Day One | March 3, 2025
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Trump Criticizes Canadian Politicians Amid Pending Tariff Deadline
President Donald Trump made pointed remarks about Canadian politicians in a recent interview with The Spectator while his deadline to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports approaches on March 4. Trump directed criticism at Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland, calling her "a whack" and claiming credit for her resignation as finance minister. The president also stated that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is "not a MAGA guy" and complained about Poilievre not being "positive" toward him. Canadian officials are currently engaged in diplomatic efforts in Washington to prevent the implementation of the tariffs, with Public Safety Minister David McGuinty meeting with members of Trump's team to demonstrate progress on border security measures.
Federal Polling Shows Rapid Shift in Canadian Political Landscape
Recent federal polls reveal a dramatic shift in Canadian voting preferences, with the Conservative Party's long-held lead quickly diminishing. An Ipsos poll conducted in late February shows the Liberals ahead of the Conservatives among decided voters for the first time in years,?erasing a 26-point Conservative lead?from just six weeks earlier. Poll analysts attribute this steep upswing to three main factors: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation, interest in the Liberal leadership race, and tensions with United States President Donald Trump. The NDP appears to be losing support during this shift, with poll analyst Eric Grenier noting they have lost almost half their voters and are in "serious trouble".
Buckingham Palace Declines to Comment on Trump's Canada Annexation Threats
Buckingham Palace has?refused?to comment on U.S. President Donald Trump's persistent statements about annexing Canada as the 51st state, stating, “This is not something we would comment on.” Trump has repeatedly threatened "economic force" through tariffs if Canada does not agree to annexation, even referring to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "governor." While Canadian leaders across political lines have firmly rejected these proposals, international allies, including the United Kingdom, have been reluctant to defend Canadian sovereignty publicly, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer evading questions during his recent Washington visit.
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Finance Minister Nate Horner Tables Budget 2025 ?
Finance Minister Nate Horner tabled Alberta's?Budget 2025?in the legislature on Thursday. The budget, titled Meeting the Challenge, delivers $1.2 billion in tax cuts with the province's first deficit in three years. The government attributes the $5.2 billion deficit to tariff-related uncertainty, a doubling of its contingency fund, and the implementation of the promised $1.2 billion income tax cut. The budget also?commits?$185 million this year to hire more than 4,000 new education staff, including teachers and educational assistants. Alberta plans to spend approximately $28 billion on health care this fiscal year, an increase of 5.4 percent, or $1.4 billion.?
Alberta Legislature Returns for Spring Sitting
The Alberta legislature's?spring sitting?began on Tuesday. While auto insurance reform and modifications to the powers of professional regulatory colleges are on the government's agenda, the looming threat of US tariffs and the resulting economic uncertainty will be top of mind as legislation is introduced this spring session. Government House Leader Joseph Schow indicated on Monday that the government intends to introduce 20 pieces of legislation during this sitting, which is scheduled to run until May 15, with two week-long constituency breaks. Two bills were introduced last week, bill 37, Mental Health Services Protection Amendment Act, and 38, Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act.??
Martin Long Appointed as Minister of Infrastructure
Just before the resumption of the spring legislative session on Tuesday morning, Infrastructure Minister Peter Guthrie?resigned?from cabinet. In a social media statement, Guthrie cited concerns about government procurement practices and criticized his former executive team as reasons for his departure. Guthrie, the MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane, will continue to serve in the legislature as a private member. On Thursday, the government?announced?that Martin Long, MLA for West Yellowhead, would replace Guthrie as Infrastructure Minister. Long has previously served as a parliamentary secretary for various portfolios, including small business and, most recently, rural health.?
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Premier Rob Lantz shuffles cabinet, as contenders step forward in P.E.I. leadership races
When the P.E.I. legislature returns on March 25, the first order of business will be to elect a new Speaker after Thursday’s?cabinet shuffle?saw Speaker Darlene Compton appointed as Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade. Compton replaces Montague-Kilmuir MLA Cory Deagle, who stepped down and announced his?intention?to seek the leadership of the PC Party. Souris–Elmira MLA Robin Croucher will serve as Minister of Education and Early Years, a role previously held by now-Premier Rob Lantz. Meanwhile, former Charlottetown-Belvedere MLA Hannah Bell has?announced?her intention to run for the leadership of the P.E.I. Green Party. She joins Borden-Kinkora MLA Matt MacFarlane, who declared his candidacy in January. The Greens will hold a leadership vote on June 7, though official candidates will not be confirmed until March 12. The Liberal leadership convention will take place in May 2026.
