Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # TCE News Freedom is Genius. ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://thecompositeeye.ca/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [The Latest](https://thecompositeeye.ca/the-latest/) - Today's News Headlines | March 14, 2026 - [Trump goes his own way on housing](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-goes-his-own-way-on-housing/) - Politico: President Donald Trump on Friday released two executive orders aimed at expanding housing construction and financing — as the House and Senate face a mounting battle to reconcile two different bipartisan home affordability packages. The executive orders are aimed at revising existing policy across a variety of federal agencies in order to reduce regulatory - [For young New York job hunters, entry-level roles are vanishing](https://thecompositeeye.ca/for-young-new-york-job-hunters-entry-level-roles-are-vanishing/) - Bloomberg: The job market for recent college graduates in New York is worsening, with the total number of available entry-level jobs in the city falling 37% between 2022 and 2024. The number of paid internships has also plunged, falling from nearly 11,000 in 2019 to just under 7,000 in 2024, according to a new report - [Wall Street bankers offered lucrative access to join Pentagon](https://thecompositeeye.ca/wall-street-bankers-offered-lucrative-access-to-join-pentagon/) - New York Times: A presentation from a headhunting firm aimed to recruit Wall Street investors to the Pentagon by offering “unmatched access” to government officials and fund-raising opportunities among foreign sovereigns... - [Nino Melikidze: How Canada’s once great immigration system is being weakened even further](https://thecompositeeye.ca/nino-melikidze-how-canadas-once-great-immigration-system-is-being-weakened-even-further/) - Nino Melikidze/The Hub: Canada doesn’t need vague assurances and new Express Entry categories. It needs a return to first principles: immigration as a long-term human-capital strategy. A new, redesigned system. Stable, understandable pathways. Rewarding real skill. Big picture economic needs. Predictable draws. Full transparency around initiatives and targets. Most importantly, we need consultations that actually - [Judge blocks subpoenas against Fed Chair Jerome Powell, citing 'essentially zero evidence'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/judge-blocks-subpoenas-against-fed-chair-jerome-powell-citing-essentially-zero-evidence/) - NBC: "A mountain of evidence suggests that the Government served these subpoenas on the Board to pressure its Chair into voting for lower interest rates or resigning," Judge James Boasberg, the chief judge on the U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C., wrote in a court filing. Boasberg continued: "On the other side of the scale, the - [Iran’s new leadership betting on endurance](https://thecompositeeye.ca/irans-new-leadership-betting-on-endurance/) - Bloomberg: Iranian-American scholar Vali Nasr says Tehran believes time is on its side, and that a prolonged conflict can alter Washington’s calculus and strengthen nationalism at home... - [France, Italy open talks with Iran in hope of securing safe Hormuz passage](https://thecompositeeye.ca/france-italy-open-talks-with-iran-in-hope-of-securing-safe-hormuz-passage/) - Financial Times: There was no guarantee that the talks would progress or that Iran was willing to negotiate on the issue, two of the officials stressed. Tehran is widely suspected of trying to boost oil and natural gas prices to pressure US President Donald Trump to end the conflict, and Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed - [Obscure judge presiding over $166 billion in tariff refunds](https://thecompositeeye.ca/obscure-judge-presiding-over-166-billion-in-tariff-refunds/) - Wall Street Journal: Eaton has moved at a speed not seen at the trade court, where cases typically flow at a relaxed pace, lawyers said. He held his first hearing even after Atmus Filtration tried to withdraw its emergency request for the court’s intervention. One attorney said he had never seen a judge on the - [Jared Kushner solicits funds for his firm while working as Mideast envoy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/jared-kushner-solicits-funds-for-his-firm-while-working-as-mideast-envoy/) - New York Times: Mr. Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, has spoken with potential investors in recent weeks about raising $5 billion or more for Affinity Partners, his investment firm, according to five people with knowledge of the talks who were not permitted to speak publicly about the discussions... - [Greenland’s foreign minister resigns amid tensions with US](https://thecompositeeye.ca/greenlands-foreign-minister-resigns-amid-tensions-with-us/) - Financial Times: In a day of political drama that officials fear the Trump administration will exploit, Vivian Motzfeldt stepped down as foreign minister on Friday. She suggested she could switch parties in order to carry on as minister after Siumut — one of Greenland’s mainstream parties — said it would leave the four-way coalition government. - [Vali Nasr: Iran playing long game](https://thecompositeeye.ca/vali-nasr-iran-playing-long-game/) - Vali Nasr/Financial Times: An asymmetric war that brings the global economy to a standstill could exhaust the US and force a ceasefire... - [China’s BYD takes on Porsche and BMW with 5-minute ‘flash charging’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/chinas-byd-takes-on-porsche-and-bmw-with-5-minute-flash-charging/) - Financial Times: The Z9GT model, part of the premium Denza brand, can be 70 per cent charged in five minutes and be almost full in 12 minutes, even in temperatures as low as minus 30C. The vehicle has a range of up to 800km and will be launched in Europe next month and in the - [Trump admin invokes emergency powers to restart oil operations off California coast](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-admin-invokes-emergency-powers-to-restart-oil-operations-off-california-coast/) - Politico: Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Friday took action to hit back at two of the Trump administration’s top antagonists: Oil supply disruptions brought on by the war in Iran and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Wright issued an order paving the way for a company operating off the California coast to restart an oil pipeline - [Epstein’s island: Inside Caribbean fiefdom where he wooed wealthy, abused girls](https://thecompositeeye.ca/epsteins-island-inside-caribbean-fiefdom-where-he-wooed-wealthy-abused-girls/) - CNN: A CNN review of thousands of emails, photos, videos and documents from the DOJ files adds critical new details to how Epstein transformed the island into his personal fiefdom – and highlights warning signs of the terrible abuse perpetrated there that some staffers and victims say was happening in plain sight. The testimony outlined - [Vance’s distance from Iran war is getting more conspicuous](https://thecompositeeye.ca/vances-distance-from-iran-war-is-getting-more-conspicuous/) - CNN: Vance gave an extended answer but punted on giving his personal view of the war. “I hate to disappoint you, but I’m not going to show up here and, in front of God and everybody else, tell you exactly what I said in that classified room,” he told reporters in North Carolina, referring to the Situation - [War that never ended: Israel seizes moment to finish fight against Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon](https://thecompositeeye.ca/war-that-never-ended-israel-seizes-moment-to-finish-fight-against-hezbollah-irans-proxy-in-lebanon/) - CNN: Israel believes Hezbollah is at one of its weakest points ever, with its Iranian money and arms pipeline significantly disrupted and many Lebanese no longer viewing it as their defender. “Faced with the window of opportunity created when Hezbollah chose to open a war, we have to use this moment to finish what we - [Trump admin set to receive $10 billion fee for brokering TikTok deal](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-admin-set-to-receive-10-billion-fee-for-brokering-tiktok-deal/) - Wall Street Journal: The payment is part of the agreement through which investors friendly with the administration gained control of TikTok’s U.S. operations from Chinese parent ByteDance, people familiar with the matter said. It comes in addition to the investments made to create a new entity to run the app in the U.S... - [War triggers growing rift in trans-Atlantic alliance over Russia](https://thecompositeeye.ca/war-triggers-growing-rift-in-trans-atlantic-alliance-over-russia/) - Wall Street Journal: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz became the latest European leader to criticize the Trump administration on Friday, taking issue with the U.S. decision to temporarily lift Russian sanctions to ease pressure on oil prices. “We consider the loosening of sanctions, for whatever reason, to be wrong,” Merz told reporters Friday. The tone was - [Video games and viral memes: How Trump admin selling Iran war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/video-games-and-viral-memes-how-trump-admin-selling-iran-war/) - Wall Street Journal: The Trump administration’s “memeification [and] gamification of war” in these videos is an escalation of historically more “restrained, regretful and resolute” White House war messaging, said Nicholas Cull, a communications professor at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism... - [Iran war now disrupting global trade](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-war-now-disrupting-global-trade/) - Wall Street Journal: War in the Middle East has roiled oil and gas markets for much of the past two weeks. Now the conflict is starting to ripple beyond the energy industry, causing havoc for the complex global supply chains that underpin world trade. Ports around the Indian Ocean are filling up with redirected cargoes. Rates to - [War at all costs: Trump deploys assault ship, thousands of marines to Hormuz. Knew risk of Iran oil blockade but still went to war.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/war-at-all-costs-trump-deploys-assault-ship-thousands-of-marines-to-hormuz-knew-risk-of-iran-oil-blockade-but-still-went-to-war/) - New York Post: The Pentagon is deploying the USS Tripoli and thousands of military service members to the Middle East after President Trump vowed Friday to unleash “unparalleled firepower” on the “deranged scumbags” leading Iran. The deployment of the amphibious assault ship comes as the American military admits it’s currently unable to break Iranian influence over the vital - [John Ibbitson: Floor-crossings are part of Canadian tradition – and fair play in our politics](https://thecompositeeye.ca/john-ibbitson-floor-crossings-are-part-of-canadian-tradition-and-fair-play-in-our-politics/) - John Ibbitson/The Globe and Mail: Critics, including NDP Leader Don Davies, have argued that MPs who switch parties should submit their decision to their constituents through a by-election. But that’s not how the system works. Parties attract and lose MPs through floor-crossings based on the party’s policies and leadership. Thus it has always been and - [Conservative leader says his plan is 'the only hope' for Canada's auto industry](https://thecompositeeye.ca/conservative-leader-says-his-plan-is-the-only-hope-for-canadas-auto-industry/) - The Canadian Press: He says his proposed auto pact would align regulations between Canada and the U.S. and remove the GST from Canadian-made vehicles. He told reporters his plan, which he intends to roll out on Sunday, is “literally the only hope of keeping our auto sector in Canada.” The Tory leader says he hasn’t - [U.S. begins forced-labour investigation into 60 countries, including Canada](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-begins-forced-labour-investigation-into-60-countries-including-canada/) - The Globe and Mail: U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has launched probes into whether 60 trading partners including Canada are failing to block imports of goods made with forced labour – an effort that could spur countries into adopting a tougher line on China. The investigations under Section 301 (b) of the Trade Act of 1974 could result - [As Trump pauses Russian shadow fleet sanctions, Carney says Canada holding firm](https://thecompositeeye.ca/as-trump-pauses-russian-shadow-fleet-sanctions-carney-says-canada-holding-firm/) - CBC: Carney said nothing has changed for Canada. "Canada's position is to maintain sanctions on Russia, maintain sanctions, including on the shadow fleet, which is moving this oil," Carney said during an availability with the other leaders. "There has been very tight co-operation between Russia and Iran at great cost to the people of Ukraine - [Carney says Canada's job creation still way ahead of U.S. despite losing 84,000 jobs last month](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-says-canadas-job-creation-still-way-ahead-of-u-s-despite-losing-84000-jobs-last-month/) - CBC: "If you look at the performance of the labour market over the last six months we've created over 80,000 jobs," he said in Norway on Friday. "The United States has created 6,000 jobs. The United States — 11 times the size of our economy. Wages [in Canada] are growing at 4.2 per cent, fastest wage - [How rare is it for a prime minister to attract 4 floor-crossers in 4 months?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-rare-is-it-for-a-prime-minister-to-attract-4-floor-crossers-in-4-months/) - CBC: Macdonald holds the distinction for welcoming the most MPs into his government during a session. Nine opposition members crossed the floor to sit in Canada's first prime minister's caucus — five of whom crossed on the same day in 1869... - [‘We’re ready’: Liberal candidate says ahead of Terrebonne byelection rematch](https://thecompositeeye.ca/were-ready-liberal-candidate-says-ahead-of-terrebonne-byelection-rematch/) - Global: Speaking in Terrebonne on Thursday, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet said his party is ready for the new challenge. “I often say that I want my adversaries as good as possible in order to force me, us, to be better and do better,” he said. “I think we have learned that lesson. Watch us.”... - [Conservatives nominate candidate in Scarborough byelection](https://thecompositeeye.ca/conservatives-nominate-candidate-in-scarborough-byelection/) - The Canadian Press: The party announced that middle school teacher Diana Filipova will run in Scarborough Southwest. That seat was left vacant after former Liberal cabinet minister Bill Blair resigned to take over as Canada’s high commissioner in the U.K... - [Ontario to make premier, cabinet ministers' records secret as it tightens FOI laws](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ontario-to-make-premier-cabinet-ministers-records-secret-as-it-tightens-foi-laws/) - CBC: Ontario is set to make Premier Doug Ford and cabinet members' records secret as it "modernizes" freedom-of-information laws, which critics say will dramatically curtail public scrutiny of the political process. Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Minister Stephen Crawford, however, said his government is still "one of the most transparent governments in the - [Losing 84K jobs in February marks ‘gut punch’ for Canada’s economy: Experts](https://thecompositeeye.ca/losing-84k-jobs-in-february-marks-gut-punch-for-canadas-economy-experts/) - The Canadian Press: “February’s labour report is a bit of a gut punch. The pattern we’re seeing in the labour market indicates businesses aren’t just pausing — they’re contracting,” Shannon Terrell, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet Canada, said in a statement... - [MLA wants to scrap B.C.'s Human Rights Code. Some constituents want her gone instead](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mla-wants-to-scrap-b-c-s-human-rights-code-some-constituents-want-her-gone-instead/) - The Canadian Press: Armstrong was elected as a B.C. Conservative in October 2024, founded the OneBC party with fellow MLA Dallas Brodie eight months later, then split from Brodie and OneBC in December. Now sitting as an Independent, Armstrong unsuccessfully tabled a bill last month to repeal B.C.'s Human Rights Code, which protects against discrimination - [Ontario's payout to Elon Musk over cancelled Starlink contract to remain secret](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ontarios-payout-to-elon-musk-over-cancelled-starlink-contract-to-remain-secret/) - The Canadian Press: The province said the kill fee for what was set to be a $100-million deal is “significantly less than the contract value,” and the amount paid out was part of a negotiated settlement. When asked about the kill fee earlier this week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he didn’t know the amount - [Poilievre set to unveil Conservative auto pact back in Canada's car capital Sunday](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-set-to-unveil-conservative-auto-pact-back-in-canadas-car-capital-sunday/) - CBC: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is visiting the Motor City to meet with auto industry leaders and elected representatives to push for an integrated North American auto sector and tariff-free trade that protects Canadian jobs. ... Those are things, he told reporters Friday morning, that Prime Minister Mark Carney promised a year ago but hasn't delivered on. “It - [Althia Raj: I spoke to over 30 sources about Carney’s first year as PM. This is the picture that emerged](https://thecompositeeye.ca/althia-raj-i-spoke-to-over-30-sources-about-carneys-first-year-as-pm-this-is-the-picture-that-emerged/) - Althia Raj/Toronto Star: With by-elections called for April 13 and enough floor crossers to likely hand the Liberals a slim majority next month, Carney’s second year might be headed for smoother Parliamentary waters. NDP interim leader Don Davies, however, cautions what that might mean. “The instinct of Mr. Carney was to seize power in an - ['We're ready to defend the Arctic,' Carney says alongside German, Norwegian leaders](https://thecompositeeye.ca/were-ready-to-defend-the-arctic-carney-says-alongside-german-norwegian-leaders/) - The Canadian Press: Asked by a German reporter whether the "conflict" over the Trump administration's demands for Greenland is settled, the leaders emphasized Greenland's independence. "It's up to the people in Greenland and the King of Denmark to trace the future for the people in Greenland," Store said. "Any attempt to say that a country - [Submarines off the table as Carney meets with leaders of Norway, Germany](https://thecompositeeye.ca/submarines-off-the-table-as-carney-meets-with-leaders-of-norway-germany/) - CBC: Both countries are backing a bid by German submarine-maker TKMS to sell Canada 12 new submarines — a multi-billion dollar program that has been fast-tracked by the Liberal government. Despite the high-stakes — militarily, economically and diplomatically — Carney said he doesn’t expect the submarine bid to be discussed among the three leaders. "The - [Nanos survey says border crossing no longer ‘on the radar’ for many Canadians](https://thecompositeeye.ca/nanos-survey-says-border-crossing-no-longer-on-the-radar-for-many-canadians/) - CTV: For many Canadians, “the U.S. is not on the radar in terms of a travel destination,” said Nik Nanos. “Canadians are boycotting American goods and services. They’re trying to … send a message to the United States, in terms of their anxiety and displeasure, in terms of the state of the trade relationship,” he - [Current and former politicians in Nunavut support MP’s decision to cross floor](https://thecompositeeye.ca/current-and-former-politicians-in-nunavut-support-mps-decision-to-cross-floor/) - The Globe and Mail: “It’s far easier to influence policy development within government than it is from the opposition side,” he (Peter Ittinuar) said in an interview this week. He also said it was an opportune time for Ms. Idlout to cross because she would have more leverage, given that the Liberals are on the - [Amazon holds engineering meeting following AI-related outages](https://thecompositeeye.ca/amazon-holds-engineering-meeting-following-ai-related-outages/) - Financial Times: Amazon’s ecommerce business has summoned a large group of engineers to a meeting on Tuesday for a “deep dive” into a spate of outages, including incidents tied to the use of AI coding tools. The online retail giant said there had been a “trend of incidents” in recent months, characterised by a “high - [John Ivison: Liberal majority might finally stop kowtowing to Quebec](https://thecompositeeye.ca/john-ivison-liberal-majority-might-finally-stop-kowtowing-to-quebec/) - John Ivison/National Post: More broadly, there is an additional benefit to Canadians of a razor-thin Liberal majority: the end of the pernicious influence of the Bloc Québécois. In Canada, voters are free to elect anyone they like, even people who want to break up the country, no matter how unwelcome that is to others. Fine, - [Trump admin underestimated Iran war’s impact on Strait of Hormuz](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-admin-underestimated-iran-wars-impact-on-strait-of-hormuz/) - CNN: President Donald Trump’s national security team failed to fully account for the potential consequences of what some officials have described as a worst-case scenario now facing the administration, the sources said. While key officials from the Departments of Energy and Treasury were present for some of the official planning meetings about the operation before it - [US military plane crashes in Iraq amid war with Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-military-plane-crashes-in-iraq-amid-war-with-iran/) - Politico: The crash of the Boeing KC-135 jet, which comes in the second week of a war on Iran launched by the U.S. and Israel, was not a result of enemy or friendly fire, Central Command said in a statement that made no mention of any casualties... - [Democrats trouncing Republicans in state elections since Trump took office](https://thecompositeeye.ca/democrats-trouncing-republicans-in-state-elections-since-trump-took-office/) - Politico: Democrats have flipped 28 Republican-held seats in state legislatures across the country over the past 14 months, a sign that the GOP is indeed at risk of losing control of the House, and maybe even the Senate, in the midterms. Democratic wins have come even in deep red states, including Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi, - [Russia rakes in $150mn a day in extra revenue from surging oil prices](https://thecompositeeye.ca/russia-rakes-in-150mn-a-day-in-extra-revenue-from-surging-oil-prices/) - Financial Times: The Russian government could receive $3.3bn-$4.9bn in overall additional revenues by the end of March, according to FT calculations based on industry data and several analysts’ assessments. That is assuming Russia’s Urals crude prices average around $70-$80 a barrel this month instead of remaining at a level close to the previous two months’ - [Oil markets brace for lasting turmoil in Gulf](https://thecompositeeye.ca/oil-markets-brace-for-lasting-turmoil-in-gulf/) - Wall Street Journal: Oil analysts are now forecasting longer-lasting upheaval. If the war continues, the strait will likely remain paralyzed. If the fighting quickly ends with the Iranian regime left in place, it could still be risky, potentially handing Tehran more control over the globally significant energy route. Goldman Sachs this week raised its oil price forecasts, citing - [Emboldened by oil shock, Iran’s leaders play diplomatic hardball](https://thecompositeeye.ca/emboldened-by-oil-shock-irans-leaders-play-diplomatic-hardball/) - Wall Street Journal: Iran is demanding that the airstrikes stop before it entertains cease-fire discussions and wants firm guarantees that it won’t be attacked again if it agrees to stop the fight, Arab diplomats said. It also wants reparations for damages and is hoping to get U.S. forces to disengage from the region. The demands - [McKinsey rushes to fix AI system after hacker exposes flaws](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mckinsey-rushes-to-fix-ai-system-after-hacker-exposes-flaws/) - Financial Times: CodeWall, a cyber security firm, said this week that it had hacked Lilli, McKinsey’s AI platform used by its 40,000 staff, and found millions of files and communications within two hours. It said it had gained access to 46.5mn chat messages on the system, which is used by McKinsey staff to plan strategy, analyse data - [Partners Group sounds alarm on private credit default rates](https://thecompositeeye.ca/partners-group-sounds-alarm-on-private-credit-default-rates/) - Financial Times: The chair of Partners Group has warned that private credit default rates could double in the next few years, with lenders exposed to the full downside of AI-driven economic upheaval and only limited upside... - [Cuba pledges to release 51 prisoners amid pressure from Washington](https://thecompositeeye.ca/cuba-pledges-to-release-51-prisoners-amid-pressure-from-washington/) - New York Times: The move appears to be an effort to appease the Trump administration, which has been putting intense pressure on the Cuban government in recent weeks. The United States has established what is effectively an oil blockade around Cuba, which has caused severe fuel shortages and electricity outages nearly every day... - [Anthropic employees say they’ll give away billions. Where will it go?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anthropic-employees-say-theyll-give-away-billions-where-will-it-go/) - Transformer News: Although the Amodeis have distanced themselves from effective altruism, their very public entanglement with it matters. Effective altruism, or EA, is a philanthropic movement that urges people to donate to causes that seem to mathematically “maximize good” per dollar. It is also a social and ideological movement that values empiricism, impartiality, and in - [Gita Gopinath: America risks financial credibility with payments deficit obsession](https://thecompositeeye.ca/gita-gopinath-america-risks-financial-credibility-with-payments-deficit-obsession/) - Gita Gopinath/Financial Times: In February, President Donald Trump announced he was placing a new global tariff on US imports to “address fundamental international payments problems” and “stem the outflow” of American dollars to foreign producers. But despite warnings from the White House about a “large and serious balance of payments deficit”, global markets remained sanguine. - [Liberals and Bloc Québécois both have a lot riding on Terrebonne by-election](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-and-bloc-quebecois-both-have-a-lot-riding-on-terrebonne-by-election/) - The Globe and Mail: If that alone makes the by-election race in Terrebonne unusually interesting, the riding’s fast-changing demographics could also make it a harbinger of tougher days ahead for the Bloc and its sovereigntist cousin, the Parti Québécois, in the suburban ring around Montreal. The solidly francophone region, referred to as “le 450” owing - [With disputed legal maneuver, Trump tries to set policy without legislation](https://thecompositeeye.ca/with-disputed-legal-maneuver-trump-tries-to-set-policy-without-legislation/) - New York Times: By suing Republican states and making sharp reversals in old cases, the Trump administration is using courts to fast-track major shifts in policy... - [Trump admin allows for Russian oil sales as energy prices soar](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-admin-allows-for-russian-oil-sales-as-energy-prices-soar/) - Washington Post: A general license issued by the Treasury Department allows Russia to begin selling some 128 million barrels of oil that are estimated to have already been loaded onto tankers previously sanctioned by the United States. The license expires after 30 days... - [First 6 days of Iran war cost U.S. $11.3 billion: Pentagon. Trump, advisers miscalculated Iran’s response to war.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/first-6-days-of-iran-war-cost-u-s-11-3-billion-pentagon-trump-advisers-miscalculated-irans-response-to-war/) - New York Times: The dollar figure, disclosed in a closed-door briefing on Capitol Hill, did not include many of the expenses associated with the operation, now in its 12th day, so the ultimate cost for American taxpayers is expected to be much higher. The briefing was described by three people familiar with it, who spoke - [Oil shock: Iran's new supreme leader vows to block Strait of Hormuz. ‘We make a lot of money’: Trump downplays rise in gas prices during Iran war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/oil-shock-irans-new-supreme-leader-vows-to-block-strait-of-hormuz-we-make-a-lot-of-money-trump-downplays-rise-in-gas-prices-during-iran-war/) - BBC: Iran will continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, the world's busiest oil shipping channel, according to a statement attributed to Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei... CNN: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to set the region’s oil and gas infrastructure “on fire” if Iranian energy sites are attacked. Khamenei’s purported statement called for the - [How Strait of Hormuz closure affects global oil supply](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-strait-of-hormuz-closure-affects-global-oil-supply/) - Reuters: The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow shipping lane between Iran and Oman through which around a fifth of the world’s daily oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply passes. Top Middle East oil producers Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait have all cut production at their oilfields - [Canaccord’s U.S. division conducted trades for scammers and a fixer for Russian oligarchs, documents show](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canaccords-u-s-division-conducted-trades-for-scammers-and-a-fixer-for-russian-oligarchs-documents-show/) - The Globe and Mail: That trading activity led to a record $100-million fine, unveiled last week by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a branch of the U.S. Treasury Department. FinCEN said the penalties levied against the U.S. division of Toronto-based Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. were the highest amount ever paid by a broker-dealer for violating - [Mohamed Fahmy: Iranian sleeper cells are activating, and Canada is a target](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mohamed-fahmy-iranian-sleeper-cells-are-activating-and-canada-is-a-target/) - Mohamed Fahmy/National Post: The expanding reach of the IRGC in Canada is deeply alarming. Hours after the attack on the U.S. consulate in Toronto, Iranian-Canadian journalist Negar Mojtahedi — who has investigated the group extensively — informed me that the warning signs have been visible for years, yet the urgency of the threat is only - [Campbell Clark: Of the floor crossings so far, Lori Idlout’s defection will leave a mark](https://thecompositeeye.ca/campbell-clark-of-the-floor-crossings-so-far-lori-idlouts-defection-will-leave-a-mark/) - Campbell Clark/The Globe and Mail: Conservatives usually only win elections when the New Democrats are strong. There have been many floor crossings in Canadian politics. Mr. Carney engineered three before Ms. Idlout. This is the one that will leave a mark... - [Carney announces $32B for northern defence, infrastructure projects](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-announces-32b-for-northern-defence-infrastructure-projects/) - The Canadian Press: The $32 billion is part of Canada’s 2022 commitment to Norad's modernization, which at the time included plans to spend $38.6 billion over 20 years. The Norad spending includes the purchase of two over-the-horizon radar modules. A senior government official briefing reporters said the government envisions getting the work on the bases - [House leader says Liberals still courting opposition MPs to cross floor](https://thecompositeeye.ca/house-leader-says-liberals-still-courting-opposition-mps-to-cross-floor/) - National Post: In response to a question about the potential for more defectors from her party, Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman said 41 per cent of the population voted blue last election and her party will remain focused on the work of the official Opposition. “We have a job to do for our constituents, to - [Silence from Ottawa 'shameful' after report of Canadian camp hit by missile: Conservative MP](https://thecompositeeye.ca/silence-from-ottawa-shameful-after-report-of-canadian-camp-hit-by-missile-conservative-mp/) - The Canadian Press: The newspaper La Presse reported on Thursday the Canadian section at the Ali Al-salem Air Base appeared to be damaged by the March 1 attack, based on an analysis of satellite imagery. No Canadian military members were injured. "This is a failure of the government of not wanting to communicate, not being transparent and - [Canada has cancelled hundreds of visas over Iran connections](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-has-cancelled-hundreds-of-visas-over-iran-connections/) - CTV: Canadian border and immigration officials say they have cancelled at least 239 travel visas over concerns of their holders’ connection to Iranian leadership. That’s according to the latest numbers released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which are current as of March 5. The government first designated senior Iranian government officials, as well - [Carney to meet with King Charles while in United Kingdom](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-to-meet-with-king-charles-while-in-united-kingdom/) - The Canadian Press: Carney is set to arrive in London on Sunday after visiting Norway to observe the NATO Cold Response exercises and participate in a summit of Nordic countries. The prime minister is scheduled to meet with the King on Monday, close to a year after Charles visited Canada to deliver the speech from - [Bruce Anderson: Are by-elections the protest moments they are often considered to be?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bruce-anderson-are-by-elections-the-protest-moments-they-are-often-considered-to-be/) - Bruce Anderson: A “protest flip” happens when people are fed up and want to, as the phrase has it, “send a message” that conveys that unhappiness. In that scenario, unpopular incumbent governments struggle to find good candidates, get motivated volunteers, and get past supporters to turn out at the polls. There is little in today’s - [Conservatives introduce bill to create self-defence law for home invasions](https://thecompositeeye.ca/conservatives-introduce-bill-to-create-self-defence-law-for-home-invasions/) - The Canadian Press: The Conservatives are pushing for changes to the Criminal Code they say would offer new protections to people who use force to defend themselves during a home invasion — but the government says Canadians already have the right to self-defence. Ontario MP Sandra Cobena introduced a private member’s bill on Thursday that - [New Liberal bill seeks to give police new powers to access digital information](https://thecompositeeye.ca/new-liberal-bill-seeks-to-give-police-new-powers-to-access-digital-information/) - CTV: Bill C-22 — the “Lawful Access Act, 2026” — proposes a refined “timely access to digital information” regime that widens the scope of what law enforcement can obtain from telecommunications service providers from what’s currently permitted. However, it’s narrower than initially proposed. The bill also clarifies the kind of subscriber information that can be accessed. Specifically, - [Canada promises $37M in humanitarian aid for civilians in Lebanon](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-promises-37m-in-humanitarian-aid-for-civilians-in-lebanon/) - The Canadian Press: The government says the funding will go through United Nations agencies and the Red Cross to provide food, medical services, shelter and clean water. Sarai said the funding also will be channelled through the Canadian branches of International Medical Corps and Humanity and Inclusion, and Oxfam Quebec... - [Canada not target for Trump admin's new tariff investigations](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-not-target-for-trump-admins-new-tariff-investigations/) - The Canadian Press: The Trump administration launched trade investigations of multiple countries Wednesday in an attempt to solidify the U.S. president’s tariff policies after the Supreme Court struck down his previous efforts to realign global trade. Canada was not included in the list of countries targeted by President Donald Trump’s investigations under Section 301 of - [What is driving PM Carney’s ability to woo floor crossers?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/what-is-driving-pm-carneys-ability-to-woo-floor-crossers/) - CTV: Since Carney became leader, the Liberals have been gaining support across the country, recently opening a 13-point polling advantage over the federal Conservatives. ... Nanos also noted that his preferred prime minister data tracking has shown Carney far ahead of Poilievre for some time, and the polling indicates the prime minister personally is “much - [New Democrats rocked by Nunavut MP’s defection, insider calls it a ‘slap in the face’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/new-democrats-rocked-by-nunavut-mps-defection-insider-calls-it-a-slap-in-the-face/) - Toronto Star: Shock, frustration and dejection swept over New Democrats on Wednesday after MP Lori Idlout abandoned the party to join Mark Carney’s Liberals, putting them on the cusp of forming a majority government... - [Alberta's chambers of commerce say separation talk not helping attract business](https://thecompositeeye.ca/albertas-chambers-of-commerce-say-separation-talk-not-helping-attract-business/) - The Canadian Press: "Alberta separation is the top business issue right now," said Shauna Feth, the chamber’s chief executive, in an interview. "The concern isn't about ideology so much as it is about the uncertainty that that discourse creates.".... - [Canada’s Conservative leader needs to make inroads with Trump. Is it too late? ](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadas-conservative-leader-needs-to-make-inroads-with-trump-is-it-too-late/) - Politico: “I was struck by how insular Mr. Poilievre and the Conservative Party was,” former U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen, who served under former President Joe Biden and had advised Poilievre to engage with Trump, told POLITICO. “They have very little, to no relationships in the United States, or in any other country for - [Business Development Bank boosts funds available to defence-sector entrepreneurs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/business-development-bank-boosts-funds-available-to-defence-sector-entrepreneurs/) - The Canadian Press: BDC says uptake for its defence platform has been strong, with $91.7 million in financing already provided to 16 businesses. So the funds available are being pumped up to $6 billion. BDC chief executive Isabelle Hudon said in a recent interview that the agency has historically taken a "shy position" toward defence. - [U.S. strikes 16 Iranian mine-layers near Strait of Hormuz. 'No room for diplomacy,' says senior Iranian official as Tehran strains US military with cheap weapons.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-strikes-16-iranian-mine-layers-near-strait-of-hormuz-no-room-for-diplomacy-says-senior-iranian-official-as-tehran-strains-us-military-with-cheap-weapons/) - New York Times: Amid concerns that Iran plans to choke off the world’s access to oil, the U.S. military said Tuesday that its forces had attacked 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near a major oil route... CNN: In this exclusive interview in Tehran, Kamal Kharazi, Foreign Policy Advisor to the office of the Supreme Leader, tells - [Furious allies lobby Trump to keep deporting migrants](https://thecompositeeye.ca/furious-allies-lobby-trump-to-keep-deporting-migrants/) - Politico: The new Mass Deportation Coalition is pushing the White House to continue with its deportation operation — just as the White House tells GOP candidates to back away from that message... - [Iranians rethink price of regime change](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iranians-rethink-price-of-regime-change/) - Financial Times: Destructive US and Israeli war and Islamic republic’s resilience have alarmed even those who supported foreign intervention... - [Inside labs training China’s humanoid robots](https://thecompositeeye.ca/inside-labs-training-chinas-humanoid-robots/) - Financial Times: Network of training farms aims to supply data needed to put ‘brains’ into machines... - [Republicans concede they need to pivot on immigration before midterms](https://thecompositeeye.ca/republicans-concede-they-need-to-pivot-on-immigration-before-midterms/) - New York Times: In public comments and private meetings at a House G.O.P. retreat, top officials allowed that President Trump’s immigration crackdown had hurt the party and that they needed a course correction on the issue... - [EU’s six biggest economies push for single markets watchdog](https://thecompositeeye.ca/eus-six-biggest-economies-push-for-single-markets-watchdog/) - Financial Times: The EU’s six biggest economies are calling for large stock exchanges and other critical financial entities to be supervised at the EU rather than national level, as they try to reinvigorate long-running proposals to unify the bloc’s capital markets... - [AI-driven ‘kill chain’ transforming how US wages war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ai-driven-kill-chain-transforming-how-us-wages-war/) - Financial Times: The unprecedented tempo of targeted attacks has been driven in part by AI systems that sift the torrents of intelligence data from drones, satellites and other sensors, generating strike options far faster than traditional human-led planning... - [Military briefing: Closest US-Israel war yet](https://thecompositeeye.ca/military-briefing-closest-us-israel-war-yet/) - Financial Times: Not since the Suez Crisis has the IDF fought alongside an ally in a major military offensive... - [Costco sued by customer over tariff refund](https://thecompositeeye.ca/costco-sued-by-customer-over-tariff-refund/) - Wall Street Journal: Costco increased product prices to offset the cost of tariffs, but it hasn’t promised shoppers a refund, said the lawsuit filed on behalf of Matthew Stockov, a Costco member who lives in Illinois. Shoppers won’t get a government refund directly, because they are not the importer of record, said the lawsuit. “The - [AI isn’t lightening workloads. It’s making them more intense.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ai-isnt-lightening-workloads-its-making-them-more-intense/) - Wall Street Journal: The technology is increasing the speed, density and complexity of work rather than reducing it, new analysis shows... - [‘Really bleak situation’: Proposed access-to-information changes include removing emails, letting departments put requests on hold](https://thecompositeeye.ca/really-bleak-situation-proposed-access-to-information-changes-include-removing-emails-letting-departments-put-requests-on-hold/) - The Hill Times: The mandated review of the Access to Information Act, includes proposals from the government that are 'super regressive,' says veteran journalist Dean Beeby. 'It’s just bureaucrats running the show, and we’re all going to lose, because they’re not eager at all to open the system up and be transparent.'... - [Michael Kovrig: Carney's in big trouble with even a little China ](https://thecompositeeye.ca/michael-kovrig-carneys-in-big-trouble-with-even-a-little-china/) - Michael Kovrig/National Post: The big trouble is that when dealing with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), a little “stabilizing” can slide into “normalizing” relations with a state that’s anything but normal or trustworthy. And when the costs of dependence and arbitrary political decisions are calculated, far fewer economic agreements look worthwhile. All four countries have - [Iran says truce depends on US, Israel pledging not to strike](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-says-truce-depends-on-us-israel-pledging-not-to-strike/) - Bloomberg: Iran is particularly concerned Israel will attack again after the current war ends, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive matters. It’s unclear if the US is willing to give Iran such a pledge and if it would be able to insist on Israel doing the same... - [US starts trade probe into China, EU in Trump’s tariffs revival](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-starts-trade-probe-into-china-eu-in-trumps-tariffs-revival/) - Bloomberg: US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced Wednesday that his office would begin a probe into more than a dozen major economies under Section 301 of the Trade Act focused on alleged excess manufacturing capacity. The investigations, which typically take months to complete, are required for the president to unilaterally place duties on imports from - [Martin Wolf: Economic consequences of war with Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/martin-wolf-economic-consequences-of-war-with-iran/) - Martin Wolf/Financial Times: There are lasting lessons about energy resilience to be learnt from this conflict... - [Nations agree to release oil reserves as war in Iran hits global economy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/nations-agree-to-release-oil-reserves-as-war-in-iran-hits-global-economy/) - Washington Post: The International Energy Agency on Wednesday announced that it would carry out its largest-ever release of oil reserves — 400 million barrels — in a bid to control spiking energy prices caused by the United States-Israel war against Iran,which shows no signs of slowing as it ends its 12th day... - [Strikes on Iran damage cultural heritage sites, infuriating Iranians](https://thecompositeeye.ca/strikes-on-iran-damage-cultural-heritage-sites-infuriating-iranians/) - New York Times: In the city of Isfahan, Israeli airstrikes have damaged several of Iran’s most cherished cultural jewels, Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Heritage said. The Ali Qapu Palace and the Chehel Sotoun palace and garden, dating to the 17th-century Safavid dynasty, sustained serious harm, photos and videos released by the ministry show... - [Iran has fired widely banned cluster munitions at Israel](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-has-fired-widely-banned-cluster-munitions-at-israel/) - New York Times: More than 10 Iranian missiles with the warheads have been fired at the country since the war began on Feb. 28, according to Chief Superintendent Doron Lavi of the Israeli police’s bomb disposal unit. Cluster munitions have warheads that burst and scatter into bomblets, which can cause indiscriminate harm if fired near - [U.S. at fault in strike on school in Iran, preliminary inquiry says](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-at-fault-in-strike-on-school-in-iran-preliminary-inquiry-says/) - New York Times: Outdated targeting data may have resulted in a mistaken missile strike, according to the ongoing military investigation, which undercuts President Trump’s assertion that Iran could be to blame... - [Joe Rogan keeps highlighting Trump’s biggest liabilities](https://thecompositeeye.ca/joe-rogan-keeps-highlighting-trumps-biggest-liabilities/) - CNN: Rogan has broken with Trump on several major issues since mid-2025. And polling shows the issues he’s picked happen to be some of Trump’s biggest political liabilities – including the war with Iran, the Jeffrey Epstein files and immigration enforcement... - [Iran war complicates economic pivot GOP badly wants to see from Trump](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-war-complicates-economic-pivot-gop-badly-wants-to-see-from-trump/) - CNN: In private, many Trump allies acknowledge the risk of political peril for the president and his party the longer the war persists. Many have encouraged the administration to offer clearer messaging about the goals of the war and the metrics for its success, hoping to offer concerned Americans a better picture of how it - [Iran war underscores Canada’s vulnerability when it comes to U.S.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-war-underscores-canadas-vulnerability-when-it-comes-to-u-s/) - Les Whittington/The Hill Times: Thousands of Canadian livelihoods are at stake in this year’s CUSMA review, so it’s understandable that the prime minister would generally express support for the U.S. president’s war... - [Campbell Clark: Carney was finally in House, but his opponents had already lost interest in war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/campbell-clark-carney-was-finally-in-house-but-his-opponents-had-already-lost-interest-in-war/) - Campbell Clark/The Globe and Mail: Finally, the opposition would get the rare chance they craved to call the Prime Minister to account for his position on Iran, which they had loudly denounced as incoherent. But by Tuesday afternoon, they’d lost interest... - [This is where Carney’s majority hopes will be decided](https://thecompositeeye.ca/this-is-where-carneys-majority-hopes-will-be-decided/) - Stephen Maher/Toronto Star: Mark Carney’s majority dreams are in the hands of the normally separatist voters of Terrebonne, a suburban community north of Montreal... - [Lilley: With NDP floor crosser, Carney effectively has majority now](https://thecompositeeye.ca/lilley-with-ndp-floor-crosser-carney-effectively-has-majority-now/) - Brian Lilley/Toronto Sun: The reality is, the Liberals are most likely to win all three byelections, which would give then a slight cushion with a two-seat majority. Two of the byelections are in Liberal strongholds in Toronto, and in the third race in Terrebonne, just north of Montreal, the Liberals have a significant spending advantage... - [What happens if — or when — Carney and Liberals get to majority?