> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.onthetrail.info/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # A never ending conversation about trade - The News Roundup - URL: https://www.onthetrail.info/latest/a-never-ending-conversation-about-trade-the-news-roundup/ - Published: 2026-08-31T12:00:30.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-31T12:00:30.000Z - Description: The past week of headlines for 31/08/2026 - Author: Isaac Peltz - Tags: News & More ### A year and a half ago at the leadership debate in Montreal, I remember standing in front of Carney with my camera out, pointed at his face. He stands around, what seemed to me, about 173 cm, or 5 feet, 8 inches. He wears suits that fit him well, and stands with a confidence that seems justified considering the career he’s had. Usually when he stands answering questions and there’s not a podium in front of him, he stands with his feet at shoulder width (much less wide than Yves-François Blanchet) in a pose that I assume he’s learned over the years to look strong, and to be stable on his feet. He is, after all, a hockey goalie. I aimed my camera at his face, his slightly crooked face not in a frown, but resembling as such, with the left corner of his lip tilted down. At this exact moment, it seemed fairly clear that the election was being swept by one individual. He said that he was the man for the moment, and it seems that Canadians wholeheartedly agreed. After 9 years of Liberals, it turned out all the Liberals had to do to keep power was change their own leader. They had run a left of centre, progressive candidate for a while, and now it was time to do the ol’ switcheroo. This wasn’t anything new for the Liberals, actually this is always what they do— it’s their secret to always holding power. People are tired of the left? Time to toss in a fiscal manager. Carney was the man of the moment. It was very exciting to be covering the election, since I had only *fully* decided to be a journalist about five months before (I had been working in journalism in a very limited capacity prior to the housing investigation, but it wasn’t my full time job.) My colleague (and friend) Ludvic Moquin-Beaudry said to me the next day, during our recording of our French podcast *Le plancher des vaches* that Carney had the face of a prime minister who might be printed on our bank notes. I laughed. It was true. He had the *vibe* of someone from 1930 who would lead us through a major crisis. He was also presenting himself as such. This was the man to lead Canada in the fight against Trump and the Americans. (The Americans WHO SUCK - insert middle finger emoji) Well, [he got into office and immediately cancelled the tariffs that Justin Trudeau had implemented.](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canada-remove-many-retaliatory-tariffs-us-carney-says-2025-08-22/?ref=onthetrail.info) Trudeau had announced around $30 billion of tariffs on US goods as a response to the original tariffs, and on his way out the door, he gave some of the best speeches of his career. Then, after winning the election, Carney removed the [Digital Sales Tax on tech giants](https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/06/30/canadians-react-to-cancelling-digital-services-tax/?ref=onthetrail.info), they watered down regulations around streaming services and he [prevented the CRTC from applying a tax](https://ca.headtopics.com/news/carney-liberals-to-end-mandatory-streaming-contributions-86093197?ref=onthetrail.info) on these same streaming giants to fund Canadian art. [He agreed to share revenues with the USA on the Gordie Howe bridge](https://www.thestar.com/business/gordie-howe-bridge-deal-is-not-as-good-as-what-carney-claimed-but-not-a-bad-deal-either-experts-say/article%5F8264061e-f2a7-4ab5-b76f-ee22c08f0599.html?ref=onthetrail.info), despite an agreement signed that would allow us to recoup costs first. Not only that, but Carney has committed significantly more [military spending to NATO because of Trump's demands.](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-agrees-five-percent-gdp-defence-spending-1.7570191?ref=onthetrail.info) Last Saturday, Carney claimed that he warned of American attempts to cripple our economy so that they could break us, but he was only sort of telling the truth. It was actually [Justin Trudeau who said that](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dl6uyo2c4tw?ref=onthetrail.info) first. This past week, Carney actually took a stand. He said enough is enough, launching a brand new drama. The trade war has dominated the headlines this week, and for good reason. Canadians have been desperately asking for the Liberals to take a hard line for ages now. After the Davos speech, Canadians assumed that Carney was saying he would take a hard line. When he didn’t, his polling was slowly (very slowly) decreasing. Well, Carney took a hard stance, and people are happy. Abacus Data immediately got on the field, and found that [7 in 10 Canadians approve of walking away from the deal.](https://abacusdata.ca/seven-in-ten-canadians-back-carneys-decision-to-walk-away-from-u-s-trade-talks/?ref=onthetrail.info) I’m gonna be real, I didn’t think that trade politics would ever be this popular, but here we are. So, let’s get into it. Let’s hit the top headlines this week, starting with a little timeline of the trade war. [CETTE INFOLETTRE