Lots of interest in Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal leadership following Premier Furey’s resignation
Andrew Furey’s decision to step down Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and Leader of the Liberal Party after four and a half years has prompted a flurry of interest in the top job, as well as concern that that his decision brings the ‘opposite of political stability’ at a critical time.? Political parties have been gearing up for a possible early election call, ahead of November’s fixed date, requiring the leadership race to be organized in short order. Those?actively?considering running include Housing and Mental Health Minister John Abbott, who ran against Furey in 2020, Health Minister John Hogan, Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Siobhan Coady, and former Liberal MP Yvonne Jones.? Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture Gerry Byrne is also rumoured to be a possible contender.
Premier Susan Holt’s first budget to include tariff relief amid U.S. trade uncertainty
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt?announced?that her first budget, to be introduced on March 18, will include a substantial tariff relief package in recognition of the fact that the province’s economy is heavily dependent on U.S. trade. While the exact amount has not been finalized, Holt indicated the total would be slightly less than the $200 million package introduced in Nova Scotia. Holt acknowledged that the aid package will significantly impact the province’s already large deficit but emphasized the need to invest in long-term economic resilience, arguing that delaying necessary spending would only increase costs over time. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about how the relief fund will be financed, questioning whether program cuts or reserve funds will be used.
Houston government backtracks after legislative changes draw controversy?
In the first two weeks of the legislative session, the Houston government introduced almost a dozen bills including legislation to remove?interprovincial trade barriers, modernize?healthcare administration, ease congestion and broaden the scope of the?Joint Regional Transportation Agency, modernize?justice administration, increase control over the province’s?post-secondary institutions, enable?resource development, and restructure the?public service, After sustained pushback, Premier Houston?withdrew?amendments which would have allowed MLAs to fire the Auditor General without cause and withhold sections of her reports from the public. The government has also?indicated?more changes may be coming after the Privacy Commissioner warned proposed amendments in Bill 1 could diminish government accountability and limit the public's access and privacy rights.? Both Premier Houston and Deputy Minister Tracy Taweel, the head of the public service, have also written to all provincial employees asking them to find efficiencies and create a more ‘agile, innovative and productive workforce.’ In response, NDP Leader Claudia Chender expressed concerns that since Bill 1 includes amendments making it easier to fire non-union employees without cause, that the government is evading accountability, while at the same time attacking the public service, media and unnamed ‘special interests.’
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BC Budget Release Coincides with US Tariff Implementation on Tuesday
BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey's budget?arrives?Tuesday alongside new US tariffs on Canadian exports. Economic forecasts for BCs budget predict 1.9% growth in 2025 and 2% annually until 2029. The forecast also shows 25% tariffs could cause a two-year recession. Bailey's budget will be minimalist, strictly prioritizing essential services due to economic uncertainty. Other BC ministries have also been instructed by the Ministry of Finance to find unnecessary programs and expenses to cut. This aligns with the Business Council of BCs vision for deficit reduction and a pro-investment climate. Still, rising healthcare and infrastructure costs pose a challenge to fiscal restraint.
BC Government Removes Interprovincial Trade Barriers in Fisheries and Procurement
BC has?lifted?two exemptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) to align with other Canadian governments seeking to bolster interprovincial trade. First, BC removed a retaliatory measure that allowed the province to impose reciprocal restrictions on other jurisdictions that limited BC suppliers access to procurement opportunities. Second, BC lifted investment restrictions in the fisheries sector. Minister Diana Gibson expressed confidence this will boost business activity and GDP. The federal government, meanwhile, eliminated 20 of its 39 exemptions under the CFTA last week. Ottawa believes removing internal trade barriers could boost the Canadian economy by $200 billion and mitigate the impact of Trump's tariffs.