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/what-happens-if-or-when-carney-and-liberals-get-to-majority/) - CBC: Four years after winning a majority, Harper was out of power completely — replaced by a Liberal majority. It's hard to know whether Harper could have avoided defeat by governing more cautiously, but there is probably some reason for the Liberals, if soon freed from the constraints of minority government, to guard against overreach - [Liberals elated while Poilievre accuses Carney of 'backroom deals' after NDP defection](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-elated-while-poilievre-accuses-carney-of-backroom-deals-after-ndp-defection/) - CBC: In a statement on social media, Poilievre accused Carney of using "backroom deals" to "seize a costly majority that voters rejected, which will enable Liberals to balloon debt, inflate the cost of living, block resources and turn criminals loose on our streets." Liberal MP Karina Gould, a former minister who challenged Carney for the - [Carney to vacation in UK, Italy after latest PM trip: Sources](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-to-vacation-in-uk-italy-after-latest-pm-trip-sources/) - Global: The prime minister will not fly home with the Canadian delegation that is scheduled to come back to Canada from Carney’s trip to Yellowknife, Norway and London on March 16, instead staying in Europe to vacation. Sources tell Global News Carney will vacation in London and then head to Rome... - [NDP's Davies says Idlout's decision to join Liberals overrides 'sacred trust' of ballot box](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ndps-davies-says-idlouts-decision-to-join-liberals-overrides-sacred-trust-of-ballot-box/) - CBC: In a short scrum with journalists after Nunavut MP Lori Idlout quit his party, Davies said Canadians still need the NDP to fight for them — and that MPs crossing the floor undermines the democratic process. "To us the decision of voters at the ballot box is a sacred trust. And if a member - [PM Carney ‘honoured’ to welcome latest floor crosser](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pm-carney-honoured-to-welcome-latest-floor-crosser/) - CTV: Former NDP MP for Nunavut Lori Idlout was accompanied into her first Liberal caucus meeting by Prime Minister Mark Carney who praised his new recruit as one of “Canada’s greatest constituency MPs.” Noting that she represents a riding the size of Mexico, Carney called Idlout “down to earth” and said he’s had conversations with - [Idlout says she felt she was 'betraying' her constituents by staying with NDP](https://thecompositeeye.ca/idlout-says-she-felt-she-was-betraying-her-constituents-by-staying-with-ndp/) - The Canadian Press: Nunavut MP Lori Idlout said Wednesday feedback from constituents calling on her to join the Liberal government ultimately convinced her to cross the floor. In her first interview as a Liberal MP, Idlout told The Canadian Press staying with the NDP felt like she was "betraying" Nunavummiut... - [Poilievre to travel to U.S. to 'fight for tariff-free access' to American market](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-to-travel-to-u-s-to-fight-for-tariff-free-access-to-american-market/) - National Post: The opposition leader’s first stop will be in Michigan, where he will meet with auto industry leaders, before heading to Windsor, Ont., for a press conference the next day. His second stop will be in Houston, Texas, where he will meet with energy executives and tour an energy facility. Poilievre will also visit - [King Charles 'expressed his concern' over Alberta separatism in meeting: Grand chief](https://thecompositeeye.ca/king-charles-expressed-his-concern-over-alberta-separatism-in-meeting-grand-chief/) - The Canadian Press: Grand Chief Joey Pete, who was part of a delegation of Treaty 6 chiefs who went to Buckingham Palace, said in a news release that the King was "very interested" in what the Indigenous leaders had to say. "We made him aware of the separatism issue in Alberta and the threat to - [Ottawa considering reopening embassy in Venezuela, where it already employs locals](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ottawa-considering-reopening-embassy-in-venezuela-where-it-already-employs-locals/) - The Canadian Press: “We are looking at the conditions that may allow … to have Canadian diplomats return there,” said Wendy Drukier, the department’s director general for hemispheric affairs. “This is a situation that we will continue to examine under the change in circumstances.” Drukier was testifying Tuesday to the House foreign affairs committee about - [MPs reject bill to close U.S. loophole for arms exports, with some Liberal dissent](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mps-reject-bill-to-close-u-s-loophole-for-arms-exports-with-some-liberal-dissent/) - The Canadian Press: Kwan tabled a private member’s bill last September following attempts by Washington to purchase Canadian weapons for Israel, despite a Canadian ban on exports of various types of weapons to that country. MPs rejected Bill C-233 in a vote on second reading on Wednesday, with 295 voting against it, and 22 voting - [Ottawa earmarks $10 million to help protect Jewish institutions after gunfire attacks](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ottawa-earmarks-10-million-to-help-protect-jewish-institutions-after-gunfire-attacks/) - The Canadian Press: The money dispensed through the federal Canada Community Security Program is meant to help protect Jewish places of worship, schools, child care centres, overnight camps and other institutions. The program offers organizations at risk of hate-motivated crimes money for security equipment and hardware, such as protective barriers and window and door reinforcements... - [National housing supply made strides in 2025 amid weak demand, condo struggles: CMHC](https://thecompositeeye.ca/national-housing-supply-made-strides-in-2025-amid-weak-demand-condo-struggles-cmhc/) - The Canadian Press: Canada’s housing agency says the country made “meaningful” supply gains last year thanks to record rental construction and more “missing middle” class housing, however short-term imbalances remain for several markets... - [CBSA warns ‘industry pressure’ slowing action on tranquillizers in fentanyl](https://thecompositeeye.ca/cbsa-warns-industry-pressure-slowing-action-on-tranquillizers-in-fentanyl/) - Global: Criminal organizations are increasingly mixing veterinary sedatives like xylazine, also known as “tranq” or “zombie drug,” into fentanyl to prolong the opioids’ effects and increase value. But drug users often don’t know they’re taking these tranquillizers, which can cause severe wounds and health complications. While several U.S. states have tried to crack down on traffickers who - [CSIS says threat level related to Iran, proxies at ‘Medium.’ Here’s what that means](https://thecompositeeye.ca/csis-says-threat-level-related-to-iran-proxies-at-medium-heres-what-that-means/) - CTV: “The level remains at ‘Medium,’ meaning that a violent extremist attack remains a realistic possibility,” a CSIS spokesperson said in a statement to CTV News on Tuesday night. “The most likely scenario for serious violence involves a lone actor whose intent to mobilize is unknown to authorities. Such a person could be inspired by - [Poilievre’s international excursion a chance to challenge Carney, find ‘sea legs’ on global stage amid polling slump: Politicos](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievres-international-excursion-a-chance-to-challenge-carney-find-sea-legs-on-global-stage-amid-polling-slump-politicos/) - The Hill Times: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's trip to the U.K. and Germany with his message of stoicism may help rebuild moderate Tory support, 'but you can't out-Carney Carney,' say observers... - [Carney inching closer to majority with NDP floor-crossing ahead of byelections](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-inching-closer-to-majority-with-ndp-floor-crossing-ahead-of-byelections/) - The Canadian Press: Sweeping all three byelections would give Carney a thin majority, bolstering his ability to push his political agenda forward and making it harder for the opposition to throw up roadblocks. The Liberals sit at 170 seats, while the Conservatives have 141, the Bloc has 22, the NDP has six and the Greens - [NDP MP Lori Idlout crosses to Liberals, nudging Carney closer to majority](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ndp-mp-lori-idlout-crosses-to-liberals-nudging-carney-closer-to-majority/) - National Post: Idlout, first elected back in 2021, is the fourth MP that has crossed the floor in recent months to join Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government. The first three — Chris d’Entremont, Michael Ma and Matt Jeneroux — all joined from the Conservatives. Idlout’s defection now places Carney within striking distance of securing - [Iranian military shows it knows how to adapt, U.S. officials say](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iranian-military-shows-it-knows-how-to-adapt-u-s-officials-say/) - New York Times: ...Iran appeared to have accepted that it could not match the United States and Israel on pure firepower. But by simply surviving the barrage, the officials said, the government in Tehran can claim victory. The Iranian military, the officials said, appears to be targeting what it views as American vulnerabilities: interceptors and - [IEA proposes largest ever oil release from strategic reserves](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iea-proposes-largest-ever-oil-release-from-strategic-reserves/) - Wall Street Journal: The release would exceed the 182 million barrels of oil that IEA member countries put onto the market in two releases in 2022 when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the officials said. The proposal was circulated at an emergency meeting of energy officials from the IEA’s 32 member countries on - [Trump says India’s Reliance will back first new US oil refinery in 50 years](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-says-indias-reliance-will-back-first-new-us-oil-refinery-in-50-years/) - Financial Times: The announcement comes as the president’s war against Iran roils oil markets and the White House seeks ways to tame a surge in crude prices. The project, if completed, would be the first new major refining project in the US since Marathon’s Garyville, Louisiana facility came online in 1977... - [Hegseth gutted offices that would have probed Iran school strikes](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hegseth-gutted-offices-that-would-have-probed-iran-school-strikes/) - Politico: The Pentagon chief last year slashed offices that didn’t contribute to his goal of “lethality,” including the group that assists in limiting risk to civilians, known as the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. Around 200 employees who worked on the issue, including at that office, have been reduced by about 90 percent, according to - [War in Iran could lead to food shortages in region, experts warn](https://thecompositeeye.ca/war-in-iran-could-lead-to-food-shortages-in-region-experts-warn/) - New York Times: Some residents of Lebanon, Gaza and Iran are reporting shortages of food, rising food prices and other disruptions to food supplies as the conflict in the Middle East continues... - [Canada weighs options to boost oil supply as war causes market turmoil](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-weighs-options-to-boost-oil-supply-as-war-causes-market-turmoil/) - Bloomberg: Canada is "urgently exploring options" with provinces and the energy industry to boost oil supply due to trade disruptions caused by war in the Middle East. Officials are reviewing whether planned maintenance activities could be delayed to free up additional production capacity and maintain the ability to adjust transportation through marine and rail shipments... - [White House tells House GOP to avoid mass deportation talk ahead of midterms](https://thecompositeeye.ca/white-house-tells-house-gop-to-avoid-mass-deportation-talk-ahead-of-midterms/) - Washington Post: Change in rhetoric comes as the public sours on the administration’s aggressive tactics and Republican fears of election losses mount... - [Whistleblower claims ex-DOGE member says he took Social Security data to new job](https://thecompositeeye.ca/whistleblower-claims-ex-doge-member-says-he-took-social-security-data-to-new-job/) - Washington Post: The Social Security Administration’s internal watchdog is investigating a complaint that alleges a former U.S. DOGE Service employee claimed he had access to two highly sensitive agency databases and planned to share the information with his private employer — a claim that, if true, would constitute an unprecedented breach of security protocols at - [An international norm is being questioned after Trump’s Iran strikes. As two of the officials who helped established it, we’d like to set the record straight](https://thecompositeeye.ca/an-international-norm-is-being-questioned-after-trumps-iran-strikes-as-two-of-the-officials-who-helped-established-it-wed-like-to-set-the-record-straight/) - Lloyd Axworthy and Allan Rock/Toronto Star: What is happening today in Iran, Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan has nothing to do with R2P (Responsibility to Protect). The governments conducting or supporting these actions have not claimed its authority. Instead they are invoking the old, lawless logic of raw power that R2P was built to delegitimize. That - [Tasha Kheiriddin: Carney's coveted majority remains just out of reach](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tasha-kheiriddin-carneys-coveted-majority-remains-just-out-of-reach/) - Tasha Kheiriddin/National Post: But this set of byelections is not the end of the story. There could be up to three more in the months ahead: Liberal MP Nathan Erskine Smith announced last month that he will seek the leadership of the Ontario Liberal party, Quebec NDP MP Andre Boulerice is contemplating running for the - [Canada will 'never participate' in Iran offensive: Carney](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-will-never-participate-in-iran-offensive-carney/) - Global: Defence Minister David McGuinty said Monday that Canada “will not be participating” in the war in Iran after Prime Minister Mark Carney last week did not rule out the possibility of Canadian military involvement. Speaking at an unrelated media event in Ottawa, McGuinty added that Canada has not yet decided to join its NATO allies in offering assistance - [Up to 16 Liberals considering support for NDP's arms-control legislation](https://thecompositeeye.ca/up-to-16-liberals-considering-support-for-ndps-arms-control-legislation/) - CBC: When the NDP's arms-control bill that seeks to end largely permit-free Canadian military exports to the U.S. is put to a vote on Wednesday, it could garner the support of more than a dozen Liberal MPs. That would be the first time some in the Liberal caucus split from the government's position on legislation - [Trump refers to PM Carney as future ‘Governor of Canada’ in social media post](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-refers-to-pm-carney-as-future-governor-of-canada-in-social-media-post/) - CTV: U.S. President Donald Trump referred to Prime Minister Mark Carney as the “future Governor of Canada” in a Truth Social post on Tuesday. Trump’s post was in reference to working with U.S. governors to “save The Great Lakes from the rather violent and destructive Asian Carp.”... - [U.S. judge fines Chinese Telecom firm Hytera $50 million for trade-secret theft — case recalls longstanding Canada-U.S. security tensions](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-judge-fines-chinese-telecom-firm-hytera-50-million-for-trade-secret-theft-case-recalls-longstanding-canada-u-s-security-tensions/) - The Bureau: According to U.S. prosecutors, the scheme dates back to 2006, when Hytera recruited Motorola employees and directed them to remove proprietary and trade-secret information related to Motorola’s digital mobile radio technology. Investigators say the stolen material — including source code — allowed Hytera engineers to develop competing products at a fraction of the - [Terry Newman: Finally, proof of what we've known all along — CBC biased against conservatives](https://thecompositeeye.ca/terry-newman-finally-proof-of-what-weve-known-all-along-cbc-biased-against-conservatives/) - Terry Newman/National Post: Asked about CBC’s policies towards Conservatives, Dhanraj read an instant message conversation he had with his senior producer. “Can we get a conservative perspective on this?” he asked. His producer responded: “It is a no to the Conservatives I’m told. We can’t chase anyone from the entire party. The chase is with - [Hundreds of Muslim organizations tell Liberals they oppose anti-hate bill](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hundreds-of-muslim-organizations-tell-liberals-they-oppose-anti-hate-bill/) - National Post: “We have worked with optimism that the text of the bill could be amended to assuage our concerns, alongside many other faith groups in the Christian, Jewish and Sikh communities,” reads the letter, signed by more than 350 groups. “However, while we have heard a number of commitments to that end, in our - [Nobody wants to say M-word ahead of crucial Quebec byelection next month](https://thecompositeeye.ca/nobody-wants-to-say-m-word-ahead-of-crucial-quebec-byelection-next-month/) - National Post: “The idea of halting a majority is a narrative that is, of course, not ours,” Normandin said on Monday. “What we’re hearing on the ground… is that people in Terrebonne want a voice to represent them in Parliament, not a voice to represent the government in Terrebonne.”... - [U.S. Consulate shooting in Toronto being investigated as ‘national security incident’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-consulate-shooting-in-toronto-being-investigated-as-national-security-incident/) - CTV: Chief Superintendent Chris Leather, Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations for RCMP Ontario, said that the shooting is being treated as a “national security incident.” “Whether it is a terrorist event or not that will be subject to the investigation that will be undertaken in the coming days or weeks,” he said. He said - [Travis Dhanraj testifies before Parliament about CBC](https://thecompositeeye.ca/travis-dhanraj-testifies-before-parliament-about-cbc/) - Can't be Censored Podcast: Join Karman Wong for a special live broadcast covering the highly anticipated testimony of former journalist Travis Dhanraj. Ahead of the hearing, Travis joins Karman exclusively to discuss what to expect, the key issues surrounding the case, and why this moment matters for media freedom and accountability... - [Former CBC anchor Travis Dhanraj says public broadcaster ‘silenced and intimidated’ him](https://thecompositeeye.ca/former-cbc-anchor-travis-dhanraj-says-public-broadcaster-silenced-and-intimidated-him/) - The Globe and Mail: Appearing Tuesday before a House of Commons heritage committee studying the state of the journalism and media sectors in Canada, Dhanraj said the CBC created a “toxic culture where intimidation went unchecked.” He said that while he was publicly held up as a “bold, diverse host,” the CBC’s stated commitment to - [Trajectory favours Liberals: LPC 46, CPC 33, NDP 10](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trajectory-favours-liberals-lpc-46-cpc-33-ndp-10/) - Nik Nanos: Canada’s political landscape is settling into a clearer hierarchy. The latest Nanos tracking shows the Liberals consolidating their advantage, stretching their national ballot lead well into double digits over the Conservatives. What was once competitive has become asymmetrical. The gap is reinforced by leadership preference, where Mark Carney commands a striking margin over - [Citizen-led recall bid against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith fails](https://thecompositeeye.ca/citizen-led-recall-bid-against-alberta-premier-danielle-smith-fails/) - The Canadian Press: Smith is the second premier in Alberta's history to face a recall petition, with the other happening nearly 90 years ago. Heather VanSnick says her campaign against Smith gathered close to 2,300 signatures — but it needed at least 12,000 to move the process forward... - [Conservatives seek to remove barriers to alcohol shipments across provincial borders](https://thecompositeeye.ca/conservatives-seek-to-remove-barriers-to-alcohol-shipments-across-provincial-borders/) - The Canadian Press: B.C. MP Dan Albas, whose riding includes the Okanagan wine region, has introduced a private member’s bill that would amend the Canada Post Corporation Act to remove restrictions on direct interprovincial shipments of alcohol to consumers. ... Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed during last spring’s federal election campaign to eliminate trade barriers - [MPs press Carney on Ottawa’s response to fallout from Iran war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mps-press-carney-on-ottawas-response-to-fallout-from-iran-war/) - The Globe and Mail: The Prime Minister wants to present himself as one of the most important leaders in the world, Mr. Blanchet told reporters ahead of Question Period on Tuesday. “I don’t believe that the lack of clarity and coherence in the last 10 days have contributed for Canada or Mr. Carney to pretend - [‘Let’s fix this’: IRCC reviewing media rules, reverses decision after refusing comment to independent journalist](https://thecompositeeye.ca/lets-fix-this-ircc-reviewing-media-rules-reverses-decision-after-refusing-comment-to-independent-journalist/) - The Hill Times: “This isn’t just about my issues getting comments for a story I’m working on, as frustrating as it may be. It’s a fundamental issue of press freedom,” The Orchard’s Jeremy Appel told The Hill Times. Appel was denied a response to his request for comment from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) last month for - [Ottawa drops TikTok ban, will now let platform stay in Canada with conditions](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ottawa-drops-tiktok-ban-will-now-let-platform-stay-in-canada-with-conditions/) - The Canadian Press: Privacy and safety concerns have been raised about TikTok and its China-based parent company ByteDance Ltd. because of Chinese national security laws that compel organizations in that country to assist with intelligence gathering. The agreement to set aside the shutdown order came shortly after Prime Minister Mark Carney visited China and secured - [Canada restricts drug boat intel from U.S. navy's Caribbean airstrike operation](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-restricts-drug-boat-intel-from-u-s-navys-caribbean-airstrike-operation/) - CBC: The Department of National Defence says it has safeguards in place to prevent intelligence from being shared with elements of the U.S. military that have carried out numerous lethal strikes on small boats in the Caribbean... - [France sending large naval force to Middle East](https://thecompositeeye.ca/france-sending-large-naval-force-to-middle-east/) - New York Times: President Emmanuel Macron said the warships would help protect France’s allies and French citizens in the region, and could be part of a force to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz... - [Latin America’s lithium triangle now in hands of the right](https://thecompositeeye.ca/latin-americas-lithium-triangle-now-in-hands-of-the-right/) - Thea Riofrancos/Financial Times: But in the often opaque realm of resource extraction, appearances can be deceiving. These rightwing leaders are aligned with Trump, but China’s economic pull could well prove stronger. Avowed commitments to free markets and private investment are anachronistic in an era of state capitalism, and in sectors pervaded by the logic of - [Nuclear experts undercut White House claims about Iran reactor at heart of case for war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/nuclear-experts-undercut-white-house-claims-about-iran-reactor-at-heart-of-case-for-war/) - MS Now: The Trump administration sent negotiators without nuclear expertise to lead talks on Iran’s enrichment program. Now, its public case for war centers on a facility that experts say cannot do what officials claim... - [Scale of billionaires’ campaign donations overwhelming U.S. politics](https://thecompositeeye.ca/scale-of-billionaires-campaign-donations-overwhelming-u-s-politics/) - New York Times: Billionaires made 19 percent of all reported federal campaign contributions in 2024, a Times analysis shows, and even more in some local elections. Wealthy donors are reaping the rewards... - [Texas Gov Abbott issues warning of Chinese spying in medical tech](https://thecompositeeye.ca/texas-gov-abbott-issues-warning-of-chinese-spying-in-medical-tech/) - Fox: Abbott directed Texas state health agencies and public university systems to address potential cybersecurity risks linked to Chinese-manufactured medical devices, citing concerns that sensitive patient data could be accessed by foreign actors... - [For Israel’s Netanyahu, Trump grants wishes, but his support carries risks](https://thecompositeeye.ca/for-israels-netanyahu-trump-grants-wishes-but-his-support-carries-risks/) - Washington Post: Trump and Netanyahu are seen as more of an odd couple than Roosevelt-Churchill, Clinton-Blair or other wartime duos. At the heart of their hot-and-cold partnership is a frequently asked question of who is really driving whom. Carlson isn’t the only one who sees a U.S. president skillfully worked by a master manipulator who - [Trump: It’ll be ‘mutual’ decision with Netanyahu regarding when Iran war ends](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-itll-be-mutual-decision-with-netanyahu-regarding-when-iran-war-ends/) - Times of Israel: The US president was asked whether he alone would decide when the war with Iran ends or if Netanyahu would also have a say. “I think it’s mutual… a little bit. We’ve been talking. I’ll make a decision at the right time, but everything’s going to be taken into account,” he responded, - [Trump advisers urge him to find Iran exit ramp, fearing political backlash](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-advisers-urge-him-to-find-iran-exit-ramp-fearing-political-backlash/) - Wall Street Journal: Some of Trump’s advisers in recent days have encouraged him to articulate a plan to extract the U.S. from the war and make the case that the military had largely achieved its objectives, according to people familiar with the matter. While many in the president’s conservative base still support the initial operation, - [Iran war elevates Marco Rubio in Trump's 2028 succession jockeying](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-war-elevates-marco-rubio-in-trumps-2028-succession-jockeying/) - NBC: With a group of roughly 25 GOP donors, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and billionaire Georgia gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson, Trump asked the room whom they would prefer he support for president in 2028. Attendees overwhelmingly indicated Secretary of State Marco Rubio through their cheering, according to two people who were at - [Early Iran strikes cost $5.6 billion in munitions, Pentagon estimates](https://thecompositeeye.ca/early-iran-strikes-cost-5-6-billion-in-munitions-pentagon-estimates/) - Washington Post: The Pentagon burned through $5.6 billion worth of munitions during the first two days of its military assault on Iran, according to three U.S. officials, a figure that underscores the deepening alarm among some on Capitol Hill over the speed at which U.S. forces have eaten into the scarce supply of America’s most - [China said it ended poverty. Did it?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/china-said-it-ended-poverty-did-it/) - Financial Times: ...Beijing’s intense pride at having eradicated poverty is impeding its efforts to confront it. “Poverty is simply not a word that you use any longer other than talking about falling back into poverty or having eradicated poverty,” Bikales says. To build on its initial gains, says Bikales, China needs to update its definition - [Europe ‘unknown variable’ in US-China rivalry, Barrot says, urging EU to overcome ‘deep doubt'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/europe-unknown-variable-in-us-china-rivalry-barrot-says-urging-eu-to-overcome-deep-doubt/) - Euronews: "In this inherently complex system of equations, there is one unknown variable that could change everything," Barrot said. “That unknown variable is Europe.” That's because "resistance to the brutalisation of the world is being organised here, in Europe. And from Southeast Asia to Latin America, via Africa, free peoples who wish to remain so - [G7 ready to take ‘necessary measures’ over economic impact of Iran war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/g7-ready-to-take-necessary-measures-over-economic-impact-of-iran-war/) - The Guardian: Finance ministers monitoring situation but stop short of agreeing to release emergency oil reserves... - [John Ivison: Carney’s credibility faces friendly fire in war with Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/john-ivison-carneys-credibility-faces-friendly-fire-in-war-with-iran/) - John Ivison/National Post: A prolonged conflict in the Middle East would have a potentially corrosive impact on the prime minister's glowing approval ratings... - [Price caps, rationing, stockpiling: Alarm swells over oil shortages](https://thecompositeeye.ca/price-caps-rationing-stockpiling-alarm-swells-over-oil-shortages/) - New York Times: South Korea announced on Monday it would cap prices at the pump for the first time in nearly 30 years. In India, the city of Pune has temporarily suspended gas-based cremations, asking customers to use wood or electricity instead. Pakistan said it would increase gasoline prices by about 20 percent to throttle demand - [After slashing federal jobs, Trump admin ramps up hiring](https://thecompositeeye.ca/after-slashing-federal-jobs-trump-admin-ramps-up-hiring/) - Washington Post: The hiring push is unfolding under new rules designed togive the White House greater influence over the government’s 2-millionperson civilianworkforce. The administration has lifted restrictions imposed during last year’s reductions and created job classifications that make it easier to hire — and fire — employees aligned with the president’s priorities... - [Anthropic sues U.S. Defense Dept, Pete Hegseth for targeting company](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anthropic-sues-u-s-defense-dept-pete-hegseth-for-targeting-company/) - Wall Street Journal: In designating Anthropic a supply-chain risk for the Pentagon and directing agencies to cut ties with the company, the administration went beyond its statutory authority with harsh retaliation because Anthropic didn’t agree on how AI should be used by the Defense Department, the company argued. “Defendants are seeking to destroy the economic value created - [Trump sons back new drone company targeting Pentagon sales](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-sons-back-new-drone-company-targeting-pentagon-sales/) - Wall Street Journal: The deal brings deeper involvement by the Trump family into a multibillion-dollar sector that has new opportunities for growth following changes imposed by the Trump administration. Those include the Pentagon’s emphasis on large-scale, rapid adoption of small drones, and a national ban on new models of the Chinese drones that have for more than - [Trump sends conflicting messages on war. Downplays oil price rise.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-sends-conflicting-messages-on-war-downplays-oil-price-rise/) - CNN: President Donald Trump gave conflicting answers today about his Iran war strategy. At a news conference, he said US goals may be “pretty well complete” after telling House Republicans that “we haven’t won enough.”... New York Times: After a day of conflicting signals about when the war against Iran might end, President Trump struck a belligerent tone Monday - [Matt Gurney: Carney has hard time explaining Canada’s position towards India](https://thecompositeeye.ca/matt-gurney-carney-has-hard-time-explaining-canadas-position-towards-india/) - Matt Gurney/The Hill Times: There is, as noted, a really simple explanation for this: ruthlessly pragmatic politics. This is a classic example where the government is very clearly pursuing a strategy—namely a reset of our relationship with India—while also trying not to provoke any political backlash among that segment of the electorate that will be - [Alberta separation talk already affecting more than quarter of surveyed Calgary businesses](https://thecompositeeye.ca/alberta-separation-talk-already-affecting-more-than-quarter-of-surveyed-calgary-businesses/) - CBC: In a survey the chamber released Monday, 28 per cent of respondents said talk about Alberta’s separation from Canada was affecting their business, and 88 per cent of them said the impact was negative. Fifty-one per cent said separation talk was impacting the provincial economy. Of those, 93 per cent said the impact was - [Bloc leader laughs off running 'fake' byelection candidates outside of Quebec](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bloc-leader-laughs-off-running-fake-byelection-candidates-outside-of-quebec/) - CBC: Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet is laughing at the idea of fielding "fake" candidates in Toronto — even if it means ceding a financial advantage to the Liberals in a tight Montreal-area byelection. "We at the Bloc Québécois are funded by citizens, out of pure conviction. That fuel is worth all the money in - [Canadian military personnel identified on white supremacist dating site](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadian-military-personnel-identified-on-white-supremacist-dating-site/) - CBC: One user, a navy reservist, shared numerous white supremacist slogans and symbols on a personal social media account. Another, a communications engineering officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force, claims to be part of Canada's initiative to procure next-generation fighter jets. "The concern about having individuals with these sorts of beliefs in the military - [Carney heading to Norway to watch NATO exercises, meet with PM](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-heading-to-norway-to-watch-nato-exercises-meet-with-pm/) - CBC: Cold Response is run by NATO every two years and involves about 25,000 troops from 14 nations training together to perform land, air and sea operations in Arctic conditions. Canada, the United States, the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Finland are among the countries taking part in the exercise. While in Oslo, - [Poilievre says Conservatives to focus on affordability in critical byelections next month](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-says-conservatives-to-focus-on-affordability-in-critical-byelections-next-month/) - CTV: “We will be running candidates on the platform of making Canada affordable at home and stronger at home,” Poilievre said while speaking to reporters on Parliament Hill on Monday. “We think that the number 1 issue in all three of these communities is that people can’t afford to eat.” Poilievre also said his party - [Opposition parties call for clarity from govt as MPs set to debate Iran war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/opposition-parties-call-for-clarity-from-govt-as-mps-set-to-debate-iran-war/) - The Canadian Press: The Prime Minister’s Office has said Mark Carney won’t be present for the take-note debate about the conflict and its impact on Canadians abroad. NDP interim leader Don Davies slammed the government’s communications on the war so far as “unprincipled, contradictory and incoherent” and said Carney’s decision to skip the debate is - [Liberals nominate Fintrac official Annette Ryan as new budget watchdog](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-nominate-fintrac-official-annette-ryan-as-new-budget-watchdog/) - The Canadian Press: Wayne Long, secretary of state for financial institutions, tabled a nomination Monday asking MPs to approve Annette Ryan to take on the currently vacant role of parliamentary budget officer. The nomination is for a seven-year term. Ryan has worked in the public service for more than a decade and currently serves as - [Former foreign affairs minister criticizes Canada’s ‘confusing’ response to Iran war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/former-foreign-affairs-minister-criticizes-canadas-confusing-response-to-iran-war/) - CTV: “It’s still not clear about where Canada stands on the fundamental issue of the rule of law, which says aggression is an international crime,” Axworthy told CTV Your Morning on Monday. “I think that we should be much clearer and more forthright to say where we stand [on] that.”... - [NRC to acquire Bombardier jet as feds earmark nearly $1B for defence research](https://thecompositeeye.ca/nrc-to-acquire-bombardier-jet-as-feds-earmark-nearly-1b-for-defence-research/) - The Canadian Press: Ottawa says the $900 million funding envelope is part of its Defence Industrial Strategy, a blueprint released in late February for building out the domestic defence sector. ... The NRC will acquire a Bombardier Global 6500 jet for industry and academics to use to research and develop defence-related technology... - [Carney should have consulted Grit caucus before supporting U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, say some Liberal MPs: ‘What the hell’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-should-have-consulted-grit-caucus-before-supporting-u-s-israeli-strikes-on-iran-say-some-liberal-mps-what-the-hell/) - The Hill Times: “I don’t know why he jumped into this to support him [United States President Donald Trump] for no reason without speaking to caucus,” said one Liberal MP who spoke on a not-for-attribution basis to offer their candid views. “The prime minister should not be making statements like that without going to the - [Library and Archives planning deep cuts to access to information team, document shows](https://thecompositeeye.ca/library-and-archives-planning-deep-cuts-to-access-to-information-team-document-shows/) - The Globe and Mail: Library and Archives Canada is planning deep cuts to its access to information division that will put at risk its ability to comply with access and privacy laws, the department has acknowledged in a document... - [Federal Liberal govt has proposed debate on Iran war: House leader](https://thecompositeeye.ca/federal-liberal-govt-has-proposed-debate-on-iran-war-house-leader/) - The Canadian Press: Steven MacKinnon, who is also transport minister, said in a Sunday post on X the government has proposed to opposition parties that a debate on the hostilities in Iran and the impact for Canadians abroad be held in the House of Commons. Media representatives for the NDP and Conservative parties did not immediately respond - [Treasury Board not tracking impact of public service job cuts on equity groups](https://thecompositeeye.ca/treasury-board-not-tracking-impact-of-public-service-job-cuts-on-equity-groups/) - The Canadian Press: During layoff periods, Couperus said, departments can prioritize keeping staff from equity groups if there are gaps in representation. Nicholas Marcus Thompson, president and CEO of the Black Class Action Secretariat, said he is “disturbed” to learn the Treasury Board isn’t tracking the impacts of job cuts. “What that suggests is that - [Voting begins for new federal NDP leader as Lewis dominates fundraising](https://thecompositeeye.ca/voting-begins-for-new-federal-ndp-leader-as-lewis-dominates-fundraising/) - CBC: Lewis is racking up more than $1.2 million in donations from over 10,400 contributors. Heather McPherson gathered just over $560,000 in donations from more than 3,800 contributors. Rob Ashton brought in just under $357,000 from slightly more than 2,000 contributors... - [Most Canadians want former prince Andrew removed from line to throne: Poll](https://thecompositeeye.ca/most-canadians-want-former-prince-andrew-removed-from-line-to-throne-poll/) - Global: The poll, released Monday by Angus Reid Institute, shows an overwhelming 84 per cent of Canadians say they are in support of the move... - [New footage raises likelihood US struck Iranian school where blast killed at least 165](https://thecompositeeye.ca/new-footage-raises-likelihood-us-struck-iranian-school-where-blast-killed-at-least-165/) - Washington Post: Several factors point to a U.S. strike. One is the launching of an assessment of the incident by the U.S. military . According to the Pentagon’s instructions on processes for mitigating civilian harm, an assessment is launched after a group of investigators make an initial determination that the U.S. military may bear culpability... - [Trump's China visit likely won't yield breakthrough, aims to maintain stability](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-china-visit-likely-wont-yield-breakthrough-aims-to-maintain-stability/) - Reuters: American business leaders at this stage have not secured the CEO delegation some had sought. On the other side, there is no indication ‌Beijing is on track for the investment protections it has sought on behalf of Chinese companies... - [Tehran airport ablaze. Russia giving Iran intel on US military targets. Trump: No deal with Iran until ‘unconditional surrender.’ Oil shock as Iran war throttles supply. Saudi Arabia engages Iran to defuse war.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tehran-airport-ablaze-russia-giving-iran-intel-on-us-military-targets-trump-no-deal-with-iran-until-unconditional-surrender-oil-shock-as-iran-war-throttles-supply-saudi-arabia-engages-iran-to-defuse-w/) - New York Times: The Israeli military said it had sent a broad wave of strikes at the Iranian capital early Saturday. Some strikes hit an area near the Mehrabad Airport. Footage shared on state media showed multiple explosions and columns of smoke... Washington Post: Russia is providing Iran with targeting information to attack American forces - [Strikes intensify across Middle East. No compromise in sight. Mixed signals from Tehran. Trump: Iran targets will expand. Intel report warns large-scale war ‘unlikely’ to oust Iran’s regime](https://thecompositeeye.ca/strikes-intensify-across-middle-east-no-compromise-in-sight-mixed-signals-from-tehran-trump-iran-targets-will-expand-intel-report-warns-large-scale-war-unlikely-to-oust-iran/) - New York Times: President Trump met on Saturday with the families of the first six U.S. soldiers killed in the Iran war as their bodies arrived at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Half a world away, the United States and Israel pressed on with their bombardment of Iran, while Iran fired retaliatory missiles at - [Trump comes under pressure to address gas prices, Iran war strategy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-comes-under-pressure-to-address-gas-prices-iran-war-strategy/) - Wall Street Journal: “Three weeks from now, if there isn’t a reasonable confidence that other than Iran that oil can flow, will we be concerned? And the answer is: absolutely,” said Rep. Darrell Issa (R., Calif.), in an interview.. ... “I would not vote for this. I would advise against it, and I would warn - [War with Iran spreading economic damage far beyond oil, gas markets](https://thecompositeeye.ca/war-with-iran-spreading-economic-damage-far-beyond-oil-gas-markets/) - Washington Post: But the pain is not being felt equally. The cost of shipping goods by air from Asia to Europe is up 45 percent since the war began, more than twice the increase for sending items from Asia to the United States, said Ryan Petersen, chief executive of Flexport, a freight forwarder and logistics - [Trump threat to blow up trade deal puts Canada’s auto town on the spot](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-threat-to-blow-up-trade-deal-puts-canadas-auto-town-on-the-spot/) - Washington Post: Sales are down nearly 70 percent at Jahn Engineering, a tool and die shop that serves automakers here and in the United States. Dozens of workers have been let go following decisions made in the White House. Worse may lie ahead... - [Laden Iranian ships depart Chinese port tied to key military chemicals](https://thecompositeeye.ca/laden-iranian-ships-depart-chinese-port-tied-to-key-military-chemicals/) - Washington Post: Two ships owned by an Iranian company that the United States has accused of supplying material to Tehran’s ballistic missile program departed a Chinese chemical-storage port this week laden with cargo and headed for Iran, according to a Washington Post analysis of ship-tracking data, satellite imagery and Treasury Department records. ... “China could - [AI regulation: Campaign to take down Alex Bores just the beginning](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ai-regulation-campaign-to-take-down-alex-bores-just-the-beginning/) - Politico: A leading AI industry-backed Super PAC is targeting a pro-regulation candidate — and building a strategy that other politicians will have to contend with... - [Beijing teases prospects for successful Trump-Xi summit](https://thecompositeeye.ca/beijing-teases-prospects-for-successful-trump-xi-summit/) - Politico: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday signaled Beijing’s ambition for a successful summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this month — regardless of ongoing U.S. and Israeli attacks on China’s ally Iran. Wang praised “good interactions” between Trump and Xi that he said had created an “important strategic - [‘It’s our moment’: Rival exiles lobby US to lead Iran after war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/its-our-moment-rival-exiles-lobby-us-to-lead-iran-after-war/) - Financial Times: The son of the ousted shah and a longstanding rebel group spend big in Washington in hopes of ruling in Tehran... - [Trump raises stakes in Iran by weighing deployment of US ground forces](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-raises-stakes-in-iran-by-weighing-deployment-of-us-ground-forces/) - Financial Times: Trump administration officials insist that Trump would never take any options off the table and that the Iran war plan does not at the moment involve the deployment of ground troops. But the president’s openness to the potential use of ground forces has stoked worries in Washington among both Democrats and some Republicans - [HORMUZ TRACKER: Iran-linked ships are only ones to transit](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hormuz-tracker-iran-linked-ships-are-only-ones-to-transit/) - Bloomberg: Strait of Hormuz transit remains near a standstill for a seventh day, with Iran-linked ships the only commercial vessels making the crossing in the past 24 hours. ... The last commercial ship with no apparent link to Iran to transit Hormuz was the Chinese-owned bulk carrier Sino Ocean, which made the crossing on Saturday morning... - [Oil market chaos to deepen as more Gulf giants cut output](https://thecompositeeye.ca/oil-market-chaos-to-deepen-as-more-gulf-giants-cut-output/) - Bloomberg: The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have already started reducing oil production as storage runs out, joining Iraq, whose output is now down about 60%. Others may be forced to follow as oil tankers continue avoiding the narrow Strait of Hormuz, rapidly reducing the number of empty ones available for loading. Once all the vessels are taken, the - [US considers idea of special operation to seize Iran’s uranium](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-considers-idea-of-special-operation-to-seize-irans-uranium/) - Bloomberg: President Donald Trump is weighing the option of deploying special forces on the ground to seize Iran’s near-bomb-grade uranium, as officials grow increasingly concerned the stockpile may have been moved, according to three diplomatic officials briefed on the matter... - [Americans now a target in Trump's immigration crackdown](https://thecompositeeye.ca/americans-now-a-target-in-trumps-immigration-crackdown/) - Wall Street Journal: Of the 279 people accused by officials on X of attacking federal officers in the past year, 181 were U.S. citizens, the Journal found. Close to half of those Americans were never charged with assault. None have been convicted at trial. Yet names, mug shots and other identifying details posted by the - [Trump’s war in Iran has echoes of Putin and Ukraine](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-war-in-iran-has-echoes-of-putin-and-ukraine/) - New York Times: Shifting objectives, an exaggerated threat, an ambiguous mission: The many Russian echoes in the White House’s messaging on Iran underscore the risks of a vaguely defined, open-ended war in which the attacking party pins its hopes on regime change... - [Loose band of emerging powers divided over Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/loose-band-of-emerging-powers-divided-over-iran/) - New York Times: Brazil, China and Russia all denounced the U.S.-Israeli attacks, but other nations in the BRICS group haven’t, even though Iran is a fellow member... - [Energy secretary says tankers could start moving soon](https://thecompositeeye.ca/energy-secretary-says-tankers-could-start-moving-soon/) - New York Times: “We’re not too long, I think, before you will see more regular resumption of ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz,” Chris Wright, the energy secretary, said in an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.”