across a wide area, from Kitchener to Toronto and as far east as Belleville and south to Niagara Falls.
Lastly, in a cultural celebration, Canada Post has unveiled new stamps honoring Black Canadian hip-hop pioneers in recognition of Black History Month. The stamps feature notable figures in the genre, including Toronto rapper Maestro Fresh Wes, rapper and actress Michie Mee, and the musical group Muzion from Quebec. The unveiling event was emotional for many attendees, particularly for Michie Mee, who expressed immense pride in being recognized in this way, calling the acknowledgment significant for herself and her community.