BC Conservatives Elect Board, Set Policy Objectives at Annual General Meeting
Over 750 BC Conservatives?gathered?in Nanaimo for their Annual General Meeting where they elected a board of directors and voted on new policy objectives. Despite their 2024 election surge, divisions exist between right-wing party members and centrists who joined the party after BC United's collapse in the last election. Amongst the criticisms is the accusation made by numerous members that leader John Rustad has compromised conservative values. Despite these criticisms, all Rustad’s preferred candidates won board positions while Aisha Estey remains party president. This means Rustad maintains a firm hold on the party, despite calls in the lead up to the AGM for his removal. The party adopted several policy resolutions, including repealing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in favour of “economic reconciliation”, mandatory treatment for mental health and addiction, and a “zero tolerance” policy for tent cities.
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Ontario Progressive Conservatives Win a Third Consecutive Majority Government
Doug Ford led the Ontario PC Party to a rare?third straight majority government?in a 28-day campaign dominated by potential U.S. tariff threats. The PCs increased their seat count from 79 to 80. With 27 seats, the Ontario NDP will return as the Official Opposition, earning 19% of the popular vote. Leader Marit Stiles held her seat in Davenport. The Ontario Liberals finished in third by winning 14 seats – despite securing approximately 30% of the popular vote. Leader Bonnie Crombie lost her seat in Mississauga-East Cooksville, but helped the Liberals regain official party status for the first time since they last held power. Ms. Crombie has committed to staying on as party leader, after being elected in late-2023. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner was re-elected in Guelph – with his party winning two seats in the legislature.
Doug Ford Proposes Retaliatory Tariff on Electricity Export to the U.S.?
Speaking at a campaign stop in Ottawa on Tuesday, PC Leader Doug Ford?said?his government is reviewing the cost of electricity exports to the U.S. and is prepared to impose retaliatory tariffs on electricity if the Trump administration proceeds to implement tariffs on Canadian goods. He gave no further details on the proposed measure. Ford recently?returned?from the National Governors Association winter meeting in Washington, D.C., where he advocated against U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports.
What to Expect in the Weeks Ahead
With the Ontario election now over, Premier Ford’s next move will be to appoint his new Cabinet. The Premier will be rebuilding his team to combat U.S. tariff threats. The legislature is expected to reconvene in the coming weeks, which will be marked by a Speech from the Throne outlining the government’s agenda for the upcoming session. The province is expected to introduce its 2025 Budget slightly later than usual, but could still be targeting a Spring release date.
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City of Toronto’s Mayor Chow Forms Economic Team to Tackle Trump’s Tariffs
On February 29, 2025, Mayor Olivia Chow?announced?the formation of a 13-member Economic Action Team to develop Toronto’s response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, which she called “unjustified” and “senseless.” The team, which includes business leaders such as Blake Hutcheson, CEO of OMERS, and Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, aims to protect Toronto’s businesses and workers from economic fallout. The group’s first meeting will take place at City Hall, focusing on supporting local industries and reinforcing a “Buy Local, Buy Canadian” campaign. As part of her broader stance against Trump’s trade policies, Chow recently moved to eliminate licensing subsidies for Tesla taxis and limousines, calling it a symbolic move to “send a message to the White House”. The initiative underscores Toronto’s proactive approach to mitigating economic disruption, emphasizing local business resilience and municipal leadership in trade policy.
Ford Government Intervenes in Stalled Oakville Condo Project
On February 26, 2025, Oakville councillors voiced frustration after the Ontario government approved a provincial-led condo development near the Oakville GO station, bypassing municipal planning. The project, which includes 11 towers ranging from 46 to 59 storeys on land owned by Distrikt Developments and Christopher Bratty, closely mirrors the developers’ original application, which the town had not approved. The?province’s plan?increases the total residential units from 6,829 to 6,908 but does not include affordable housing or details on infrastructure improvements. Councillors and planning staff criticized the move, arguing it prioritizes developers’ interests over Oakville’s long-term vision for the Midtown area, where the town had planned a mix of housing, retail, and public amenities. Some residents and urban planners have compared the situation to the Greenbelt scandal, raising concerns about preferential treatment for developers with ties to Premier Doug Ford. Oakville council unanimously voted to oppose the project, warning that its extreme density—2,350 people and jobs per hectare, 10 times the provincial minimum—could overwhelm local roads and transit. Mayor Rob Burton said the town’s own?Midtown Oakville Plan, adopted on February 18, 2025, presents a more balanced approach. However, the province could still override local opposition through a Minister’s Zoning Order, which cannot be appealed.