... - [Iran names Khamenei’s son new supreme leader](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-names-khameneis-son-new-supreme-leader/) - New York Times: Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of the country’s slain supreme leader, as his father’s successor, according to a statement from top clerics published in state media. His ascension, announced early Monday morning, signals the government’s desire for continuity as Iran faces expanding attacks from the United States and Israel nine days into the - [US won’t allow India to become rival like China, official says](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-wont-allow-india-to-become-rival-like-china-official-says/) - Bloomberg: The US won’t give India the same kind of economic advantages it gave China, which allowed that country to emerge as a major competitor, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on Thursday, signaling Washington’s cautiousness in negotiations over a trade deal... - [Allies fear Iran war will leave them without US weapons they bought](https://thecompositeeye.ca/allies-fear-iran-war-will-leave-them-without-us-weapons-they-bought/) - Politico: Weapons production is a complex process that takes years of planning and runs through a supply chain riddled with bottlenecks. Trump’s reassurances that the U.S. has a “virtually unlimited supply” of munitions to fight Iran has done little to soothe allies’ fears. “It is very frustrating, the words are not matching the deeds,” said - [Bruce Anderson: Liberals by 15 and Prairies are in play](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bruce-anderson-liberals-by-15-and-prairies-are-in-play/) - Bruce Anderson: Wide leads in Quebec, Ontario, Atlantic and BC. But the numbers have tightened, a lot, in Alberta and Saskatchewan. PM Carney's travels to market Canada is one reason why... - [Carney calls byelections in Quebec riding of Terrebonne, 2 Toronto ridings](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-calls-byelections-in-quebec-riding-of-terrebonne-2-toronto-ridings/) - CBC: Prime Minister Mark Carney has called byelections in the Toronto ridings of University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest and the Quebec riding of Terrebonne — races the Liberals will want to win to secure a thin majority government. The byelections will be held on April 13, according to a news release posted on the prime minister's website Sunday - [Crude oil prices surpass US$100 barrel as Iran war impedes production, shipping](https://thecompositeeye.ca/crude-oil-prices-surpass-us100-barrel-as-iran-war-impedes-production-shipping/) - The Associated Press: The global surge in oil prices since Israel and the U.S. attacked Iran on March 1 has rattled financial markets, sparking worries that higher energy costs will fuel inflation and lead to less spending by U.S. consumers, the main engine of the economy. In the U.S., a gallon of regular gasoline rose - [Critics say Ottawa's sustainable jobs plan offers no new support for energy workers](https://thecompositeeye.ca/critics-say-ottawas-sustainable-jobs-plan-offers-no-new-support-for-energy-workers/) - CBC: The Carney government's plan to protect jobs in the energy sector amounts to a list of existing policies that critics say aren't focused enough on those at risk of losing work. Previously called the 'just transition,' the new federal sustainable jobs action plan offers little in the way of measures tailored for energy workers beyond existing policies... - [What we know about investigation into two GTA synagogue shootings](https://thecompositeeye.ca/what-we-know-about-investigation-into-two-gta-synagogue-shootings/) - CTV: Police and political leaders gathered outside a North York synagogue Sunday morning, vowing a “relentless” investigation and stronger protections for Jewish communities after gunfire struck two GTA locations this weekend. The update came just over 24 hours after bullets tore through the front doors of Shaarei Shomayim synagogue near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue... - [LeBlanc, Michel meet with pharma sector as U.S. buckles down on cutting drug prices](https://thecompositeeye.ca/leblanc-michel-meet-with-pharma-sector-as-u-s-buckles-down-on-cutting-drug-prices/) - The Hill Times: U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing the sector to negotiate for drug prices similar to those in Canada, which could impact whether companies choose to list their medicines here... - [Debate over foreign spy service for Canada influenced by allies, money: study](https://thecompositeeye.ca/debate-over-foreign-spy-service-for-canada-influenced-by-allies-money-study/) - The Canadian Press: The decades-long debate over whether Canada should create a CIA-style foreign spy agency has been coloured by pressure from allies, budgetary restraint and internal federal rivalries, a new study reveals. ... “To spy, or not to spy,” a new paper by researcher and former Canadian intelligence analyst Alan Barnes, draws on recently - [Greenlanders should still worry about Trump's designs on their island: Governor General](https://thecompositeeye.ca/greenlanders-should-still-worry-about-trumps-designs-on-their-island-governor-general/) - CBC: "Even though the threat has kind of gone to the wayside … People are still very worried it could come back," Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said in an interview airing Sunday morning on Rosemary Barton Live. "It creates a lot of anxiety. It creates a lot of turmoil," she added... - [U.S. customs searched record number of electronic devices last year](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-customs-searched-record-number-of-electronic-devices-last-year/) - CBC: United States customs officers conducted a record number of searches of electronic devices last year of people travelling to the U.S., and a recent update to its directives adds new devices such as smart watches, SIM cards and flash drives to the list of things subject to search... - [Sask. Premier Moe urges separation of trade and national security in talks with India](https://thecompositeeye.ca/sask-premier-moe-urges-separation-of-trade-and-national-security-in-talks-with-india/) - CTV: The prime minister faced criticism, however, for the significant relationship reset with India, after accusations from his predecessor and the RCMP that agents of the Indian government were linked to serious crimes in Canada, including murder. “Two points on that: one is, the federal government needs to ensure that foreign interference from whatever country - [Rechie Valdez set to lead Canada at 70th session of UNCSW](https://thecompositeeye.ca/rechie-valdez-set-to-lead-canada-at-70th-session-of-uncsw/) - The Canadian Press: Rechie Valdez, Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality, will highlight Ottawa’s commitment to gender equality and share best practices with international partners. This year’s priority theme for the session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women focuses on strengthening access to justice for women and girls through inclusive - [Iran’s desperate, high-risk survival strategy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/irans-desperate-high-risk-survival-strategy/) - New Yorker: What sympathy there may have been for a cornered, bruised Iranian regime among its neighbors has faded in the face of Tehran’s escalation. A Gulf official, who spoke to me anonymously, said Iran’s strategy was “counterproductive,” given recent attempts at rapprochement made by some Arab monarchies, and their support for Tehran’s diplomatic track - [From Ukraine to Iran, hacking security cameras now part of war’s ‘playbook’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/from-ukraine-to-iran-hacking-security-cameras-now-part-of-wars-playbook/) - Wired: New research shows hundreds of attempts by apparent Iranian state hackers to hijack consumer-grade cameras, timed to missile and drone strikes. Israel, Russia, and Ukraine have also adopted this trick... - [Trump assembles new coalition to ‘eradicate’ cartels](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-assembles-new-coalition-to-eradicate-cartels/) - New York Times: At a gathering in Florida, the president asked the leaders of a dozen Latin American nations to help the U.S. military crush armed trafficking groups... - [Explore financial disclosures from President Trump and 1,500 of his appointees](https://thecompositeeye.ca/explore-financial-disclosures-from-president-trump-and-1500-of-his-appointees/) - ProPublica: Use this database to explore potential conflicts of interest for President Donald Trump and his team. The documents disclose positions officials have held outside government, their assets and their debts, among other things... More: Documents Reveal a Web of Financial Ties Between Trump Officials and the Industries They Help Regulate - [Cryptic emails and no strings attached. How MacKenzie Scott gives away billions.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/cryptic-emails-and-no-strings-attached-how-mackenzie-scott-gives-away-billions/) - Wall Street Journal: The injections of cash, which arrive without warning, have led to bolstered finances, scholarships, jobs—and sometimes even more money... - [Venezuela’s Machado fights to be heard as Trump embraces rival](https://thecompositeeye.ca/venezuelas-machado-fights-to-be-heard-as-trump-embraces-rival/) - Bloomberg: Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado held private talks in the White House Friday as she struggles to retain her political voice in the face of the Trump administration’s growing support for her rival in Caracas, interim President Delcy Rodríguez... - [UAE and Kuwait start oil output cuts after Hormuz blockage](https://thecompositeeye.ca/uae-and-kuwait-start-oil-output-cuts-after-hormuz-blockage/) - Bloomberg: Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. is “managing offshore production levels to address storage requirements,” the company said in a statement, without giving details. Kuwait Petroleum Corp. said it was lowering production at both its oil fields and refineries after “Iranian threats against safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.”... - [US faced with few good options to tamp down surging oil prices](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-faced-with-few-good-options-to-tamp-down-surging-oil-prices/) - Financial Times: ...most experts said the only way to reverse the largest jump in oil prices in more than three decades was for the US military and its allies to speedily destroy Iran’s ability to threaten tankers traversing the strait... - [Ships in Gulf declare themselves Chinese to dodge attack](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ships-in-gulf-declare-themselves-chinese-to-dodge-attack/) - Financial Times: At least 10 ships over the past week have altered their destination signal to read “Chinese Owner”, “All Chinese Crew” or “Chinese Crew Onboard”, according to data from MarineTraffic analysed by the FT... - [America’s military focused on Iran. Its biggest challenge is China.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/americas-military-focused-on-iran-its-biggest-challenge-is-china/) - Wall Street Journal: Trump’s war in the Middle East is the latest campaign that has drained missile stockpiles and stretched American forces thin... - [U.S. army sends Ukraine-tested drones to hit Iran’s drones](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-army-sends-ukraine-tested-drones-to-hit-irans-drones/) - Wall Street Journal: A small number of the defensive systems, dubbed Merops, are being sent from U.S. Army stocks in Europe, along with U.S. personnel to operate them and train other troops, U.S. officials said. ... A U.S. official said that Ukraine is likely to provide trainers. Ukraine didn’t immediately respond to a request for - [How war in Middle East could sow hunger](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-war-in-middle-east-could-sow-hunger/) - New York Times: For now, most factories in the Gulf that make nitrogen fertilizers are continuing to produce them. But delivering their wares to farmers is suddenly impossible, given the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow channel linking the Gulf to the Indian Ocean... - [‘Designed to wreak havoc’: Cheap drones shaping war with Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/designed-to-wreak-havoc-cheap-drones-shaping-war-with-iran/) - New York Times: The dueling drones have become a defining feature of the war with Iran. It is a glimpse of a future in which the ability to use new technologies, rapidly copy adversaries and mass-produce cheap weapons matters as much as the ability to build the most advanced ones. The fast-innovation style is more familiar to - [Video of ICE shooting of Texas man raises questions about government claim](https://thecompositeeye.ca/video-of-ice-shooting-of-texas-man-raises-questions-about-government-claim/) - Washington Post: Geoffrey P. Alpert, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of South Carolina, said the chaotic scene, and its handling by law enforcement, raises “a lot of red flags.” “The contradictory orders are confusing and may have been a strong influence,” Alpert said. “The speed is slow and doesn’t appear - [Iran president reins in apology to Gulf states after outcry from hardliners at home](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-president-reins-in-apology-to-gulf-states-after-outcry-from-hardliners-at-home/) - CBC: At home, Pezeshkian's apology quickly prompted pushback from hardliners in the Revolutionary Guard and clerical elite, forcing him into a partial climbdown. In one of the most open criticisms ⁠of Pezeshkian — and a sign of internal division — hardline cleric and lawmaker Hamid Rasai addressed the president on social media, saying: "your stance - [Gap narrows in Alberta as federal Conservatives shed some support to Liberals: Poll](https://thecompositeeye.ca/gap-narrows-in-alberta-as-federal-conservatives-shed-some-support-to-liberals-poll/) - CBC: The Abacus Data poll suggests the Conservatives boast a 51-per-cent share of the intended vote in the province. That is down 13 percentage points from their share of results in the 2025 federal election. Liberal support is up eight percentage points compared to last year’s election, with 36 per cent of respondents saying they - [Liberals to cut CBC by $192-million in 2026-27](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-to-cut-cbc-by-192-million-in-2026-27/) - The Hill Times: This year’s estimates include $1.38-billion in funding for the CBC, representing a marked decrease from the $1.58-billion allotted to the public broadcaster during the 2025-26 fiscal year... - [Canadian lawmaker, and friend of JD Vance, channels Charlie Kirk](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadian-lawmaker-and-friend-of-jd-vance-channels-charlie-kirk/) - New York Times: Jamil Jivani, a Conservative rookie member of Parliament, follows an American playbook to win over young men on college campuses... - [Liberals move to end Conservative filibuster over religious exemption to hate speech laws](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-move-to-end-conservative-filibuster-over-religious-exemption-to-hate-speech-laws/) - The Globe and Mail: Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon has tabled a motion for a vote on the floor of the House of Commons on Monday to end the filibuster. It proposes that the justice committee, where the anti-hate bill is being discussed, move straight to vote on amendments and sub-amendments rather than discussing them - [Why some in federal NDP fear they are on verge of being wiped out in Quebec](https://thecompositeeye.ca/why-some-in-federal-ndp-fear-they-are-on-verge-of-being-wiped-out-in-quebec/) - Toronto Star: Boulerice’s exit could open up another possible pathway for a Mark Carney majority government, and a byelection in the NDP stronghold would be a massive early test for the New Democratic Party’s next leader, who will be elected March 29 following a race where the lack of fluency in French has served as - [With Trump visit coming up, China hedges its bets on helping Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/with-trump-visit-coming-up-china-hedges-its-bets-on-helping-iran/) - CBC: Despite being the top customer for Iranian oil — 90 per cent of its output is sold to China — and the largest commercial trader with the Persian Gulf nations now sheltering from Iranian missiles and drone attacks, President Xi Jinping has given no indication China plans to be much more than a bystander - [As Carney seeks strengthened global alliances, is it time Canada join EU?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/as-carney-seeks-strengthened-global-alliances-is-it-time-canada-join-eu/) - CBC: Meredith Lilly, a former trade adviser for prime minister Stephen Harper who now teaches international economic policy at Carleton University, said the idea would come with costs to Canada's sovereignty. "Canada would actually cease to be a sovereign player in trade relations with other countries," Lilly said. "What that means is the European Parliament - [Trump privately showed serious interest in U.S. ground troops in Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-privately-showed-serious-interest-in-u-s-ground-troops-in-iran/) - NBC: The president’s private comments have not focused on a large-scale ground invasion of Iran, but rather on the idea of a small contingent of U.S. troops that would be used for specific strategic purposes, sources say... - [War on Iran will squander America’s military edge](https://thecompositeeye.ca/war-on-iran-will-squander-americas-military-edge/) - The American Conservative: The Trump administration may believe that its combat operations in Iran are a powerful manifestation of American military dominance, but in the end, this war is likely to accelerate the overdue death of the American imperial project, possibly on terms quite unfavorable to the United States and its allies. ... Therein lies - [Unprepared for Iranian drones, U.S. and partners seek Ukraine’s help](https://thecompositeeye.ca/unprepared-for-iranian-drones-u-s-and-partners-seek-ukraines-help/) - Washington Post: “We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection,” against Iran’s drone systems, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday on X. Ukrainian advisers and systems would shortly be on their way to the Persian Gulf region, Zelensky said, because “Ukraine helps partners who help ensure our security.” It was - [White House blocks intelligence report warning of rising US homeland terror threat linked to Iran war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/white-house-blocks-intelligence-report-warning-of-rising-us-homeland-terror-threat-linked-to-iran-war/) - Daily Mail: The FBI, Homeland Security, and the National Counterterrorism Center were preparing to put out a joint intelligence statement on Friday to state and local authorities alerting them of a heightened threat due to the ongoing war in Iran, a senior DHS official said. The bulletin, which was reviewed by the Daily Mail, details - [War widens: Israel launches new strikes in Tehran, Beirut. U.S. submarine torpedoes Iranian ship in Indian Ocean, killing at least 87 sailors. Pro-American Kurdish forces preparing possible Iran incursion. Israel expects weeks-long war against Iran.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/war-widens-israel-launches-new-strikes-in-tehran-beirut-u-s-submarine-torpedoes-iranian-ship-in-indian-ocean-killing-at-least-87-sailors-pro-american-kurdish-forces-preparing-possible-iran-incur/) - CNN: Widening conflict: In a new wave of attacks, Israel said it was launching more strikes across Tehran as well as against what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut. Separately, Iran launched a drone attack on an Amazon data center in Bahrain, a state-affiliated Iranian news agency said... New York Times: Republican lawmakers blocked a measure Wednesday that would have - [Israel attacks Beirut and Tehran as war deepens. 'We have only just begun to fight': Hegseth. 'I have to be involved': Trump demands say in picking Iran's next leader.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/25218-2/) - New York Times: Even as Israeli drones hovered over Beirut, Lebanon, the Israeli military said it had begun a “broad-scale wave of strikes” against the Iranian regime infrastructure’s in Tehran in the early morning hours of Friday in the Middle East. Israel made the announcement only hours after it had unleashed a major bombardment Thursday - [Qatar warns war will force Gulf to stop energy exports ‘within days’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/qatar-warns-war-will-force-gulf-to-stop-energy-exports-within-days/) - Financial Times: Qatar’s energy minister has warned that war in the Middle East could “bring down the economies of the world”, predicting that all Gulf energy exporters would shut down production within days and drive oil to $150 a barrel... - [Iran’s state media ramps up disinformation campaign as US-Iran conflict wages](https://thecompositeeye.ca/irans-state-media-ramps-up-disinformation-campaign-as-us-iran-conflict-wages/) - Euronews: Iran’s state media outlets have significantly increased disinformation efforts, including alleged battlefield victories which are supported by old or manipulated images, according to a report... - [Republicans confront massive cost of Trump’s Middle East war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/republicans-confront-massive-cost-of-trumps-middle-east-war/) - Politico: Republicans on Capitol Hill are preparing to confront a staggering price tag for the war in the Middle East after closed-door briefings this week detailed the rapid consumption of expensive munitions and the lack of any firm deadline for the end of the military campaign... - [Hungary seizes millions of euros in cash, gold from Ukrainian convoy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hungary-seizes-millions-of-euros-in-cash-gold-from-ukrainian-convoy/) - The Guardian: - [‘Cavalier and demeaning’: Trump team’s hyper-aggressive war rhetoric](https://thecompositeeye.ca/cavalier-and-demeaning-trump-teams-hyper-aggressive-war-rhetoric/) - Financial Times: ...the restraints have come off in Trump’s White House with critics accusing the administration of using callous and cruel rhetoric that trivialises the violence that comes with armed conflict. Hegseth’s “bombastic language seems detached from the reality of wartime decision-making”, said Mara Karlin, a former Pentagon strategy and policy official... - [US draws up strict new AI guidelines amid Anthropic clash](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-draws-up-strict-new-ai-guidelines-amid-anthropic-clash/) - Financial Times: The Trump administration has drawn up tight rules for civilian artificial intelligence contracts that would require AI companies to allow “any lawful” use of their models amid a stand-off between the Pentagon and Anthropic... - [US agency to create $20bn reinsurance facility for Gulf shipping](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-agency-to-create-20bn-reinsurance-facility-for-gulf-shipping/) - Financial Times: The US Development Finance Corporation is creating a $20bn reinsurance facility to restart maritime cargo and oil commerce stalled by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the American and Israeli strikes on Iran... - [Justice Dept targets Cuban officials, aims for indictments](https://thecompositeeye.ca/justice-dept-targets-cuban-officials-aims-for-indictments/) - Washington Post: The Justice Department has formed a working group to examine possible federal charges against officials or entities within Cuba’s government, according to an official familiar with the group. The formation of the group could be a significant step in the Trump administration’s public push to topple the regime in Cuba... - [Justice Dept. releases missing Epstein documents with Trump allegations](https://thecompositeeye.ca/justice-dept-releases-missing-epstein-documents-with-trump-allegations/) - Washington Post: The agency said the records were not previously released because they were “incorrectly coded.”... - [China’s AI nightmare is an out-of-control welfare state](https://thecompositeeye.ca/chinas-ai-nightmare-is-an-out-of-control-welfare-state/) - Bloomberg: Nowadays the economic pain is spread unevenly across a large area, allowing authorities to snuff out local disturbances before they escalate. But widespread job losses triggered by AI could shatter that uneasy peace and further strain an economic model that looks more and more unsustainable. Chinese authorities are aware of the problem. The government announced in January it - [Bessent says US may ‘unsanction’ more Russia oil post India move](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bessent-says-us-may-unsanction-more-russia-oil-post-india-move/) - Bloomberg: “Treasury agreed to let our allies in India start buying Russian oil that was already on the water,” Bessent said in an interview with Fox Business Friday. “To ease the temporary gap of oil around the world, we have given them permission to accept the Russian oil. We may unsanction other Russian oil.” Bessent - [‘MAGA is split’: Trump’s war in Iran divides America First loyalists](https://thecompositeeye.ca/maga-is-split-trumps-war-in-iran-divides-america-first-loyalists/) - Bloomberg: That means the Iran war has emerged as a grave political vulnerability for Republicans ahead of a midterm election in which they’re counting on the voters who delivered Trump a second term to keep their party in the majority on Capitol Hill. Trump’s agenda on everything from spending to trade will be hamstrung if - [Iran hits key US radar, deepening Gulf missile defense woes](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-hits-key-us-radar-deepening-gulf-missile-defense-woes/) - Bloomberg: Iran has destroyed a key $300 million radar system crucial to directing US missile defense batteries in the Gulf that risks further straining the region’s ability to counter future attacks, according to a US official... - [Traders warn $100 oil imminent if Iran war keeps raging](https://thecompositeeye.ca/traders-warn-100-oil-imminent-if-iran-war-keeps-raging/) - Bloomberg: While oil and gas prices have surged this week, they remain far below the highs seen just after Russia invaded Ukraine. There were signs on Friday that some of the initial oil market calm was dissipating, as Brent crude prices soared past $90 a barrel — taking their gain to more than a quarter - [Jobs report, oil surge leave Fed gritting its teeth](https://thecompositeeye.ca/jobs-report-oil-surge-leave-fed-gritting-its-teeth/) - Wall Street Journal: “Let’s not overreact to one month’s numbers, but an environment in which inflation is rising and the unemployment rate is also rising, that’s not any fun for the central bank,” Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said in an interview Friday... - [China suspected in breach of FBI surveillance network](https://thecompositeeye.ca/china-suspected-in-breach-of-fbi-surveillance-network/) - Wall Street Journal: U.S. investigators believe hackers affiliated with the Chinese government are responsible for a cyber intrusion on an internal Federal Bureau of Investigation computer network that holds information related to some domestic surveillance orders, according to people familiar with the matter... - [Iran’s high-risk strategy for no-limits Middle East war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/irans-high-risk-strategy-for-no-limits-middle-east-war/) - Wall Street Journal: Iran had for two years responded to foreign attacks with limited counterpunches directed at its attacker. Instead, under the new strategy, Tehran would escalate conflict across the region, especially hitting Arab Gulf states and hampering the global economy in hopes of dampening President Trump’s willingness to prolong the conflict and coming back for a - [Anthropic’s AI hacked Firefox browser. It found lot of bugs.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anthropics-ai-hacked-firefox-browser-it-found-lot-of-bugs/) - Wall Street Journal: Tools powered by AI are increasingly adept at spotting vulnerabilities and are beginning to rival the talents of seasoned security experts. Some experts worry that those same capabilities will unleash a new wave of cyberattacks as bugs are discovered and then exploited more quickly than ever before... - [Iran war poses test for Justice Dept. after firings deplete national security ranks](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-war-poses-test-for-justice-dept-after-firings-deplete-national-security-ranks/) - New York Times: There is widespread concern about the capacity of these units to deal with threats unleashed by Iran in particular, an adversary known for its willingness to combine espionage, cyberwarfare and attacks in the real world in bringing the fight overseas. A succession of hardball personnel and policy directives, often at the command - [Wars often lose public support over time. Trump started this one without much.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/wars-often-lose-public-support-over-time-trump-started-this-one-without-much/) - New York Times: In opening a military campaign against Iran, President Trump is the first president in modern times to take the United States to war without the backing of the public... - [‘We can’t take it anymore’: Trump pushing Cuba to brink](https://thecompositeeye.ca/we-cant-take-it-anymore-trump-pushing-cuba-to-brink/) - CNN: The Cuban man sidled up next to me on the street whispering as if he were sharing a long-held secret. “Let the Americans come, let Trump come, it’s time to get this over with,” he said in a barely audible voice... - [Trump says Cuba soon going to fall: ‘I’m going to put Marco over there’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-says-cuba-soon-going-to-fall-im-going-to-put-marco-over-there/) - CNN: President Donald Trump told CNN Friday morning that Cuba “is going to fall pretty soon.” “Cuba is gonna fall pretty soon, by the way, unrelated, but Cuba is gonna fall too. They want to make a deal so badly,” he told CNN’s Dana Bash in a phone interview when touting US military success in - [GPS jamming emerging as increasingly prevalent — and troubling — weapon of war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/gps-jamming-emerging-as-increasingly-prevalent-and-troubling-weapon-of-war/) - CNN: “What we’re seeing in the Middle East Gulf at the moment, is extremely dangerous for maritime navigation,” said Michelle Wiese Bockmann, a senior maritime intelligence analyst at the company. Windward said the interference forced some tankers to reverse course or go dark, a state in which signals from a vessel’s Automatic Identification System, or - [Canada must support international accountability for Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-must-support-international-accountability-for-iran/) - Irwin Cotler and Brandon Silver/The Globe and Mail: These are international crimes that call for international legal accountability. Canada can mobilize middle powers to use law and diplomacy to hold the regime to account, support the people of Iran, and protect our sovereignty. This would also advance our interests of upholding and strengthening international law - [Andrew Coyne: Pierre Poilievre plants seeds of alternative to Carney doctrine](https://thecompositeeye.ca/andrew-coyne-pierre-poilievre-plants-seeds-of-alternative-to-carney-doctrine/) - Andrew Coyne/The Globe and Mail: Still, the differences are striking. Even if it is only a question of emphasis, Mr. Poilievre has opened a legitimate debate. How much can we increase our trade with China, as a means of lessening our dependence on the United States, without becoming too dependent on it? How much would - [Carney says Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be removed from line of succession](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-says-andrew-mountbatten-windsor-should-be-removed-from-line-of-succession/) - CBC: Speaking to reporters in Tokyo on the tail end of his 10-day Indo-Pacific tour, Carney said the process should get underway. It would require working in tandem with other Commonwealth realms that share King Charles and his successors as their head of state, to avoid inadvertently seeing Mountbatten-Windsor ascend to the throne. "I certainly - [Canada has not received requests for military support from Gulf allies: Carney](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-has-not-received-requests-for-military-support-from-gulf-allies-carney/) - The Globe and Mail: The Prime Minister spoke to journalists in Tokyo near the end of a two-day visit to Japan. Earlier this week, Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan had said Ottawa was weighing options to support Gulf states. The Prime Minister’s response Saturday appeared to be an attempt to reframe - [LeBlanc meets U.S. trade czar in Washington as Ottawa looks ahead to CUSMA review](https://thecompositeeye.ca/leblanc-meets-u-s-trade-czar-in-washington-as-ottawa-looks-ahead-to-cusma-review/) - The Canadian Press: The meeting is being seen as a sign of a thaw in Canada-U.S. relations after President Donald Trump froze negotiations with Canada last year because he was angered by an Ontario-sponsored ad quoting former president Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. While no formal negotiations had been taking place, LeBlanc and Greer continued to - [Anand: U.S., Israel have 'no blank cheque' in Iran and are bound by international law](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anand-u-s-israel-have-no-blank-cheque-in-iran-and-are-bound-by-international-law/) - The Canadian Press: “International law binds all parties and there is no blank cheque, in terms of the operation that is being undertaken,” Anand told reporters in a virtual news conference called to update efforts to help Canadians leave the region. Anand scheduled a call on Friday with Liberal caucus members to provide them with - [Social media ban for kids under consideration in online harms bill: Carney](https://thecompositeeye.ca/social-media-ban-for-kids-under-consideration-in-online-harms-bill-carney/) - The Canadian Press: Carney added that the government needs to pass online harms legislation and that the question of an “age of majority” for social media would be part of that discussion. “We’re in a position, though, as a country, where our legislation ... with respect to online harms, the exploitation of children, is lagging,” - [Awkward truth dogging USMCA talks: 'They just hate Canada.'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/awkward-truth-dogging-usmca-talks-they-just-hate-canada/) - Politico: “The key thing that has struck me, and I think it has struck all Canadians, is so many of these guys in the Trump administration, frankly, they just hate Canada,” said Brian Clow, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s deputy chief of staff who led Canada-U.S. affairs. Clow’s read is that the review is starting - [Ottawa, Alberta reach prospective agreement to streamline major project assessments](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ottawa-alberta-reach-prospective-agreement-to-streamline-major-project-assessments/) - The Canadian Press: Ottawa and Alberta have reached a prospective deal that they say will see major projects be approved more efficiently. In a joint announcement Friday, the two governments said the deal will bring a "one project, one review" approach to addressing the broader impacts of such projects, including on the environment... - [Canadians arriving in Toronto from Dubai relieved to return home amid war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadians-arriving-in-toronto-from-dubai-relieved-to-return-home-amid-war/) - The Canadian Press: Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says 3,500 Canadians have asked for help to leave the Middle East. She says they have multiple options, including a charter flight out of Dubai and seats on commercial airlines out of Dubai and Beirut. (March 6, 2026)The Canadian Press Anand said the flight will operate on - [Gulf allies disappointed U.S. didn't notify about Iran attacks, ignored their warnings](https://thecompositeeye.ca/gulf-allies-disappointed-u-s-didnt-notify-about-iran-attacks-ignored-their-warnings/) - Associated Press: One of the officials said that Gulf countries were frustrated and even angry that the U.S. military has not defended them enough. He said there is belief in the region that the operation has focused on defending Israel and American troops, while leaving Gulf countries to protect themselves, and said that his country's - [Canada launches new program to grant 33,000 foreign workers permanent residence, immigration minister reveals](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-launches-new-program-to-grant-33000-foreign-workers-permanent-residence-immigration-minister-reveals/) - The Canadian Press: Ottawa has soft-launched a promised program to transition current work permit holders to permanent residence, as soaring numbers of migrants are running out of status in Canada, says Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab... - [Ottawa office market experts left in dark over feds' return-to-work needs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ottawa-office-market-experts-left-in-dark-over-feds-return-to-work-needs/) - The Canadian Press: Landlords and office brokers want to know whether the federal government is going to need more space to accommodate ramped-up return-to-office plans after years of stated plans to consolidate its office footprint. “To speak very frankly, if there’s a plan, no one knows what it is,” said Shawn Hamilton, principal at Proveras - [In Tokyo, Carney signs agreement with Japanese counterpart to expand trade, defence ties](https://thecompositeeye.ca/in-tokyo-carney-signs-agreement-with-japanese-counterpart-to-expand-trade-defence-ties/) - CBC: While the new agreement is effectively a expression of goodwill and a pledge to work together more in the future — there are no dollar figures or extensive details attached to these proposed initiatives — Carney still framed the new bilateral arrangement as something significant. “This new partnership will deepen our economic and security - [China attacking citizens on American soil](https://thecompositeeye.ca/china-attacking-citizens-on-american-soil/) - Wall Street Journal: Grace Jin Drexel, an American citizen, testified that her mother who lives in the U.S. has received threatening phone calls in response to Ms. Drexel’s public advocacy for her pastor father’s release. This testimony is the kind we hear over and over again. ... Ms. Kwok’s experience also points to an undertold - [Gulf states could review overseas investments to ease financial strains caused by Iran war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/gulf-states-could-review-overseas-investments-to-ease-financial-strains-caused-by-iran-war/) - Financial Times: A Gulf official said it could have an impact on anything from investment pledges to foreign states or companies, sports sponsorships, contracts with businesses and investors, or sales of holdings. The official said three of the four big Gulf economies — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar — had jointly - [Iran’s regime maintains its grip, despite devastating losses](https://thecompositeeye.ca/irans-regime-maintains-its-grip-despite-devastating-losses/) - Washington Post: “There’s not a single sign of anything in the system breaking or defecting. Nothing. Zero,” said a senior European official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe government briefings on the latest assessments of the strength of the Iranian regime. “The control is complete,” he said. The official said he was aware - [Plans for ICE detention center spark anger in deep-red Maryland county](https://thecompositeeye.ca/plans-for-ice-detention-center-spark-anger-in-deep-red-maryland-county/) - Washington Post: “I have never met one person who wants it here,” said Robin Gillenwater, 58, owner of the Veiled Lady Boutique in Williamsport, a tidy historic town along the Potomac with a bustling main street that has in recent years become popular with tourists and cyclists along the C&O Canal. “Even if they support - [War in Iran colliding with Trump’s economic priorities](https://thecompositeeye.ca/war-in-iran-colliding-with-trumps-economic-priorities/) - Wall Street Journal: A promise to steady the economy helped the president win voters in 2024. The attack on Iran could undermine that support, months before the midterms... - [Pentagon eyes Ukrainian interceptor drones to counter Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pentagon-eyes-ukrainian-interceptor-drones-to-counter-iran/) - Financial Times: Gulf states had been using expensive Patriot missiles to defend themselves from waves of Iranian Shahed drones in the days since the US and Israel launched their war. But their stocks are declining, and they are looking to Kyiv’s experience for cheaper defence against Russian drone barrages... - ['Bitterly ironic’: Trump wrecking his AI agenda with Anthropic spat, lobbyists and ex-officials say](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bitterly-ironic-trump-wrecking-his-ai-agenda-with-anthropic-spat-lobbyists-and-ex-officials-say/) - Politico: Tech lobbyists, investors and a former Trump adviser are all warning the White House that its deregulatory, export-driven AI agenda is on shaky ground after it hammered a top U.S. company... - [Industry doubts Trump plan to insure Gulf oil tankers as Iran war halts transit](https://thecompositeeye.ca/industry-doubts-trump-plan-to-insure-gulf-oil-tankers-as-iran-war-halts-transit/) - Financial Times: US lacks firepower to provide $350bn in coverage needed to revive Strait of Hormuz transits, JPMorgan says... - [Not just oil: In Venezuela, U.S. Interior Secretary pushes for mining access](https://thecompositeeye.ca/not-just-oil-in-venezuela-u-s-interior-secretary-pushes-for-mining-access/) - New York Times: With a couple dozen representatives of American mining companies and other firms in tow, the U.S. interior secretary, Doug Burgum, pushed for greater U.S. access to Venezuela’s reserves of critical minerals and gold during a visit to the country’s capital on Wednesday and Thursday... - [US considers tying Nvidia and AMD AI chip exports to foreign investment pledges](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-considers-tying-nvidia-and-amd-ai-chip-exports-to-foreign-investment-pledges/) - Financial Times: The draft rule, which could change after an inter-agency review, creates a tiered process for approving exports based on the total computing power of the chips sold to a company. The top tier would require the home country of buyers to invest in US domestic AI infrastructure, according to people who have read - [US states sue Trump administration over new tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-states-sue-trump-administration-over-new-tariffs/) - Financial Times: A group of Democratic state attorneys-general and governors on Thursday filed a lawsuit with the Court of International Trade to block the 10 per cent tariffs Trump announced last month. The US Supreme Court had earlier ruled that the president exceeded his authority when he established levies via emergency powers that had never - [Anthropic says Pentagon’s supply chain risk designation will have limited impact on its business](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anthropic-says-pentagons-supply-chain-risk-designation-will-have-limited-impact-on-its-business/) - Financial Times: Anthropic has said the Pentagon’s designation of the AI lab as a supply chain risk will not affect the “vast majority” of its customers as it vowed to fight the measure in court... - [Anthropic says it will fight new Pentagon move as CEO apologizes for leaked memo](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anthropic-says-it-will-fight-new-pentagon-move-as-ceo-apologizes-for-leaked-memo/) - Wall Street Journal: Dario Amodei had said company’s designation as a risk to other contractors was punishment for failing to curry favor with Trump... - [Pentagon officially notifies Anthropic it is ‘supply chain risk’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pentagon-officially-notifies-anthropic-it-is-supply-chain-risk/) - New York Times: Anthropic has said it will sue the Defense Department over the designation, which could prevent the start-up from doing business with the U.S. government... - [U.S. has big ask for China: Buy less oil from Russia, more from America](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-has-big-ask-for-china-buy-less-oil-from-russia-more-from-america/) - Wall Street Journal: In private consultations held in recent days with former U.S. officials, business executives and policy analysts, Bessent described a continuing effort to try to get China to instead buy American oil-and-gas products, said people familiar with the meetings. Bessent is thinking about raising the energy issue, the people said, in a meeting - [Tariffs lower and businesses racing to take advantage](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tariffs-lower-and-businesses-racing-to-take-advantage/) - Wall Street Journal: Burns, who owns the auto-products maker ValvoMax, decided to hold parts for the company’s oil-change kits in India back in October, hoping a court ruling would lower the tariff bill. Once the court ruled that some tariffs were illegal, Burns jumped into action, telling the factory to ship the parts as soon - [US not expanding military objectives in Iran: Hegseth](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-not-expanding-military-objectives-in-iran-hegseth/) - Reuters: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday ​the United States was not expanding its military objectives in Iran, after President Donald Trump told Reuters ‌the United States must be involved in choosing the next leader of Iran... - [Justice Dept publishes documents with sexual assault allegations against Trump](https://thecompositeeye.ca/justice-dept-publishes-documents-with-sexual-assault-allegations-against-trump/) - Politico: The woman’s central allegation, according to FBI summaries of her interviews with investigators, known as FBI 302s, is that Trump hit her after she bit his penis when he attempted to force her to perform oral sex. The three files come as Democrats are investigating whether the department purposefully withheld materials that included sexual assault allegations - [Who is Markwayne Mullin, named by Trump to replace Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/who-is-markwayne-mullin-named-by-trump-to-replace-kristi-noem-as-homeland-security-secretary/) - CNN: Mullin, a first-term senator who has served in that role since 2023, is a former mixed-martial artist and business owner who is a strong supporter of Trump’s hardline immigration policy... - [Trump fires Noem as frustrations build among White House officials, GOP lawmakers](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-fires-noem-as-frustrations-build-among-white-house-officials-gop-lawmakers/) - CNN: Current and former Homeland Security officials had privately questioned how much longer the secretary would remain in the post following what they perceived as a series of missteps. Those include blindsiding the White House with a decision to pause TSA precheck during the current DHS funding lapse — a decision that was reversed within - [Max Fawcett: Pierre Poilievre’s great reset](https://thecompositeeye.ca/max-fawcett-pierre-poilievres-great-reset/) - Max Fawcett/National Observer: The only question then is how long he can hold this new political posture without reverting to a truer form. Can Poilievre spend the next year — or few years, even — pretending to respect his political opponents, a habit that’s as foreign to him as voting Liberal is to Albertans? Will - [Campbell Clark: Carney ties own foreign policy in knots](https://thecompositeeye.ca/campbell-clark-carney-ties-own-foreign-policy-in-knots/) - Campbell Clark/The Globe and Mail: This has been a week when the Prime Minister has found it hard to reconcile the hard-nosed foreign policy he is trying to implement with the principles many Canadians want to see him espouse... - [Lilley: Polls show why Conservatives don't want election right now](https://thecompositeeye.ca/lilley-polls-show-why-conservatives-dont-want-election-right-now/) - Brian Lilley/Toronto Sun: In a survey of 1,627 Canadians conducted from Feb. 27 through March 2, via an online panel, 49% said that they would vote Liberal if an election were held tomorrow compared to 35% who would vote Conservative. With the NDP languishing at 5% voter support nationally and the Bloc Quebecois at just - [Liberal MPs to hold call Friday as caucus raises concerns about Carney's shifting Iran position](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberal-mps-to-hold-call-friday-as-caucus-raises-concerns-about-carneys-shifting-iran-position/) - CBC: Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is set to brief Liberal MPs on Friday morning about the government's position on the war that has now engulfed Iran and surrounding countries in the Middle East, after some both privately and publicly raised concerns about Prime Minister Mark Carney's initial statement regarding the U.S.-Israeli strikes, CBC News - [Canada’s defence chief says allies may help Gulf states bombed by Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadas-defence-chief-says-allies-may-help-gulf-states-bombed-by-iran/) - The Canadian Press: Carignan says a meeting is set for Friday to discuss such a proposal among allied militaries and the Canadian Armed Forces would present a recommendation to the government. She did not specify what type of support this might involve but said Canada is not taking part in the U.S. bombing of Iran - [Conservatives urge vote on any military role in Iran, accuse Carney of flip-flopping](https://thecompositeeye.ca/conservatives-urge-vote-on-any-military-role-in-iran-accuse-carney-of-flip-flopping/) - The Canadian Press: The Conservatives are calling for a parliamentary debate before any sort of Canadian military deployment to the ongoing war in Iran, a day after Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada could get involved if allies asked it for help. “It should be up to Parliament itself to say yea or nay on - [Liberals reach 49% voter support and party's biggest lead in 10 years: Leger poll](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-reach-49-voter-support-and-partys-biggest-lead-in-10-years-leger-poll/) - National Post: Forty-nine per cent of decided voters would vote for the Liberals, while 35 per cent would vote Conservative, according to the new Postmedia-Leger poll that was taken between Feb. 27 to March 2. That’s a two-point jump for the Liberals and a three-point drop for the Conservatives since late January... - [LeBlanc heading to Washington after Carney says CUSMA 'broken' by U.S. tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/leblanc-heading-to-washington-after-carney-says-cusma-broken-by-u-s-tariffs/) - The Canadian Press: LeBlanc’s office said he will be meeting with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss the upcoming mandatory review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade, known as CUSMA, as well as other bilateral concerns. ... The Canada-U.S. relationship has been upended by Trump’s tariffs and threats of annexation. Prime Minister Mark - [Canada signing agreement with EU to enhance free trade deal](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-signing-agreement-with-eu-to-enhance-free-trade-deal/) - CBC: CETA's current text was negotiated between 2009 and 2016, and requires modernization to address emerging issues in this rapidly evolving sector. Negotiations will officially launch Thursday to add a digital trade agreement to the existing treaty. Other recently approved enhancements include: Revisions to strengthen CETA's investment protections for small and medium-sized businesses. A mutual - [Carney to cap Indo-Pacific trip with Tokyo visit focused on trade, security](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-to-cap-indo-pacific-trip-with-tokyo-visit-focused-on-trade-security/) - The Canadian Press: Ottawa has said repeatedly that Japan is a major priority country for Canada, and polling shows it's often the Asian country Canadians trust most, Nadjibulla said. She said the two countries have "a full-spectrum partnership" with agreements signed or deepened in recent years that range from commercial investments and energy partnerships to - [Navy commander, SecState kibosh mixed submarine fleet that experts say would be ‘more complicated’, ‘inefficient’ to operate](https://thecompositeeye.ca/navy-commander-secstate-kibosh-mixed-submarine-fleet-that-experts-say-would-be-more-complicated-inefficient-to-operate/) - The Hill Times: When asked about the report, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee said “the most efficient way is [procuring] a single fleet of 12 submarines,” and that it would be “more complicated” to operate a mixed fleet. A decision on the submarine contract is expected this spring... - [‘Buy Canadian’ policy likely to cost taxpayers $12 billion yearly: Study](https://thecompositeeye.ca/buy-canadian-policy-likely-to-cost-taxpayers-12-billion-yearly-study/) - Global: The study states that the “Buy Canadian” policy “creates tighter controls to avoid tariff jumping,” which refers to foreign firms avoiding tariffs by establishing a formal local presence. As a result, the study finds that the federal policy “proposes a form of bid preference whereby Canadian suppliers are treated as being cheaper for the - [Secretary of state says Canada not looking to split submarine contract](https://thecompositeeye.ca/secretary-of-state-says-canada-not-looking-to-split-submarine-contract/) - The Canadian Press: He also rejected recent media reports suggesting the government might split the contract, with Hanwha providing vessels for the Pacific Coast and TKMS supplying the Atlantic side. “Right now, as we speak today, we’re looking for a partner. One,” he said. He also said “things can change.”