SERA EN FRANÇAIS AUSSI! ABONNEZ-VOUS MAINTENANT!](https://ventdelest.substack.com/) [Not owned by billionaires, fiercly independent. Start a free trial to unlock all our articles today, and hold power accountable (and have fun!)](#/portal/signup) \*\*\*\* **CARNEY STRIKES BACK - TRADE WAR ESCALATES** > *August 19* \- [Carney meets with Premiers across Canada to discuss potential trade deal. ](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-us-trade-talks-tariffs-9.7312405?ref=onthetrail.info) It is strangely received, with Doug Ford being completely silent and Christine Fréchette expressing doubts. [Wab Kinew says that Carney almost begged the premiers to replace American alcohol on shelves.](https://www.ipolitics.ca/2026/08/20/carney-nearly-begged-premiers-to-put-u-s-booze-back-on-shelves-to-secure-deal-kinew/?ref=onthetrail.info) Canadians were not happy about it, and felt doubtful that there could be any real deal that benefitted us. > *August 21* \- [Trade talks collapse spectacularly, in a dramatic fashion. ](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-trump-trade-talks-broke-down-9.7318903?ref=onthetrail.info) Carney claims it was because the US [“Asked too much and offered too little.”](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mark-carney-counter-tarrif-response-9.7316934?ref=onthetrail.info) Opposition parties call to see the proposed deal. The Liberals do not share it. They say that it fell apart because the USA pushed for concessions on French culture and limits to trade deals signed with other countries. > *August 22* \- [Carney gives a speech on the trade war,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-WgOxbWUHk&ref=onthetrail.info) announcing retaliatory measures, although not giving specifics yet. A reporter sees an opportunity and asks Carney why it seems like “today you’re going to war.” Carney responds [“You’re at war when you get attacked. We got attacked.”](https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/aug/30/youre-at-war-when-you-get-attacked-mark-carney-shows-combative-nature-in-face-off-with-trump?ref=onthetrail.info) > *August 23* \- [The](https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/trumps-tariffs/article/marco-mendicino-why-mark-carney-was-right-to-draw-a-line-in-the-sand/?ref=onthetrail.info) [media](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/opinion/article-the-trade-cold-war-suddenly-turns-hot-again/?ref=onthetrail.info) [sycophancy](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-canada-us-trade-tariff-deal-was-no-deal-at-all/?ref=onthetrail.info) [begins](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-no-deal-was-better-than-this-deal-mark-carney-was-right-to-call-donald/?ref=onthetrail.info). > *August 25* \- [Mélanie Joly and François Philippe Champagne announce tariff relief measures.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta6e-gy2dGQ&ref=onthetrail.info) [$27.6 billion in counter measures, as well as a $7.5 billion support measure for businesses affected.](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/08/canada-announces-targeted-countermeasures-and-substantive-support-for-workers-and-businesses-in-response-to-us-tariffs.html?ref=onthetrail.info) Most of these measures go to businesses, although a bit is reserved for EI supports that should go directly to workers. > The premiers react to this. Most premiers are approving. Doug Ford says that Donald Trump can [“Kiss my ass,” and then doubles down saying that “he has a lot of room to kiss my ass,” because his ass is big.](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ford-news-conference-canada-us-trade-war-9.7318104?ref=onthetrail.info) Isaac Peltz laughs out loud, but then remembers that [Doug Ford is going to destroy the bike lane on Bloor West.](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/bike-lane-removal-appeal-court-decision-9.7307310?ref=onthetrail.info) [The only premier not to give support to tariff countermeasures is Danielle Smith.](https://globalnews.ca/news/12036906/danielle-smith-energy-exports-trade-war/?ref=onthetrail.info) > *August 27* \- [Trump renames Lake Ontario to Lake America](https://globalnews.ca/news/12036906/danielle-smith-energy-exports-trade-war/?ref=onthetrail.info). Canadians are mad. No new developments have occurred since then. Instead, much rhetoric has been thrown around, Ford erected a large sign proclaiming that Lake Ontario will forever be Lake Ontario. Many Democrats refuse to acknowledge the name change. People are mad. It remains the biggest headline after more than a week. But a lot of other stuff has still happened. **QUEBEC ELECTION BEGINS - HUGE SHIFTS IN POLLING IMMEDIATELY OCCUR** **The Quebec Election** is launched! Thursday morning, [Christine Fréchette calls the election for October 5th.](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/livestory/quebec-election-call-9.7322369?ref=onthetrail.info) The leaders make their election pitches. Quick analysis and summary for you (this is not a judgement on their platforms, but on their performances): Christine Fréchette was absolutely on fire, pitching herself as wise and stable during a crisis. Pierre St-Pierre Plamondon rivals her speech with one of his own. The two are clearly excited, energetic and believe they can win this. Ruba Ghazal and Sol Zenetti give another fantastic speech, not focusing on winning, but