Mayor Chow Calls for Review of Troubled Snow Removal Contracts
On February 26, 2025, Mayor Olivia Chow?announced?a formal review of Toronto’s long-term snow removal contracts following widespread complaints about uncleared streets, sidewalks, and transit stops more than a week after 50 cm of snow fell. Chow acknowledged she initially gave the system time to work but admitted, “It is not working well,” citing residents struggling with injuries and accessibility issues. The controversial contracts, signed in 2021 and lasting until 2029, were awarded to a few private companies that promised cost savings but have since faced scrutiny for lacking proper equipment, GPS tracking, and accountability. A 2023 auditor general report revealed the city reduced penalties for contractors from $200 per minute for late deployments to just $10 per minute due to concerns that companies couldn’t afford the fines. Councillor Paula Fletcher, who voted against the contracts, called them one of the most “controversial procurements” of the pandemic, while Councillor Brad Bradford criticized Chow’s response as “too little, too late.” Residents and advocacy groups reported difficulties navigating the city, with some missing appointments and struggling to access transit. While Chow has not confirmed whether the city will renegotiate or cancel the contracts, she said her priority is managing the expected freeze-thaw cycle in the coming days to prevent hazardous ice buildup on sidewalks.
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SAAQclic Scandal: Minister Resigns as Legault Orders Inquiry
The controversy surrounding the failed digital transformation of Quebec’s automobile insurance board (SAAQ) has led to the?resignation?of Cybersecurity and Digital (MCN) Minister éric Caire. The project's cost ballooned to $1.1 billion—$500 million over budget—amid allegations that key details were withheld from decision-makers. Premier Fran?ois Legault is considering a new inquiry to verify the claims of Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault and Public Security Minister Fran?ois Bonnardel, who deny knowledge of the issues. Opposition parties are demanding a public investigation to uncover ministerial accountability. Caire maintains his innocence, blaming a lack of oversight rather than misconduct. Reports suggest the project’s director concealed financial overruns and circumvented public procurement rules. Meanwhile, Legault named Gilles Bélanger to lead the MCN. The scandal, marked by service disruptions and financial mismanagement, continues to impact the SAAQ’s ability to provide efficient services to Quebecers.
Quebec Launches Investigation into SAAQclic Scandal Amid Growing Concerns
Quebec authorities are taking action with a?public inquiry?following a damning report by the province's auditor general on the SAAQclic digital transformation project, a key initiative of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). The project, which has faced severe cost overruns and technical failures, is under scrutiny by the Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC) and the Autorité des marchés publics (AMP). The investigation will focus on potential conflicts of interest and mismanagement of the $500 million project, which could escalate to a $1.1 billion total cost. Issues include incomplete planning, delayed deployment, and hidden security problems, leading to long service delays. Politicians are demanding answers, as it appears the provincial government was aware of the project's failures well before its problematic launch. The opposition has raised concerns about the government's handling of the issue
Québec Imposes Quotas on Foreign Students in Higher Education Institutions
The Québec government has introduced a?reduction in the number of foreign students allowed to study at its institutions, particularly targeting private colleges. The decision follows the government's previous move to legislate its authority over foreign student admissions. In 2025, the number of Certificates of Acceptance of Québec (CAQ) will decrease by 20%, limiting the ability of students from abroad to study in certain programs, especially short-term vocational courses like administration and design, which have been increasingly popular for gaining residency. Colleges, including Ellis College and Collège LaSalle, will be significantly affected. However, specialized programs in fields like healthcare and aviation will be exempt from the cuts. The decision is part of the government’s broader immigration plan to manage growth and reduce pressures on public services and housing. The changes are expected to continue in the coming years, despite resistance from universities.
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