... - [Eight charts show 'rupture' with Canada under Trump's tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/eight-charts-show-rupture-with-canada-under-trumps-tariffs/) - Bloomberg: Canada's tight integration with the U.S. — once a strength — is seen by some, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, as a vulnerability. Here’s how the trade war has changed the economic landscape for Canada... - [Poilievre promises binding LNG supply deals with Europe and to 'override' govts blocking energy projects](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-promises-binding-lng-supply-deals-with-europe-and-to-override-govts-blocking-energy-projects/) - National Post: Poilievre delivered a speech Wednesday in Berlin that alternated between an emphatic promotion of Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and critical mineral exports and a campaign-style series of commitments if he is one day elected prime minister. ... “My government will use the constitutional and legal powers necessary to pre-permit right of ways - [Airlines weigh risks in Mideast skies filled with 'hot pieces of flying metal'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/airlines-weigh-risks-in-mideast-skies-filled-with-hot-pieces-of-flying-metal/) - CBC: The more dire threat is the heat-seeking air defences of countries swept into the conflict. Air defence batteries brought down three U.S. F-15 fighter jets in Kuwait on Monday in what appeared to be a case of friendly fire. It was another reminder that when missiles and combat aircraft start flying, air defence crews can react - [Douglas Todd: 'Trying to be a voice for the scared': China researchers under fire in B.C.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/douglas-todd-trying-to-be-a-voice-for-the-scared-china-researchers-under-fire-in-b-c/) - Vancouver Sun: The work of independent Chinese-language researchers investigating the Chinese Communist Party's influence in Canada has prompted a high-profile complaint and a lawsuit from prominent Canadians... - [Chinese operation taps Filipinos to access top security info](https://thecompositeeye.ca/chinese-operation-taps-filipinos-to-access-top-security-info/) - Rappler: Chinese nationals recruit Filipinos working in the government's defense and security sectors. Their consultancies involve passing on sensitive information... - [Press faces Pentagon ‘black box’ on Iran war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/press-faces-pentagon-black-box-on-iran-war/) - CNN: But “in ordinary war times,” one of the Pentagon reporters said, “we would be getting briefings once or twice a day going into minute details about how the war was evolving.” Instead, “these days, they put a random tweet or video out with details,” with no way for journalists to follow up, another said... - [No help, few options for travelers stranded by Mideast conflict](https://thecompositeeye.ca/no-help-few-options-for-travelers-stranded-by-mideast-conflict/) - New York Times: More than 20,000 flights to or from the Middle East have been canceled since Saturday. Stranded travelers say they’ve had to improvise expensive, often complex plans to get home. They report frantically messaging airlines, calling embassies and booking backup flights, sometimes traveling in the opposite direction, to steer clear of the affected - [IDF carries out ‘broad wave of strikes’ across Iran. US identifies first American soldiers killed in conflict. US assets struck across Middle East. Khamenei’s son to be successor? Iran executes Khamenei’s plan to spread regional war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/idf-carries-out-broad-wave-of-strikes-across-iran-us-identifies-first-american-soldiers-killed-in-conflict-us-assets-struck-across-middle-east-khameneis-son-to-be-success/) - BBC: Israel says it is carrying out a fresh wave of strikes in Iran, after the country earlier said it had carried out new attacks on Iran's "leadership compound" on Tuesday... CNN: A consulate in Dubai, CIA station in Saudi Arabia and US base in Qatar all sustained hits... New York Times: The U.S. announced - [Google faces lawsuit after Gemini chatbot allegedly instructed man to kill himself](https://thecompositeeye.ca/google-faces-lawsuit-after-gemini-chatbot-allegedly-instructed-man-to-kill-himself/) - The Guardian: “It was able to understand Jonathan’s affect and then speak to him in a pretty human way, which blurred the line and it started creating this fictional world,” said Jay Edelson, the lead lawyer representing Gavalas’ family in the case. “It’s out of a sci-fi movie.”... - [Israel says it knocked out Iran’s cyber warfare headquarters](https://thecompositeeye.ca/israel-says-it-knocked-out-irans-cyber-warfare-headquarters/) - Politico: But it’s unclear if the strike has fully taken out Iran’s ability to launch cyberattacks as the Middle East war expands... - [Inside Trump admin scramble to support its own war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/inside-trump-admin-scramble-to-support-its-own-war/) - Politico: U.S. Central Command, meanwhile, is asking the Pentagon to send more military intelligence officers to its headquarters in Tampa, Florida, to support operations against Iran for at least 100 days but likely through September, according to a notification obtained by POLITICO. It’s the first known call for additional intelligence personnel for the Iran war - [Morgan Stanley lays off 2,500 employees across all divisions](https://thecompositeeye.ca/morgan-stanley-lays-off-2500-employees-across-all-divisions/) - Wall Street Journal: The cuts are affecting employees in the bank’s three major divisions, the people said, which are investment banking and trading, wealth management and investment management. They are tied to shifting business and location priorities—as well as individual job performance—and are occurring both in the U.S. and abroad, one of the people said... - [‘A major shock to the system’: Iran war fallout dissected](https://thecompositeeye.ca/a-major-shock-to-the-system-iran-war-fallout-dissected/) - Politico: As the Middle East tumbles into uncertainty, it’s unclear what the administration’s endgame is, who Iran’s next successor could be or even when the war might end. To get a better understanding of how things might unfold, we convened a roundtable of top POLITICO reporters who cover the White House and Trump’s foreign policy - [Ominous Texas signals for Republicans](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ominous-texas-signals-for-republicans/) - Wall Street Journal: Texas has been a GOP majority state for a generation, but on Tuesday as many Democrats turned out to vote as Republicans with some 94% counted. Hispanic voters in particular swung hard for Democrats compared with 2024. This is emphatically consistent with the results in other elections in the last year. President - [Trump says endorsement in Texas G.O.P. Senate fight imminent](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-says-endorsement-in-texas-g-o-p-senate-fight-imminent/) - New York Times: President Trump signaled on Wednesday that he would soon endorse one of the two candidates in the Republican Senate runoff in Texas, appearing to heed calls within the G.O.P. to defuse what is expected to be a bruising and expensive race... - [How Latino voters helped Talarico win in Texas](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-latino-voters-helped-talarico-win-in-texas/) - New York Times: Latino voters, historically a Democratic-leaning group, have been slowly shifting to the right, including a significant move toward President Trump in 2024. This year’s midterm elections will be closely watched to see whether these voters who were moved to support Republicans two years ago can be persuaded to back Democrats again... - [House Oversight panel votes to subpoena AG Pam Bondi in Epstein probe](https://thecompositeeye.ca/house-oversight-panel-votes-to-subpoena-ag-pam-bondi-in-epstein-probe/) - CNN: GOP Rep. Nancy Mace moved to subpoena the attorney general and it passed 24-19, with bipartisan support. Mace was joined by Democrats and fellow Republicans Tim Burchett, Michael Cloud, Lauren Boebert and Scott Perry... - [Ecuador deepens U.S. military alliance to fight drugs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ecuador-deepens-u-s-military-alliance-to-fight-drugs/) - Wall Street Journal: Joint operations against major cocaine traffickers signal expanded role for Washington in President Noboa’s crackdown on surging violence... - [Carney calls for Canada, Australia to lead middle-power blocs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-calls-for-canada-australia-to-lead-middle-power-blocs/) - Bloomberg: Canada and Australia should use their reputations as stable, trustworthy democracies to lead coalitions that can resist domination by the US, China and other great powers, Prime Minister Mark Carney told Australia’s Parliament. “In a world of great power rivalry, middle powers have a choice: compete for favor or combine for strength,” Carney said - [Judge orders US to stop calculating IEEPA tariffs for importers](https://thecompositeeye.ca/judge-orders-us-to-stop-calculating-ieepa-tariffs-for-importers/) - Bloomberg: In an order on Wednesday, Judge Richard Eaton, who sits on the federal trade court in New York, ordered Customs and Border Protection to stop calculating President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs on importers’ customs paperwork. He also questioned why the government was continuing to do so after the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs illegal. - [How Jeffrey Epstein used Reid Hoffman to court Silicon Valley’s elite](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-jeffrey-epstein-used-reid-hoffman-to-court-silicon-valleys-elite/) - Bloomberg: Emails suggest a closer and longer relationship than previously known between the LinkedIn founder and the disgraced financier... - [Sustained Iran war effort may leave US vulnerable, ex-Secretary of State Blinken says](https://thecompositeeye.ca/sustained-iran-war-effort-may-leave-us-vulnerable-ex-secretary-of-state-blinken-says/) - Bloomberg: The top diplomat in Joe Biden’s administration told Bloomberg Big Take podcast host David Gura on Wednesday he worries about a scenario where “we so deplete our arsenal, and it takes a long time to rebuild it, that that puts us in a disadvantageous position when it comes to, say, a China or a - [Citi’s security unit was meant to probe misconduct. Employees say it protected the bank instead](https://thecompositeeye.ca/citis-security-unit-was-meant-to-probe-misconduct-employees-say-it-protected-the-bank-instead/) - Financial Times: Internal team staffed by ex-law enforcement ‘operates as HR’s internal hit squad’, former executive says... - [GLP-1 drugs tied to fewer addictions, overdoses in large study](https://thecompositeeye.ca/glp-1-drugs-tied-to-fewer-addictions-overdoses-in-large-study/) - Bloomberg: Popular drugs for diabetes and obesity were linked to sharply lower rates of addiction and overdose in a large study of US veterans. The study found that patients who started a GLP-1 receptor agonist were less likely to develop substance use disorders over the next three years than those who started an SGLT-2 inhibitor... - [UK: Husband of Labour MP among three arrested on suspicion of spying for China](https://thecompositeeye.ca/uk-husband-of-labour-mp-among-three-arrested-on-suspicion-of-spying-for-china/) - The Guardian: David Taylor, the husband of the Labour MP Joani Reid, was arrested by detectives from counter-terrorism police in London on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, and as part of a wider investigation into national security offences related to China... - [China spy suspect chaired discussion with AIIB President Jin Liqun weeks before his arrest — in session opened by Dominic Barton](https://thecompositeeye.ca/china-spy-suspect-chaired-discussion-with-aiib-president-jin-liqun-weeks-before-his-arrest-in-session-opened-by-dominic-barton/) - Sam Cooper/The Bureau: The Bureau has previously reported on Barton's extensive network ties to Jin Liqun and to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney — relationships forged across decades of elite financial and diplomatic engagement with Beijing, including through the World Economic Forum. Barton's role at the November 24 event was not peripheral. He opened the - [Full economic turnaround will take time, Vance says in interview](https://thecompositeeye.ca/full-economic-turnaround-will-take-time-vance-says-in-interview/) - Washington Post: Vice President JD Vance argued voters should have patience with the pace of economic improvements, saying that despite what he described as progress, there was “no way” the Trump administration would have been able to quickly reverse Biden-era cost of living setbacks... - [Canadian man stuck in ICE detention centre for 4 months, awaiting deportation hearing](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadian-man-stuck-in-ice-detention-centre-for-4-months-awaiting-deportation-hearing/) - CBC: When ICE began the deportation proceedings, Wright was told the possession of a controlled substance charge was the reason behind his detainment — a charge laid against him more than 20 years ago, when he was in high school. Wright did community service for his sentence. Mendez said that misdemeanor charges like those on - [Andrew MacDougall: Lessons for Poilievre and Carney in U.K. byelection](https://thecompositeeye.ca/andrew-macdougall-lessons-for-poilievre-and-carney-in-u-k-byelection/) - Andrew MacDougall/Toronto Star: Here, Britain is pointing to one possible future for the left (and the right), that of the sectarian. Let’s hope the Canadian centre holds... - [B.C.’s Eby may not be long for the job](https://thecompositeeye.ca/b-c-s-eby-may-not-be-long-for-the-job/) - Andrew Caddell/The Hill Times: The premier won’t have time to turn the economy around as the prospect of an election this year looms large... - [Bob Rae: Trump’s consequential war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bob-rae-trumps-consequential-war/) - Bob Rae/Policy Magazine: I am not a pearl clutcher by nature. But unleashing an attack on a ruler in a willful violation of “stupid rules of engagement” marks a new low. There is no refuge in mumbling about this. Neither the Israelis nor the Americans have taken responsibility for the attack on an Iranian girls’ school on the first day of bombing in what Secretary Hegseth - [Moroun, Ambassador Bridge company turned to ex-Harper aides’ firm to lobby Canadian officials](https://thecompositeeye.ca/moroun-ambassador-bridge-company-turned-to-ex-harper-aides-firm-to-lobby-canadian-officials/) - CBC: There is no indication that the lobbying had any tangible effect on public officials on this side of the border, where political support for the new bridge is broad. Still, the analysis lays bare another chapter in the powerful Moroun family’s political influence efforts — at a time when those efforts in the U.S. - [Alberta ‘excessively vulnerable’ to foreign interference, experts warn](https://thecompositeeye.ca/alberta-excessively-vulnerable-to-foreign-interference-experts-warn/) - CBC: “Alberta is excessively vulnerable to American interference,” Jean-Christophe Boucher, a professor of political science at the University of Calgary, told Radio-Canada. Boucher, whose research focuses on foreign interference, is unequivocal: "If there were a referendum in Alberta, there would be no one within the Alberta government who could analyze and collect data to ensure - [Canadians want floor-crossing MPs to face ‘immediate’ byelections: Poll](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadians-want-floor-crossing-mps-to-face-immediate-byelections-poll/) - Global: However, Wednesday’s Ipsos poll conducted exclusively for Global News found Canadians’ displeasure with floor-crossing MPs has not hurt the overall approval for Prime Minister Mark Carney or his Liberal government. ... “They’re prepared to punish the individuals who do it (cross the floor), but not necessarily prepared to hold it against the leaders of the parties that promote - [Carney meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-meeting-with-australian-prime-minister-anthony-albanese/) - The Canadian Press: Carney took his middle-powers speech from the World Economic Forum earlier this year to an audience in Australia on Wednesday, urging middle powers to band together. Carney said Canada and Australia share the advantages of legitimacy and trust and pointed out that Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan and South Korea have a combined - [Carney's shift on Iran might not stop pressure for Canadian entanglement](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carneys-shift-on-iran-might-not-stop-pressure-for-canadian-entanglement/) - The Canadian Press: “The more you say, the more you lay a trap for yourself with a very mercurial president,” said Carleton University international affairs professor Fen Osler Hampson. ... Carleton University defence expert Stephen Saideman said Carney was also reacting to “very conflicting statements” from Washington about the goals of the U.S. campaign, which - [Why Mark Carney got chippy with reporter over what 'unnamed government official' said](https://thecompositeeye.ca/why-mark-carney-got-chippy-with-reporter-over-what-unnamed-government-official-said/) - National Post: That a Canadian prime minister express annoyance at reporters’ pesky questions is nothing new, but casting doubt on whether they can refer to quotes in a not-for-attribution briefing by government officials is a break from what has been a longstanding practice. According to Dimitri Soudas, who served as director of communications to former - [Canada secures limited seats on commercial flights from Lebanon as conflict widens](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-secures-limited-seats-on-commercial-flights-from-lebanon-as-conflict-widens/) - The Canadian Press: Anand says more than 103,000 people have registered with Global Affairs Canada in the Middle East and Gulf region. The Canadian government is not offering assisted departures from the region... - [Carney shakes up senior ranks of the public service](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-shakes-up-senior-ranks-of-the-public-service/) - CBC: Glenn Purves, who left the public sector in January 2025 to work as an economist at the BlackRock Investment Institute, is coming back to the government fold as Carney's deputy minister of international trade. ... David Morrison, the deputy minister of foreign affairs, is moving closer into the prime minister's orbit by taking on - ['It's not easy, let's be clear': Carney speaks frankly about dealing with Trump at event in Australia](https://thecompositeeye.ca/its-not-easy-lets-be-clear-carney-speaks-frankly-about-dealing-with-trump-at-event-in-australia/) - CBC: The prime minister said Trump is open to hearing ideas and solicits opinions from those he speaks with. "It's quite different in private," Carney said. "And that creates an ability to work through things, but it's not easy, let's be clear."... - [B.C. premier says ‘no information’ India involved in extortion in his province](https://thecompositeeye.ca/b-c-premier-says-no-information-india-involved-in-extortion-in-his-province/) - CTV: Pressed by host Vassy Kapelos on whether he has been briefed or made aware of links to the Indian government, Eby insisted he has not. “For what we have information for at the political level, at least in British Columbia, we don’t have information about the Indian government’s involvement in extortion,” Eby said. “Certainly, - [Carney shares stories about Donald Trump and Xi Jinping as he pitches ‘middle power co-operation’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-shares-stories-about-donald-trump-and-xi-jinping-as-he-pitches-middle-power-co-operation/) - Toronto Star: Asked how he deals with the U.S. president, Carney said he tries to approach Trump with “respect but not obsequiousness,” and deadpanned to the audience about how the Republican leader has won two elections but believes he won three — a reference to Trump’s false claim that the 2020 presidential vote was stolen from - [U.S. could hold 'red card' over Canada's Gripen fighter jet option](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-could-hold-red-card-over-canadas-gripen-fighter-jet-option/) - CBC: The two fighters from different generations speak to each other and share data over a highly sophisticated U.S.-owned system known as Link 16, which contains a cutting-edge anti-jamming and encryption device called a multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS). It is the key for NATO and NORAD interoperability. And countries wanting to integrate — or - [Foreign Affairs Minister Anand says NATO must turn its focus to the North](https://thecompositeeye.ca/foreign-affairs-minister-anand-says-nato-must-turn-its-focus-to-the-north/) - The Canadian Press: “Last August, I raised the point about ensuring that NATO has efforts that are geared towards Arctic security and protection, and my foreign minister colleagues around that table, the Nordic Five, agreed with me wholeheartedly,” she said. The Nordic Five includes Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden — the latter two countries - [Japan not expecting ‘major shift’ in Canada’s posture in the Indo-Pacific: Official ](https://thecompositeeye.ca/japan-not-expecting-major-shift-in-canadas-posture-in-the-indo-pacific-official/) - The Hill Times: A Japanese official told The Hill Times that Tokyo is “happy” with the current version of the strategy, but understands it is being reworked. “My understanding is that it will be updated one way or another,” said the official, speaking on a not-for-attribution basis. “But I do not really anticipate a major shift in - [Critical minerals alliance with Australia an example of middle power strength: Carney](https://thecompositeeye.ca/critical-minerals-alliance-with-australia-an-example-of-middle-power-strength-carney/) - The Globe and Mail: “We are building out our critical minerals alliance with Australia, creating the largest minerals reserve held by trusted democratic nations,” the Prime Minister said. Canada and Australia are “abundant in those minerals most in demand and most necessary for our military and economic strength,” he said... - [Saab sees Canada as 'great' partner to design next-generation fighter jets](https://thecompositeeye.ca/saab-sees-canada-as-great-partner-to-design-next-generation-fighter-jets/) - CBC: The company intends to produce Gripen fighters and GlobalEye surveillance planes on Canadian soil if they are purchased by the Canadian Armed Forces. Saab and Sweden hope that these ventures will also lead to a collaboration on designing future military systems. "As we're looking ahead, we'd really like to work with countries and companies - [Federal govt boosts scrutiny of businesses claiming to be Indigenous-owned](https://thecompositeeye.ca/federal-govt-boosts-scrutiny-of-businesses-claiming-to-be-indigenous-owned/) - Global: Indigenous Services Canada is promising stricter enforcement against businesses falsely claiming to be Indigenous-owned in order to gain preferential access to billions worth of federal government contracts, according to a document reviewed by Global News. ... The government is also warning it will impose consequences for any company falsely claiming Indigeneity, including removal from - [Trump struggles to explain why he launched another Middle Eastern war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-struggles-to-explain-why-he-launched-another-middle-eastern-war/) - Financial Times: The president had given “four different rationales for the war in the last 72 hours”, Democratic congressman Jake Auchincloss told the FT. With strategic clarity, US forces could “ruthlessly execute” their mission, he said, but added: “Who could take that kind of commander-in-chief seriously?”... - [All ways big tech fuels ICE and CBP](https://thecompositeeye.ca/all-ways-big-tech-fuels-ice-and-cbp/) - Wired: A WIRED analysis shows that ICE and CBP have collectively spent at least $515 million on products from Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Palantir in the last few years alone... - [Question everyone should be asking after OpenAI’s deal with Pentagon](https://thecompositeeye.ca/question-everyone-should-be-asking-after-openais-deal-with-pentagon/) - Vox: Those who are still bought in on the idea that the US must win the AI race at all costs should now be asking: What’s the point of the US winning if the government is going to create a China-like surveillance state anyway? At least one of the major AI companies is not taking - [Anthropic nears $20 billion revenue run rate amid Pentagon feud](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anthropic-nears-20-billion-revenue-run-rate-amid-pentagon-feud/) - Bloomberg: The artificial intelligence company recently surpassed $19 billion in run-rate revenue, up from $9 billion at the end of 2025 and roughly $14 billion a few weeks ago, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity as the information is not public. The growth in run rate was driven by strong adoption of - [Macron’s remarkable nuclear proposal faces culture clash](https://thecompositeeye.ca/macrons-remarkable-nuclear-proposal-faces-culture-clash/) - Financial Times: This is where Macron’s plans may run into obstacles. France has long protected the independence of its nuclear deterrent, choosing to stay out of Nato’s nuclear planning group in 1966. The French nuclear doctrine is therefore distinct from Nato’s. Yet Merz, in Munich, pointed out that Germany’s dialogue with France will be led - [How Anonymous bettors cashed in on Iran strike, just hours before it happened](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-anonymous-bettors-cashed-in-on-iran-strike-just-hours-before-it-happened/) - New York Times: A New York Times analysis of Polymarket data over that period found that it was relatively uncommon for someone to bet a significant sum of money that a U.S. strike would happen by the next day. But over the course of Friday, more than 150 accounts placed hundreds of bets of at least - [Defense executives plan to meet at White House as strikes on Iran diminish stockpiles](https://thecompositeeye.ca/defense-executives-plan-to-meet-at-white-house-as-strikes-on-iran-diminish-stockpiles/) - Reuters: Companies including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, along with other key suppliers, have been invited to ​attend the meeting, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the discussions are private. The meeting underscores ​the urgency felt in Washington to shore up weapons stocks after the Iran operation ⁠drew heavily on munitions. Since Russia - [Forget regime change. How about behavior change?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/forget-regime-change-how-about-behavior-change/) - Politico: In Iran, Venezuela and Cuba, Trump’s top priority is making sure whoever’s left in charge deals differently with the United States... - [Infiltrating Supreme Court](https://thecompositeeye.ca/infiltrating-supreme-court/) - Politico: A roundtable conversation with top Supreme Court reporters on secrecy at the court, the justices’ ethics and how they do their job at a crucial moment... - [Kash Patel’s latest firings ousted agents with expertise in Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/kash-patels-latest-firings-ousted-agents-with-expertise-in-iran/) - MS Now: When FBI Director Kash Patel fired a dozen FBI agents and staff last week for their role in the classified documents investigation of Donald Trump, he targeted an elite counter espionage unit that investigates threats from foreign adversaries and specializes in Iran, according to more than a half dozen sources with knowledge of the firings... - ['This issue concerns us' — Zelensky warns Middle East war could strain Ukraine air defense supplies](https://thecompositeeye.ca/this-issue-concerns-us-zelensky-warns-middle-east-war-could-strain-ukraine-air-defense-supplies/) - Kyiv Independent: As the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran, Tehran retaliated by targeting Israel and U.S. military bases. The war has raised concerns in Ukraine about potential impacts on its air defense, which relies heavily on the US-made Patriot system, which is also used by the U. S. in the Middle East... - [China spent big on African media empire, but no one’s watching](https://thecompositeeye.ca/china-spent-big-on-african-media-empire-but-no-ones-watching/) - Bloomberg: Bureaucratic dysfunction, leadership churn and tightening political controls have left China’s African media experiment struggling to find relevance in a region that will be home to more than a quarter of the world’s population by 2050. Africans watch the BBC, Al Jazeera and CNN, but even China’s marquee media brands barely figure in public - [Trump says US will escort, insure oil tankers amid Iran war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-says-us-will-escort-insure-oil-tankers-amid-iran-war/) - Bloomberg: Trump said Tuesday that the US International Development Finance Corporation would offer insurance “at a very reasonable price” to help ensure the flow of energy and other commercial trade in the Gulf. In addition, he said “if necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as - [Iran war oil shock threatens to unleash wave of global inflation](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-war-oil-shock-threatens-to-unleash-wave-of-global-inflation/) - Bloomberg: For Europe, sustained higher energy prices would take the economy to the brink of recession. For the US, they would place the Federal Reserve in an impossible position — stuck between a war that pushes inflation higher and a president demanding that interest rates come down. For China, the end of discounted Iranian oil - [3M Canadian adults taking GLP-1 drugs, reshaping eating and spending, survey suggests](https://thecompositeeye.ca/3m-canadian-adults-taking-glp-1-drugs-reshaping-eating-and-spending-survey-suggests/) - The Canadian Press: “GLP-1s are no longer a niche health topic. They’re a mainstream consumer and health-care story,” Melicent Lavers-Sailly, vice-president of research at Leger Healthcare, said in an interview. “What the research found is that the impact of GLP-1s is showing up in shopping baskets and behaviours, not just prescriptions.” In addition to not - [Why Europe's leaders have struggled to speak as one on Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/why-europes-leaders-have-struggled-to-speak-as-one-on-iran/) - BBC: A top consideration of all these European leaders is not wanting to alienate Donald Trump. They desperately hope events in the Middle East will not be another distraction for the US president, preventing him - again - from engaging in finding a sustainable solution to another conflict, this one on their own continent: Ukraine. - [OpenAI changes deal with US military after backlash](https://thecompositeeye.ca/openai-changes-deal-with-us-military-after-backlash/) - BBC: On Monday OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman said the company would add the language to its agreement, including explicitly prohibiting the use of its systems to spy on Americans... The Guardian: However, observers including OpenAI’s former head of policy research, Miles Brundage, have queried how OpenAI has managed to secure a deal that assuages - [AI fakes turning satellite images into war misinformation](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ai-fakes-turning-satellite-images-into-war-misinformation/) - Financial Times: An image circulated on X — including in a post from the official account of the Iranian newspaper the Tehran Times — shows a satellite image claiming to depict damage to an American radar system in Qatar following an Iranian drone strike. FT analysis reveals it to be an AI-altered image of an - [China to lean on Russian oil as Iran crisis chokes supply](https://thecompositeeye.ca/china-to-lean-on-russian-oil-as-iran-crisis-chokes-supply/) - Financial Times: Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s government would probably first look to forge closer ties with Vladimir Putin’s Russia, experts and industry insiders said, despite Beijing’s misgivings about over-reliance on its northern neighbour. Russia is already China’s largest source of crude, accounting for 20 per cent of imports... - [Did Carney go too far in offering 'support' for U.S. strikes against Iran?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/did-carney-go-too-far-in-offering-support-for-u-s-strikes-against-iran/) - Aaron Wherry/CBC: Criticizing the American actions wouldn't have had a material impact on the conflict, says Thomas Juneau, a professor at the University of Ottawa's graduate school of public and international affairs, but it could have conceivably hurt Canada's position with Trump. "For Canada to oppose, to lecture on human rights or on international law - [Campbell Clark: No time for truth in this reset with India](https://thecompositeeye.ca/campbell-clark-no-time-for-truth-in-this-reset-with-india/) - Campbell Clark/The Globe and Mail: Quite so! The allegations of transnational repression aren’t just spy-versus-spy stuff in a foreign land. They are concerns that affect the safety of Canadian citizens, and not just activists for a separate Sikh state of Khalistan to be carved out of India. Perhaps Mr. Carney will talk about that when - [Carney’s Iran trap: How Trump’s war could become Canada’s problem](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carneys-iran-trap-how-trumps-war-could-become-canadas-problem/) - Fen Osler Hampson/Policy Magazine: Clearly, Carney now cares less about domestic fallout than trying to stay on Donald Trump’s good side to protect CUSMA. The hard part will come if the war drags on, casualties mount, and Trump leans on allies, including Canada, for tangible military support. If Canada’s new economic partners in the Gulf, - [Tasha Kheiriddin: In India, Carney might be being pragmatic, but principled?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tasha-kheiriddin-in-india-carney-might-be-being-pragmatic-but-principled/) - Tasha Kheiriddin/National Post: Given the new world order we find ourselves in, what are Canada’s options? Foreign interference is being practiced by both enemies and allies. Just two weeks ago, a report by the Montreal Institute for Global Security named China as a chief culprit of transnational repression in Canada. At the same time, American officials are cheering the notion of an independent Alberta and meeting - [Lloyd Axworthy: Carney’s govt needs to give us full truth about our involvement in Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/lloyd-axworthy-carneys-govt-needs-to-give-us-full-truth-about-our-involvement-in-iran/) - Lloyd Axworthy: Canadian Forces exchange officers working with the U.S. military were “very likely” involved at some level in planning the weekend strikes on Iran, a former Canada major-general has warned. If true, this should raise alarm bells for Canadians because it means Ottawa’s insistence that Canada is “not involved” in this operation is not just - [John Ivison: Hope for pipeline deal to survive clash over carbon taxes](https://thecompositeeye.ca/john-ivison-hope-for-pipeline-deal-to-survive-clash-over-carbon-taxes/) - John Ivison/National Post: But the biggest incentive for all parties to make the MOU work is the evidence of the combined impact of a new pipeline and a carbon tax, which would yield several billions of dollars in new profits. Bernstein said the drop in the differential between WCS and West Texas Intermediate (currently a - [Poilievre proposes new anglophone alliance that excludes Trump’s America](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-proposes-new-anglophone-alliance-that-excludes-trumps-america/) - Toronto Star: Specifically, Poilievre proposes the four members of a new partnership would adopt harmonized rules related to professional credential recognition, product approvals, labour mobility, defence procurement, and energy policy, including critical minerals development. ... Without mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump’s name — unlike his speech to the Economic Club of Canada on Thursday — Poilievre said Canada, Australia, New - [Carney says his support for U.S., Israel's war on Iran 'not a blank cheque'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-says-his-support-for-u-s-israels-war-on-iran-not-a-blank-cheque/) - CBC: "We took a position because we view the nuclear threat and the export of terrorism of Iran over decades as one of the gravest threats to international peace and security," Carney said during a news conference late Tuesday afternoon eastern time. "In that limited sense we supported that aspect. That is not a blank - [Liberal MPs offer differing views on Carney’s support for U.S. attacks on Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberal-mps-offer-differing-views-on-carneys-support-for-u-s-attacks-on-iran/) - iPolitics: “This uncritical support of the American Israeli strikes on Iran feels much more consistent with that kind of automatic uncritical alignment than it does with thinking in a clear eyed way for ourselves about what our interests actually are,” Greaves said... - [Carney won't say whether India is engaged in interference, transnational repression](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-wont-say-whether-india-is-engaged-in-interference-transnational-repression/) - The Canadian Press: Asked during a leg of the trip in Sydney, Australia, whether he agrees with the government official who made the comments, Carney said: “I would not use those words.” He also refused several times to say whether New Delhi is interfering in Canadian democracy or repressing Sikh separatists in Canada... - [‘I would not use those words’: PM Carney on official’s Indian foreign interference comments](https://thecompositeeye.ca/i-would-not-use-those-words-pm-carney-on-officials-indian-foreign-interference-comments/) - CTV: Prime Minister Mark Carney is putting some distance between himself and comments made by his senior officials that appeared to downplay the ongoing threat of foreign interference and transnational repression from India. “I would not use those words, first point. Secondly, our approach… is one of vigilance and engagement,” Carney said. “We have made - [Poilievre touts 'free trade' between 'free nations' in speech on first foreign trip](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-touts-free-trade-between-free-nations-in-speech-on-first-foreign-trip/) - CBC: Poilievre is on his first foreign trip as Opposition leader and delivered the Margaret Thatcher lecture at the Centre for Policy Studies in London on Tuesday. "Canada must become stronger at home so that we have unbreakable leverage abroad. Opening trade with like-minded, free nations will do that," Poilievre said. "Otherwise put: we need - [Feds ‘silencing’ agent of Parliament by leaving post vacant, says ex-budget watchdog Giroux](https://thecompositeeye.ca/feds-silencing-agent-of-parliament-by-leaving-post-vacant-says-ex-budget-watchdog-giroux/) - The Hill Times: Giroux, who left after completing a seven-year term, said this shows the government is “not concerned at all” with this position being empty. “The position being vacant means that the office cannot answer MPs’ or committees’ requests, and they cannot publish anything. So, de facto, it means that, for parliamentarians, the office is - [AI minister pledges more information from OpenAI CEO after Tumbler Ridge shooting](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ai-minister-pledges-more-information-from-openai-ceo-after-tumbler-ridge-shooting/) - CTV: “I will press for further details,” Solomon said. “I want to know what changes they’re going to make specifically to protect Canadians.” “My job, our government’s job, is to make sure Canadians are safe,” he also said. “These AI chatbots pose new challenges for us.”... - [Poilievre calls for deeper ties with U.K., Australia, New Zealand during London visit](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-calls-for-deeper-ties-with-u-k-australia-new-zealand-during-london-visit/) - The Canadian Press: In a speech in London on Tuesday, Poilievre called on the four allies to “build on the guarantee of security and freedom by bringing together the long-standing ties that united us in the past” through a new pact that would help guard against “shared threats like China, Russia and others.” To do - [Phoenix pay errors continue to haunt public service a decade after launch](https://thecompositeeye.ca/phoenix-pay-errors-continue-to-haunt-public-service-a-decade-after-launch/) - The Canadian Press: Karine Chawla, who works for Transport Canada, says she is being told she still owes $35,000 in overpayments dating back to 2017. Chawla says most of the money owed dates from prior to the six-year limitation period for overpayment recovery and the total includes sums she has already paid... - [Nervous nations calling Canada's energy minister after Iran strikes](https://thecompositeeye.ca/nervous-nations-calling-canadas-energy-minister-after-iran-strikes/) - CBC: Energy Minister Tim Hodgson says he's starting to get calls from countries about how Canadian energy producers can fill the gap amid the war in Iran, which is driving up oil and gas prices.​ "The world right now is feeling incredibly insecure as a result of this weekend," Hodgson said in an interview with - [Liberals open up lead: LPC 44, CPC 33, NDP 11. Preferred PM: Carney 56, Poilievre 22.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-open-up-lead-lpc-44-cpc-33-ndp-11-preferred-pm-carney-56-poilievre-22/) - Nik Nanos: Mark Carney dominates the preferred–primeminister measure, outpacing Pierre Poilievre by more than thirty points. This is not merely a ballot story; it is a narrative of momentum. The big question is: will the trend favouring the Liberals continue, level off or decline. Concerns about jobs, inflation and relations with the United States continue - [Liberals call for 'diplomatic solution,' after initially backing attack on Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-call-for-diplomatic-solution-after-initially-backing-attack-on-iran/) - National Post: The minister told reporters that she had spent the past two days speaking to her counterparts in the Middle East and Gulf states, as well as in the G7. She said those conversations involved “stressing that Canada believes in a diplomatic and peaceful solution, and as soon as possible, we would like parties - [Andrew Coyne: Why even Iraq war hawks should oppose this war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/andrew-coyne-why-even-iraq-war-hawks-should-oppose-this-war/) - Andrew Coyne/The Globe and Mail: The reason why presidents are expected, if not required, to seek Congress’s approval before going to war – the reason they are encouraged, if not expected, to seek the approval of the Security Council – is not out of some bureaucratic concern that everyone fill out the proper forms. It - [Carney: Ottawa’s position supporting U.S., Israeli strikes on Iran was taken ‘with regret’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-ottawas-position-supporting-u-s-israeli-strikes-on-iran-was-taken-with-regret/) - The Globe and Mail: Prime Minister Mark Carney said he backed U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran “with regret” because while he considers Tehran the greatest threat to instability in the Middle East, the military attacks are a failure of the rules-based order and appear to be a violation of international law... - [Iran’s former leader was ‘force for evil,’ Defence Minister says, as he defends Ottawa’s backing of air strikes](https://thecompositeeye.ca/irans-former-leader-was-force-for-evil-defence-minister-says-as-he-defends-ottawas-backing-of-air-strikes/) - The Globe and Mail: He said Canada is well aware of Tehran’s support for terror groups. “We know where funding and financing has been coming from. We know the extent of the involvement of the Iranian regime in, for example, organized criminal syndicates.” At the same time Mr. McGuinty was careful to distance Canada from - [‘Pretty bad for Vance’: VP’s silence on Iran peeves allies](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pretty-bad-for-vance-vps-silence-on-iran-peeves-allies/) - Politico: The anger directed at Vance stems not only from the fact that he failed to prevent a potentially costly war but also that, in the process, he has done lasting damage to the anti-interventionists’ long-term project of convincing war-weary voters to embrace the GOP as their political home. For Vance, who is widely expected - [Inside plan to kill Ali Khamenei](https://thecompositeeye.ca/inside-plan-to-kill-ali-khamenei/) - Financial Times: Israel spent years hacking Tehran’s traffic cameras and monitoring bodyguards ahead of the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader... - [Confidential database reveals which items NPS thinks may ‘disparage’ America](https://thecompositeeye.ca/confidential-database-reveals-which-items-nps-thinks-may-disparage-america/) - Washington Post: An internal government database reviewed by The Washington Post demonstrates the vast scope of the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to revise or remove information on African American history, climate change and other topics at hundreds of national park sites... - [China’s ice-cold calculus over Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/chinas-ice-cold-calculus-over-iran/) - The Economist: All of this makes for an unsentimental China. It is not about to abandon Iran as a partner. But it may not much care whether the clerics remain in charge or whether some other constellation of leaders, perhaps drawn from the revolutionary guards, takes over. What China cares most about is its interests - [Pentagon’s Anthropic designation won’t survive first contact with legal system](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pentagons-anthropic-designation-wont-survive-first-contact-with-legal-system/) - Lawfare: The legal problems are so glaring, in fact, that a cynical possibility suggests itself: The administration knows this won't survive judicial review and is doing it anyway, so that when they inevitably lose, they can still claim to have gone hard against Anthropic. This is designation as political theater: a show of force that - [How OpenAI caved to Pentagon on AI surveillance](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-openai-caved-to-pentagon-on-ai-surveillance/) - The Verge: One source familiar with the Pentagon’s negotiations with AI companies confirmed that OpenAI’s deal is much softer than the one Anthropic was pushing for, thanks largely to three words: “any lawful use.” In negotiations, the person said, the Pentagon wouldn’t back down on its desire to collect and analyze bulk data on Americans. - [France to increase nuclear arsenal, European weapons cooperation: Macron](https://thecompositeeye.ca/france-to-increase-nuclear-arsenal-european-weapons-cooperation-macron/) - The Guardian: Amid growing concern among European leaders about wavering US commitments to help defend the continent, the French president said on Monday that Paris could deploy nuclear-capable Rafale fighter jets to partner countries such as Germany and Poland. But there would be no sharing of decision-making on the use of the country’s nuclear weapons, - [How Trump decided to go to war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-trump-decided-to-go-to-war/) - New York Times: President Trump’s embrace of military action in Iran was spurred by an Israeli leader determined to end diplomatic negotiations. Few of the president’s advisers voiced opposition... - [Trump’s war on Iran has traders staring down energy crisis](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-war-on-iran-has-traders-staring-down-energy-crisis/) - Bloomberg: And yet while prices surged higher, the scale of the moves has been far smaller than in previous crises. Brent crude is only at its highest since June, while the 39% spike in European natural gas barely registers as a blip compared with the dramatic moves of the 2021-22 energy crisis. US President Donald - [Trump team’s shifting story on war with Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-teams-shifting-story-on-war-with-iran/) - CNN: But while undertaking perhaps the most serious and fraught US military operation in two decades, the administration has delivered anything but clarity. Ahead of Saturday morning’s strikes on Iran, it declined to enunciate a consistent set of goals and motivations. And it’s spent the three days since shifting the goalposts and contradicting itself... - [CNN poll: 59% of Americans disapprove of Iran strikes, most think long-term conflict is likely](https://thecompositeeye.ca/cnn-poll-59-of-americans-disapprove-of-iran-strikes-most-think-long-term-conflict-is-likely/) - CNN: The poll, fielded shortly after US and Israeli attacks launched the war with Iran, finds majorities express doubts about President Donald Trump’s handling of the situation. Most say they lack trust in Trump to make the right decisions about US use of force in Iran, with 60% saying they do not think he has a clear - [Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Iran war expands. Oil prices surge.