Canada strikes back

As I suggested yesterday, Canada has choices, if it wants to remain independent. . Good choices.

And it has already acted— trade realignment with its second largest trading partner after the US – China - to sellcrude oil.

It will be a win-win for both Canada and China. Canada can sell at discount under OPEC prices but higher than the $57 a barrel that it now gets for exports to the US. By reducing exports to the US, it also reduces the trade imbalance.

Trump should be happy, right? No? Figures.

At the same time, re-directing energy sales to other countries like China is going to hurt American industry and increase inflation.

Of course, China is the co-founder, with Russia of BRICS, so Canada is edging towards a relationship with BRICS and the global majority. Not like a date before sex. More like coffee before a date.

If the Canadians do the deal in Canadian dollars and yuan, mimicking the arrangement that the Saudis have the Chinese, it will further hurt the US and increase its profits by bypassing the US financial system. Just like the Saudis, Canada does not want to abandon trade and investment with the US, just create a little balance and a different perspective.

Of course, a trade realignment like this signals a major diplomatic and geopolitical realignment threatening US hegemony. Just as the US had once hoped to have Russian resources for itself, it has had similar designs on the “True North Strong and Free”.

The Chinese of course will reciprocate the Canadian gesture.

Canada’s relationship with China has been rocky.

But, up until now, Canada’s problems have been result its trying to be the US’ “loyal wingman”. Now that the US has in effect tried to shoot it down, you can expect more “realignments”. Anyway, who wants to be a drone?

This of course is Trudeau’s swan song. He is going to be out of politics soon-- but he wants to be remembered for something after all those years of failures. He wants to go out in style . Or maybe not go out at all.

Not to be outdone, Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the not-so -socialist socialist NDP wants a 100% tariff on Tesla electrics – and a $10,000 rebate for “buying Canadian”. He solution is not so dramatic. Of course, he wants Canada to build its very own EV industry.

Building such an industry would be hard to do - but not impossible — especially with Chinese help! The Chinese are the leaders in “thermal management” for EV’s reducing the effects of sub-zero temperatures to less than 6 %. They also lead in fast-charging - 80% in 10 minutes.

The Conservative candidate Poilievre—sometimes called “Canada’s Trump”— hails from Canada’s most pro-American province, Alberta . He was once a shoo-in to be the next PM, but has dropped overnight in the polls.

After months of record-breaking unpopularity, U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade fights with Canada appear to have suddenly given the Liberals a fighting chance of re-election.

While the Conservatives remain on track to win a majority in the next election, multiple polls are showing the Liberals rebounding to levels not seen since the summer of 2023.

His ideas to counter Trump have up until now been somewhat limp-wristed and remain unclear. He thinks that building a military base in the Arctic funded by cuts in overseas foreign aid will send some kind of message. What message? To whom?. Fight the Inuit? Protect Canada from Greenland?

It took time…..

It took a lot of time.

Ichi hid for a week. And Chappy too.

Then Ichi took refuge at the top of the cat tree. And Chappy was still hiding.

Now they are inseparable. And I get a bit of love too/ The Shelter people are very surprised at the speed of adjustment.

I am honored these two furry friends trust me.

But I know things will continue to change!

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