TORONTO (AP) — Former central banker Mark Carney will become Canada’s next prime minister after a Liberal Party leadership vote in a landslide. Carney is 59. He was born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, on March 16, 1965, and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. CredentialsCarney ran the Bank of Canada from 2008 to 2013 and the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020. After helping Canada manage the worst impacts of the 2008 financial crisis, he was recruited to become the first non-Brit to run the Bank of England since it was founded in 1694. In 2020, he began serving as the United Nations’ special envoy for climate action and finance. Carney is a former Goldman Sachs executive. He worked for 13 years in London, Tokyo, New York and Toronto, before being appointed deputy governor of the Bank of Canada in 2003. He has no experience in politics. EducationCarney received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University in 1988, and master’s and doctoral degrees in economics from Oxford University. Like many Canadians, he played ice hockey, serving as a backup goalie for Harvard. Advertisement CitizenshipCarney has Canadian, U.K. and Irish citizenship. He has moved to eventually have solely Canadian citizenship, which is not required by law but seen as politically wise. FamilyHis wife Diana is British-born and he has four daughters. PollsHis chances of remaining prime minister for more than a few weeks seem to be improving. In a mid-January poll by Nanos, the Liberals trailed the opposition Conservatives and their leader Pierre Poilievre 47% to 20%. This week the latest poll has Liberals at 34% and the Conservatives at 37%.

All 80 people on board a Delta Air Lines flight survived when the jet flipped onto its roof while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, reports AP. The flight, arriving from Minneapolis with 76 passengers and four crew members, was attempting to land on a dry runway amidst snow and gusting winds of up to 40 mph (65 kph) around 2:15 p.m. While the cause of the incident is still under investigation, the airport’s CEO confirmed that the injuries sustained by the passengers were relatively minor. Dense Fog in Dhaka: 6 international flights diverted to Sylhet, Kolkata  Social media footage captured the aftermath, showing the Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR overturned, with the fuselage largely intact. Firefighters worked to extinguish the remaining fire as passengers exited the plane and walked across the tarmac. Deborah Flint, CEO of Greater Toronto Airports Authority, expressed gratitude that there were no fatalities and only minor injuries. Toronto Pearson Fire Chief Todd Aitken reported that 18 passengers were taken to the hospital. Earlier, Ornge air ambulance had transported one pediatric patient to SickKids hospital and two adults to other hospitals. The plane came to rest at the intersection of Runways 23 and 15L, not far from the start of the runway. Controllers communicated with the crew of a medical helicopter returning to assist with the crash. The weather conditions at the time included blowing snow and wind gusts, with temperatures around 16.5°F (-8.6°C). John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems, called the incident rare, noting that while inverted takeoffs are seen occasionally, such events are unusual. He explained that the CRJ-900 is a well-established aircraft, capable of handling inclement weather. However, he raised questions about the missing right wing, which may have contributed to the plane's inversion. The last major crash at Pearson occurred in August 2005 when an Air France Airbus A340 skidded off the runway during stormy weather, but all 309 people aboard survived. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation into this latest incident, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. First international commercial flight since Assad's ouster lands in Syria's capital This marks at least the fourth significant aviation mishap in North America in the past month, following a helicopter collision, a plane crash in Philadelphia, and another in Alaska. Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford expressed relief that no lives were lost, and offered support to local authorities. Delta CEO Ed Bastian conveyed the airline’s sympathies to those affected.