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/fighting-between-israel-and-hezbollah-iran-war-expands-oil-prices-surge/) - New York Times: Israel began attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon early Monday, shattering a fragile truce that had been in place for about a year and threatening to destabilize the region as both the United States and Israel ramped up strikes on Iran... CNN: Briefings undercut White House claim: Pentagon briefers acknowledged to congressional staff that Iran was - ['Whatever it takes': Trump says war to last 4-5 weeks, maybe 'far longer.' Rubio: 'Hardest hits yet to come.' Iran stretching U.S. forces. UAE, Qatar lobby allies to help Trump find Iran off-ramp](https://thecompositeeye.ca/whatever-it-takes-trump-says-war-to-last-4-5-weeks-maybe-far-longer-rubio-hardest-hits-yet-to-come-iran-stretching-u-s-forces-uae-qatar-lobby-allies-to-help-trump-find-iran-off-ram/) - New York Times: President Trump said on Monday that the United States would attack Iran for as long as it took to leave it incapable of posing a threat, and his secretary of state signaled that the military campaign would escalate, in comments that indicated that the expanding war in the Middle East could intensify - [B.C. to end time changes, adopt year-round daylight time](https://thecompositeeye.ca/b-c-to-end-time-changes-adopt-year-round-daylight-time/) - CBC: The province will be permanently adopting daylight time and the March 8 "spring forward" will be the last time change, Premier David Eby announced Monday. ... B.C.'s new time zone will be called "Pacific time," according to the province. A public engagement report in 2019 for the B.C. government found that 93 per cent of respondents - [While Canada diversifies trade away from U.S., Mexico chooses concessions](https://thecompositeeye.ca/while-canada-diversifies-trade-away-from-u-s-mexico-chooses-concessions/) - The Globe and Mail: “Mexico seems to be advancing co-operation on security, migration and other agenda items, including trade, in the hope that when [USMCA] working groups formally convene, the list of irritants will be shorter and more political capital can be devoted to securing an extension,” said Diego Marroquín Bitar, a Mexican trade expert - [Campbell Clark: Carney picks realpolitik side on Iran war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/campbell-clark-carney-picks-realpolitik-side-on-iran-war/) - Campbell Clark/Toronto Star: He chose to put Canada on the side of its biggest ally and trading partner when it went to war against a repressive regime that foments terror and conflict – even if the casus belli is being fudged. He chose not to quibble over the legalities. Then he quickly ruled out any future military - [Peter Mansbridge interviews Pierre Poilievre](https://thecompositeeye.ca/peter-mansbridge-interviews-pierre-poilievre/) - The opposition leader's first interview on The Bridge is a fascinating one to quote the Toronto Star... - [John Ivison: Carney updates his Davos principles to back attacking Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/john-ivison-carney-updates-his-davos-principles-to-back-attacking-iran/) - John Ivison/National Post: But Carney’s support for the U.S. “to prevent the regime from further threatening international peace and security” qualifies as principled and pragmatic — just not according to the definition he laid out in Davos. Canada’s support for Trump is limited and specific. It does not follow that Canada has “abandoned” the rules-based - [Liberal MP challenges PM's stance on strikes on Iran as feds sidestep legality issue](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberal-mp-challenges-pms-stance-on-strikes-on-iran-as-feds-sidestep-legality-issue/) - The Canadian Press: Victoria MP Will Greaves expressed concerns about Canada’s stance in a social media post on Saturday, which has since garnered likes from a handful of fellow Liberals, including a former cabinet minister. “Canada cannot endorse the unilateral and illegal use of military force, the killing of civilians, or the kidnap and assassination - [Poilievre says he would only open critical mineral stockpile to allies without tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-says-he-would-only-open-critical-mineral-stockpile-to-allies-without-tariffs/) - National Post: “Our plan will be to build up a critical minerals and energy reserve and make it available in times of crisis and war to our allies,” Poilievre told the largely Conservative attendees at a small gathering at the Carlton Club, a private club in London’s swanky Soho neighbourhood. “Those countries that agree to - [Carney signs deals worth billions in diplomatic breakthrough with India's Modi](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-signs-deals-worth-billions-in-diplomatic-breakthrough-with-indias-modi/) - CBC: Carney framed this new course as not just a return to how things were but rather an ambitious revisioning of what the two Commonwealth countries can do together in an uncertain era marked by instability. At the centre of this more robust relationship will be a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement — a free trade deal - [Alberta's premier says conflict in Iran underscores need for new Canadian pipeline](https://thecompositeeye.ca/albertas-premier-says-conflict-in-iran-underscores-need-for-new-canadian-pipeline/) - The Canadian Press: The threat of shipping disruptions has seen global oil prices jump since American-Israeli attacks on Iran over the weekend. Smith says any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil choke point at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, only underscores the need for a new pipeline that could bring her - [Doug Ford names new chief of staff with experience in Canada-U.S. relations](https://thecompositeeye.ca/doug-ford-names-new-chief-of-staff-with-experience-in-canada-u-s-relations/) - The Globe and Mail: Mr. Kann currently holds the dual role of principal secretary and head of Ontario-U.S. relations. In a news release, the government said Mr. Kann has been responsible for developing and implementing its strategy to build relationships with American lawmakers in Washington and at the state level, including during the lead-up to - [Ottawa weighs splitting submarine contract between Europe and South Korea](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ottawa-weighs-splitting-submarine-contract-between-europe-and-south-korea/) - The Globe and Mail: The senior government sources say Ottawa is looking at buying six Type-212CD submarines to be built by Germany’s TKMS. Those submarines would patrol the Atlantic Coast, the sources said. Ottawa would also acquire six Hanwha KSS-III Batch-II submarines. The sources say those submarines would be located on the Pacific coast and - [Saskatchewan Premier Moe says uranium deal with India marks 'great day'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/saskatchewan-premier-moe-says-uranium-deal-with-india-marks-great-day/) - The Canadian Press: The $2.6-billion deal means Saskatoon-based Cameco is to supply just under 9.9 million kilograms of uranium to India over nine years. "Saskatchewan's always a big winner when it comes to export deals," the premier told reporters in the Indian capital... - [No new auto plants but here’s what else Germany, South Korea are offering in their submarine bids](https://thecompositeeye.ca/no-new-auto-plants-but-heres-what-else-germany-south-korea-are-offering-in-their-submarine-bids/) - CTV: Although it is not offering an auto plant, the South Koreans are proposing to create a hydrogen-fuel infrastructure hub in Canada. A domestic torpedo manufacturing plant is also in the bid, which states that the weapons for the KSS-III can be built in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or Quebec. Copeland says Hanwha’s proposal - [Canada urges diplomatic solution in Iran, won’t say if it views strikes as illegal](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-urges-diplomatic-solution-in-iran-wont-say-if-it-views-strikes-as-illegal/) - The Canadian Press: Anand, speaking to reporters in New Delhi after Prime Minister Mark Carney abruptly cancelled his scheduled news conference Monday, would not say whether Canada sees the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran as a violation of international law. “We prefer a diplomatic solution. This is why I have spent the last two days speaking - [Canada, India sign ‘landmark’ energy deal as CSIS says foreign interference concerns unchanged](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-india-sign-landmark-energy-deal-as-csis-says-foreign-interference-concerns-unchanged/) - CTV: In a major development to reset relations between Canada and India, the two countries’ leaders signed several memoranda of understanding including a $2.6-billion nuclear energy deal Monday, while Canada’s spy agency says India is still one of the main perpetrators of foreign interference in Canada. “We are one family,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said, - [After bumpy ride, federal budget watchdog steps down with some praise](https://thecompositeeye.ca/after-bumpy-ride-federal-budget-watchdog-steps-down-with-some-praise/) - CBC: During his short tenure as Canada's interim parliamentary budget officer, Jason Jacques endured accusations of partisanship, criticism over his message delivery and, in the end, praise for representing an institution now ranked first among its international equals... - [PM Carney and cabinet should rely on deputy ministers—not political staff—for fearless policy advice, say leading governance experts](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pm-carney-and-cabinet-should-rely-on-deputy-ministers-not-political-staff-for-fearless-policy-advice-say-leading-governance-experts/) - The Hill Times: Policy advice from partisan ministerial staff is more appealing to cabinet ministers because it has a loyalty twist and ‘fits the political moment,’ says Professor Donald Savoie. But cabinet ministers should also be using policy advice from their deputy ministers, say governance experts... - [Submarine companies reach deadline to submit proposals as Canada decides on new fleet](https://thecompositeeye.ca/submarine-companies-reach-deadline-to-submit-proposals-as-canada-decides-on-new-fleet/) - The Canadian Press: The multibillion-dollar procurement is happening at an accelerated pace as the Royal Canadian Navy’s aging Victoria-class submarines are set to retire in the next decade. The two bids are from South Korea’s Hanwha Oceans and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, or TKMS, in a bid that includes Germany and Norway... - [Tim Kaine: Unwise, unconstitutional attack on Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tim-kaine-unwise-unconstitutional-attack-on-iran/) - Tim Kaine/Wall Street Journal: Mr. Trump suggests the war is to aid Iranian protesters. This claim is hard to accept from a president who, at the same time, is deporting refugees back to Iran, where they are likely to suffer the persecution he pretends to care about. Mr. Trump suggests the war is about regime - [Trump’s epic gamble in Middle East](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-epic-gamble-in-middle-east/) - Financial Times: By seeking to overthrow Iran’s hardline regime and reorder the Middle East he has embarked on one of the most brazen endeavours undertaken by a US president in decades. He has done this with an insouciant disregard for international law, and has made only the sketchiest of attempts to justify it to the - [UK will allow US to use bases to strike Iranian missile sites](https://thecompositeeye.ca/uk-will-allow-us-to-use-bases-to-strike-iranian-missile-sites/) - BBC: The UK has agreed to a US request to use British military bases for "defensive" strikes on Iranian missile sites, Sir Keir Starmer has said. But the prime minister said the UK had learned lessons from the "mistakes of Iraq", and was not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and "will not join - [John Bolton: Iran strike could mean ‘turmoil’ and ‘bloodshed’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/john-bolton-iran-strike-could-mean-turmoil-and-bloodshed/) - Politico: President Donald Trump has long been interested in regime change in Iran, but his appetite for risk means he may not have fully prepared for what’s coming next, according to John Bolton, Trump’s onetime national security adviser... - [Khamenei’s death leaves Iran at historic turning point—without clear successor](https://thecompositeeye.ca/khameneis-death-leaves-iran-at-historic-turning-point-without-clear-successor/) - Wall Street Journal: He leaves behind a system with no obvious successor, largely by design, and an Islamic Republic in a fight for survival. Any successor will likely have less personal authority than Khamenei and serve a more symbolic role. “We can almost certainly say that leadership will not be concentrated in one person,” said - [Pentagon offers no evidence to support claim it attacked Iran in defense](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pentagon-offers-no-evidence-to-support-claim-it-attacked-iran-in-defense/) - Politico: The White House, amid the largest military buildup in the region in decades, has yet to explain to the public or to Congress what Iranian threat prompted the massive attacks that have upended the region and could draw the U.S. into another Middle East war... - [Trump’s Iran strikes usher in era of unrestrained American power](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-iran-strikes-usher-in-era-of-unrestrained-american-power/) - Bloomberg: President Donald Trump has long said the US is done with nation-building. Now, he’s embraced a form of intervention that hearkens back to an earlier American era: openly targeting adversaries’ leaders for death or arrest while offering few details about how the US intends to manage the aftermath... - [Full interview: Anthropic CEO responds to Trump order, Pentagon clash](https://thecompositeeye.ca/full-interview-anthropic-ceo-responds-to-trump-order-pentagon-clash/) - CBS: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei sat down with CBS News for an exclusive interview, hours after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the company a supply chain risk to national security, which restricts military contractors from doing business with the AI giant. Amodei called the move "retaliatory and punitive," and he said Anthropic sought to draw - [Epstein’s new Mexico ranch gets scrutiny at last](https://thecompositeeye.ca/epsteins-new-mexico-ranch-gets-scrutiny-at-last/) - New York Times: Some of the financier’s victims have said they were trafficked there, famous figures visited, and Mr. Epstein mused about turning Zorro into a headquarters for outlandish genetic engineering experiments... - [US military reportedly used Claude in Iran strikes despite Trump’s ban](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-military-reportedly-used-claude-in-iran-strikes-despite-trumps-ban/) - The Guardian: The use of Claude during the massive joint US-Israel bombardment of Iran that began on Saturday was reported by the Wall Street Journal and Axios. It underlines the complexity of the US military withdrawing powerful AI tools from its missions when the technology is already intricately embedded in operations. According to the Journal, - [How talks between Anthropic and Defense Dept. fell apart](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-talks-between-anthropic-and-defense-dept-fell-apart/) - New York Times: The Pentagon and Anthropic were close to agreeing on the use of artificial intelligence. But strong personalities, mutual dislike and a rival company unraveled a deal... - [Inside Anthropic’s killer-robot dispute with Pentagon](https://thecompositeeye.ca/inside-anthropics-killer-robot-dispute-with-pentagon/) - The Atlantic: Anthropic’s team was relieved to hear that the government would be willing to remove those words, but one big problem remained: On Friday afternoon, Anthropic learned that the Pentagon still wanted to use the company’s AI to analyze bulk data collected from Americans. That could include information such as the questions you ask - [Making of Dario Amodei](https://thecompositeeye.ca/making-of-dario-amodei/) - Alex Kantrowitz/Big Technology: Then, in his early 20s, Amodei’s life changed forever. His father Riccardo, who’d long fought a rare illness, lost the battle in 2006. Riccardo’s passing shocked Amodei, and he shifted his graduate studies at Princeton from theoretical physics to biology to address human illness and biological problems. ... Upon recalling his father’s - [World woke up to war. Here’s what they’re not telling you.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/world-woke-up-to-war-heres-what-theyre-not-telling-you/) - Really American: The headline the White House wanted you to read is that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, killed in the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran. The headline they didn’t want you to read is that three American soldiers are dead, five are seriously wounded, and Iran has now launched missile and drone strikes against - [Military briefing: Iran’s new retaliation strategy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/military-briefing-irans-new-retaliation-strategy/) - Financial Times: After last year’s 12-day war with Israel — in which large barrages from Iran were heavily intercepted and launchers destroyed — Tehran has recalibrated its missile doctrine. In firing back at Israel, it has shifted from headline-grabbing salvos to a steadier campaign designed to stretch air defences... At the same time it is using short-range - ['Massive and ongoing': US and Israel strike Iran. Goal is regime change. Trump: Khameini dead. Iranian state media confirms.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/massive-and-ongoing-us-and-israel-strike-iran-goal-is-regime-change/) - Bloomberg: Iranian state television confirmed Khamenei’s death around 5 a.m. local time. A news presenter delivered the statement with a trembling voice as the channel placed a black banner in the corner of the screen and broadcast recitations of Quranic verses — traditionally used to signal national mourning... CNN: State TV presenter cries while announcing the death - [David Coletto: Carney supports latest attacks on Iran. Don’t expect Canadian public to share that view](https://thecompositeeye.ca/david-coletto-carney-supports-latest-attacks-on-iran-dont-expect-canadian-public-to-share-that-view/) - David Coletto/Toronto Star: How will Canadians react? Based on almost two decades of public opinion research I’ve conducted, along with polling by other organizations, I expect the dominant reaction will be discomfort. Canadians are typically wary of military intervention abroad. When faced with complex conflicts in distant regions, our surveys consistently show they lean toward - [Michael Higgins: Carney meets moment, backs Trump against Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/michael-higgins-carney-meets-moment-backs-trump-against-iran/) - Michael Higgins/National Post: Trudeau resisted listing the IRGC even after it shot down Flight PS752 in January 2020, killing 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents. It was only in 2022 that the Liberals shifted position, recognizing an uprising of the people in Iran and perhaps sensing a political blowback in Canada. Carney seems to have - [Lloyd Axworthy: Canada once rejected America’s aggressive, unlawful foreign policy. Today Mark Carney embraced it](https://thecompositeeye.ca/lloyd-axworthy-canada-once-rejected-americas-aggressive-unlawful-foreign-policy-today-mark-carney-embraced-it/) - Lloyd Axworthy/Toronto Star: We invoke international law and the “rules based international order” when adversaries engage in unlawful actions, but abandon those same rules entirely when it’s the Americans — whose current government 60 per cent of Canadians now see as a threat — doing the bombing. For a country that depends on law more - [Daniel Béland: Quebec’s orange-wave castaway and shrinking NDP](https://thecompositeeye.ca/daniel-beland-quebecs-orange-wave-castaway-and-shrinking-ndp/) - Daniel Béland/Policy Magazine: Regardless of his motives, Boulerice’s departure would leave the NDP with only six seats in the House of Commons. Because both the Bloc and the Liberals are likely to recruit strong candidates in a byelection in Rosemont-La Petite Patrie, and the success of the NDP in that riding has been largely due - [Canada should not have election before reviewing CUSMA trade deal: Poilievre](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-should-not-have-election-before-reviewing-cusma-trade-deal-poilievre/) - CBC: Poilievre said his main critique of Prime Minister Mark Carney is that "in 10 months he hasn't done very much. There's been lots of announcements and papers signed and ceremonies, but not actual results." "And I think it would be better for us to see some results for him than to spend a half - [Khamenei’s death met with ‘jubilation’ among Iranian-Canadians: Liberal MP](https://thecompositeeye.ca/khameneis-death-met-with-jubilation-among-iranian-canadians-liberal-mp/) - Global: “The crowd was absolutely jubilant, so incredibly happy,” Ehsassi, whose family emigrated from Iran after the 1979 revolution, said in an interview with Global News on Sunday. “The supreme leader was the architect of the apparatus of fear within Iran, and also obviously the individual responsible for making sure that his regime became the - [Poilievre says he’s offered to go to U.S. to make Canada’s case](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-says-hes-offered-to-go-to-u-s-to-make-canadas-case/) - The Globe and Mail: Mr. Poilievre also said he “can’t stand” U.S. President Donald Trump’s talk about Canada becoming the 51st state, doesn’t like Mr. Trump’s tariffs and doesn’t like the way he’s treating Canada. “At various times, I’ve been upset by the words he utters and the things he does, just like everyone else,” - [No 'imminent threat' to Canada amid fallout of U.S. attack on Iran: Police](https://thecompositeeye.ca/no-imminent-threat-to-canada-amid-fallout-of-u-s-attack-on-iran-police/) - The Canadian Press: However, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police is warning Canadians to be vigilant, but says there is no current intelligence warning of problems as the airstrikes in Iran enter a second day. “Experience shows that periods of geopolitical tension can sometimes inspire extremist networks, hate-motivated individuals or proxy-related threat actors to - [Canada poised to become 'one of the largest suppliers of LNG in the world': Energy minister](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-poised-to-become-one-of-the-largest-suppliers-of-lng-in-the-world-energy-minister/) - CBC: Hitting that goal would require more than just the LNG projects currently underway — which at full capacity would provide less than 50 million tonnes for export each year. Hodgson's comments came ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's trip to India where LNG is expected to be a focus... - [Canada ‘abandoning’ international law with support for U.S. strikes on Iran: Former diplomats](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-abandoning-international-law-with-support-for-u-s-strikes-on-iran-former-diplomats/) - The Hill Times: He (Former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy) said it has become a pattern for Carney to show U.S. President Donald Trump that Canada can be a “complicit partner.” “It’s an abandonment of a long-standing element of our foreign policy,” said Axworthy, who served as Canada’s top diplomat under then-Liberal prime minister Jean - [B.C. Conservative MPs Zimmer, Caputo ask for public inquiry into Tumbler Ridge deaths](https://thecompositeeye.ca/b-c-conservative-mps-zimmer-caputo-ask-for-public-inquiry-into-tumbler-ridge-deaths/) - The Canadian Press: Federal Conservative MP Bob Zimmer, who represents the community in northeastern B.C., said the mourning families need answers around various aspects, including the shooter’s mental health and access to guns, as well as the role of artificial intelligence and the protection of the victims’ families... - [Ottawa won't say if it penalized Gripen jets in 2021 analysis](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ottawa-wont-say-if-it-penalized-gripen-jets-in-2021-analysis/) - The Canadian Press: Citing confidential sources, the Swedish business publication Affarsvarlden reported that Ottawa added a risk coefficient to its analysis that significantly undermined the Gripen's test scores because it was still a new series aircraft... - [Did Canadian exchange officers participate in US Iran strike planning? DND says no, but questions linger](https://thecompositeeye.ca/did-canadian-exchange-officers-participate-in-us-iran-strike-planning-dnd-says-no-but-questions-linger/) - CBC: A former senior Canadian general says it's highly likely some Canadian military members, on exchange with the United States, would have been involved at some level in the planning and co-ordination of air strikes on Iran — something the Department of National Defence disputes... - [Putin’s friendship has limits — as Iran just found out](https://thecompositeeye.ca/putins-friendship-has-limits-as-iran-just-found-out/) - Politico: As Tehran was being pounded by U.S. and Israeli bombs on Saturday morning, its top diplomat dialed Moscow’s number. On the other end of the line, according to an official Russian statement, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov offered his Iranian counterpart sympathy and promised his — verbal — support... - [Elite doctors served Jeffrey Epstein while treating his ‘girls’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/elite-doctors-served-jeffrey-epstein-while-treating-his-girls/) - New York Times: A small stable of doctors gave V.I.P. medical services to the sex offender and the women around him. Some doctors bent or broke the ethical rules of their profession... - [Why U.S. and Israel struck when they did: Chance to kill Iran’s leaders](https://thecompositeeye.ca/why-u-s-and-israel-struck-when-they-did-chance-to-kill-irans-leaders/) - Wall Street Journal: The allies’ intelligence agencies discovered a rare opportunity to target high-level officials, including the country’s supreme leader... - [Outside White House, hundreds protest attack on Iran, urge end to conflict](https://thecompositeeye.ca/outside-white-house-hundreds-protest-attack-on-iran-urge-end-to-conflict/) - Washington Post: Some protesters held signs that read, “No bombs on Iran” and “No New US War in the Middle East.” Less than a half-mile away, near the World War I Memorial, a group of people waving American and Israeli flags chanted, “Thank you Trump,” appearing to celebrate the strikes... - [Push from Saudis, Israel helped move Trump to attack Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/push-from-saudis-israel-helped-move-trump-to-attack-iran/) - Washington Post: U.S. intelligence assessments saw no imminent threat, but regional allies argued now was the time to strike... - [Ships avoid Hormuz as Iran media says it’s practically shut](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ships-avoid-hormuz-as-iran-media-says-its-practically-shut/) - Bloomberg: The sharply reduced traffic offers the first signs of disruption to commodity markets from the US decision to attack Iran, though it’s unclear how long it will last. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important focal points at times of tension with Iran, because a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil - [Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, killed in US-Israel strikes](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ali-khamenei-irans-supreme-leader-killed-in-us-israel-strikes/) - Bloomberg: With Khamenei’s demise, a hugely consequential chapter in Iran’s modern history closes with little certainty over what comes next or who’s lined up to succeed him... - [Diplomacy shifts to war: How Trump’s team decided to attack Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/diplomacy-shifts-to-war-how-trumps-team-decided-to-attack-iran/) - Bloomberg: Trump’s goal was to pressure Iran’s rulers to do what they have resisted for decades: give up their nuclear and long-range missile programs and stop supporting its armed proxies. He said he preferred a diplomatic solution with Tehran, but the buildup continued. Yet even as his envoys to the Iran talks, son-in-law Jared Kushner - [Here’s what members of Congress are saying about attacks on Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/heres-what-members-of-congress-are-saying-about-attacks-on-iran/) - New York Times: As explosions rocked Tehran, Republicans largely voiced support as Democrats warned about a costly and unauthorized conflict... - [Congress faces war powers votes in wake of Iran strikes](https://thecompositeeye.ca/congress-faces-war-powers-votes-in-wake-of-iran-strikes/) - New York Times: Following the attack, Democrats and a few Republicans escalated their calls for swift votes on whether to curb the president’s power to continue using force against Iran without explicit authorization... - [Insurers to cancel policies, raise prices for ships in Gulf, Strait of Hormuz](https://thecompositeeye.ca/insurers-to-cancel-policies-raise-prices-for-ships-in-gulf-strait-of-hormuz/) - Financial Times: War risk insurers on Saturday submitted cancellation notices for policies covering ships moving through the key oil chokepoint, brokers told the FT, with prices set to rise as much as 50 per cent in the coming days... - [Benjamin Netanyahu’s ‘biggest decision’: Israeli leader pursues regime change in Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/benjamin-netanyahus-biggest-decision-israeli-leader-pursues-regime-change-in-iran/) - Financial Times: But analysts and former officials said Netanyahu had played an important role in ensuring that when Trump did decide to intervene, he went for the maximalist option of regime change rather than settling for the lesser options favoured by some of his advisers... - [Adam Zivo: Israelis hate Islamic regime, but love Iranians](https://thecompositeeye.ca/adam-zivo-israelis-hate-islamic-regime-but-love-iranians/) - Adam Zivo/National Post: Many Jewish-Canadians have said that, after October 7, the Iranian community was among the few allies that could be counted on to stand up against antisemitism and radical Islamism. Not only are Iranian flags a common sight at pro-Israeli events, every Free Iran rally I’ve attended this year has been dotted with Israeli - [Lorne Gunter: Poilievre's newfound tough stance on Trump likely too little, too late](https://thecompositeeye.ca/lorne-gunter-poilievres-newfound-tough-stance-on-trump-likely-too-little-too-late/) - Lorne Gunter/Edmonton Journal: And he took time (in language much clearer than Carney’s) to explain many of the things Trump gets upside down and backwards about trade. For instance, “Our trade surplus does not represent exploitation by Canada of the United States of America … it is the result of us selling very good and very - [Quebec's language watchdog calls out Montreal bakery over English TikToks](https://thecompositeeye.ca/quebecs-language-watchdog-calls-out-montreal-bakery-over-english-tiktoks/) - CBC: "Most publications (photos, captions, spoken language in short videos) are not available in French," reads the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF)'s letter following an inspection of Lahmajoune Villeray's social media. The watchdog said English is used more than French on the family business's TikTok account. Upon receiving the letter, Hannan said he and his - [New Poilievre: Further from Trump, closer to Carney](https://thecompositeeye.ca/new-poilievre-further-from-trump-closer-to-carney/) - Don Newman: Poilievre saying much of what Carney has been saying along with a stirring message of patriotic independence may not be a game changer for the Conservatives. He may be too late to the party. But by changing his message, Poilievre is at least now saying what people want to hear... - [Canada supports U.S. actions in destroying Iran's nuclear program: Carney](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-supports-u-s-actions-in-destroying-irans-nuclear-program-carney/) - CBC: As U.S. President Donald Trump charges ahead with a major attack on Iran, Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada supports at least one component of the American mission: destroying Iran's nuclear program. "Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from threatening international - [PM Carney rules out Canada’s military participation in Middle East conflict](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pm-carney-rules-out-canadas-military-participation-in-middle-east-conflict/) - CTV: Carney made the comments in Mumbai as part of a fireside Q&A, with Indian journalist Shereen Bahn, in front of an audience of around a hundred Indians and Canadians. “We have not been party to the military build up to this, or the military planning of this. So, it is not envisioned that we - [Zineb Riboua: Iran question all about China](https://thecompositeeye.ca/zineb-riboua-iran-question-all-about-china/) - Zineb Riboua: The logic here requires no conspiracy theory to explain. Every dollar the United States spends defending Red Sea shipping lanes is a dollar unavailable for submarine production, Pacific basing, or Taiwan contingency planning. Every carrier group stationed in the Gulf of Aden is a carrier group absent from the Western Pacific. Iran’s proxies, - [Joe Biden warns that Trump will try to ‘steal’ midterm elections](https://thecompositeeye.ca/joe-biden-warns-that-trump-will-try-to-steal-midterm-elections/) - The Guardian: “Here’s the good news,” Biden continued. “In America, the power still belongs to the people for now. And the way to show the power is vote, show up and vote. And folks, when we do that, that’s bad news for Donald Trump, and he knows it. “That’s why he’s trying to pull out - [Kash Patel’s girlfriend seeks fame and fortune, escorted by F.B.I. SWAT team](https://thecompositeeye.ca/kash-patels-girlfriend-seeks-fame-and-fortune-escorted-by-f-b-i-swat-team/) - New York Times: To an extent not previously reported, Ms. Wilkins is escorted in her travels by Special Weapons and Tactics team members drawn from F.B.I. field offices around the country. SWAT teams are chiefly trained to arrest violent criminals, free hostages and thwart terrorists. But Mr. Patel’s demand that rotating SWAT teams provide his - [Trump orders govt to stop using Anthropic](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-orders-govt-to-stop-using-anthropic/) - New York Times: President Trump on Friday ordered all federal agencies to stop using artificial intelligence technology made by Anthropic, a directive that could vastly complicate intelligence analysis and defense work. ... For Anthropic, a firm that prioritizes both national security and technological safety, the political stakes are high. Supporters cheered Mr. Amodei’s assertion that - [OpenAI strikes deal with Pentagon after Trump orders govt to stop using Anthropic](https://thecompositeeye.ca/openai-strikes-deal-with-pentagon-after-trump-orders-govt-to-stop-using-anthropic/) - NBC: Altman said the Department of Defense “displayed a deep respect for safety and a desire to partner to achieve the best possible outcome” in their interactions. Altman also said OpenAI will create “safeguards to ensure our models behave as they should, which the DoW also wanted.” It is unclear if or how the safety-focused - [David Ellison used political ties, deep pockets to buy Warner Bros.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/david-ellison-used-political-ties-deep-pockets-to-buy-warner-bros/) - Bloomberg: Ellison traveled to Washington several times, meeting with President Trump, dining with Trump’s adviser Stephen Miller and answering questions from senators. Ellison’s outreach was bolstered by his father’s years of political donations. He also visited Europe, talking to French leader Emmanuel Macron, the UK culture secretary and the owners of local theaters. Just last - [Did COVID escape from Chinese lab? WHO chief says he's worried, disappointed by lack of transparency from Beijing](https://thecompositeeye.ca/did-covid-escape-from-chinese-lab-who-chief-says-hes-worried-disappointed-by-lack-of-transparency-from-beijing/) - Bloomberg: I want to go back to the Covid and China question. You didn’t [say] whether you got the answers you wanted from the Chinese. Do you think it was infected animals and infection crossing into humans? Or was it a lab leak? The WHO position is [that] all hypotheses [are] on the table — - [India built world’s back office. A.I. starting to shrink it.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/india-built-worlds-back-office-a-i-starting-to-shrink-it/) - New York Times: Artificial intelligence promises to automate the white-collar work that made India a tech powerhouse. The country is racing to adapt before it’s too late... - [Departing CBS News producer claims political bias as Paramount poised to buy Warner Bros](https://thecompositeeye.ca/departing-cbs-news-producer-claims-political-bias-as-paramount-poised-to-buy-warner-bros/) - The Guardian: Mary Walsh, leaving after 46 years, says staffers told to ‘aim our reporting at a particular part of the political spectrum’... - [China sent attack drones to Iran, as it discusses ballistic missile sales](https://thecompositeeye.ca/china-sent-attack-drones-to-iran-as-it-discusses-ballistic-missile-sales/) - Middle East Eye: One Arab official familiar with the deliveries described the offensive weapons as “small” systems. Another regional intelligence official said Beijing had sent loitering munitions, or Kamikaze drones, to the Islamic Republic. A second Arab official who spoke with MEE confirmed the deliveries of “offensive” weapons as well as the air-defence systems... - [Vance: ‘No chance’ U.S. will be in drawn-out war in Middle East](https://thecompositeeye.ca/vance-no-chance-u-s-will-be-in-drawn-out-war-in-middle-east/) - Washington Post: Speaking withThe Washington Post on Thursday, Vance said he does not know what Trump will decide to do about Iran, describing possibilities that include military strikes “to ensure Iran isn’t going to get a nuclear weapon,” or solving “the problem diplomatically.” But if Trump proceeds with another round of strikes on Iran — - [Hypothetical nuclear attack that escalated Pentagon’s showdown with Anthropic](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hypothetical-nuclear-attack-that-escalated-pentagons-showdown-with-anthropic/) - Washington Post: A defense official said the Pentagon’s technology chief whittled the debate down to a life-and-death nuclear scenario at a meeting last month: If an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched at the United States, could the military use Anthropic’s Claude AI system to help shoot it down?... - [It can now be plainly said: Trump planning November coup d’État](https://thecompositeeye.ca/it-can-now-be-plainly-said-trump-planning-november-coup-detat/) - Michael Tomasky/The New Republic: So picture this. It’s October. The mystery Trump accuser, the one about whom those FBI files have strangely gone missing, has come forward. Her allegations against the president of the United States are lurid and, to most of the country, credible. Trump is down to 29 percent in the polls. The - [‘Incoherent’: Hegseth’s Anthropic ultimatum confounds AI policymakers ](https://thecompositeeye.ca/incoherent-hegseths-anthropic-ultimatum-confounds-ai-policymakers/) - Politico: Tech lawyers and AI policymakers warn that the Pentagon’s plans to compel Anthropic to abandon its ethical red lines are contradictory and could chill partnerships between the government and Silicon Valley... - [After Supreme Court ruling, White House does damage control on trade deals](https://thecompositeeye.ca/after-supreme-court-ruling-white-house-does-damage-control-on-trade-deals/) - Politico: For all Trump’s threats and public bluster, a number of key advisers and U.S. envoys are privately taking a more conciliatory approach in the hope of averting further setbacks to Trump’s trade agenda. “The United States expects all of our trading partners to uphold existing agreements that restore reciprocity in our trade relationships, benefiting - [Jeff Bezos’s $30bn start-up seeks tens of billions to buy industrial companies disrupted by AI](https://thecompositeeye.ca/jeff-bezoss-30bn-start-up-seeks-tens-of-billions-to-buy-industrial-companies-disrupted-by-ai/) - Financial Times: Prometheus aims to build novel AI systems that go beyond large language models, with the ability to map the real world and understand design and engineering. It is targeting the complex manufacturing processes behind objects ranging from jet engines to computer chips, aiming to make these far quicker and less resource-intensive. The company - [Condé Nast CEO says AI ‘death blow’ to Google search](https://thecompositeeye.ca/conde-nast-ceo-says-ai-death-blow-to-google-search/) - Financial Times: Condé Nast has struck licensing agreements with AI groups including OpenAI and Amazon, but has yet to reach a deal with Google. Lynch criticised what he described as a “pernicious” arrangement under which publishers must opt out of Google search in order to prevent their content from being scraped for AI-generated summaries... - [With Trump’s apparent blessing, Ellisons amassing media empire](https://thecompositeeye.ca/with-trumps-apparent-blessing-ellisons-amassing-media-empire/) - CNN: ...since Ellison took the helm at Paramount, the company has been accused of bowing to Trump. It paid Trump millions of dollars after the president sued over a 60 Minutes edit of its interview of former Vice President Kamala Harris that he didn’t like. It canceled Stephen Colbert’s Late Show – one of the - [What U.S. military buildup against Iran looks like](https://thecompositeeye.ca/what-u-s-military-buildup-against-iran-looks-like/) - The Globe and Mail: In recent weeks warships and bombers have moved in, ostensibly to put pressure on Iran to cut a deal with the U.S. over its nuclear enrichment program. President Donald Trump has said he will order a military strike on Iran unless it makes a deal. The prospect of war between the - [‘We have a big decision to make’ on Iran: Trump](https://thecompositeeye.ca/we-have-a-big-decision-to-make-on-iran-trump/) - CNN: President Donald Trump acknowledged today he was facing a difficult choice in how to proceed with Iran after efforts at diplomacy have proved unsatisfactory. “We have a big decision to make,” he told a crowd in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was promoting his energy agenda... CNBC: President Donald Trump said, “I’d love not to use” - [Bill Clinton denies having any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes in historic deposition](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bill-clinton-denies-having-any-knowledge-of-epsteins-crimes-in-historic-deposition/) - CNN: Repeatedly, lawmakers showed Clinton photos of himself with women from Epstein materials recently released by the Justice Department, asking if he had sex with them. Each time, he told them he did not, two sources familiar with the testimony said. At one point, the panel homed in on a particularly well-known photo of Clinton - [US, UK pull diplomats from Middle East as Iran war fears rise](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-uk-pull-diplomats-from-middle-east-as-iran-war-fears-rise/) - Financial Times: The US, the UK and other powers put diplomats and citizens in the Middle East on alert on Friday, ordering some to leave their positions, amid fears that a Trump administration attack on Iran could spiral into a regional conflict. ... The Gerald R Ford, the US’s largest and newest aircraft carrier, was - [Judge blocks Virginia law restricting social media for children](https://thecompositeeye.ca/judge-blocks-virginia-law-restricting-social-media-for-children/) - Reuters: A federal judge on Friday blocked Virginia from enforcing a new law that aimed to protect children from being addicted to social media by requiring age verification and limiting use by those under 16 to one hour per day. U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles in Alexandria, Virginia, said the technology trade group NetChoice - [Andrew MacDougall: Poilievre finally counterattacks on Trump front](https://thecompositeeye.ca/andrew-macdougall-poilievre-finally-counterattacks-on-trump-front/) - Andrew MacDougall: In his speech, Poilievre chose to follow the Harperian path, not the Fordian, which is both the sensible and responsible choice when you aspire to lead the level of government that actually has to get the result versus your American counterpart. As Poilievre rightly noted, Trump will go and Canada has to do - [Derek Burney: Carney needs help on his two most important files](https://thecompositeeye.ca/derek-burney-carney-needs-help-on-his-two-most-important-files/) - Derek Burney/Policy Magazine: Carney’s most serious deficiency is a weak cabinet with too many holdovers from the decade of drift under Justin Trudeau. ... On relations with the U.S., Carney faces a challenge similar to that facing leaders of many erstwhile American allies. Yet none is as reliant on the U.S. as Canada for prosperity - [Campbell Clark: Poilievre makes pivot on Trump, but repudiates Carney’s foreign policy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/campbell-clark-poilievre-makes-pivot-on-trump-but-repudiates-carneys-foreign-policy/) - Campbell Clark/The Globe and Mail: In some ways, he sounded a lot like Mr. Carney: He argued, as the PM has, that Canada can’t control U.S. politics so it has to focus on what it can control at home, and build its strength. Unsurprisingly, Mr. Poilievre argued that Mr. Carney isn’t getting that done – - [Andrew Coyne: Donald Trump may yet survive – but he is currently losing](https://thecompositeeye.ca/andrew-coyne-donald-trump-may-yet-survive-but-he-is-currently-losing/) - Andrew Coyne/The Globe and Mail: Donald Trump is losing. He may yet survive; he will not be brought down easily or swiftly; nothing is foreordained. But he has suffered a series of blows in recent weeks that have substantially dented his authority, dispelling the impression of inevitability on which his audacious assault on American democracy depends... - [AI minister says OpenAI still not doing enough in wake of B.C. shooting, will meet CEO Altman](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ai-minister-says-openai-still-not-doing-enough-in-wake-of-b-c-shooting-will-meet-ceo-altman/) - CBC: "While we note their willingness to strengthen law enforcement referral protocols, establish direct points of contact with Canadian authorities and enhance safeguards, we have not yet seen a detailed plan for how these commitments will be implemented in practice," Solomon said in a statement on Friday... - [Trump raises possibility of ‘friendly takeover of Cuba’ coming out of talks with Havana](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-raises-possibility-of-friendly-takeover-of-cuba-coming-out-of-talks-with-havana/) - Associated Press: Speaking to reporters outside the White House as he left for a trip to Texas, Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in discussions with Cuban leaders “at a very high level.” “The Cuban government is talking with us,” the president said. “They have no money. They have no anything right now. - [China suspends some canola, seafood tariffs on Canada after Carney visit](https://thecompositeeye.ca/china-suspends-some-canola-seafood-tariffs-on-canada-after-carney-visit/) - The Canadian Press: The country’s finance ministry says 100 per cent tariffs on canola meal and peas, and a 25 per cent levy on lobsters and crabs, will not be imposed. A statement says the announcement, which made no mention of canola seed tariffs, will take effect March 1 and continue through to the end - [Canada can't brush aside security concerns about India, ex-adviser warns](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-cant-brush-aside-security-concerns-about-india-ex-adviser-warns/) - The Canadian Press: Vincent Rigby, who now teaches at McGill University, said Canada needs to strike a balance between poking India in the eye and pretending national security threats no longer exist as the countries try to rebuild their relationship. “I get that we need to have a relationship with India. You have to work - [Politics, trade on tap for Poilievre during trip to U.K., Germany](https://thecompositeeye.ca/politics-trade-on-tap-for-poilievre-during-trip-to-u-k-germany/) - The Canadian Press: The itinerary shows Poilievre is set to meet with British MPs and members of the business community in London on Monday and Tuesday. ... Poilievre heads to Berlin on Wednesday, where he will speak on the transatlantic relationship at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, which is associated with the governing Christian Democratic Union. - [Conservative MP searches for ‘antifa’ in federal govt, Canadian Armed Forces](https://thecompositeeye.ca/conservative-mp-searches-for-antifa-in-federal-govt-canadian-armed-forces/) - Global: Edmonton-area MP Garnett Genuis has asked federal departments and agencies, as well as the military, if any of their employees are now, or were members of the decentralized protest movement over the past ten years. “Antifa” is not a formal organization, but an umbrella term for political movements that oppose far-right, racist and fascist - ['Moral panic': Conservative MP blasts aid to Cuba, urges govt to spend it on 'our own people'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/moral-panic-conservative-mp-blasts-aid-to-cuba-urges-govt-to-spend-it-on-our-own-people/) - National Post: “What more could we be doing for our own people?” said Jivani, in a post on X. “The way this is framed — so you don’t think about it as a choice between money exiting our borders versus money being used to the benefit of Canadian workers and businesses — is the media frames - [Supplying India with uranium ‘very possible in near future’: Premier Moe](https://thecompositeeye.ca/supplying-india-with-uranium-very-possible-in-near-future-premier-moe/) - The Globe and Mail: Canada and India were putting the finishing touches on a 10-year deal worth US$2.8-billion but that the value and terms could change before an announcement. The uranium would be supplied by Canada’s Cameco Corp., and the export deal could be part of a broader nuclear co-operation effort between Canada and India. Mr. Moe, whose - [Canada has 'fallen behind' in trade with India, says Moe, as Carney hopes to strike energy deals](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-has-fallen-behind-in-trade-with-india-says-moe-as-carney-hopes-to-strike-energy-deals/) - National Post: That is why, Moe said, it remains important that Canada not walk away, despite any differences it may have. Moe made his comments after arriving in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government deals with the domestic fallout of a senior government official downplaying that agents linked to the Indian government were - [Carney lands in India to kick off Asia trip](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-lands-in-india-to-kick-off-asia-trip/) - The Canadian Press: Carney will spend two days in Mumbai, mainly in business meetings, before flying to New Delhi on March 1, where he will meet with Modi. Carney and Modi are each looking to decrease their countries’ dependence on trade with the United States under President Donald Trump. “Both for India and for Canada, - [Energy-hungry India tells Carney 'we are willing to buy whatever Canada is offering'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/energy-hungry-india-tells-carney-we-are-willing-to-buy-whatever-canada-is-offering/) - CBC: India wants to buy any energy product it can from Canada, and its officials are urging the federal government to streamline approvals for various projects so it can tap into new supplies to feed a rapidly growing country with relatively few natural resources of its own. That's the message India's high commissioner to Canada, - [FULL SPEECH | Poilievre speaks on future of Canada-U.S. relations](https://thecompositeeye.ca/full-speech-poilievre-speaks-on-future-of-canada-u-s-relations/) - CBC: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre delivered a speech outlining his view on the future of Canada's relationship with the United States on Thursday to the Economic Club of Canada in Toronto. 