explaining to the journalists that their election machine is formidable (It is.) Eric Duhaime and Charles Milliard completely fumble their election speeches. Day two of the campaign, a Synopsis poll comes out that completely changes the conversation. [The Liberals are in free fall, and the CAQ is back up.](https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/quebec-election-pq-and-caq-in-near-dead-heat-follow-for-live-updates/?ref=onthetrail.info) This is now a race between the CAQ and PQ. Right now it looks like PQ could still win a minority, but if these Synopsis numbers are correct, there is no path to a majority government for any party. **BC CONSERVATIVE LEADER SCANDALS DEEPEN AS FAR RIGHT PARTY CONTINUES COLLAPSING** [An unverified recording came out where the leader of the BC Conservatives](https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/08/27/news/bc-conservatives-turmoil-deepens-illicit-recordings-leaked?ref=onthetrail.info) seems to indicate that money should exchange hands if her MLA steps down so she can take a seat.[ Six of her MLAs have left the party, and two of them are considering a new party (likely a centre right alternative.) ](https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2026/08/27/Findlay-Conservatives-Headed-For-Rocks/?ref=onthetrail.info) **TOP ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS** **Carney asks court** to strike down climate litigation. [The litigation says that he must amend Canada’s explicit climate objectives to match the current reality.](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/climate-federal-court-lawsuit-motion-to-strike-9.7324601?ref=onthetrail.info) **First Nations** [fear that Ottawa may backtrack on phasing out BC salmon farms.](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-first-nations-conservationists-fear-backtrack-phase-out-bc-salmon/?ref=onthetrail.info) **Oceans Worldwide**[ registered their highest average temperature in history](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2277283/oceans-chaleur-temperature-record?partageApp=rcca%5Fappmobile%5Fappinfo%5Fandroid&ref=onthetrail.info). Rising ocean temperature is already destabilizing the jet stream, and causing major climate events at an erratic, but severe scale. [**Water limit** order placed in BC due to severe drought conditions.](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bessette-creek-water-restrictions-9.7325312?ref=onthetrail.info) [Sign up for our environmental newsletter!](#/portal/signup) **OTHER TOP HEADLINES** **Montreal city** council voted on a motion to suspend ties with Israel over the genocide in Palestine. [It went as you expected.](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-motion-solidarity-with-palestinians-9.7319256?ref=onthetrail.info) [**Israel** threatens to kill people because of kites being flown near their ever advancing yellow line.](https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/gaza-children-kites-israel-war-9.7318953?ref=onthetrail.info) This includes children who fly kites. [Israel recently killed several children and medics.](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8x1rdgp3lo?ref=onthetrail.info) [**Dolly Parton** dies.](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/dolly-parton-dead-obit-1234810193/?ref=onthetrail.info) [**More than 750** dead in Nepal/China flood including some Canadians. ](https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/29/world/live-news/nepal-china-flood?ref=onthetrail.info) Thousands remain missing. [**CBC News** announces that it will call 9/11 a terrorist attack. ](https://www.cbc.ca/news/editorsblog/cbc-9-11-language-guidance-9.7324662?ref=onthetrail.info) [**Donald Trump** attacks “noncitizen voters”](https://apnews.com/article/trump-noncitizen-voting-midterms-election-integrity-ids-3c24d72b0b91803ed097226ee00f9483?utm%5Fsource=app&utm%5Fmedium=android%5Fshare&utm%5Fcampaign=copy%5Flink) in an effort to ramp up attacks on the integrity of the mid terms as he prepares to claim that the vote was stolen and illegal. **LONG FORM** There was some good long form stuff this week. [First, I hopped on a phone call with the great Scott Martin](https://linktr.ee/isaacapeltz?ref=onthetrail.info), an award winning journalist who’s worked with places like the Toronto Star (and the Beaverton, because hell yes.) We talked about the terrible coverage of the trade war. His show, **The North State** is excellent, as is his fantastic publication [**The Catch.**](https://readthecatch.ca/about/?ref=onthetrail.info) [Dimitri Soudas had a fantastic long form article in CTV that I highly recommend](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/dimitri-soudas-trump-is-reminding-quebec-why-canada-matters-and-the-quebec-paradox-the-rest-of-canada-needs-to-get/?ref=onthetrail.info). Great analysis. [Chantal Hébert’s analysis on the trade war was the best I heard this week](https://youtu.be/34BFBGudiQs?si=gLveOWRLeYBl5CTW&ref=onthetrail.info). Partly because it was identical to my own. That’s it for today. Thank you for reading the news round up, and we hope you like the new format. I think it’s a bit punchier. Please share with your friends, as this newsletter is free for everyone, and simply to be used as a tool for people to stay informed without having to devote every morning to looking at the news, or obsessively looking at social media.