President Donald Trump agreed on Monday to a 30-day suspension of his proposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada after both nations took steps to address his concerns regarding border security and drug trafficking, reports AP. This temporary halt follows days of heightened tensions that brought North America to the brink of a trade war, one that could have stifled economic growth, driven up prices, and strained two of the U.S.’s most vital trade relationships. Trump's trade war among allies triggers retaliation from Canada and Mexico “I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30-day period to determine if a final economic deal with Canada can be structured,” Trump stated on social media, adding, “FAIRNESS FOR ALL!” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the pause in a post on X, stating that it would remain in place “while we work together.” He announced that Canada would appoint a fentanyl czar, designate Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, and create a joint Canada-U.S. task force to combat organized crime, fentanyl trafficking, and money laundering. Similarly, the pause in tariffs against Mexico provides an opportunity for negotiations on drug smuggling and illegal immigration. However, the 10% tariff on Chinese imports remains set to take effect on Tuesday, with Trump planning a discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the coming days. Trump's aid freeze shocks Syria camp housing IS-linked families Although fears of an imminent trade war have eased, uncertainty remains. While Canada and Mexico have secured a temporary reprieve, Trump could reinstate the tariffs at any time and is already preparing to impose levies on European imports. As a result, the global economy remains unsure whether a crisis has been averted or merely delayed. On Saturday, Trump had announced 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, along with an additional 10% tariff on Canadian oil, natural gas, and electricity. Despite his frequent warnings, the decision still came as a shock to investors, lawmakers, businesses, and consumers. Economic analyses from the Tax Foundation, the Tax Policy Center, and the Peterson Institute for International Economics suggested that the tariffs could slow growth, reduce incomes, and raise prices. However, Trump, while also promising to control inflation, argued that tariffs were essential to curbing illegal immigration, halting fentanyl smuggling, and ensuring that other nations treat the U.S. with the respect he believes it deserves. Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to the month-long tariff suspension after what Trump described as a “very friendly conversation” on social media. He expressed optimism about the upcoming negotiations. Leading the talks will be Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick, and senior Mexican representatives. Sheinbaum stated that Mexico would reinforce its border with 10,000 National Guard troops, while the U.S. committed to addressing the flow of high-powered weapons into Mexico. A similar situation occurred in 2019 when Mexico avoided Trump-imposed tariffs by deploying 15,000 soldiers to its northern border. On Monday, the outlook for Canada appeared less promising until a last-minute agreement was reached. Americans could feel 'some pain' from trade war: Trump A senior Canadian official revealed that Canada was uncertain about avoiding tariffs as Mexico had, citing shifting demands from the Trump administration. Speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations, the official indicated that the Canadian government felt less confident in securing a favourable outcome. When asked in the Oval Office on Monday what Canada could do to prevent tariffs, Trump responded, “I don’t know.” He even joked about making Canada the 51st U.S. state, continuing his often contentious rhetoric despite decades of close cooperation between the two nations, from World War II to joint efforts after the 9/11 attacks. Trump also hinted at additional tariffs against China, warning, “If we can’t make a deal with China, then the tariffs will be very, very substantial.” Financial markets, businesses, and consumers remained on edge as they braced for the potential economic impact of new tariffs. Stew Leonard Jr., CEO of the supermarket chain Stew Leonard’s, which operates in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, noted that his team was considering stocking up on Mexico’s Casamigos tequila before tariffs took effect and switching from Canadian to Norwegian salmon. Stock markets reacted with slight declines, reflecting cautious optimism that the tariffs could be short-lived. Trump himself inquired about market performance as reporters were leaving the Oval Office on Monday. The situation underscored the unpredictability of a president who has repeatedly expressed admiration for tariffs, even lamenting that the U.S. government shifted to income taxes as its primary revenue source in 1913. White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett argued that labelling the situation a trade war was misleading, despite the risk of retaliatory measures and escalation. “Read the executive order—President Trump was absolutely, 100% clear that this is not a trade war,” Hassett said. “This is a drug war.” Despite this framing, Trump’s rhetoric has frequently suggested a broader concern about perceived trade imbalances and economic exploitation. On Sunday, he indicated that tariffs on European nations would be coming soon. By Monday afternoon, he appeared willing to continue leveraging tariff threats, citing the U.S. economy’s size as a bargaining tool. “Tariffs are very powerful, both economically and in getting everything else you want,” Trump told reporters. “Nobody can compete with us because we’re the pot of gold. But if we don’t keep winning and doing well, we won’t be the pot of gold.” Jaime Bricker, tourism director for Skagway, Alaska, highlighted the economic concerns among Canadian visitors, who are essential to her town’s economy. Speaking about a recent visit to Vancouver, she noted that many people, from cab drivers to wait staff, expressed anxiety over how exchange rates and potential tariffs might affect their ability to visit the U.S. “It seems to be a fluid situation, and it’s difficult to know just how impactful it will be without knowing for certain what could come in the days ahead,” she said.