'We cannot allow others to control us, we cannot allow President Trump to distract us from the work we need to do here at - [High-stakes fight between Hegseth and Anthropic](https://thecompositeeye.ca/high-stakes-fight-between-hegseth-and-anthropic/) - The Atlantic: Hegseth’s antagonism spurred speculation about the Pentagon’s plans—perhaps the military would refuse Anthropic’s restrictions only if it planned to establish an American Stasi manned by AI agents or had a fleet of killer-autonomous-drone swarms ready to launch, maybe even imminently over Iran. “This is what many of us have been warning about for - [Musk's xAI and Pentagon reach deal to use Grok in classified systems](https://thecompositeeye.ca/musks-xai-and-pentagon-reach-deal-to-use-grok-in-classified-systems/) - Axios: Anthropic has refused the Pentagon's demand that they make Claude available for "all lawful purposes," insisting in particular on blocking its use for the mass surveillance of Americans and the development of fully autonomous weapons. xAI agreed to that "all lawful use" standard, as Axios previously reported. The New York Times first reported that - [Vietnam on track to overtake Canada as source of U.S. imports](https://thecompositeeye.ca/vietnam-on-track-to-overtake-canada-as-source-of-u-s-imports/) - The Globe and Mail: The gap in U.S. import share between Canada and Vietnam was already closing before Mr. Trump returned to office, but the trend has accelerated as the U.S. ramped up its pressure on China. Under the Trump 1.0 and Biden administrations, the U.S. sought to lessen its reliance on China for low-cost - [Christine Van Geyn: Court rejects narrow take on mobility rights in pandemic travel case](https://thecompositeeye.ca/christine-van-geyn-court-rejects-narrow-take-on-mobility-rights-in-pandemic-travel-case/) - Christine Van Geyn/National Post: This month, the Supreme Court of Canada released its first, and likely only, major decision addressing COVID-era restrictions. The case, Taylor v. Newfoundland and Labrador, considered the fundamental constitutional question of whether Canadians have a right to move freely within their own country. Mercifully, the Court found unanimously that we do... - [Boss of World Economic Forum quits after links to Epstein revealed](https://thecompositeeye.ca/boss-of-world-economic-forum-quits-after-links-to-epstein-revealed/) - The Guardian: Børge Brende admitted dining with the convicted sex offender on three occasions between 2018 and 2019... - [OpenAI would’ve flagged Canada mass shooting suspect under new rules](https://thecompositeeye.ca/openai-wouldve-flagged-canada-mass-shooting-suspect-under-new-rules/) - Bloomberg: The artificial intelligence company also revealed Thursday that the suspected killer in the Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia tragedy, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, had a second ChatGPT account that it failed to detect until after police released her name. The company previously said it had flagged another account owned by Van Rootselaar in June 2025, eight months - [Russian land deals near military sites put Finland on defensive](https://thecompositeeye.ca/russian-land-deals-near-military-sites-put-finland-on-defensive/) - Bloomberg: For decades, Finland allowed investors from Russia to buy real estate. Russians quietly amassed thousands of properties on NATO’s eastern flank, some close to military bases and critical infrastructure. Now, the Finnish government is grappling with how to tell what’s innocent investment, and what’s a threat... - [Kash Patel purges more FBI agents tied to Mar-a-Lago investigation](https://thecompositeeye.ca/kash-patel-purges-more-fbi-agents-tied-to-mar-a-lago-investigation/) - Washington Post: At least one more firing occurred Thursday, the people familiar with the matter said. Two of the people familiar said they expect more firings could be on the way. The firings are the latest example of Patel pushing out experienced FBI agents because they worked on one of the two federal investigations into - [Lawsuits against US soar as Trump agenda draws court challenges](https://thecompositeeye.ca/lawsuits-against-us-soar-as-trump-agenda-draws-court-challenges/) - Financial Times: Neal Katyal, the lawyer who argued against Trump’s tariffs on behalf of US-based businesses before the Supreme Court, set up a task force on Tuesday to secure refunds from the levies he helped invalidate. ... The tariff claims are the latest moves in a burgeoning legal cottage industry challenging Trump, producing hundreds of cases on - [Jack Dorsey’s Block to cut workforce by ‘nearly half’ as it leans on AI tools](https://thecompositeeye.ca/jack-dorseys-block-to-cut-workforce-by-nearly-half-as-it-leans-on-ai-tools/) - Financial Times: Group’s shares surge 25% as CEO says ‘most companies are late’ to realise how much technology will affect employment... - [Woman suing Meta, YouTube testifies it’s ‘too hard to be without’ social media](https://thecompositeeye.ca/woman-suing-meta-youtube-testifies-its-too-hard-to-be-without-social-media/) - Wall Street Journal: Mark Lanier, the attorney for the plaintiff, said that on one day as a teenager, Kaley G.M. spent 16 hours on Instagram. “I wanted to be on it all the time,” she said. “If I wasn’t on it, I felt like I was going to miss out on something.”... - [Trump diplomats bashing Europe get sharp reply: Butt out](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-diplomats-bashing-europe-get-sharp-reply-butt-out/) - Wall Street Journal: President Trump’s diplomats are increasingly willing to chastise Europeans in public. The response from authorities here has been sharp: Mind your own business. ... Trump’s envoys have cast aside decades of tradition that call for diplomats to avoid meddling—at least publicly—in the politics of their host country. As the guarantors of European - [Hillary Clinton says she has no information about Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hillary-clinton-says-she-has-no-information-about-jeffrey-epsteins-crimes/) - Wall Street Journal: “I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island, homes or offices. I have nothing to add to that,” she said, according to her prepared remarks. “You have compelled me to testify, fully aware that I have no knowledge that would assist your - [Anthropic rejects latest Pentagon offer: ‘We cannot in good conscience accede to their request’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anthropic-rejects-latest-pentagon-offer-we-cannot-in-good-conscience-accede-to-their-request/) - CNN: Anthropic said in a statement that the Pentagon’s new language was framed as a compromise but “was paired with legalese that would allow those safeguards to be disregarded at will.”... - [Wall Street turns to complex trades to dodge AI ‘implosions’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/wall-street-turns-to-complex-trades-to-dodge-ai-implosions/) - Financial Times: Confronted with such febrile markets, stockpicking has become a matter of “avoiding implosions”, said Mike O’Rourke at Jones Trading. Investors are embracing so-called dispersion trades, which involve buying single-stock volatility while selling index volatility to profit from the gap between the S&P 500’s relatively subdued daily moves and large price swings for individual - [Trump, seeking executive power over elections, urged to declare emergency](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-seeking-executive-power-over-elections-urged-to-declare-emergency/) - Washington Post: Pro-Trump activists who say they are in coordination with the White House are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that claims China interfered in the 2020 election as a basis to declare a national emergency that would unlock extraordinary presidential power over voting. President Donald Trump has repeatedly previewed a plan to mandate - [Judge says U.S. intentionally violating law on immigration](https://thecompositeeye.ca/judge-says-u-s-intentionally-violating-law-on-immigration/) - New York Times: The judge, Zahid N. Quraishi, added that if the Trump administration continued to make immigration arrests under a rationale that had already been found legally unacceptable, those arrests would most likely have to be justified through sworn testimony by administration officials. That strict standard would reflect an extraordinary lack of faith in - [Paramount emerges victorious over Netflix in Warner Bros. Discovery bidding war](https://thecompositeeye.ca/paramount-emerges-victorious-over-netflix-in-warner-bros-discovery-bidding-war/) - CNN: Netflix said it has “declined to raise its offer for Warner Bros.” after the Warner Bros. Discovery board determined that Paramount has submitted a “superior” offer for the media giant. ... With that announcement, Paramount suddenly moved much closer to taking over CNN, HBO, and the rest of the assets owned by Warner Bros. - [White House staffer appears to run massive pro-Trump X account](https://thecompositeeye.ca/white-house-staffer-appears-to-run-massive-pro-trump-x-account/) - Wired: But this isn’t just a regular account. Johnny MAGA appears to actually be a White House staffer named Garrett Wade who works for the Trump administration as a rapid response manager, helping to run the very same White House account his anonymous MAGA account amplifies. A phone number associated with Wade is linked to - [Intelligence report reveals Russia cultivated Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor](https://thecompositeeye.ca/intelligence-report-reveals-russia-cultivated-andrew-mountbatten-windsor/) - Andrew Lownie: This is an intelligence report not cleared for release. Political corruption. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Designated Russian Union. Date 15th of January, 2026. Russian state services have been using Western government infrastructure programs, especially green energy subsidiary programs, as a source of legitimate revenue, which is then repurposed for political corruption operations. All this originally - [OpenAI flags China-linked influence ops targeting Japan's Takaichi](https://thecompositeeye.ca/openai-flags-china-linked-influence-ops-targeting-japans-takaichi/) - Nikkei Asia: After ChatGPT refused to execute the prompt, the account used DeepSeek and Alibaba's Qwen to structure a draft plan -- including amplifying negative comments and using fake email accounts posing as foreign residents to send complaints against Takaichi to Japanese politicians -- and then asked ChatGPT to refine it, according to a report - [Pentagon removes senior official from Joint Staff post](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pentagon-removes-senior-official-from-joint-staff-post/) - Reuters: U.S. Vice Admiral Fred Kacher has been removed from his position as director of the Joint Staff after only taking the post in December, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. ... Kacher's removal follows upheaval at all levels of leadership at the Pentagon, including the firing of the previous chairman - [Tensions simmer over Howard Lutnick, Trump’s favorite dealmaker](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tensions-simmer-over-howard-lutnick-trumps-favorite-dealmaker/) - Politico: ...some Cabinet secretaries and senior officials in the administration are increasingly wary of what they describe as his brash and controlling style – and whether he can deliver on the $18 trillion in pledged investments Trump claims he’s promised, according to 15 people interviewed for this article, granted anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations. ... - [Bramha Chellaney: Canada’s relationship with India set to evolve](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bramha-chellaney-canadas-relationship-with-india-set-to-evolve/) - Brahma Chellaney/The Globe and Mail: Mr. Carney’s visit signals that both governments have decided the costs of continued estrangement are too high. The visit’s strategic logic is rooted in a shared reassessment of the global order. Both Canada and India are hedging against the volatility of great-power rivalry. Mr. Carney’s emerging “middle-power” doctrine emphasizes building - [Lawrence Martin: Americans want new course. Donald Trump vows to stay old one](https://thecompositeeye.ca/lawrence-martin-americans-want-new-course-donald-trump-vows-to-stay-old-one/) - Lawrence Martin/The Globe and Mail: Despite polls showing him at a low point, Mr. Trump was cocky, arrogant, energized. He commanded the podium. He looked durable. He has always been durable – durable as a cockroach. ... The speech drew rave reviews from the MAGA faithful. But with his support at only 41 per cent, it was - [Campbell Clark: After decades of mistrust and missteps, where do India and Canada fit together?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/campbell-clark-after-decades-of-mistrust-and-missteps-where-do-india-and-canada-fit-together/) - Campbell Clark/Toronto Star: “The history of Canada-India relations is one of many missed opportunities, roadblocks and mistrust,” said Vina Nadjibulla, vice-president of the non-profit Asia-Pacific Foundation. “But there’s also a lot of potential in the relationship.” Yet there’s still a question about Canada-India relations that remains unanswered. What are we to each other? Reliable economic - [Robyn Urback: NDP hopes its revival will come through public grocery stores, zero votes in Quebec](https://thecompositeeye.ca/robyn-urback-ndp-hopes-its-revival-will-come-through-public-grocery-stores-zero-votes-in-quebec/) - Robyn Urback/The Globe and Mail: That leaves the NDP with … not great options (which is terrible news for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, along with the NDP). An ideal candidate would be able to pull back some of the more centrist NDP voters who lent their support to Mr. Carney during the last election (the - [David Coletto: Poilievre's treatment for uncertainty? Results over outrage](https://thecompositeeye.ca/david-coletto-poilievres-treatment-for-uncertainty-results-over-outrage/) - David Coletto: Based on the polling data I’m seeing (we will have a new poll out Sunday), I see two purposes to this speech. First, it was clearly an effort to reposition Poilievre as more of a statesman, albeit one who still frames things around a sense of urgency. He was less insurgent critic, more - [Canada should not declare ‘permanent rupture’ with U.S: Poilievre](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-should-not-declare-permanent-rupture-with-u-s-poilievre/) - The Globe and Mail: Mr. Poilievre stressed that Canada should not abandon its long-standing relationship with the U.S., arguing that the American people “are not our adversaries” and that survey data shows strong American goodwill toward Canada. “That insight captures a reality deeper than any temporary dispute. Canada’s prosperity and security are inseparable from a - [Reality check: AI-altered images duping buyers hunting for dream home](https://thecompositeeye.ca/reality-check-ai-altered-images-duping-buyers-hunting-for-dream-home/) - The Globe and Mail: AI-generated images have become a common fixture in the homebuying process. They can be useful – virtually furnishing an apartment to give buyers a sense of what it would be like to move in. But realtors and buyers sayan increasing number of AI images only obfuscate the quality of homes. These - [Andrew Coyne: Smith, Poilievre find someone to blame for their problems: immigrants](https://thecompositeeye.ca/andrew-coyne-smith-poilievre-find-someone-to-blame-for-their-problems-immigrants/) - Andrew Coyne/The Globe and Mail: As of last July there were about 290,000 non-permanent residents in the province, or about 5.8 per cent of the population. If they were all expelled, or denied any access to social services, the province might spend perhaps $3-billion less – on a budget of $74-billion. But they do not - [Damien Kurek: Double standard surrounding PM Carney impossible to ignore](https://thecompositeeye.ca/damien-kurek-double-standard-surrounding-pm-carney-impossible-to-ignore/) - Damien C. Kurek: I have a pretty high tolerance for political spin. You kind of have to when you’ve spent years in the House of Commons and on the ground here in Alberta. But a recent opinion column published right here on this platform claiming “moderates are fleeing” the Conservative Party crossed the line from standard spin - [Pierre Poilievre pledges to ‘work together where we can’ with Carney govt on trade challenges](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pierre-poilievre-pledges-to-work-together-where-we-can-with-carney-govt-on-trade-challenges/) - Toronto Star: In a wide-ranging speech, in which for the first time he repeatedly named the U.S. president and tackled his adversarial approach to Canada, Poilievre invoked Canada’s deep trading ties and military alliance with the U.S., warned Carney against aligning too closely with China, and set out important markers for the kind of co-operation - [Liberals move forward with nominations as election talk ramps up](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-move-forward-with-nominations-as-election-talk-ramps-up/) - The Globe and Mail: The Liberal Party unveiled its rules for selecting candidates on Wednesday and said it will begin the process of nominating people in ridings held by other parties in the coming days. The preparations follow two recent polls suggesting the party is widening its lead over the Conservatives, generating renewed speculation that Mr. Carney may - [Poilievre to fly to UK, Germany on first international trip as Opposition leader](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-to-fly-to-uk-germany-on-first-international-trip-as-opposition-leader/) - Global: Details on Poilievre’s itinerary will be released shortly but the source says he is scheduled to give several speeches in addition to meeting with unnamed European officials. It will be Poilievre’s first official overseas travel as Leader of the Official Opposition and comes while Carney is travelling to India, the first leg of a - [Carney's India trip is all business: Inside look at what PM has planned](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carneys-india-trip-is-all-business-inside-look-at-what-pm-has-planned/) - CBC: While former prime minister Justin Trudeau famously donned Indian clothing and toured major tourist sites on his 2018 trip, Carney has nothing like that planned. Government officials say the focus is almost entirely on business deals and expanding economic ties with the world's most populous country as part of a trade-diversification push. Unlike Trudeau, - [New Liberal MP Jeneroux defends decision to cross floor, won’t speak ill of Conservatives](https://thecompositeeye.ca/new-liberal-mp-jeneroux-defends-decision-to-cross-floor-wont-speak-ill-of-conservatives/) - CTV: “I have no bad words to say about people on the other side of the aisle,” MP Matt Jeneroux said on his way out of his first-ever national Liberal caucus meeting on Parliament Hill Wednesday. “Many of them are friends, deep friends, and a lot of them continue to text me.” “I hope that - [Carney should call for extradition of Indian officials linked to Nijjar killing, says ex-Liberal minister Dhaliwal](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-should-call-for-extradition-of-indian-officials-linked-to-nijjar-killing-says-ex-liberal-minister-dhaliwal/) - The Hill Times: Dhaliwal said the Indian government should co-operate with the Canadian security and government officials to identify those who are connected to the killing which took place in Surrey, B.C. “We believe in the rule of law, we believe in justice, we have to make sure we stick to our values which we - [Conservative leader pitches vision for Canada-U.S. relations in Toronto speech](https://thecompositeeye.ca/conservative-leader-pitches-vision-for-canada-u-s-relations-in-toronto-speech/) - The Canadian Press: He has said repeatedly he believes Prime Minister Mark Carney needs to secure an agreement with the Trump administration that restores tariff-free trade — even though the president has insisted he’s not ending tariffs. During a recent speech to Conservative party faithful at the party’s convention in Calgary, Poilievre did not mention - [Multibillion-dollar budget deficit on tap as Alberta introduces its 2026 budget](https://thecompositeeye.ca/multibillion-dollar-budget-deficit-on-tap-as-alberta-introduces-its-2026-budget/) - The Canadian Press: Premier Danielle Smith has signalled for weeks that the deficit is going to be, in her words, “significant” but has not provided a dollar figure. She says the main culprit is low oil prices but has also pointed to the costs associated with sharp population growth, blaming the previous federal government for - [Canada signs defence agreement with South Korea as it seeks to diversify trade](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-signs-defence-agreement-with-south-korea-as-it-seeks-to-diversify-trade/) - The Canadian Press: Following negotiations that concluded in October, the two countries signed a deal Wednesday related to the exchange and protection of classified military and defence information. ... They also agreed to begin negotiations on a defence cooperation agreement, including a legal framework for the cooperation of the countries' military forces. Hyun said South - [Carney follows up speech in Davos with trip to India, Australia, Japan](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-follows-up-speech-in-davos-with-trip-to-india-australia-japan/) - The Canadian Press: It will give Carney a chance to put that speech into action as he visits three “powerhouses of the region,” Asia Pacific Foundation vice-president Vina Nadjibulla said in an interview. “The Indo-Pacific is where the centre of gravity for geopolitics and economic growth … is increasingly converging,” she said. In his speech - [Trump’s push for election power raises fears he will ‘subvert’ midterms](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-push-for-election-power-raises-fears-he-will-subvert-midterms/) - New York Times: As the political environment darkens for his party, Mr. Trump is again warning Republicans that Democrats are going to rig the results. At the same time, he is taking actions that make Democrats fear that Republicans are actually going to subvert the election. ... He has called for Republicans to “nationalize” elections, though - [Epstein used fortune to infiltrate America’s most prestigious universities](https://thecompositeeye.ca/epstein-used-fortune-to-infiltrate-americas-most-prestigious-universities/) - Wall Street Journal: The sex offender positioned himself as a patron of the sciences. It earned him prestige and access, and fueled the myth of his intellectual genius... - [Wall Street traders pouncing on tariff refund chaos](https://thecompositeeye.ca/wall-street-traders-pouncing-on-tariff-refund-chaos/) - Wall Street Journal: Some businesses don’t want to deal with the mess, and are opting to sell the rights to any refunds they might be due. Investment firms—anticipating that the court wouldn’t side in Trump’s favor—had already been buying up rights to tariff refunds from businesses in recent months. Prices were around 20 cents on - [IMF urges US to change course on economic policy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/imf-urges-us-to-change-course-on-economic-policy/) - Financial Times: The fund said in a statement that the administration of President Donald Trump should deploy “a different set of policies” to avoid the negative economic consequences of tariffs, following a round of meetings that formed part of the IMF’s check on the US economy. Kristalina Georgieva, the fund’s managing director, said that while the - [German MPs cut contracts for kamikaze drones backed by Peter Thiel and Daniel Ek](https://thecompositeeye.ca/german-mps-cut-contracts-for-kamikaze-drones-backed-by-peter-thiel-and-daniel-ek/) - Financial Times: The Bundestag’s budget committee, which has the power to block or amend all significant arms deals, stressed the need for “moderation” in military spending as it cut the total expenditure on contracts with Stark and Helsing by more than half. Berlin-based start-up Stark, backed by Thiel, had been set for a contract worth - [Pentagon takes first step toward blacklisting Anthropic](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pentagon-takes-first-step-toward-blacklisting-anthropic/) - Axios: The Pentagon asked two major defense contractors on Wednesday to provide an assessment of their reliance on Anthropic's AI model, Claude — a first step toward a potential designation of Anthropic as a "supply chain risk," Axios has learned.... - [Lawrence Summers to resign from teaching appointments, relinquish university professorship over Epstein ties](https://thecompositeeye.ca/lawrence-summers-to-resign-from-teaching-appointments-relinquish-university-professorship-over-epstein-ties/) - The Harvard Crimson: The resignation marks an extraordinary unraveling for Summers, long one of the most influential figures in American economics. His career spanned prize-winning research, service as United States Treasury Secretary, and the presidency of Harvard... - [Govt officials downplay allegations India actively involved in foreign interference ahead of Carney visit](https://thecompositeeye.ca/govt-officials-downplay-allegations-india-actively-involved-in-foreign-interference-ahead-of-carney-visit/) - CTV: Speaking to reporters on background during a technical briefing, senior government officials said Carney would probably not be travelling to India if the Canadian government believed India was actively interfering in the Canadian democratic process. “We have a mature, robust discussion with the Government of India on these issues, and we have robust safeguards - [How Deutsche Bank rolled out red carpet for Jeffrey Epstein](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-deutsche-bank-rolled-out-red-carpet-for-jeffrey-epstein/) - Financial Times: As it looked to poach elite private bankers from US rivals, it alighted on JPMorgan’s Paul Morris, whose contact book was stacked with super-rich clients — including Epstein. That October Morris told Epstein he was jumping ship. Within weeks of joining Deutsche he was arranging meetings with Epstein and by spring 2013 conversations - [Mexico killed Mencho, fearing that U.S. would otherwise do job unilaterally](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mexico-killed-mencho-fearing-that-u-s-would-otherwise-do-job-unilaterally/) - Los Angeles Times: For months, Mexican Cabinet officials had discussed the challenges of capturing Oseguera and weighed the likely violent fallout from his arrest, said a person familiar with the talks who requested anonymity to discuss internal matters. Officials believed that if President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration didn’t act, President Trump might launch a unilateral raid - [CSIS acting to prevent possible Iranian proxy attacks on U.S. targets in Canada, former spies say](https://thecompositeeye.ca/csis-acting-to-prevent-possible-iranian-proxy-attacks-on-u-s-targets-in-canada-former-spies-say/) - The Globe and Mail: Two former assistant directors of operations at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service told The Globe and Mail Wednesday that Canada and other Western countries’ intelligence services have been working in concert to prevent Iranian attacks in Europe and North America. The two men, Andrew Ellis and Alan Jones, who oversaw all - [FBI Director Kash Patel ousts personnel tied to Trump classified documents probe](https://thecompositeeye.ca/fbi-director-kash-patel-ousts-personnel-tied-to-trump-classified-documents-probe/) - CNN: The ousters are part of a wider internal investigation into the actions taken in the probe that resulted in criminal charges against Trump and two of his employees, three people briefed on the matter said. Patel ordered the wider investigation following the discovery of records showing that the FBI used subpoenas to obtain his - [Trump admin’s ‘third country’ deportation policy is unlawful, judge rules](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-admins-third-country-deportation-policy-is-unlawful-judge-rules/) - CNN: Murphy said migrants challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s policy have the right to “meaningful notice” and an opportunity to object before they are removed to a third country. The policy “extinguishes valid challenges to third-country removal by effecting removal before those challenges can be raised,” the judge concluded... - [Top general quietly resists push for Iran strike. Pentagon warns war could deplete US weapons supplies. Tehran woos Trump with 'commercial bonanza'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/top-general-quietly-resists-push-for-iran-strike-pentagon-warns-war-could-deplete-us-weapons-supplies-tehran-woos-trump-with-commercial-bonanza/) - CNN: For Caine, avoiding the Milley approach has meant being more reserved around Trump, and avoiding weighing in too directly on decisions, including what to do in Iran. It’s a tightrope that Caine has been attempting to walk during his year as Trump’s top military adviser – avoid direct conflict with a notoriously mercurial president, - [Dozens of FBI records apparently missing from Epstein files, including Trump accuser interviews](https://thecompositeeye.ca/dozens-of-fbi-records-apparently-missing-from-epstein-files-including-trump-accuser-interviews/) - CNN: An evidence log provided to attorneys for Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell includes serial numbers for about 325 FBI witness interview records – but more than 90 of those records, over a quarter of the list, don’t appear to be present on the DOJ website, according to CNN’s review. Among those missing records are three - [Google disrupts Chinese-linked hackers that attacked 53 groups globally](https://thecompositeeye.ca/google-disrupts-chinese-linked-hackers-that-attacked-53-groups-globally/) - Reuters: Google and unnamed partners terminated Google Cloud projects controlled by the hacking group, identified and disabled internet infrastructure it was using and disabled accounts the group used to access Google Sheets, which it used to carry out its targeting and data theft operations. Using Google Sheets allowed the group to evade detection and blend - [China’s military purge larger than previously believed](https://thecompositeeye.ca/chinas-military-purge-larger-than-previously-believed/) - Semafor: Xi is now believed to have ousted more than 100 officers since 2022, the report by MIT-affiliated researchers found, part of a campaign Xi says is needed to rid the armed forces of corruption. The yearslong push culminated last month with the country’s top-ranking general being placed under investigation, with the report calling the - [Spy agency blocks Congress from seeing Gabbard whistleblower intelligence](https://thecompositeeye.ca/spy-agency-blocks-congress-from-seeing-gabbard-whistleblower-intelligence/) - Wall Street Journal: The Trump administration told Congress it won’t share with lawmakers the classified intelligence that led to a whistleblower complaint against U.S. spy chief Tulsi Gabbard, citing presidential claims of executive privilege... - [Chinese official’s use of ChatGPT accidentally revealed global intimidation operation](https://thecompositeeye.ca/chinese-officials-use-of-chatgpt-accidentally-revealed-global-intimidation-operation/) - CNN: The Chinese law enforcement official used ChatGPT like a diary to document the alleged covert campaign of suppression, OpenAI said. In one instance, Chinese operators allegedly disguised themselves as US immigration officials to warn a US-based Chinese dissident that their public statements had supposedly broken the law, according to the ChatGPT user. In another - [Australia ships LNG 16,000 miles to Canada as Asia demand slumps](https://thecompositeeye.ca/australia-ships-lng-16000-miles-to-canada-as-asia-demand-slumps/) - Bloomberg: East Canada is set to receive its first Australian shipment of the fuel on the Maran Gas Hector on Thursday, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Kpler that goes back to 2008. The journey is unusually long, with the tanker traveling around 16,000 miles (25,750 kilometers) to reach its final destination. The shipment comes - [Hong Kong protests after Panama takes control of 2 key ports on Panama Canal](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hong-kong-protests-after-panama-takes-control-of-2-key-ports-on-panama-canal/) - Associated Press: The ports located at the mouth and tail of the Panama Canal, which have been operated by a subsidiary of CK Hutchison since 1997, became embroiled in a legal dispute after getting caught in the middle of the U.S. and China’s competition for influence in the region. The ports became the focus of - [Canada’s friendly dictatorship problem](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadas-friendly-dictatorship-problem/) - Michael Lima, Isabelle Terranova, and Sarah Teich/The Bureau: How Ottawa’s inconsistent approach to Cuba—an operational hub for Chinese, Russian, and Venezuelan intel and influence in the West—undermines democracy in the Americas... - [Althia Raj: Carney govt pushes limits of power. Conservatives barely push back](https://thecompositeeye.ca/althia-raj-carney-govt-pushes-limits-of-power-conservatives-barely-push-back/) - Althia Raj/Toronto Star: She (Conservative MP Sandra Cobena) told MPs Monday that “I would have preferred that this provision be removed from the Budget Implementation Act entirely,” but then she and most of her Tory colleagues didn’t vote to eliminate it. Had she done so, the Bloc Québécois — which is also opposed — will - [Wolfgang Alschner: Trump’s tariff defence at State of Union shows weak hand, era ending](https://thecompositeeye.ca/wolfgang-alschner-trumps-tariff-defence-at-state-of-union-shows-weak-hand-era-ending/) - Wolfgang Alschner/The Globe and Mail: In short, we have reached a turning point that will not only strengthen Canada’s position in the upcoming USMCA review. It will also shift the tone of the talks from threating huffs and puffs to more traditional bargaining over specific issues... - [Robyn Urback: According to B.C. Human Rights Tribunal, offensive posts can cost you $750,000](https://thecompositeeye.ca/robyn-urback-according-to-b-c-human-rights-tribunal-offensive-posts-can-cost-you-750000/) - Robyn Urback/The Globe and Mail: This case took roughly eight years (during which time, a separate defamation case brought by Mr. Neufeld against one of his critics was both opened and closed), and ended with an order for Mr. Neufeld to pay $750,000 to a cohort of teachers of a still-undetermined size. The complainants have six - [Brian Lilley: Premier Doug Ford's CNN tirade not least bit helpful](https://thecompositeeye.ca/brian-lilley-premier-doug-fords-cnn-tirade-not-least-bit-helpful/) - Brian Lilley/Toronto Sun: “We saw what happened in Congress. We saw what happened in the Supreme Court. The walls are closing in, I believe, on President Trump right now, and he’s feeling the pressure,” Ford said. In Washington, Ford’s comments were met with frustration and eye-rolling rather than anger. His competing messages of ‘do me - [Bob Rae: Donald Trump show](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bob-rae-donald-trump-show/) - Bob Rae: In Trump’s skewed version of authoritarian nationalism, no one else really matters, except to the extent that they are able to advance America’s interests (read Trump’s interests, which are so often at odds with America’s true interests that Make America Great Again has become a sad practical joke), or pose a direct threat - [John Ivison: Election temptation of Mark Carney](https://thecompositeeye.ca/john-ivison-election-temptation-of-mark-carney/) - John Ivison/National Post: The latest polls are starting to show a seductive spread in his favour — both in the horse race, and as far as whom Canadians consider best prime minister. ... There will be advisers and MPs close to Carney urging him to contrive the conditions to call a spring election. A stable majority would - [Liberals ride wave in federal polls as widening gender, age gaps squeeze Conservatives’ coalition](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-ride-wave-in-federal-polls-as-widening-gender-age-gaps-squeeze-conservatives-coalition/) - The Hill Times: The Liberals’ polling fortunes are rising in nearly every demographic and province across the country as a growing gender and generational gap continues to compress the Conservatives’ support from both sides, pollsters say. ... While Coletto said it is too early to determine whether Abacus’ recent survey results demonstrate a trend or - [Quebec Liberals gain ground in new poll taken days after Milliard named new leader](https://thecompositeeye.ca/quebec-liberals-gain-ground-in-new-poll-taken-days-after-milliard-named-new-leader/) - The Canadian Press: Polling by Pallas Data published Wednesday for Qc125 and L’Actualité shows the Parti Québécois leading with 30 per cent support, slightly ahead of the Liberals at 27. Compared to the company’s previous poll on Jan. 10, the new data represents a four-point drop for the PQ and a three-point rise for the - [Ministers raise prospect of new AI safety regulations as shooting questions mount](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ministers-raise-prospect-of-new-ai-safety-regulations-as-shooting-questions-mount/) - The Canadian Press: Two federal ministers signalled today that Ottawa could act to improve online safety related to artificial intelligence as questions mount about OpenAI's decision not to warn police about Tumbler Ridge shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar... - [Doug Ford heading to U.S. to fight Trump’s tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/doug-ford-heading-to-u-s-to-fight-trumps-tariffs/) - Toronto Star: Against the backdrop of the mandatory review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Ford will be lobbying state governors at regional meetings in South Carolina and Utah in the run-up to the U.S. midterm elections in November. “I’m going to be on the phone full steam, and later on, do a U.S. trip,” - [Trump’s trade czar says Canada must accept tariffs, help reshore American jobs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-trade-czar-says-canada-must-accept-tariffs-help-reshore-american-jobs/) - The Canadian Press: United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CBC News' Katie Simpson on Tuesday that "if Canada wants to come in and participate in this type of reshoring we are trying to do, we are happy to have those discussions." Greer's comments came after Trump delivered a 108-minute State of the Union address - [Federal Tories move to limit use of party data in B.C. Conservative leadership race](https://thecompositeeye.ca/federal-tories-move-to-limit-use-of-party-data-in-b-c-conservative-leadership-race/) - The Globe and Mail: The federal Conservative Party is limiting access to its databases for the duration of the B.C. Conservative Party leadership race after a federal riding association appeared to be using its mailing list to promote a candidate... - [Canada pledges $8 million in food aid for Cuba as U.S. fuel blockade continues](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-pledges-8-million-in-food-aid-for-cuba-as-u-s-fuel-blockade-continues/) - The Canadian Press: Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and MP Randeep Sarai, secretary of state for international development, say the funding is aimed at addressing urgent needs. The funding will be delivered through United Nations agencies instead of the Cuban government... - [Union of BC Indian Chiefs says it won’t participate in govt consultations on second-generation cutoff](https://thecompositeeye.ca/union-of-bc-indian-chiefs-says-it-wont-participate-in-govt-consultations-on-second-generation-cutoff/) - iPolitics: One of Canada’s largest Indigenous groups says it won’t participate in consultations with Ottawa on potential changes to the second-generation cutoff, accusing the government of working to delay ending the controversial law that designates who can be awarded Indian status. In an email sent last week and shared with iPolitics, the Union of British Columbia - [With Boulerice eyeing Quebec politics, NDP's Orange Wave becomes drought](https://thecompositeeye.ca/with-boulerice-eyeing-quebec-politics-ndps-orange-wave-becomes-drought/) - National Post: His departure would be a big blow to the federal NDP as Boulerice is the party’s sole MP in Quebec, where the party elected more than 50 MPs during the Orange Wave under leader Jack Layton. But over his 15 years with the NDP, Boulerice has watched the party’s numbers in the House - [Where is Canada's immigration minister? Community groups are asking](https://thecompositeeye.ca/where-is-canadas-immigration-minister-community-groups-are-asking/) - CBC: Reichhold said he has never managed to speak directly with Diab, despite repeatedly asking to meet following her swearing-in last May. "I have seen 14 immigration ministers come and go, and it is truly surprising. We are really astonished that she is completely absent," Reichhold said... - [Michael Kovrig: Germany's China crisis](https://thecompositeeye.ca/michael-kovrig-germanys-china-crisis/) - Michael Kovrig: That shift is now underway, driven by the sheer scale of the losses. The CLEPA data, the IG Metall discussions, the Bundesbank president’s call for a more “offensive” response, the BDI’s own critical assessments, all represent a genuine, if belated, mobilization of the interests that should have organized far earlier. What remains to - [‘Crisis of his own making’: Donald Trump weighs another war with Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/crisis-of-his-own-making-donald-trump-weighs-another-war-with-iran/) - Financial Times: “He has put himself in a situation where unless he manages to extract a considerable concession from the Iranians to avoid a war he doesn’t want, he’s going to be forced into one,” said Miller. “This is a crisis of his own making.”... - [Russia opens criminal case against Telegram's Durov for 'promoting terrorism'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/russia-opens-criminal-case-against-telegrams-durov-for-promoting-terrorism/) - Euronews: Both outlets referred to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) and claimed Telegram has been used in more than 153,000 crimes since 2022, including 33,000 involving sabotage, terrorism and extremism. The articles accused Durov of refusing to cooperate with Russian authorities and of ignoring more than 150,000 requests from Russia’s media watchdog Roskomnadzor to remove - [Looming Taiwan chip disaster that Silicon Valley has long ignored](https://thecompositeeye.ca/looming-taiwan-chip-disaster-that-silicon-valley-has-long-ignored/) - New York Times: In secret briefings held in Washington and Silicon Valley, national security officials warned executives from companies like Apple, Advanced Micro Devices and Qualcomm that China was making plans to retake Taiwan, which Beijing has long considered a breakaway territory. A Chinese blockade of Taiwan, the officials said, could choke the supply of - [Australian man Peter Williams given 7 years' jail for selling US trade secrets to Russian broker](https://thecompositeeye.ca/australian-man-peter-williams-given-7-years-jail-for-selling-us-trade-secrets-to-russian-broker/) - ABC: Senior US prosecutors once again blasted Peter Williams, saying he "betrayed" the United States and allies while working as the general manager of Trenchant, a division of defence contractor L3Harris. Analysts say L3Harris has specialised in developing cutting-edge tools it then sells to Five Eyes intelligence agencies to help them exploit vulnerabilities in computer - [China's DeepSeek trained AI model on Nvidia's best chip despite US ban, official says](https://thecompositeeye.ca/chinas-deepseek-trained-ai-model-on-nvidias-best-chip-despite-us-ban-official-says/) - [Iran prepares for war. Trump considers targeted strike followed by larger attack. China, Russia duck?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-prepares-for-war-trump-considers-targeted-strike-followed-by-larger-attack-china-russia-duck/) - New York Times: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has entrusted Ali Larijani, the top national security official, to ensure the Islamic Republic endures any military attacks and targeted killings... New York Times: President Trump has told advisers that if diplomacy or any initial targeted U.S. attack does not lead Iran to give in to his demands that - [Trump considers new national security tariffs after Supreme Court ruling](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-considers-new-national-security-tariffs-after-supreme-court-ruling/) - Wall Street Journal: The new tariffs being considered could cover industries such as large-scale batteries, cast iron and iron fittings, plastic piping, industrial chemicals and power grid and telecom equipment, according to people familiar with the plans. They would be issued under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which gives the president - [Canada greenlights all Gulfstream jets after Trump threats](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-greenlights-all-gulfstream-jets-after-trump-threats/) - Bloomberg: The certification of Gulfstream’s GVIII-700 and GVIII-800 models, the largest business aircraft made by the unit of General Dynamics Corp., were issued Monday by Transport Canada... - [Has Trump delivered on promises? What these 12 metrics tell us...](https://thecompositeeye.ca/has-trump-delivered-on-promises-what-these-12-metrics-tell-us/) - Bloomberg: So beyond the rhetoric and political posturing, what do the numbers say about how the president’s policies have performed on the ground? Every year, Bloomberg Opinion chooses specific metrics to cut through the noise and measure the current president’s results on the job. This year, the 12 data points our columnists broke down are - [France cuts off govt access to US envoy Charles Kushner after snub](https://thecompositeeye.ca/france-cuts-off-govt-access-to-us-envoy-charles-kushner-after-snub/) - Financial Times: France has banned US ambassador Charles Kushner from meeting government officials after he ignored a summons from the foreign ministry over Trump administration comments about the recent killing of a far-right activist... - [Edward Luce: Donald Trump’s state of mind is global risk](https://thecompositeeye.ca/edward-luce-donald-trumps-state-of-mind-is-global-risk/) - Edward Luce/Financial Times: For all the talk of Trump as a madman, my colleague’s Taco rule (Trump always chickens out) generally holds. He can reasonably be described as a bully and a narcissist. But he backs off when he is outgunned. Taco only works, however, when Trump knows what is at risk. Whether foreign or - [Friedrich Merz seeks ‘reliable and fair partnership’ with Xi Jinping](https://thecompositeeye.ca/friedrich-merz-seeks-reliable-and-fair-partnership-with-xi-jinping/) - Financial Times: Speaking shortly before boarding his plane, the German leader said he would discuss how to address what he called Chinese “overcapacity” and “export restrictions” as well as competitive “distortions”. ... Germany’s export-oriented manufacturers have been squeezed by cheaper Chinese goods, notably electric vehicles and steel, while its automotive and defence sectors have become - [Sanae Takaichi plans Japanese ‘Cfius’ to tighten economic security](https://thecompositeeye.ca/sanae-takaichi-plans-japanese-cfius-to-tighten-economic-security/) - Financial Times: The new agency will be modelled on the Committee of Foreign Investment in the United States, which vets overseas investments for national security risks. The committee was central to former US president Joe Biden’s attempt in 2024 to block Nippon Steel’s acquisition of US Steel. ... It comes amid heightened concern in Japan about rising - [Tensions rise in Iran as protesters face off with regime loyalists](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tensions-rise-in-iran-as-protesters-face-off-with-regime-loyalists/) - Wall Street Journal: Crowds swelled at universities in several major Iranian cities starting last weekend, the first major protests since the regime launched a crackdown in early January that killed thousands of people. As demonstrations continued, they were met by growing crowds of pro-regime counterprotesters... - [Trump admin considers requiring banks to collect citizenship information](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-admin-considers-requiring-banks-to-collect-citizenship-information/) - Wall Street Journal: The Trump administration is weighing a possible executive order or other action that would require banks to collect citizenship information from customers, a new front in the administration’s crackdown on immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, according to people familiar with the matter. The action could ultimately task banks with requesting an - [State of the Union: Trump touts 'turnaround for the ages' amid popularity plunge, tariff defeat](https://thecompositeeye.ca/a-defensive-posture-trump-addresses-congress-amid-popularity-plunge-tariff-defeat/) - Click for live updates Wall Street Journal: President Trump celebrated his economic agenda and immigration enforcement operations, referring to his first year in office as a "turnaround for the ages." He is expected to unveil measures meant to lower costs ahead of the midterm elections, when his Republican Party will fight to keep control of Congress. - [Tech firms aren’t just encouraging their workers to use AI. They’re enforcing it.