Canada ready to take leadership on the world stage. Immediate impact of auto tariff. Gretzky going down.
In politics:
The worldwide tariff war escalated as the U.S. takes it’s bullying across the globe. Canada wasn’t implicated. This time. We have our own special fight. We’re experiencing the 25% tariff in the auto industry.
The automakers announced immediate layoffs
Carney steps up and says “If the United States no longer wants to lead, Canada will.” Our response to the tariffs is thoughtful and precise as one would expect from a world-class economist with national bank leadership experience in Europe and Canada. We are cultivating our allies and building upon the hundred plus trade agreements we have with other countries across the globe. All of the money from this specific strategy is going to support the auto workers and the industry.
Without a doubt Canada is going to come out of this stronger.
In Canadiana culture:
Former national icon Wayne Gretzky is about to be surpassed in NHL record for goals. Good. He appeared at the game with Kash Patel. Shocker. We know his politics and aren’t impressed. I’ve been hearing calls for his Order of Canada to be revoked. Great one my ass.
The April 28 election is approaching faster and we know we have to battle the far right element in our midst. I think we have a good chance of beating these bastards back. We are fighting the growing mis/disinfo campaigns.
CTV is backing away from journalistic standards to get rid of fact checking in their morning show. But folks are riled up and sending their complaints to the network and to the CRTC, our national broadcast regulating body.
In life:
I was down for several days with a cold. Severe sinus pain and sick days means falling further behind at work-work. No infowar progress to report.
Compounding matters, my spiffy new laptop got soaked and blew up real good due to a tumbler lid fail. I did all the things one should do in these situations re: turning it off, getting it dried out etc. It’s currently in the shop and we’re awaiting the verdict. Best case, it’s a minor repair cost for cracking it open and giving the components a good cleaning. Worst case? Write off. Another $1.5K out of pocket for a replacement in an already obscenely expensive month. I had it for five days.
Speaking of obscenely expensive, the garage informed me during my semi-annual swap out of winter and summer tires that one of them had a nail in it. The summer one. I was so headachey it didn’t occure to me to ask how they didn’t catch that when they took the summer tire off last fall. It came into storage looking a-ok to me. Whatever. It needed replacing regardless.
Then they showed me one of the back tail lights was cracked and taking on water. $300 part. Add in tire and labour and cha-ching another $1k bleeding out of my beleaguered bank account. It’s a 13 year old Prius c and repairs aren’t unexpected. I was saving up to get a newer ride. The $26K HVAC fiasco in March ended that. At least everything else about my ride is in good shape and it ought to hold out a few more years.
My reserves are tapped out financially and physically. I’m one more disaster away from being in big trouble. The increase in cost of living means a radical slashing of food budget. It’s the last line-item where there is some wiggle room.
Good thing I like eggs. They’re local, fresh, and cheap at my local bodega. It’s a sconery and their bakery product is DELIGHTFUL.
Staying as positive as I can. I have the world’s best partner. I got to spend time with a dear friend on a long walk and cap it off with a happy hour nosh. I live in the best neighbourhood where everything I need is within rambling distance. My job, despite the current stress is amazing. I have kind, brilliant, supportive colleagues and work that is intellectually satisfying. I have plans to go out tonight to see a local band and meet up with other friends. There’s a lot of arts and culture here and it too is a short walk away. You should come visit and throw us some tourist dollars. I promise your time in the guest room at the Manor (hah! it’s 1100sf house) will be fun.
Love and courage my friends!