Canada's governing Liberal Party will select the country's next prime minister on March 9 following a leadership vote triggered by Justin Trudeau's resignation earlier this week, party officials announced on Thursday, reports AP. Trudeau will remain in office as prime minister until a new leader is chosen. Leading contenders for the party's leadership include former central banker Mark Carney and former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, whose sudden resignation last month prompted Trudeau's decision to step down. Who Will Replace Justin Trudeau? “Following a comprehensive and secure national process, the Liberal Party of Canada will elect a new leader on March 9, ready to compete and win the 2025 election,” stated Sachit Mehra, President of the Liberal Party of Canada. This political shakeup comes at a challenging time for Canada, as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly referred to Canada as the 51st state and threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. The next Liberal leader could face a brief tenure as prime minister, as all three opposition parties have vowed to topple the Liberals' minority government through a no-confidence vote once Parliament reconvenes on March 24. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau resigns in the face of internal, external pressure Polls indicate the Liberals face slim chances in the upcoming election, with the latest Nanos survey showing the party trailing the opposition Conservatives by a margin of 45% to 23%. Trudeau, 53, the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, announced his resignation on Monday amid dwindling support within his party and across the country. His unpopularity stemmed from various issues, including rising food and housing costs and increasing immigration. Last month, Trudeau informed Freeland that she would no longer serve as finance minister but could retain her roles as deputy prime minister and the key liaison for U.S.-Canada relations. Freeland resigned soon after, issuing a critical letter about the government, which proved to be the tipping point for Trudeau's leadership. Freeland has spent the past week consulting with colleagues about the way forward. Following her resignation, Trump referred to her as “totally toxic” and “not at all conducive to making deals.” Freeland had previously led Canada’s negotiations during the renegotiation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in Trump’s first term. Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent, has also been a strong supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia—a stance that has likely drawn Trump’s ire. A former journalist and liberal, Freeland represents a mix of qualities that Trump has publicly criticised. Justin Trudeau likely to resign this week Mark Carney, on the other hand, boasts an impressive resume. In 2012, he became the first non-British governor of the Bank of England since its founding in 1694. His appointment followed a successful tenure as governor of Canada’s central bank, where he was credited with helping Canada recover swiftly from the 2008 financial crisis. He also played a key role in steering the UK through Brexit. Although Carney has expressed interest in politics and the prime ministership, he lacks political experience. This week, he acknowledged the widespread support he has received and said he would discuss his decision with his family in the coming days. The Liberal Party's National Board of Directors released the leadership race rules on Thursday. The entry fee is set at $350,000 Canadian ($243,000), and candidates must declare their intention to run by January 23. Eligible voters must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The Liberals previously amended their membership rules to simplify the registration process for party members, including abolishing fees. However, some Members of Parliament have suggested stricter rules after an inquiry into foreign interference revealed incidents of non-Canadians voting in local nomination races. “Maintaining the integrity of our democratic process while encouraging broad participation remains a top priority for the Liberal Party of Canada,” the party noted in a statement.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday dismissed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's willingness to use "economic force" to merge Canada into the United States. "There isn't a snowball's chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States," Trudeau wrote on his social media account. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau resigns in the face of internal, external pressure "Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other's biggest trading and security partner," said Trudeau. Trump said Tuesday that he's open to using "economic force" to acquire Canada. Trump, speaking at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, also refused to rule out the use of military force to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation amid waning support within his party and across the country.  Trudeau’s departure leaves his Liberal Party scrambling to find a new leader as Canada faces significant challenges, including the threat of steep tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and a looming federal election. Trudeau, 53, plans to remain as prime minister until a successor is chosen. However, his position became untenable after Chrystia Freeland, one of his most influential and loyal ministers, resigned as finance minister last month. Freeland’s departure followed mounting criticism of Trudeau’s leadership over issues such as rising food and housing costs, and increasing immigration levels. A Tough Time for Canada The political uncertainty comes at a critical moment for Canada. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods unless the country addresses what he calls a flow of migrants and drugs into the U.S. Trump’s assertions, however, misrepresent the reality, as most of these concerns are more prominent on the U.S.-Mexico border. Trade tensions are also high, with Trump accusing Canada of contributing to the U.S. trade deficit, which Canada disputes. Canadian Ambassador to Washington Kirsten Hillman clarified that a significant portion of Canada’s exports to the U.S. are energy products, and the trade balance depends heavily on oil prices. If tariffs are enacted, Canada has vowed to retaliate, raising fears of a trade war. When Will Canada See a New Prime Minister? The Liberal Party must elect a new leader before Parliament resumes on March 24. Opposition parties have vowed to force a no-confidence vote as soon as Parliament reconvenes, potentially triggering an early election. This tight timeline gives the new leader little time to prepare, further complicating the Liberals' chances of holding onto power. Potential Successors to Trudeau Among the frontrunners to replace Trudeau are former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney and former finance minister Chrystia Freeland. Carney, a globally respected economist, gained prominence for steering Canada through the 2008 financial crisis and managing Brexit as governor of the Bank of England. Despite his lack of political experience, Carney’s expertise in economics and regulation makes him a strong contender. Freeland, a former journalist with deep international connections, resigned after Trudeau expressed doubts about her continuing as finance minister. A staunch supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia, Freeland has also been critical of Trump, who labeled her "toxic." While she has yet to declare her candidacy, Freeland is consulting with colleagues about her next steps. Another possible candidate is Dominic LeBlanc, the current finance minister and a close ally of Trudeau. LeBlanc, who once babysat a young Trudeau, recently joined him for a dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. The Liberal Party’s Chances Recent polls suggest the Liberals are trailing far behind the Conservatives, with 47% of voters supporting the opposition party compared to 21% for the Liberals. Analysts believe Trudeau’s delayed resignation leaves little time for his successor to prepare for early elections, further jeopardizing the party’s prospects. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is widely seen as the favorite to become the next prime minister. Known for his populist rhetoric, Poilievre has criticized Trudeau for Canada’s cost-of-living crisis and promised to eliminate the carbon tax and defund the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. While Trudeau’s resignation may offer a short-term boost to Liberal support, experts caution that the party faces an uphill battle to regain public trust and secure electoral success.

Embattled Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, citing a desire for new leadership. His departure marks the end of an era after nearly a decade in office. Trudeau's resignation comes amid declining approval and internal party pressure. He will remain PM though, till his party is able to choose a new leader.  He said that he has “one regret” as he announced he intends to resign — and that is the country’s election process, according to CNN. “If I have one regret, particularly as we approach this election — well, probably many regrets that I will think of,” Trudeau said. “But I do wish we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country so that people could simply choose a second choice, or a third choice on the same ballot.” However, he may remain in office until the summer, depending on how long the ruling Liberal Party takes to select a new leader. Trudeau’s decision could precede the party's national caucus meeting on Wednesday, according to the Globe and Mail. Read More: Justin Trudeau likely to resign this week While Trudeau may seek to host the G7 summit in Alberta this June, his leadership faces mounting pressure. Over half of the 153 Liberal MPs in the House of Commons have called for his resignation, a figure nearing 100. With Parliament returning on January 27 and a no-confidence motion expected, Trudeau might seek to prorogue Parliament to facilitate the leadership transition. Hillary Clinton, George Soros and Denzel Washington received the highest US civilian honor After returning from a holiday in British Columbia, Trudeau has yet to comment publicly, with only a virtual Cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday. Meanwhile, potential successors include former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, whose resignation in December intensified calls for Trudeau’s departure. Polls suggest Freeland could revive the party’s fortunes, with support rising from 16% under Trudeau to over 20%. Other contenders, including Mark Carney and Melanie Joly, appear less promising. The Conservatives currently lead the Liberals by over 20% in voter preference.