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tech-firms-arent-just-encouraging-their-workers-to-use-ai-theyre-enforcing-it/) - Wall Street Journal: From small startups to giants including Amazon.com, Alphabet’s Google and Meta Platforms, tech companies are measuring it with an eye on productivity gains and in certain cases factoring it into performance reviews. For some jobs, candidates aren’t even considered unless they can demonstrate AI fluency. “We are using carrots and sticks,” says Seth Besmertnik, chief executive - [Anthropic dials back AI safety commitments](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anthropic-dials-back-ai-safety-commitments/) - Wall Street Journal: The company said Tuesday it is softening its core safety policy to stay competitive with other AI labs. Anthropic previously paused development work on its model if it could be classified as dangerous, but said it would end that practice if a comparable or superior model was released by a competitor. The - [Hegseth threatens to force AI firm to share tech, escalating Anthropic standoff](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hegseth-threatens-to-force-ai-firm-to-share-tech-escalating-anthropic-standoff/) - Washington Post: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has threatened Anthropic, saying officials could invoke powers that would allow the government to force the artificial intelligence firm to share its novel technology in the name of national security if it does not agree by Friday to terms favorable to the military, people familiar with the ongoing discussions - [Over 150 U.S. aircraft sweep into Europe, Middle East as Trump mulls strikes](https://thecompositeeye.ca/over-150-u-s-aircraft-sweep-into-europe-middle-east-as-trump-mulls-strikes/) - Washington Post: The U.S. military has rapidly increased its presence near Iran, shiftingmore than 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East sincea second round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran ended without a breakthrough on Feb. 17, according topublicly available flight tracking data and satellite imagery reviewedby The Washington - [Kash Patel’s use of jet delayed FBI team’s mass shooting response, whistleblower tells top senator](https://thecompositeeye.ca/kash-patels-use-of-jet-delayed-fbi-teams-mass-shooting-response-whistleblower-tells-top-senator/) - MSNBC: FBI Director Kash Patel was in south Florida at the time with one of the FBI’s two available jets and had given an order to hold the other for another team that would not normally respond to the scene, according to the whistleblower and the sources. The evidence response team instead had to drive - [Rick Bell: Danielle Smith faces more Nazi slurs, defends immigration stand](https://thecompositeeye.ca/rick-bell-danielle-smith-faces-more-nazi-slurs-defends-immigration-stand/) - Rick Bell/Calgary Herald: Lukaszuk headed to social media and said populist governments need a scapegoat. For Hitler, it was the Jews. He implies for Smith it is immigrants. Lukaszuk was not alone. Former NDP premier Rachel Notley rewrote what many call the Holocaust poem and, instead of Jews as victims, it was immigrants along with - [Adam Radwanski: Danielle Smith’s referendum plans show folly of Carney giving further concessions on energy policy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/adam-radwanski-danielle-smiths-referendum-plans-show-folly-of-carney-giving-further-concessions-on-energy-policy/) - Adam Radwanski/The Globe and Mail: That’s almost certainly a feature rather than a bug. Leading a provincial party with a strong nationalist contingent, and herself flirting with Alberta separatism (which may pop up as a 10th referendum question) just enough to hold those supporters at bay, both Ms. Smith’s brand and her political survival are - [James Moore: America’s tariff turning point](https://thecompositeeye.ca/james-moore-americas-tariff-turning-point/) - James Moore/CTV: ...the review of CUSMA for later this year, coupled with the scramble to replace the IEEPA revenue to finance President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” ahead of this fall’s midterm elections should have Canadians anxious for what President Trump may do in response to the collapsing trade and tariff policies around him. - [Dan Lett: Anti-immigrant twitch proof of Poilievre’s increasingly unpopular hand](https://thecompositeeye.ca/dan-lett-anti-immigrant-twitch-proof-of-poilievres-increasingly-unpopular-hand/) - Dan Lett/Winnipeg Free Press: Why is Poilievre’s eruption of concern about refugee health benefits and deportations a tell? Because right-of-centre politicians who are vulnerable and bleeding support — both inside and outside their parties — often try to whip up hysteria about immigration as a way of diverting attention from their own weaknesses... - [Tasha Kheiriddin: Pierre Poilievre's deportation gamble](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tasha-kheiriddin-pierre-poilievres-deportation-gamble/) - Tasha Kheiriddin/National Post: Deporting foreign criminals is exactly what US President Donald Trump promised to do during his 2024 election campaign. Since then, the word “deportation” has become a lightening rod, conjuring up images of American ICE agents detaining five-year-olds and shooting their own citizens. You can’t talk about this issue, and use the identical - [Liberals ascend to 13-point lead in vote intention as Canadians continue to demand hard line on U.S. trade](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-ascend-to-13-point-lead-in-vote-intention-as-canadians-continue-to-demand-hard-line-on-u-s-trade/) - Angus Reid: New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds Canadians’ views of the U.S. under Trump hitting a new low, with just 21 per cent holding a favourable view of the country. Further, residents are now three-times as likely to prefer that Canada approach the U.S. as a potential threat or with caution - ['Massive boondoggle': Conservatives take aim at health coverage for rejected refugee claimants](https://thecompositeeye.ca/massive-boondoggle-conservatives-take-aim-at-health-coverage-for-rejected-refugee-claimants/) - National Post: A Conservative motion to restrict health-care benefits to failed asylum claimants was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, with the projected cost of a federal health program for refugees expected to increase to $1.5 billion by 2030. “Under the Liberals, the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), the program that provides benefits to asylum claimants, - [Carney breaks with tradition in selecting Charette as chief negotiator for U.S. trade](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-breaks-with-tradition-in-selecting-charette-as-chief-negotiator-for-u-s-trade/) - The Hill Times: Previous chief negotiators have had extensive experience in trade policy before taking on Canada's most important negotiations, but observers say it's more important that Janice Charette has the PM's trust... - [Carney takes floor-crossing MP Matt Jeneroux on India trip](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-takes-floor-crossing-mp-matt-jeneroux-on-india-trip/) - Toronto Star: Carney’s office announced Tuesday that Jeneroux will join the prime minister on the three-country trip in his capacity as “special advisor on economic and security partnerships.” Jeneroux was given that title last week, when he became the third Conservative MP since November to cross the floor and join Carney’s Liberal party. ... Jeneroux - [Carney knew of South Bow's Keystone XL plans before White House meeting](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-knew-of-south-bows-keystone-xl-plans-before-white-house-meeting/) - Reuters: Carney, who was under increasing pressure in Canada to address painful U.S. tariffs on steel, autos and other goods, ‌asked Trump if he would be interested if ⁠the Keystone project were to be revived and had Canadian support, Reuters reported in October. At that time, South Bow said it had "moved on" from Keystone - [Sask. Premier Scott Moe to join PM Carney's trade mission to India](https://thecompositeeye.ca/sask-premier-scott-moe-to-join-pm-carneys-trade-mission-to-india/) - CBC: The trade mission is set to depart on Thursday and continue to March 7. Moe is part of the Canadian delegation set to attend meetings in New Delhi and Mumbai, according to the Prime Minister's Office. It's not the first time that Moe and Carney have travelled together. In January, the pair linked up - [Carney pledges sanctions, $2 billion for Ukraine four years after full-scale invasion](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-pledges-sanctions-2-billion-for-ukraine-four-years-after-full-scale-invasion/) - CBC: Canada is donating an additional $2 billion of military equipment, including more than 400 armoured vehicles, to Ukraine as the embattled Eastern European country's war with Russia rolls into its fifth year. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the assistance on Tuesday at the same time as Global Affairs Canada announced additional sanctions on individuals - [Hyundai pitches hydrogen transport tied to Canada submarine bid](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hyundai-pitches-hydrogen-transport-tied-to-canada-submarine-bid/) - Bloomberg: Hanwha Defence Canada chief executive Glenn Copeland said Hyundai briefed Canadian officials during their recent visit to Korea, presenting early plans for three or four “network corridors” in the northern country where hydrogen fuel-cell facilities could support railways or heavy-duty trucks... - [Canadian police warn Sikh activist of threat to life as Carney announces India visit](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadian-police-warn-sikh-activist-of-threat-to-life-as-carney-announces-india-visit/) - Global: As Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to India this week for trade talks, police have warned a Canadian Sikh leader about a “credible threat” to his life. Moninder Singh, who heads the Sikh Federation of Canada, said a member of the Vancouver Police Department delivered the caution on Sunday... - [Don’t repeat mistakes when shrinking public service, warns Jocelyne Bourgon in new book](https://thecompositeeye.ca/dont-repeat-mistakes-when-shrinking-public-service-warns-jocelyne-bourgon-in-new-book/) - The Globe and Mail: Spending should be reined in by eliminating lower priority programs, rather than relying on attrition and across-the-board cuts that risk hampering important services, she says in a book released Tuesday. She also warns that the growing power of hundreds of political staffers who interact daily with government officials puts at risk - [Crown corp. alerted minister's office about U.S. artillery ammunition sale connected to Israel](https://thecompositeeye.ca/crown-corp-alerted-ministers-office-about-u-s-artillery-ammunition-sale-connected-to-israel/) - CBC: U.S. records show the propellant was being used in support of Ukraine and Israel. CBC News obtained the note through an access to information request asking for correspondence between the corporation and government about Canadian arms that could be used in Gaza. It's the first publicly available documented instance the CCC directly raised the - [Shein founder emerges from shadows to hail Chinese roots](https://thecompositeeye.ca/shein-founder-emerges-from-shadows-to-hail-chinese-roots/) - Financial Times: Xu had previously maintained a studiously low profile and Shein has never made photographs of him available. His emergence comes as the company faces an array of challenges, including consumer weariness and global regulatory scrutiny, as it seeks a public share listing. The FT reported in 2024 that efforts to “de-Chinafy” Shein, seen - [Rally against federal gun prohibitions, buyback planned for Saturday in Quebec City](https://thecompositeeye.ca/rally-against-federal-gun-prohibitions-buyback-planned-for-saturday-in-quebec-city/) - The Canadian Press: People opposed to the federal government’s firearms ban and compensation program are planning a rally Saturday in Quebec City to accuse Ottawa of unfairly singling out law-abiding gun owners. The event will come about six weeks into the sign-up period for gun owners to declare interest in a federal program offering them - [Cuban ambassador to testify today as Ottawa promises aid is on way](https://thecompositeeye.ca/cuban-ambassador-to-testify-today-as-ottawa-promises-aid-is-on-way/) - The Canadian Press: Ambassador Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz is scheduled to address the committee after it hears from officials at Global Affairs Canada responsible for regional issues and humanitarian response. A U.S. oil blockade has triggered a humanitarian crisis in Cuba and officials close to U.S. President Donald Trump have suggested economic pressure could topple the - [Public trust in Canada's institutions is rising in face of U.S. hostility: Poll](https://thecompositeeye.ca/public-trust-in-canadas-institutions-is-rising-in-face-of-u-s-hostility-poll/) - The Canadian Press: Four in 10 poll respondents said they have trust in governments, up from 36 per cent in 2025 and 32 per cent in 2021. Forty-five per cent of respondents said they trust small and medium corporations and the news media, up from 40 per cent and 37 per cent last year. Trust - [Trump hits out at reports that top US general warned against attacking Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-hits-out-at-reports-that-top-us-general-warned-against-attacking-iran/) - BBC: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General Dan Caine, has warned that strikes against Iran could be risky, potentially drawing the US into a prolonged conflict, US media report. General Caine has reportedly cautioned that a military action could have repercussions across the region, potentially including retaliatory strikes by Iranian proxies - [Russian soldiers tell BBC they saw fellow troops executed on commanders' orders](https://thecompositeeye.ca/russian-soldiers-tell-bbc-they-saw-fellow-troops-executed-on-commanders-orders/) - BBC: One man told a documentary team he saw a soldier executed on the order of his commander, who was made a "Hero of Russia" in 2024. "I see it - just two metres, three metres... click, clack, bang," he said. Another soldier, from a different unit, says he saw his commander shoot four men - [Chris Miller: Cyber security threat inside your car](https://thecompositeeye.ca/chris-miller-cyber-security-threat-inside-your-car/) - Chris Miller/Financial Times: America’s connected car restrictions create the opposite incentive. Restrictions on Chinese tech have induced some Chinese firms to share knowhow and intellectual property when Chinese firms are locked out. China’s Quectel, for example, is reported to have transferred software to Eagle Wireless in the US, expanding its position as a supplier of - [Chinese defector-spy reveals how to spot Beijing’s agents](https://thecompositeeye.ca/chinese-defector-spy-reveals-how-to-spot-beijings-agents/) - The Epoch Times: Testing to see whether an individual can make decisions on their own is one way to determine whether that person is a spy, Eric said. With some matters, Beijing’s agents may only respond with vague words or verbal promises and will not make an immediate decision on the spot because they must - [Behind Trump’s truce with China](https://thecompositeeye.ca/behind-trumps-truce-with-china/) - Financial Times: Allies are trying to work out if the administration is pursuing a tactical détente related to rare earths or if it is placing less emphasis on security issues... - [Anthropic accuses Chinese AI labs of ‘distillation attacks’ on its models](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anthropic-accuses-chinese-ai-labs-of-distillation-attacks-on-its-models/) - Financial Times: San Francisco-based Anthropic said it had identified 24,000 fraudulent accounts and generated over 16mn exchanges with Claude, which it alleged the companies used to “train and improve their own models”. DeepSeek, Moonshot and MiniMax did not immediately respond to requests for comment. “Distillation attacks undermine those controls by allowing foreign labs, including those subject to - [Binance fired staff who flagged $1 billion moving to sanctioned Iran entities](https://thecompositeeye.ca/binance-fired-staff-who-flagged-1-billion-moving-to-sanctioned-iran-entities/) - Wall Street Journal: A trading account belonging to a close Binance business partner was identified as a primary channel that moved cryptocurrency to the Iranian network. Binance subsequently fired the investigators who had uncovered the transfers—and the network remained active... - [EU warns that Trump’s new tariff policy breaks trade agreement](https://thecompositeeye.ca/eu-warns-that-trumps-new-tariff-policy-breaks-trade-agreement/) - Bloomberg: The European Commission, which handles trade matters for the bloc, told lawmakers Monday that the new global tariff will be added to levies that are already in place, according to Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee. The new cumulative rate means some goods would be above the 15% ceiling the EU - [Germany’s China shock](https://thecompositeeye.ca/germanys-china-shock/) - Internationale Politik: The consequences for German and European industry are dramatic. German companies in China have strongly localized their production and import ever fewer goods or intermediate products from Europe for sale on the Chinese market—with the automotive sector leading the way. This has not prevented their market share in China from rapidly declining. At - [Japan warns against trade deal backtracking after latest tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/japan-warns-against-trade-deal-backtracking-after-latest-tariffs/) - Bloomberg: “Minister Akazawa also conveyed that, as the U.S. government rolls out new tariff measures, Japan’s position should not be worse off than its position under last year’s Japan–U.S. agreement,” the statement read, referring to a deal under which Japan agreed to create the $500 billion investment vehicle as the US lowered tariffs on auto - [China targets Japan defense companies in sweeping export ban](https://thecompositeeye.ca/china-targets-japan-defense-companies-in-sweeping-export-ban/) - Bloomberg: China blacklisted 20 Japanese firms including affiliates of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, ramping up tensions with Tokyo... - [Viral doomsday report lays bare Wall Street’s deep anxiety about AI future](https://thecompositeeye.ca/viral-doomsday-report-lays-bare-wall-streets-deep-anxiety-about-ai-future/) - Wall Street Journal: A viral report by Citrini Research tapped into a new strain of fears about AI, painting a dark portrait of a future in which technological change inspires a race to the bottom in white-collar knowledge work. Concerns of hyperscalers overspending are out. Worries of software-industry disruption don’t go far enough. The “global - [Peter Mandelson arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office](https://thecompositeeye.ca/peter-mandelson-arrested-on-suspicion-of-misconduct-in-public-office/) - The Guardian: Mandelson was led to a waiting car by detectives without being placed in handcuffs. Metropolitan police officers investigating him have had discussions with lawyers from the special crime division of the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorises criminal prosecutions in England and Wales. The discussions so far are described as informal, and no formal - [Trump admin scrambles to pick up pieces of broken tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-admin-scrambles-to-pick-up-pieces-of-broken-tariffs/) - New York Times: But the approach will require a more cumbersome set of tariffs, ones that Mr. Trump will not be able to issue quickly or on a whim. The tariffs may be levied by country, trade issue or product and will probably take months to go into effect. The question now is how closely - [Inside Apple’s push to build all-American chip](https://thecompositeeye.ca/inside-apples-push-to-build-all-american-chip/) - Wall Street Journal: As large as TSMC’s new Arizona plans are, they trail its Taiwan operation in both volume and technology. TSMC has four facilities in Taiwan that make more than 100,000 chip wafers a month, plus seven smaller ones; the Arizona site won’t reach similar volumes until all six fabs are built, the company - [Zelensky urges Trump to see through Russia’s ‘games’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/zelensky-urges-trump-to-see-through-russias-games/) - Financial Times: Speaking from his presidential office in Kyiv, Zelenskyy accused Russia’s leader of using overtures to Donald Trump to weaken Kyiv’s negotiating position. Asked how peace talks were progressing, he said the “Russians are playing games” and not serious about bringing the war to a close. “I see it, because they are very poor - [Judges grow angry over Trump admin wiolating their orders](https://thecompositeeye.ca/judges-grow-angry-over-trump-admin-wiolating-their-orders/) - New York Times: Experts said that judges appeared to be grappling with a key question: Could the violations of court orders be explained merely by the stress on the legal system caused by the recent flood of immigration cases? Or is there a more systematic effort by the government to defy the courts?... - [FedEx sues for refund of Trump tariffs rejected by Supreme Court](https://thecompositeeye.ca/fedex-sues-for-refund-of-trump-tariffs-rejected-by-supreme-court/) - New York Times: The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, asks that Customs and Border Protection, the agency that collects tariffs, make the repayment to FedEx. The company is expected to be one of many that will sue for a refund. FedEx did not state a dollar amount that it is seeking. Analysts - [FedEx sues for refund of Trump tariffs rejected by Supreme Court](https://thecompositeeye.ca/fedex-sues-for-refund-of-trump-tariffs-rejected-by-supreme-court/) - New York Times: The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, asks that Customs and Border Protection, the agency that collects tariffs, make the repayment to FedEx. The company is expected to be one of many that will sue for a refund. FedEx did not state a dollar amount that it is seeking. Analysts - [Trump faces skeptical public, myriad challenges ahead of State of Union address](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-faces-skeptical-public-myriad-challenges-ahead-of-state-of-union-address/) - CNN: The primetime address comes amid a particularly troublesome stretch for the president, who faces an array of challenges at home and pressing questions abroad. In polling, Trump is as unpopular as ever, battered by Americans’ anxiety over the cost of living and dissatisfaction with his approach to addressing it. His 36% approval rating is - [Trump’s top general foresees acute risks in attack on Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-top-general-foresees-acute-risks-in-attack-on-iran/) - Washington Post: Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed his concerns at a White House meeting last week with Trump and his top aides, these people said, cautioning that any major operation against Iran will face challengesbecause the U.S. munitions stockpile has been significantly depleted by Washington’s ongoing defense of Israel - [Mexico on edge after killing of Cartel boss](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mexico-on-edge-after-killing-of-cartel-boss/) - New York Times: Many residents and tourists stayed indoors a day after a military raid targeted a leader known as El Mencho, setting off violence across the country. Officials said at least 62 people died in the operation and its aftermath... BBC: Mexico has deployed thousands of soldiers to bolster security after a wave of - [Graham Thomson: Huge budget deficit has Danielle Smith raging against the immigrants she recently asked for and, of course, Trudeau](https://thecompositeeye.ca/graham-thomson-huge-budget-deficit-has-danielle-smith-raging-against-the-immigrants-she-recently-asked-for-and-of-course-trudeau/) - Graham Thomson/Toronto Star: This is not about facts but emotion with a great big dollop of gaslighting. Smith has additional four referendum questions that include constitutional negotiations on abolishing the Senate and giving provinces the power to appoint Superior Court judges — questions that are purely symbolic. A province cannot unilaterally force other provinces and - [Rose Lemay: Reconciliation is not dead, but Indigenous Peoples are still dying in Canada’s hospitals](https://thecompositeeye.ca/rose-lemay-reconciliation-is-not-dead-but-indigenous-peoples-are-still-dying-in-canadas-hospitals/) - Rose Lemay/The Hill Times: The risk of concurrent racism faced by Indigenous peoples in hospitals today is criminal. Regulatory colleges need to fix it immediately... - [Campbell Clark: Chance for Poilievre to flip Trump script](https://thecompositeeye.ca/campbell-clark-chance-for-poilievre-to-flip-trump-script/) - Campbell Clark/The Globe and Mail: On Thursday, the Conservative Leader will deliver a speech on Canada-U.S. relations at the Economic Club of Canada, and he has an opening for a judo move: pushing away Mr. Jivani and cleaving close to Prime Minister Mark Carney. If that sounds like something that doesn’t fit Mr. Poilievre’s political - [Pierre Poilievre is in pickle: he’s weak leader with strong mandate](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pierre-poilievre-is-in-pickle-hes-weak-leader-with-strong-mandate/) - Michael Harris: The Conservatives now have a leader who is apparently afraid of his caucus, and a caucus that is apparently unafraid of its leader... - [Jamie Sarkonak: Matt Jeneroux is trolling you](https://thecompositeeye.ca/jamie-sarkonak-matt-jeneroux-is-trolling-you/) - Jamie Sarkonak: Vengeance, in my view, is a better way to get over it. There should be punishment; there should be low blows in the form of releasing dirt to show other fairweather caucus members that betrayal comes with consequences. Whether we’ll get that is another question — Canadian political culture is allergic to such - [John Ivison: Trump’s tariffs on Canada are about to get worse](https://thecompositeeye.ca/john-ivison-trumps-tariffs-on-canada-are-about-to-get-worse/) - John Ivison/National Post: But two developments are working in Canada’s favour. One is that members of Congress up for re-election in November are starting to show that their fear of hard-up voters is outweighing their fear of Trump. ... The second area of prospective relief for Canada is the renewal, and even expansion, of the - [Kelly McParland: Poilievre Conservatives remain a house divided](https://thecompositeeye.ca/kelly-mcparland-poilievre-conservatives-remain-a-house-divided/) - Kelly McParland: “The best part of being Conservatives is that eventually everyone admits that we were right all along,” Poilievre joked. Unfortunately the joke looks to be on him, given that the gap in approval ratings strongly suggests Canadians are keen enough on the Conservative platform, it’s the Conservative leader that leaves them cool... - [NDP's lone Quebec MP says he's considering jump to provincial politics](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ndps-lone-quebec-mp-says-hes-considering-jump-to-provincial-politics/) - CBC: "Right now I have a mandate. I am a federal member of Parliament, I'm going to do my job. But everything is open. I am thinking about it," Boulerice said when asked by reporters on Parliament Hill if he was considering a provincial bid. Québec Solidaire was founded 20 years ago when several progressive - [Liberals accept Conservative budget amendments on 'regulatory sandboxes'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-accept-conservative-budget-amendments-on-regulatory-sandboxes/) - The Canadian Press: That legislation proposes to give federal ministers the ability to temporarily exempt individuals or corporations from some non-criminal federal laws — an approach the government refers to as "regulatory sandboxes." Some members of Parliament have expressed discomfort with the idea of granting such sweeping powers to cabinet in the interest of boosting - [Federal tracker: Carney’s Liberals surge to 12-point lead over Conservatives](https://thecompositeeye.ca/federal-tracker-carneys-liberals-surge-to-12-point-lead-over-conservatives/) - Liaison Strategies: If an election were held today, the Liberals would secure 45% of the decided and leaning vote, holding a commanding 12-point advantage over the Conservative Party, which stands at 33%... - [Nate Erskine-Smith associate fined $2,400 for Canada Elections Act violations](https://thecompositeeye.ca/nate-erskine-smith-associate-fined-2400-for-canada-elections-act-violations/) - Toronto Star: Two involve almost $19,000 in payouts to campaign workers in the 2021 and 2019 federal elections in his role as Erskine-Smith’s official agent in Beaches—East York. Another six stem from Goodridge’s role as the financial agent for a candidate, Hafeez Ladha, who unsuccessfully sought the federal Liberal nomination for Don Valley East in - [OpenAI safety reps summoned to Ottawa after B.C. mass shooting, minister says](https://thecompositeeye.ca/openai-safety-reps-summoned-to-ottawa-after-b-c-mass-shooting-minister-says/) - The Canadian Press: Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon says he has called representatives of OpenAI to Ottawa to discuss safety concerns after a report emerged about the Tumbler Ridge shooter’s engagement with the AI platform ChatGPT. The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Jesse Van Rootselaar’s account was banned last June after it was flagged - [26K Canadians in Mexico as cartel violence hits Puerto Vallarta: Minister](https://thecompositeeye.ca/26k-canadians-in-mexico-as-cartel-violence-hits-puerto-vallarta-minister/) - Global: There are currently more than 26,000 Canadians registered in Mexico as cartel violence hits the popular tourist area of Puerto Vallarta — and no plans for military or consular flights to assist Canadians getting out, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said. Anand said the federal government is working on plans to “assist,” but did - [Senate committee recommends removing immigration measures from border bill](https://thecompositeeye.ca/senate-committee-recommends-removing-immigration-measures-from-border-bill/) - CBC: That study, obtained by The Canadian Press, says the social affairs committee heard from witnesses who warned the legislation could violate human rights and lacks procedural fairness. Bill C-12 has sections focused on immigration that deal with information-sharing and managing the asylum system. It also proposes giving the government new powers to modify or - [Juno News scraps plan to run residential school denial film after investigation by CNO](https://thecompositeeye.ca/juno-news-scraps-plan-to-run-residential-school-denial-film-after-investigation-by-cno/) - National Observer: Canada's National Observer reached out to Hergott through his @Soaring_turkey YouTube channel asking to speak about DIG and the videos on his page. He did not dispute his responsibility for the pro-Hitler videos and comments and said, "my content speaks for itself, but you will of course interpret it the way your ideological - [Canada’s great American breakup: Most now see U.S. as risk, not ally, poll finds](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadas-great-american-breakup-most-now-see-u-s-as-risk-not-ally-poll-finds/) - The Globe and Mail: The survey asked Canadians if they agree with the statement that “the United States is a trustworthy ally of Canada.” Nearly half – 49.2 per cent – disagreed and another 26.9 per cent said they somewhat disagreed. Only 9.2 per cent agreed with the statement; 12.5 per cent somewhat agreed. “These - [Why Supreme Court challenge of Quebec's secularism law matters to whole country](https://thecompositeeye.ca/why-supreme-court-challenge-of-quebecs-secularism-law-matters-to-whole-country/) - CBC: The groups challenging the pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause are using many creative legal arguments, but they’re realistic about the fact that those arguments might not work. So they have a kind of backup plan to try to claim a consolation prize. They want courts to be able to rule on the constitutionality - [Parti Québécois projected as Chicoutimi byelection winner](https://thecompositeeye.ca/parti-quebecois-projected-as-chicoutimi-byelection-winner/) - CBC: By 8:30 p.m., Marie-Karlynn Laflamme had more than 47 per cent of the votes, ahead of Catherine Morissette of the Conservative Party of Quebec, who had just over 24 per cent of the votes, after 34 out of 142 polling stations had reported... - [Federal govt depts meet 2025 climate target](https://thecompositeeye.ca/federal-govt-depts-meet-2025-climate-target/) - CBC: As a nation Canada might not be meeting its national climate targets, but the federal government is exceeding its own internal greenhouse-gas-reduction goals. In an update Monday, the government of Canada said carbon pollution from its operations is down by 42.5 per cent below 2005 levels... - [‘Everyone should feel the hit’: ministerial offices and PMO should be cut, too, say some leading public policy experts](https://thecompositeeye.ca/everyone-should-feel-the-hit-ministerial-offices-and-pmo-should-be-cut-too-say-some-leading-public-policy-experts/) - The Hill Times: Prior to the 1980s, federal cabinet ministers made do with a handful of staff, but that has jumped to between 15 and 25 exempt staffers over the last 40 years, says professor Donald Savoie... - [Conservatives calling for probe into asylum seekers’ access to health care](https://thecompositeeye.ca/conservatives-calling-for-probe-into-asylum-seekers-access-to-health-care/) - The Canadian Press: The PBO projects the program’s cost will reach $1.5 billion annually in 2028-29. The Conservative motion calls for a review of the benefits provided to asylum claimants to find savings, and for asylum seekers appealing a rejected claim to be covered only for emergency, life-saving care. ... The PBO report says about - [Cuts targeting Indigenous rights staff at Justice Department 'reckless,' critics warn](https://thecompositeeye.ca/cuts-targeting-indigenous-rights-staff-at-justice-department-reckless-critics-warn/) - CBC: Despite Prime Minister Mark Carney's repeated pledge to keep up momentum on reconciliation, critics say the Liberals are "recklessly" slashing Indigenous programs and services — and now, possible deep cuts to legal staff who work on these matters — during a time when the government is plowing ahead on massive nation-building projects. "So we - [Trump to raise global tariff to 15 percent despite Supreme Court defeat](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-to-raise-global-tariff-to-15-percent-despite-supreme-court-defeat/) - New York Times: President Trump announced on Saturday that he would raise his new, global tariff to 15 percent, a day after he took steps to replicate some of the punishing duties that had been struck down by the Supreme Court. Mr. Trump announced the change in a post on social media, and said the - [U.S. lawmaker pledges more pushback in Congress to ‘chaotic’ Trump tariffs after Supreme Court decision](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-lawmaker-pledges-more-pushback-in-congress-to-chaotic-trump-tariffs-after-supreme-court-decision/) - CTV: In an interview on CTV Question Period Sunday, Debbie Dingell told host Vassy Kapelos that Trump’s tariffs are destroying long held U.S. relationships, including with Canada. “I want to be clear that tariffs are a tool in a toolbox, but the way that he has implemented them since he came to office has been - [Trump’s talk of sending hospital ship to Greenland puzzles leaders](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-talk-of-sending-hospital-ship-to-greenland-puzzles-leaders/) - Washington Post: Greenland doesn’t want the help, and the U.S. doesn’t appear to have any hospital ships available to send... - [US tells partners to honor tariff deals as Trump regroups](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-tells-partners-to-honor-tariff-deals-as-trump-regroups/) - Bloomberg: US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said those deals remain in place and the administration will stand by them, expecting partners to do the same. The European Parliament's trade chief plans to propose freezing the EU's ratification of a trade deal with the US until the Trump administration clarifies its policy... - [Fundraising tactic AI startups using to juice valuations](https://thecompositeeye.ca/fundraising-tactic-ai-startups-using-to-juice-valuations/) - Wall Street Journal: A startup sells a stake of its company to a leading investor at one valuation and, either soon after or at the same time, offers additional shares to other backers at a much higher valuation. The result: The leading investor books a massive gain, at least on paper, and the startup can - [Mexico’s most-wanted drug leader killed in military operation as clashes erupt and US tourists told to shelter in place](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mexicos-most-wanted-drug-leader-killed-in-military-operation-as-clashes-erupt-and-us-tourists-told-to-shelter-in-place/) - CNN: Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the powerful and long-pursued head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and one of the world’s most-wanted traffickers, died following a Mexican military operation on Sunday, handing the country a consequential victory as it looks to show tangible results to the Trump administration... - [Iran agreed secret shoulder-fired missile deal with Russia](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-agreed-secret-shoulder-fired-missile-deal-with-russia/) - Financial Times: The agreement, signed in Moscow in December, commits Russia to deliver 500 man-portable “Verba” launch units and 2,500 “9M336” missiles over three years, according to leaked Russian documents seen by the FT and several people familiar with the deal. ... The leaked details of the Iran-Russia deal have emerged just as Donald Trump - [They did deals with Trump to get lower tariffs. Now they are stuck.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/they-did-deals-with-trump-to-get-lower-tariffs-now-they-are-stuck/) - New York Times: Countries that under the threat of tariffs made commitments like enormous investment pledges face the reality that they might have been better off waiting... - [Iran could direct proxies to attack U.S. targets abroad, officials warn](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-could-direct-proxies-to-attack-u-s-targets-abroad-officials-warn/) - New York Times: The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential intelligence assessments, say they have not yet detected any specific plots in the works. But they say heightened “chatter” — spy jargon for electronic intercepts of terrorists’ communications — indicates some level of attack planning and coordination... - [Snap election still possible, despite potential Liberal byelections wins and more rumoured floor-crossings, say some pollsters](https://thecompositeeye.ca/snap-election-still-possible-despite-potential-liberal-byelections-wins-and-more-rumoured-floor-crossings-say-some-pollsters/) - The Hill Times: With momentum on the government’s side, if the election were to be called this year, said Nanos, the Liberals would be on the offensive, but if the vote were delayed until after this year, the governing party would more likely be on the defensive. “If the Liberals decide that they’re not going - ['If they need us to cooperate, we will' on slaying of Sikh activist, says India's envoy to Canada](https://thecompositeeye.ca/if-they-need-us-to-cooperate-we-will-on-slaying-of-sikh-activist-says-indias-envoy-to-canada/) - National Post: “I have been saying from the very beginning, and I reiterated it right now, the case is in court. If the case comes out that there are some individuals, whether it is government, non-government, or individuals from India, who are involved in it, we will take action,” he told National Post in a - [Ipsos poll suggests Canada more united than in 2019, despite Alberta tensions](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ipsos-poll-suggests-canada-more-united-than-in-2019-despite-alberta-tensions/) - Global: Ipsos tracking shows that in 2019, six in 10 Canadians said the country was “more divided than ever.” That figure now sits at 55 per cent, according to new data... - [Four years after full-scale Ukraine invasion, Canada faces tough choices on defence](https://thecompositeeye.ca/four-years-after-full-scale-ukraine-invasion-canada-faces-tough-choices-on-defence/) - The Canadian Press: “We need to shift our mentality from supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes to supporting Ukraine until victory. And that victory needs to be very decisive. It’s an existential war for Putin, and I think we’re sometimes losing track of that,” Sestritsyn said. “Ukraine gets just enough to sustain the - [No 10 fast-tracked Mandelson security vetting despite Epstein links](https://thecompositeeye.ca/no-10-fast-tracked-mandelson-security-vetting-despite-epstein-links/) - iPaper: Photos of Mandelson show he had security clearance to view “top secret” material within three and a half weeks of his role being announced, when such checks typically take several months. Insiders say the Foreign Office was asked to complete the former Labour peer’s security screening as quickly as possible to get him in - [Winning tariff lawyer says Trump's case 'fundamentally un-American'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/winning-tariff-lawyer-says-trumps-case-fundamentally-un-american/) - USA Today: Veteran Supreme Court lawyer Neal Katyal says he knew he'd beat President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs case, calling his actions 'gravely illegal'... - [Why Trump’s section 122 tariffs are illegal](https://thecompositeeye.ca/why-trumps-section-122-tariffs-are-illegal/) - Andrew McCarthy/National Review: The balance of payments is a broader concept than the balance of trade. It accounts for all the economic transactions that take place between the United States and the rest of the world. Even without getting into every kind of transaction that entails, suffice it to say that foreign investment in the - [Garry Clement: From floor crossings to foreign influence, Canada faces crisis of integrity](https://thecompositeeye.ca/garry-clement-from-floor-crossings-to-foreign-influence-canada-faces-crisis-of-integrity/) - Garry Clement/The Bureau: Public opinion polls have long shown Canadians divided on the practice, with a significant proportion believing MPs should be required to face the voters again if they cross the floor. Yet the recent sequence of transitions — three in a matter of months — has many Canadians asking whether morality and integrity - [Supreme Court rules Trump's tariffs are illegal. President doubles down with new 10 % global tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/supreme-court-rules-trumps-tariffs-are-illegal-president-doubles-down-with-new-10-global-tariffs/) - Click for live updates CNN: The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that President Donald Trump violated federal law when he unilaterally imposed sweeping tariffs across the globe, a striking loss for the White House on an issue that has been central to the president’s foreign policy and economic agenda. The decision is arguably the most - [Does Nigel Farage have problem with women?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/does-nigel-farage-have-problem-with-women/) - The Guardian: It is not the first time Farage has been accused of patronising a female journalist. When the former BBC Radio 4 Today presenter Mishal Husain asked him about the potential consequences of shooting down Russian planes last October, Farage responded: “Listen love, you’re trying ever so hard.” A month later he accused the - ['China is falling across the board’: How US is moving away from Chinese imports](https://thecompositeeye.ca/china-is-falling-across-the-board-how-us-is-moving-away-from-chinese-imports/) - Politico: Thanks in large part to U.S. tariffs that at one point reached triple digits, the Asian manufacturing powerhouse’s share of the overall U.S. import market fell to 9 percent in 2025, compared to 13.4 percent in 2024, according to the Commerce Department’s trade report for December released Thursday. That is China’s lowest market share - [Terence Corcoran: Mark Carney’s new military-industrial complex](https://thecompositeeye.ca/terence-corcoran-mark-carneys-new-military-industrial-complex/) - Terence Corcoran/Financial Post: What Carney is really creating, economically, is another centrally-planned industrial strategy filled with risk in the belief that big state spending and borrowing on the military creates broader growth across the economy. The theory is known as “military Keynesianism,” based on the ideas of early-20th-century economist John Maynard Keynes, who advocated the - [U.S. trade deficit totaled $901 billion in 2025, barely budging despite Trump's tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-trade-deficit-totaled-901-billion-in-2025-barely-budging-despite-trumps-tariffs/) - CNBC: The U.S. trade deficit swelled in December, closing out a year in which the imbalance was essentially unchanged despite efforts by the Trump administration to close the wide gap. Closing out a tumultuous year in the global marketplace, the goods and services shortfall in December totalled $70.3 billion, the Commerce Department reported Thursday. That - [US ambassador causes uproar by claiming Israel has right to much of Middle East](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-ambassador-causes-uproar-by-claiming-israel-has-right-to-much-of-middle-east/) - Politico: Huckabee made the comments in an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson that aired Friday. Carlson said that according to the Bible, the descendants of Abraham would receive land that today would include essentially the entire Middle East, and asked Huckabee if Israel had a right to that land. Huckabee responded: “It would be - [Trump demands Netflix oust Susan Rice from board](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-demands-netflix-oust-susan-rice-from-board/) - Wall Street Journal: President’s comments come as Netflix tries to win a deal, and antitrust approval, to buy Warner’s studios and HBO streaming service... - [How Epstein files frustrated Trump’s White House](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-epstein-files-frustrated-trumps-white-house/) - Wall Street Journal: “No one is suggesting this is how we wanted to start the year in terms of our focus. But, this is the task at hand,” wrote Tysen Duva, head of the Justice Department’s criminal division, in a Jan. 9 email, telling lawyers to review 1,000 pages of Epstein files a day. “The - [CIA withdraws nearly 20 intelligence reports, citing bias](https://thecompositeeye.ca/cia-withdraws-nearly-20-intelligence-reports-citing-bias/) - Washington Post: Unusual step includes reports on hot-button issues such as white nationalism, LGBTQ activism and family planning... - [Trump aides struggle with how to spend $500 billion more on military](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-aides-struggle-with-how-to-spend-500-billion-more-on-military/) - Washington Post: Since Trump agreed to the higher number, White House aides and defense officials have run into logistical challenges surrounding where to put the money, because the amount is so large, the people said. The White House is more than two weeks behind its statutory deadline to send its budget proposal to Congress, in - [Centerview settles lawsuit over analyst’s need for 8 hours’ sleep](https://thecompositeeye.ca/centerview-settles-lawsuit-over-analysts-need-for-8-hours-sleep/) - Financial Times: The bank has reached an agreement with Kathryn Shiber on the eve of going to trial, in a case that would have required the bank to persuade a jury of New Yorkers that being available to work in the early hours was an essential part of the role... - [France says EU has tools to hit back at Trump over tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/france-says-eu-has-tools-to-hit-back-at-trump-over-tariffs/) - Financial Times: “Should it become necessary, the EU has the appropriate instruments at its disposal,” Forissier said on Saturday. French officials said it was too early to speculate on an EU response but options included the “trade bazooka”, an Anti-Coercion instrument (ACI) that could affect US technology companies. The ACI has a broad range of - [What does Trump’s latest tariff threat mean for his previous trade pacts?