In the East Room of the White House on a particularly frigid Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton aroused a standing ovation from the crowd as she received her medal. Clinton was accompanied to the event by her husband former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton and grandchildren. Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington were also awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor in a White House ceremony. “For the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said in his opening remarks. “Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country," Biden said Saturday. Four medals were awarded posthumously. They went to George W. Romney, who served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; former Attorney General and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Kennedy is father to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for health and human services secretary. Biden said, “Bobby is one of my true political heroes. I love and I miss him dearly.” Romney is the father of former Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, one of Trump's strongest conservative critics. Read: Five-time Olympic medalist Tom Daley announces retirement from diving Biden has days left in the Presidential office and has spent the last few days issuing awards and medals to valiant military veterans, courageous law enforcement officials and exceptional Americans. The White House said the Medal of Freedom recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.” Major philanthropists receiving the award include Spanish American chef José Andrés, whose World Central Kitchen charity has become one of the world's most recognized food relief organizations, and Bono, the front man for rock band U2 and a social justice activist. Soros' son Alex Soros accepted the medal on his father's behalf. In an emailed statement, Soros said: “As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor." Sports and entertainment stars recognized include professional soccer player Lionel Messi, who did not attend the event; retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson; actor Michael J. Fox, who is an outspoken advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development; and William Sanford Nye, known to generations of students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy." Other awardees include conservationist Jane Goodall; longtime Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour; American fashion designer Ralph Lauren; American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; and David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group global investment firm. Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive the honor. Read more: Prince Amyn Aga Khan conferred with Municipal Merit Medal Last year, Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on 19 people, including the late Medgar Evers, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina and actor Michelle Yeoh. The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded 654 times between 1963 and 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service. Notable Medal of Freedom recipients from the past include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou and Mother Teresa.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday said Americans “are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive" and said he will retaliate if Donald Trump goes ahead with them. Speaking at an event put on by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Trudeau also said dealing with Trump will be “a little more challenging” than the last time because Trump’s team is coming in with a much clearer set of ideas of what they want to do right away than after his first election win in 2016. Trudeau, opposition leaders to discuss US ties amid Trump tariff threat The U.S. president-elect has threatened to impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico unless they stem the flow of migrants and drugs. “Trump got elected on a commitment to make life better and more affordable for Americans, and I think people south of the border are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive," Trudeau said. On the weekend, Trump appeared in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” where the president-elect said he can’t guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. “Let’s not kid ourselves in any way, shape or form, 25% tariffs on everything going to the United States would be devastating for the Canadian economy," Trudeau said. “It would also, however, mean real hardship for Americans as well. Americans import 65% of their crude oil from Canada, significant amounts of electricity. Just about all the natural gas exported from Canada goes to the United States. They rely on us for steel and aluminum. They rely on us for a range of agriculture imports. All of those things would get more expensive.” If Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, alcohol and other goods. Canada's Trudeau revives a Cabinet-level panel to address concerns about a Trump presidency The Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, has said tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when the countries retaliate. “We will of course, as we did eight years ago, respond to unfair tariffs,” Trudeau said. Trudeau said his government is still mulling over “the right ways” to respond, referencing when Canada put billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports just $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most of it comes from one plant in Wisconsin, the home state of then-Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty. “It was the fact that we put tariffs on bourbon and Harley-Davidsons and playing cards and Heinz ketchup and cherries and a number of other things that were very carefully targeted because they were politically impactful to the president’s party and colleagues,” Trudeau said. Trudeau said when Trump says things he means them but they also know Trump is trying to insert uncertainty and “a bit of chaos” into democracies. “One of the most important things for us to do is not freak out, not to panic,” Trudeau said. “Knowing these would be absolutely devastating means we have to take them seriously but it does mean we have to be thoughtful and strategic and not going around making our opponents arguments for him but making our arguments in a significant and united way." Canadian officials have said it is unfair to lump Canada in with Mexico. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. — where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually — is made by Mexican drug cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with irregular migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time. Trump has also claimed the U.S. is “subsidizing Canada to the tune of over $100 billion a year." On America’s trade deficit Canada’s ambassador to Washington, Kirsten Hillman, told the AP U.S. had a $75 billion trade deficit with Canada last year but noted a third of what Canada sells into the U.S. are energy exports and prices have been high. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports as well. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing for national security. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with all opposition leaders on Wednesday to discuss US-Canada relations following threats by US President-elect Donald Trump to impose sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products. A source familiar with the situation said the meeting would take place early Wednesday afternoon. The individual, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the talks are aimed at addressing the escalating tensions over trade. Trudeau successfully navigated a "Team Canada" approach during Trump's first term, working to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). However, Trudeau’s political position has weakened since then, and with an election looming in under a year, the current situation is more precarious. The latest threat came after Trump’s meeting with Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Friday. Despite calls for a more cooperative stance, Trump did not back down from his pledge to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico unless they take stronger action to address migration and drug flows. Trump says BRICS countries must commit they’ll not replace US dollar or they’ll face 100% tariffs Trump’s remarks have sparked concern in Canada, which argues that it is being unfairly lumped in with Mexico. With 77% of Canada’s exports destined for the US, the potential tariffs would have a devastating impact on the Canadian economy. The country is one of the most trade-dependent in the world, and much of its daily trade, including crucial energy supplies, flows across the border. Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to Washington, expressed optimism over Trudeau’s efforts to explain that the situation at the Canadian-US border is vastly different from that at the US-Mexico border. While the US has faced significant migrant and drug issues on its southern border, Canada has seen far fewer encounters, particularly with drugs like fentanyl.   Source: With inputs from wires