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/what-does-trumps-latest-tariff-threat-mean-for-his-previous-trade-pacts/) - Financial Times: Governments around the world are unlikely to renege on trade pacts signed with Donald Trump over the past year despite a Supreme Court ruling that many of the tariffs imposed by the US were illegal, according to international analysts and legal experts. Sectors such as autos and steel were not affected by the - [Why attacking Iran could be riskier than capturing Maduro](https://thecompositeeye.ca/why-attacking-iran-could-be-riskier-than-capturing-maduro/) - New York Times: Iran’s extensive military abilities and network of regional proxies could draw the United States into a prolonged conflict... - [Trump pulls support from House Republican who opposed tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-pulls-support-from-house-republican-who-opposed-tariffs/) - New York Times: The president yanked his endorsement of Representative Jeff Hurd of Colorado, imperiling Republicans’ chances of holding onto his seat as they brace for midterm losses... - [Trump’s trade gamble will continue, despite Supreme Court rebuke](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-trade-gamble-will-continue-despite-supreme-court-rebuke/) - New York Times: The president seems as intent on tariffs as ever and argues that his trade agenda is succeeding, despite little evidence to support it... - [Tony Keller: Ruling against Trump’s tariffs changes nothing, and everything](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tony-keller-ruling-against-trumps-tariffs-changes-nothing-and-everything/) - Tony Keller/The Globe and Mail: Friday’s 6-3 ruling changes little about the immediate substance of U.S. tariff policy, but it augurs well for the future. It appears to place some limits on Mr. Trump’s preferred form of foreign policy: threatening tariffs at the drop of a hat on any country, any time, for any reason. - [Althia Raj: NDP leadership candidates look inward as their party crumbles around them](https://thecompositeeye.ca/althia-raj-ndp-leadership-candidates-look-inward-as-their-party-crumbles-around-them/) - Althia Raj/Toronto Star: What’s perhaps more alarming for progressives across the country, however, is that the five leadership candidates vying to lead the NDP — McQuail, filmmaker Avi Lewis, Edmonton Strathcona MP Heather McPherson, union leader Rob Ashton, and social worker and city councillor Tanille Johnston — haven’t explained how they plan to win back - [Trump keeps carveout under CUSMA in new 10 per cent global tariff](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-keeps-carveout-under-cusma-in-new-10-per-cent-global-tariff/) - The Canadian Press: The majority of Canadian exports will remain exempted from Donald Trump’s new 10 per cent global levy, as the U.S. president pivots after the Supreme Court dealt a blow to his plans to realign global trade... - [Cuba running on fumes as Canada considers sending relief](https://thecompositeeye.ca/cuba-running-on-fumes-as-canada-considers-sending-relief/) - CBC: The government of Canada says it is still thinking about whether to send humanitarian aid to Cuba, as the island confronts a looming disaster under an American oil embargo that is, in practice, a full blockade. "Canada is monitoring the situation carefully and is concerned about the increasing risk of a humanitarian crisis on - [How AI is transforming freelance journalism](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-ai-is-transforming-freelance-journalism/) - Nieman Lab: One freelancer said he’s been offering editors access to his Google Docs version histories as evidence that he does the writing himself... - [Former Prince Andrew arrested and held for hours on suspicion of misconduct over ties to Epstein](https://thecompositeeye.ca/former-prince-andrew-arrested-and-held-for-hours-on-suspicion-of-misconduct-over-ties-to-epstein/) - Click for live updates Associated Press: The former Prince Andrew was arrested and held for hours by British police Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his links to Jeffrey Epstein, an extraordinary move in a country where authorities once sought to shield the royal family from embarrassment. It was the first - [​Board of Peace will be bonanza for wealthy board members](https://thecompositeeye.ca/board-of-peace-will-be-bonanza-for-wealthy-board-members/) - Responsible Statecraft: “I really want to thank the entire team that’s worked so hard at this. A lot of these people are volunteers, they’re doing this not for any personal gain. People are not personally profiting from this,” he said. Of course, there is plenty of money to be made, directly or indirectly, by people - [Dear ChatGPT, please construct me an optimal portfolio](https://thecompositeeye.ca/dear-chatgpt-please-construct-me-an-optimal-portfolio/) - Financial Times: AI is already smarter and more knowledgeable than all financial advisers... - [Email blunder exposes $90bn Russian oil smuggling ring](https://thecompositeeye.ca/email-blunder-exposes-90bn-russian-oil-smuggling-ring/) - Financial Times: The FT has identified 48 seemingly independent companies working from different physical addresses that appear to be operating together to disguise the origin of Russian oil, particularly from Kremlin-controlled Rosneft. The network was discovered because they all share a single private email server... - [Hungary blocks €90 billion loan for Ukraine over damaged pipeline as tensions escalate](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hungary-blocks-e90-billion-loan-for-ukraine-over-damaged-pipeline-as-tensions-escalate/) - Euronews: Hungary said it will block a €90 billion emergency loan for Ukraine as it accused the war-torn country of "blackmail" over a damaged pipeline used for the transit of Russian oil, escalating a confrontation ahead of a general election in April. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Kyiv, Brussels and opposition forces were working - [U.S. intelligence says at least 15,000 at large after ISIS detention camp collapses in Syria](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-intelligence-says-at-least-15000-at-large-after-isis-detention-camp-collapses-in-syria/) - Wall Street Journal: U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that 15,000 to 20,000 people, including Islamic State affiliates are now at large in Syria, after an exodus from a camp that held jihadists’ families, U.S. officials familiar with the estimate said. Security experts have long warned that the wives of Islamic State fighters were effectively raising the next - [Trump won’t rule out limited Iran strike as forces gather](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-wont-rule-out-limited-iran-strike-as-forces-gather/) - Bloomberg: “I guess I can say I am considering it,” Trump told reporters when asked if he was weighing the move to force Iran to accept a deal. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that his team was mulling such a plan. The US military has deployed a vast array of forces in the region - [Trump’s new trade agenda is on collision course with midterms](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-new-trade-agenda-is-on-collision-course-with-midterms/) - Wall Street Journal: Some of the new tariffs Trump wants to impose require congressional approval to extend beyond five months. Others require months of investigations before they can be put into place. In both cases, that pushes key tariff decisions into the summer, just months before November’s midterms when many Republicans are likely to be - [Tariff ruling rips open Trump’s relationship with Roberts court](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tariff-ruling-rips-open-trumps-relationship-with-roberts-court/) - Wall Street Journal: “It’s almost Greek tragedy that Roberts, who has often endorsed expansive presidential power, including in the immunity opinion, is confronted by a president who is not only happy to take that to the far extreme, but doesn’t accept any constraints,” said Carolyn Shapiro, a professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law. Other tests - [Judge scolds prosecutors in hearing on search of Post reporter’s home](https://thecompositeeye.ca/judge-scolds-prosecutors-in-hearing-on-search-of-post-reporters-home/) - Washington Post: A federal judge in Virginia scolded Justice Department attorneys on Friday for not mentioning the 1980 Privacy Protection Act when they submitted their application for a warrant to search a Washington Post reporter’s home and seize her devices. The Privacy Protection Act limits the government’s ability to search and seize journalists’ materials. “Did - [Trump loses favorite negotiating tool he touted to make peace and money](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-loses-favorite-negotiating-tool-he-touted-to-make-peace-and-money/) - Washington Post: In anticipation of the ruling, White House officials acknowledged that losing would be a psychological and rhetorical defeat for one of Trump’s signature initiatives. At the same time, they said, the ruling would remove an unpopular and divisive issue within Trump’s coalition and reassure investors and businesses concerned that the tariffs contribute to - [Bridge owner donated $1mn weeks before Trump attacked rival, filing shows](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bridge-owner-donated-1mn-weeks-before-trump-attacked-rival-filing-shows/) - Financial Times: Filings released on Friday night show Matthew Moroun, whose company operates the 100-year-old bridge that connects Michigan and Ontario, on January 16 gave $1mn to Maga Inc, a Trump-affiliated Super Pac. ... The White House and the Super Pac denied there was any link between the donation and Trump’s outburst. White House spokesperson - [Secret Service will offer tailored suits to new protective detail agents](https://thecompositeeye.ca/secret-service-will-offer-tailored-suits-to-new-protective-detail-agents/) - CNN: The initiative to have the Secret Service purchase suits happened because Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem disliked how a protective detail was dressed in the suits they bought for themselves, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin denied that account, telling CNN, “This does not have to - [US could strike Iran. Here’s how Tehran is getting prepared](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-could-strike-iran-heres-how-tehran-is-getting-prepared/) - CNN: Amid the threat of war, Iran has spent recent months repairing key missile facilities and heavily damaged air bases while further concealing its nuclear program. It has appointed war veterans to its national security structures, conducted maritime wargames in the Persian Gulf and launched an intense crackdown on domestic dissent... - [War foretold: How CIA, MI6 got hold of Putin’s Ukraine plans and why nobody believed them](https://thecompositeeye.ca/war-foretold-how-cia-mi6-got-hold-of-putins-ukraine-plans-and-why-nobody-believed-them/) - The Guardian: Drawing on more than 100 interviews with senior intelligence officials and other insiders in multiple countries, this exclusive account details how the US and Britain uncovered Vladimir Putin’s plans to invade, and why most of Europe – including the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy – dismissed them. As the fourth anniversary of the invasion - [Transport Canada certifies some jets at centre of Trump's aviation tariff threat](https://thecompositeeye.ca/transport-canada-certifies-some-jets-at-centre-of-trumps-aviation-tariff-threat/) - CBC: The regulator certified Gulfstream's business class jets — the G500 and G600 — according to a document posted to the government's website. Reuters was the first to report the development. Last month, Trump accused Canada of "illegally" refusing to certify a number of Gulfstream models, even though Transport Canada was in the process of - [Liberals have 3-to-1 spending advantage in majority-deciding by-election](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-have-3-to-1-spending-advantage-in-majority-deciding-by-election/) - Fred Delorey: When multiple by-elections occur at the same time, however, the national spending ceiling is calculated across all of them. That money can be spent anywhere. There are three by-elections that will happen at the same time. For the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP, that means a national cap tied to three ridings. In practice, - [How Canada became poorer than Alabama](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-canada-became-poorer-than-alabama/) - The Globe and Mail: But being on the ground in Alabama, it was obvious that Canadians need a wake-up call. They tend to view the economy through a historical lens – this is a G7 country that has long punched above its weight. Yet capital is global now and competition for it is fierce. If - [Andrew Coyne: Canada’s defence industrial policy would rather Buy Canadian than Buy the Best](https://thecompositeeye.ca/andrew-coyne-canadas-defence-industrial-policy-would-rather-buy-canadian-than-buy-the-best/) - Andrew Coyne/The Globe and Mail: But the default should be to open competition, at least among non-U.S. suppliers. The burden of proof should be on those making the case for exceptions. There may be situations in which it is better to “Buy Canadian,” even in the presence of superior alternatives – to saddle our forces - [Does Conservative Party of Canada want to be MAGA branch plant?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/does-conservative-party-of-canada-want-to-be-maga-branch-plant/) - Tony Keller/The Globe and Mail: Mr. Poilievre must clearly and repeatedly draw the distinction between being critical of the Liberal government and being sympathetic to the government’s primary antagonist – Mr. Trump. Criticizing the Liberal government is normal and necessary. But imagining that the enemy of the adversary must be a friend, and that if - [Stephen Maher: Rumours swirling over Ottawa floor-crossers. They might be sign of things to come](https://thecompositeeye.ca/stephen-maher-rumours-swirling-over-ottawa-floor-crossers-they-might-be-sign-of-things-to-come/) - Stephen Maher: Carney needs to be careful about this kind of thing. He brought the last floor crosser — Markham—Unionville MP Michael Ma — with him on his recent trip to China and Qatar. It’s entirely ethical to lure MPs across the floor to try to get a majority, but it’s another thing to reward - [Trump keeps carveout under CUSMA in new 10 per cent tariff](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-keeps-carveout-under-cusma-in-new-10-per-cent-tariff/) - The Canadian Press: The majority of Canadian exports will remain exempted from Donald Trump’s new 10 per cent global levy, as the U.S. president pivots after the Supreme Court dealt a blow to his plans to realign global trade. A fact sheet from the White House said the latest tariff will not hit goods compliant - [Details behind Matt Jeneroux’s defection reveal contradictions. Here’s what we know](https://thecompositeeye.ca/details-behind-matt-jenerouxs-defection-reveal-contradictions-heres-what-we-know/) - Toronto Star: Dec. 1, 2025: Despite Jeneroux’s office rejecting rumours of his floor crossing, the MP is seen having drinks at Zoe’s, a bar in downtown Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier hotel, with Caley and Noormohamed, according to Star sources. Jeneroux has not responded to the Star’s request for comment about the meeting... - [Alberta Premier Smith can’t quantify savings from referendum proposals on immigration](https://thecompositeeye.ca/alberta-premier-smith-cant-quantify-savings-from-referendum-proposals-on-immigration/) - The Canadian Press: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government isn’t sure how much it might save if referendum questions proposing restrictions to social services for some newcomers are approved in the fall... - [Poll finds Carney has broad coalition of support among Canadians for his economic plan](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poll-finds-carney-has-broad-coalition-of-support-among-canadians-for-his-economic-plan/) - CityNews: A new poll finds two-thirds of Canadians are solidly behind Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to transition away from a Trump tariff-impacted economy towards new opportunities and ventures. The same poll also finds Canadians remain patient with the pace of his provincial and regional infrastructure agenda and are inspired by his international leadership... - [Where does U.S. Supreme Court voiding some Trump tariffs leave Canada?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/where-does-u-s-supreme-court-voiding-some-trump-tariffs-leave-canada/) - CBC: A number of other sectoral specific tariffs are still in effect. Trump used Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act to impose levies on Canadian steel, aluminum, copper, some automotive parts, lumber and other wood products. ... In response to Friday's court ruling, Trump has promised a new 10 per cent "global tariff" - [Carney govt shifts advertising budget to more patriotic messaging](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-govt-shifts-advertising-budget-to-more-patriotic-messaging/) - CBC: The Privy Council Office (PCO), the arm of the bureaucracy that supports the Prime Minister's Office, was allocated $3 million for its "Choose Canada" campaign, which included English television spots voiced by comedian Rick Mercer. PCO was not allocated any central advertising fund resources in earlier quarters. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) - [Ahead of PM's visit, India's envoy says Canada could sign trade deal 'within a year'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ahead-of-pms-visit-indias-envoy-says-canada-could-sign-trade-deal-within-a-year/) - The Canadian Press: India’s envoy to Ottawa says Canada could sign a comprehensive trade deal with New Delhi within a year — despite the fact that trade talks between the two nations have stalled multiple times since they started in 2010. Ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s anticipated visit to India, High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik - [Feds warn First Nations people to carry passport when crossing U.S. border](https://thecompositeeye.ca/feds-warn-first-nations-people-to-carry-passport-when-crossing-u-s-border/) - The Canadian Press: The website now says First Nations people “may” be able to cross the Canada-U.S. border by land or water with their Secure Certificate of Indian Status, also known as a secure status card. The website says acceptance of all status cards is “entirely at the discretion of U.S. officials.” Status cards and - [Russian commanders demand £30k to spare soldiers from front line](https://thecompositeeye.ca/russian-commanders-demand-30k-to-spare-soldiers-from-front-line/) - Telegraph: Troops forced to hand over wages to corrupt officers and chip in for ‘missing’ supplies, say military experts... - [Anderson Cooper decided not to renew ‘60 Minutes’ contract at last minute — flooring execs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anderson-cooper-decided-not-to-renew-60-minutes-contract-at-last-minute-flooring-execs/) - New York Post: The journo had been poised to become the face of “60 Minutes” under CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss and president Tom Cibrowski, who privately lauded him as an important player at the struggling news network. But Cooper’s decision to pull out came as the deal was in its final stages, - [UK blocking Trump from using RAF bases for strikes on Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/uk-blocking-trump-from-using-raf-bases-for-strikes-on-iran/) - Times: The disagreement over the use of British sites is behind the US president’s withdrawal of support for the Chagos Islands deal, The Times understands... - [Chinese telecom hackers likely holding stolen data ‘in perpetuity’ for later attempts, FBI official says](https://thecompositeeye.ca/chinese-telecom-hackers-likely-holding-stolen-data-in-perpetuity-for-later-attempts-fbi-official-says/) - NextGov: “I think it’s important to say we do not know exactly what the [People’s Republic of China] intends to do with a lot of this information,” said FBI deputy assistant director for cyber intelligence Michael Machtinger at CyberScoop’s CyberTalks event. “But we have no doubt that it could be used for surveillance and certainly - [Goldman lawyer Kathryn Ruemmler, Epstein conferred on secret service prostitution scandal](https://thecompositeeye.ca/goldman-lawyer-kathryn-ruemmler-epstein-conferred-on-secret-service-prostitution-scandal/) - Bloomberg: In a dozen or so exchanges that were sent months after Ruemmler left her White House position in 2014, she complained to Epstein about “this secret service crap” and forwarded to him a draft email that contained detailed, nonpublic information about the behind-the-scenes role the White House Counsel’s office played in investigating the 2012 - [Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces fall referendum on immigration, constitutional questions](https://thecompositeeye.ca/alberta-premier-danielle-smith-announces-fall-referendum-on-immigration-constitutional-questions/) - CBC: In a 13-minute televised address Thursday evening, Smith said she wants Albertans to vote on nine questions on Oct. 19. She said the subject of each question was based on what the Alberta Next Panel heard the most when consulting with Albertans during town halls and through written submissions last year. “The fact is, - [DHS opens billion-dollar tab with Palantir](https://thecompositeeye.ca/dhs-opens-billion-dollar-tab-with-palantir/) - Wired: The Department of Homeland Security struck a $1 billion purchasing agreement with Palantir last week, further reinforcing the software company’s role in the federal agency that oversees the nation’s immigration enforcement. According to contracting documents published last week, the blanket purchase agreement (BPA) awarded “is to provide Palantir commercial software licenses, maintenance, and implementation - [Brink of war: US forces ready for Iran strike as Trump weighs final order](https://thecompositeeye.ca/brink-of-war-us-forces-ready-for-iran-strike-as-trump-weighs-final-order/) - Axios: The Trump administration is closer to a major war in the Middle East than most Americans realize. It could begin very soon. ... The sources noted it would likely be a joint U.S.-Israeli campaign that's much broader in scope — and more existential for the regime — than the Israeli-led 12-day war last June, - [Court will decide if bankers can be fired for demanding sleep](https://thecompositeeye.ca/court-will-decide-if-bankers-can-be-fired-for-demanding-sleep/) - Financial Times: She said it would be “slightly absurd [to be] in court arguing that people have to be available 24 hours a day, that’s your expectation . . . The number of people that would preclude is pretty big.” Shiber has said her termination permanently derailed her investment banking career and is demanding pay that she would have - [As Trump weighs Iran strikes, He declines to make clear case for why, or why now](https://thecompositeeye.ca/as-trump-weighs-iran-strikes-he-declines-to-make-clear-case-for-why-or-why-now/) - New York Times: Rarely in modern times has the United States prepared to conduct a major act of war with so little explanation or public debate... - [Bard College opens review of its President’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bard-college-opens-review-of-its-presidents-ties-to-jeffrey-epstein/) - New York Times: Dr. Botstein, who has led the liberal-arts college in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y., since 1975, has said for years that his sole interest in Mr. Epstein was to coax a major donation out of him for the financially precarious college. But a trove of Justice Department emails released late last month showed that Dr. - [As peace talks stall, Russia and Ukraine share one aim: keep Trump happy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/as-peace-talks-stall-russia-and-ukraine-share-one-aim-keep-trump-happy/) - Wall Street Journal: The upbeat diplomatic buzzwords belie the impasse in a peace process that many observers, and even some participants, said has turned into political theater. “These talks aren’t moving us closer to ending the war,” said Ivo Daalder, who was a U.S. ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization during the Obama administration. - [With ‘tremendous’ deals at stake, Trump bringing Russia in from cold](https://thecompositeeye.ca/with-tremendous-deals-at-stake-trump-bringing-russia-in-from-cold/) - New York Times: Mr. Beach’s deal, which he insisted was motivated by business interests and not politics, shows how Mr. Trump is starting to bring Russia back into the Western economic fold, even as few signs point to President Vladimir V. Putin being ready to stop his assault on Ukraine and U.S. sanctions against Russia - [Accomplice who was going to testify against Jeffrey Epstein—then went dark](https://thecompositeeye.ca/accomplice-who-was-going-to-testify-against-jeffrey-epstein-then-went-dark/) - Wall Street Journal: French model scout Jean-Luc Brunel was negotiating to provide prosecutors with evidence against the sex offender in 2016—three years before he was finally arrested—but ultimately backed out... - [Trump weighs initial limited strike to force Iran into nuclear deal](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-weighs-initial-limited-strike-to-force-iran-into-nuclear-deal/) - Wall Street Journal: President Trump is weighing an initial limited military strike on Iran to force it to meet his demands for a nuclear deal, a first step that would be designed to pressure Tehran into an agreement but fall short of a full-scale attack that could inspire a major retaliation. The opening assault, which - [Trump gives Iran 10-day timeline in Board of Peace meeting on whether he'll continue talks or strike](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-gives-iran-a-10-day-timeline-in-board-of-peace-meeting-on-whether-hell-continue-talks-or-strike/) - ABC: "We may have to take it a step further, or we may not. Maybe we're going to make a deal," Trump told the Board of Peace members. "You're going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days, but this meeting today is proof with determined leadership, nothing is impossible." Asked by ABC - [Crypto-loving billionaire and $400mn ‘perfect fraud’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/crypto-loving-billionaire-and-400mn-perfect-fraud/) - Financial Times: “It was the perfect fraud,” he says. “The guy took my stock, sold it, and gave me the money as a loan — Jesus, that’s as bad as it gets.”... - [Epstein built ties to U.S. customs officers, prompting criminal investigation](https://thecompositeeye.ca/epstein-built-ties-to-u-s-customs-officers-prompting-criminal-investigation/) - Wall Street Journal: Jeffrey Epstein cultivated friendly relationships with several customs officers in the U.S. Virgin Islands, offering food, advice and even musical gigs... - [White House deflects as Trump weighs Taiwan arms sale delay amid Beijing pressure](https://thecompositeeye.ca/white-house-deflects-as-trump-weighs-taiwan-arms-sale-delay-amid-beijing-pressure/) - SCMP: The White House declined on Wednesday to comment on reports that US President Donald Trump is weighing whether to cancel or delay a US$11 billion arms package to Taiwan, as he seeks to keep an expected April summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on track amid pressure from Beijing. “I don’t have any announcement - [Banner with Trump's image displayed outside Justice Dept. headquarters](https://thecompositeeye.ca/banner-with-trumps-image-displayed-outside-justice-dept-headquarters/) - CBC: A large banner featuring Donald Trump's face was hung on the exterior of the U.S. Justice Department headquarters on Thursday in an apparent display of the Republican president's efforts to exert power over the law enforcement agency that once investigated him. While Trump banners have been hung outside other agencies across Washington, the decision - [Claude Lavoie: Canada will have to accept higher U.S. tariffs, unthinkable concessions](https://thecompositeeye.ca/claude-lavoie-canada-will-have-to-accept-higher-u-s-tariffs-unthinkable-concessions/) - Claude Lavoie/The Globe and Mail: The Trump administration has abandoned this framework. Recent U.S. trade deals with Europe, Argentina, Britain, Japan, South Korea and others follow a clear pattern: the U.S. imposes tariffs of 10 to 20 per cent while negotiating partners eliminate their own tariffs and grant preferential access to American products. Washington’s only - [Andrew Coyne: Post-Poilievre leadership race has begun](https://thecompositeeye.ca/andrew-coyne-post-poilievre-leadership-race-has-begun/) - Andrew Coyne/The Globe and Mail: The post-Poilievre leadership race, in other words, is already under way. Pierre Poilievre may have won the endorsement of the party rank-and-file at the Calgary convention, but the party establishment – MPs, party officials, the pros – know he’s toast. The Conservatives are nine or 10 points behind the Liberals - [Poilievre may have wanted to avoid an election. But maybe not like this](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-may-have-wanted-to-avoid-an-election-but-maybe-not-like-this/) - Aaron Wherry/CBC: Cynically, one might have wondered whether Poilievre's recent enthusiasm for collaboration was inspired, at least in part, by a simple desire to avoid an election. To be seen working constructively at a fraught moment for the country might have the potential to improve Poilievre's public image. But more than that, working with the - [Lawrence Martin: Can U.S. finally just shut up about Canada’s defence spending?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/lawrence-martin-can-u-s-finally-just-shut-up-about-canadas-defence-spending/) - Lawrence Martin: It is a turn that is needed, and one that addresses long-standing reflex protestations by Donald Trump and other U.S. presidents that we are laggards in military outlays. Given Mr. Carney’s spending surge, Mr. Trump might wish to finally shut up about it – though it’s unlikely. What’s more likely is that he’ll - [Matt Jeneroux’s defection has Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives wondering if there will be more](https://thecompositeeye.ca/matt-jenerouxs-defection-has-pierre-poilievres-conservatives-wondering-if-there-will-be-more/) - Toronto Star: They have reason to worry. Several sources, both Liberals and Conservatives, who were granted anonymity to speak about confidential matters, say there are a handful of conversations ongoing with other potential floor-crossers. One more MP would hand Carney a slim majority, which could expand if more opposition colleagues join the Liberals, but also - [‘Get it over with,’ former Conservative MP tells potential floor-crossers](https://thecompositeeye.ca/get-it-over-with-former-conservative-mp-tells-potential-floor-crossers/) - CTV: Former Conservative cabinet minister Lisa Raitt told CTV Your Morning on Thursday that the party is rife with rumours about more MPs switching sides, and if that’s true, she suggests they go ahead and do it so the party can get back to “what they do best, which is right now, fight for Canadians.” - [Nearly half of Canadians now think U.S. bigger threat to world peace than Russia](https://thecompositeeye.ca/nearly-half-of-canadians-now-think-u-s-bigger-threat-to-world-peace-than-russia/) - Politico: Canadians don’t see Trump’s America as merely an annoyance, the survey found. They consider the superpower next door the world’s greatest threat to peacetime. The POLITICO Poll — in partnership with U.K. polling firm Public First — finds Canadians increasingly view the United States as a source of global volatility instead of as a - [Mexico overtakes Canada as No. 1 destination for U.S. exports](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mexico-overtakes-canada-as-no-1-destination-for-u-s-exports/) - Wall Street Journal: Mexico’s economy has avoided a worst-case scenario, and factory owners there ramped up production after escaping relatively unscathed following a series of Trump administration decisions. Moreover, Trump administration officials credit Mexico for taking a pragmatic approach on trade talks, while describing negotiations with Canada as challenging... - [New defence purchasing agency will become more independent, MP says](https://thecompositeeye.ca/new-defence-purchasing-agency-will-become-more-independent-mp-says/) - The Canadian Press: Fuhr, the secretary of state overseeing changes to how the federal government buys equipment for the military, said the Defence Investment Agency, a new office created to streamline military procurement, will become a legislated stand-alone agency to give it more independence and authority. He said that will result in one main point - [Finance minister unveils Ottawa's 'follow the money' plan to tackle extortion](https://thecompositeeye.ca/finance-minister-unveils-ottawas-follow-the-money-plan-to-tackle-extortion/) - The Canadian Press: The government says Canada’s financial intelligence agency Fintrac will put new resources behind tackling extortion. As part of that effort, Fintrac agents will also embed with local law enforcement on the ground to help quickly trace reports of extortion. Fintrac will also share data with financial institutions to help them flag suspicious - [New strategy outlines ‘ambitious’ defence readiness objective months after downgrading air fleet target](https://thecompositeeye.ca/new-strategy-outlines-ambitious-defence-readiness-objective-months-after-downgrading-air-fleet-target/) - The Hill Times: National Defence's most recent departmental plans reduced the readiness target for the air fleet to 70 per cent, down from 85 per cent. The new Defence Industrial Strategy has reversed that decrease just eight months later... - [Ottawa puts $50M behind Inuit-led university as part of major announcement for northern communities](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ottawa-puts-50m-behind-inuit-led-university-as-part-of-major-announcement-for-northern-communities/) - CBC: The long-awaited funding, which is intended to improve the quality of life for Inuit, is being welcomed by Inuit leaders after the dollar figures were notably absent from last fall's federal budget. But they're calling on Ottawa to go even further to address the inequities between their communities and others in Canada... - [NDP leadership candidates to face off in final debate tonight](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ndp-leadership-candidates-to-face-off-in-final-debate-tonight/) - CBC: "The NDP has to basically solve the existential crisis," said Kurl, the president of the Angus Reid Institute. She says the party must figure out who it serves as it bleeds support to the Conservatives. "Is it a party for the working class? Is it a traditional party that was the go-to for factory - [Justice Dept not acting like it used to, criminal defense lawyers note](https://thecompositeeye.ca/justice-dept-not-acting-like-it-used-to-criminal-defense-lawyers-note/) - NPR: ...they're debuting a tool to help track criminal cases that appear to involve irregular charging practices, including aggressive legal theories and possible political retribution against President Trump's foes. "We created the Case Tracker because you cannot defend against an enemy you cannot see," said Steven Salky, a lawyer in the Washington, D.C., area who - [David Horovitz: Beware Netanyahu’s Orwellian ‘War of Revival’ doublespeak](https://thecompositeeye.ca/david-horovitz-beware-netanyahus-orwellian-war-of-revival-doublespeak/) - Times of Israel: The PM is peddling a false October 7 narrative that skews why Israel went to war in Gaza, dishonors the dead, the injured, the traumatized, and obscures the need to get to the root of the failures... - [Rubio in talks with Castro grandson amid heightened pressure on Havana to cut deal](https://thecompositeeye.ca/rubio-in-talks-with-castro-grandson-amid-heightened-pressure-on-havana-to-cut-deal/) - Miami Herald: The conversations, first reported by Axios, were confirmed to the Miami Herald by a source with knowledge of the matter who asked for anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue. “I wouldn’t call these ‘negotiations’ as much as ‘discussions’ about the future,” a senior Trump administration official told Axios. On Sunday, President Donald Trump - [Mexico can call Trump’s bluff on Trade](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mexico-can-call-trumps-bluff-on-trade/) - Bloomberg: Since last year, Mexico has become the top destination for duty-free US exports. It had already overtaken China as the largest supplier to the US in 2023, underscoring how rapidly North American supply chains, especially in manufacturing and energy, are integrating. By 2025, Mexico accounted for 15.6% of total US trade through November, more - ['Talk is cheap': Defence analysts say diversifying defence procurement will be 'monumental challenge'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/talk-is-cheap-defence-analysts-say-diversifying-defence-procurement-will-be-monumental-challenge/) - National Post: Back in June, Carney said roughly 75 per cent of Canada’s defence capital spending goes to the U.S. ... Alexander Salt, post-doctoral fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, said to translate the strategy into a plan of action will be a long and difficult process and expects hiccups along the way. “Talk - [Terry Glavin: Carney, leader of anti-Trump alliance that doesn't exist](https://thecompositeeye.ca/terry-glavin-carney-leader-of-anti-trump-alliance-that-doesnt-exist/) - National Post: In something of a climb-down, Politico reported Wednesday that Carney had merely offered to “broker a bridge” between the European Union and the member states of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This would purportedly conjure a “new anti-Trump trade bloc” uniting the 27 EU states with the “fast-growing Indo-Pacific - [Trump bets on diplomacy without diplomats](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-bets-on-diplomacy-without-diplomats/) - New York Times: Supporters of the administration see Mr. Witkoff and Mr. Kushner as ideal negotiators in part because their personal wealth, they say, makes them more resistant to corrupting influences. But both men face questions over apparent conflicts of interest... - [Trump’s AI push fuels revolt in Maga heartlands](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-ai-push-fuels-revolt-in-maga-heartlands/) - Financial Times: Trump’s advisers — plucked from Silicon Valley and led by AI tsar David Sacks, an investor with close ties to the industry — have warned Republican state legislatures not to pass AI safety bills and challenged claims AI tools will cause widespread job losses or environmental damage. The president has emphasised that American AI dominance - [Floor-xrossing MP Michael Ma was director of group explicitly named as United Front organization in landmark Jamestown Foundation study](https://thecompositeeye.ca/floor-crossing-mp-michael-ma-was-director-of-group-explicitly-named-as-united-front-organization-in-landmark-jamestown-foundation-study/) - Sam Cooper/The Bureau: The diaspora organization that backed Conservative-turned-Liberal MP Michael Ma — and counts him as a former director — is now explicitly named in a landmark new study as part of the Chinese Communist Party’s overseas United Front influence network. The same association orchestrated pressure campaigns to oust two successive Conservative leaders over - [Trump adviser says NY Fed economists should be ‘disciplined’ for publishing study on tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-adviser-says-ny-fed-economists-should-be-disciplined-for-publishing-study-on-tariffs/) - Financial Times: A top White House official has said Federal Reserve economists should be “disciplined” for publishing a report showing US businesses and consumers were shouldering the bulk of the costs from Donald Trump’s tariffs. Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, described the recent study from the New York Fed as “an embarrassment” - [White House taps Jay Bhattacharya, CDC critic, to lead agency for now](https://thecompositeeye.ca/white-house-taps-jay-bhattacharya-cdc-critic-to-lead-agency-for-now/) - Washington Post: Jay Bhattacharya, a top Trump administration health official and an outspoken critic of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, will lead the CDC on an acting basis, according to four people who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe personnel moves... - [Meta’s Zuckerberg testifies about social media’s effects on children in landmark trial](https://thecompositeeye.ca/metas-zuckerberg-testifies-about-social-medias-effects-on-children-in-landmark-trial/) - CNN: The outcome of this trial, in which a young woman, “Kaley,” accuses Meta and YouTube of designing addictive features to hook her as a small child, could serve as a bellwether for hundreds of other cases. If the companies lose, they could be on the hook for potentially billions in damages and forced to - [U.S. withdrawing all forces from Syria, officials say](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-withdrawing-all-forces-from-syria-officials-say/) - Wall Street Journal: The officials said the withdrawal was unrelated to the current U.S. deployment of naval and air forces in the Middle East for potential strikes against Iran if talks about that country’s nuclear program fail. Iran has threatened to retaliate against American troops in the region if the U.S. launches airstrikes. ... The - [U.S. arms sale to Taiwan in limbo amid pressure campaign from China](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-arms-sale-to-taiwan-in-limbo-amid-pressure-campaign-from-china/) - Wall Street Journal: In a phone call earlier this month with Trump, Xi urged caution on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, the democratic, self-governing island that China claims as part of its territory. Trump wants to avoid antagonizing China ahead of his visit, set for the first week of April, the officials said. Asked on Monday whether - [As ICE buys up warehouses, even some Trump voters say no](https://thecompositeeye.ca/as-ice-buys-up-warehouses-even-some-trump-voters-say-no/) - New York Times: The agency is ramping up arrests, but local pushback is complicating efforts to expand detention capacity and prevent overcrowding... - [Trump ignores U.S.' ‘six assurances’ to Taiwan](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-ignores-u-s-six-assurances-to-taiwan/) - National Review: President Trump, speaking with reporters Monday: Q: President Xi and your talk with him recently, uh, uh, it warned about sending more weapons to Taiwan. What was your response then? Are you gonna send more weapons to Taiwan? Trump: Response, I have a response. I’m talking to him about it. We had a - [Canada’s new defence policy must do away with old orthodoxies](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadas-new-defence-policy-must-do-away-with-old-orthodoxies/) - Bob Rae, Michael Murphy and Eugene Lang: Mr. Carney’s vision for “variable geometry” recognizes that Canada will participate in various bilateral and multilateral arrangements beyond its default alliances, including finding points of mutual interest with countries we may not always agree with. This strategy involves continuing partnerships where beneficial opportunities lie, and exploring new relationships. - [Former Conservative MP Jeneroux ‘couldn’t sit on the sidelines,’ crosses floor to join Liberals](https://thecompositeeye.ca/former-conservative-mp-jeneroux-couldnt-sit-on-the-sidelines-crosses-floor-to-join-liberals/) - The Hill Times: Two former Conservative MPs and a former Conservative candidate, representing different regions of the country, say a damning quote is making the rounds in their circles to express internal frustration. “Pierre Poilievre has become the Justin Trudeau of the Conservative Party,” said one ex-MP, with the other two sources echoing the exact - [Poilievre says Jeneroux ‘betrayed’ his constituents](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-says-jeneroux-betrayed-his-constituents/) - CTV: Also in a post to social media on Wednesday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accused Jeneroux of betraying his constituents. “Mark Carney is trying to seize a costly Liberal majority government that Canadians voted against in the last election through dirty backroom deals,” he wrote. “Matt Jeneroux has betrayed the people of Edmonton Riverbend who - [MP Matt Jeneroux leaves Conservatives to join Liberals, citing 'national unity crisis'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mp-matt-jeneroux-leaves-conservatives-to-join-liberals-citing-national-unity-crisis/) - CBC: Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux, who said last year that he planned to leave politics altogether after his name circulated as a potential defector, announced Wednesday he is joining the government after all. He is the third Conservative the Liberals have picked up, starting with Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont in November and Toronto-area MP - [Democrats say they're escalating investigation into Gordie Howe bridge debacle](https://thecompositeeye.ca/democrats-say-theyre-escalating-investigation-into-gordie-howe-bridge-debacle/) - The Canadian Press: Democrats allege Trump’s social media post last week came hours after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick met with the billionaire owner of a competing bridge. The Gordie Howe bridge, which will connect Ontario to Michigan, has for decades faced massive pushback from the Moroun family, which owns the rival Ambassador Bridge and is - [Liberal govt expands Express Entry immigration program for some skilled workers](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberal-govt-expands-express-entry-immigration-program-for-some-skilled-workers/) - CBC: Canada is expanding its Express Entry immigration stream so it can bring in a range of skilled workers the Liberal government says are critical to growing the economy and defending the country. The new categories for Express Entry are giving priority to workers who classify as: researchers and senior managers, pilots, aircraft mechanics and - [Carney's closed-door fundraisers a 'step back' for ethics in politics: Expert](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carneys-closed-door-fundraisers-a-step-back-for-ethics-in-politics-expert/) - The Canadian Press: Carney is attending a Liberal fundraiser at a private residence in Vancouver Wednesday night and tickets cost $1,775. The event is not open to the media. The decision to block media from Carney's fundraisers marks a shift from the approach under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, who in recent years allowed journalists - [Quebec Liberal leader Charles Milliard won't reinstate Marwah Rizqy in party caucus](https://thecompositeeye.ca/quebec-liberal-leader-charles-milliard-wont-reinstate-marwah-rizqy-in-party-caucus/) - The Canadian Press: On Wednesday, Milliard said his decision is tied to “all the ongoing proceedings” and the fact he does not yet have all the information surrounding events of the past several months. “I want to be very clear: I told her that this is in no way a punishment against her,” he said, - [Canada should do more to screen visitors from China: Former CSIS analyst](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-should-do-more-to-screen-visitors-from-china-former-csis-analyst/) - CBC: Experts and a public inquiry into foreign interference have pointed to China as one of the largest sources of transnational repression in Canada, with government agents engaging in activities like surveillance of members of the Chinese diaspora, online attacks and threats against family members back in China. "If there are visitors coming [from] the - [Carney offers to ‘broker a bridge’ to build giant anti-Trump trade club](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-offers-to-broker-a-bridge-to-build-giant-anti-trump-trade-club/) - Politico: Carney was responding to questions on Tuesday about POLITICO’s reporting that Ottawa is spearheading conversations between the EU and nations in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). “We can help broker a bridge between the two,” Carney said during a press conference as he unveiled Canada’s defense industrial strategy in Montreal. - [Senators ‘hopeful’ for shifting tide in Congress as U.S. lawmakers rally to Canada’s cause](https://thecompositeeye.ca/senators-hopeful-for-shifting-tide-in-congress-as-u-s-lawmakers-rally-to-canadas-cause/) - The Hill Times: “I expected that there might be some hostility towards us on a couple of things,” said Progressive Senator Andrew Cardozo (Ontario), citing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s (Nepean, Ont.) Jan. 20 speech in Davos, Switzerland, and the thaw in Canada’s relationship with China. “We didn’t find any of that at all.” Cardozo said - [Ottawa urged to send salary dispute with judges directly to Supreme Court](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ottawa-urged-to-send-salary-dispute-with-judges-directly-to-supreme-court/) - CBC: The Canadian Superior Court Judges Association argues it would be more efficient to simply ask the Supreme Court to settle the issue, which is related to a proposed salary boost of $28,000 to $36,000 a year for judges within the federal judiciary. The salary increase affects not only judges sitting on each province's superior - [NDP leadership candidates look to break out from pack as final debate approaches](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ndp-leadership-candidates-look-to-break-out-from-pack-as-final-debate-approaches/) - The Canadian Press: While the candidates share a broad range of benchmark social democratic values — such as support for labour unions — the debate gives them a chance to distinguish themselves from their rivals. The final vote will be held using a ranked ballot and the new leader will be announced on March 29 - [Prime Minister Carney returning to B.C. one week after mass shooting](https://thecompositeeye.ca/prime-minister-carney-returning-to-b-c-one-week-after-mass-shooting/) - The Canadian Press: While in B.C., the prime minister will attend a Liberal Party fundraiser at a private residence in Vancouver, with tickets costing $1,775. Carney’s itinerary says he will be in Richmond, B.C., to celebrate Lunar New Year with community members and will later tour an affordable housing project... - [Tough sell for B.C. budget featuring tax hike, record deficit and construction delays](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tough-sell-for-b-c-budget-featuring-tax-hike-record-deficit-and-construction-delays/) - The Canadian Press: British Columbia’s finance minister begins selling a budget today that has drawn critics from all sides with its soaring debt and deficit, public sector cuts, and construction delays for care homes, student housing and a cancer centre. Brenda Bailey calls the budget “serious work for serious times.” It raises the base income - [India seizes sanctioned shadow fleet tankers amid trade thaw with U.S.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/india-seizes-sanctioned-shadow-fleet-tankers-amid-trade-thaw-with-u-s/) - Wall Street Journal: India’s Coast Guard has seized three tankers sanctioned by the U.S. that it says were involved in illicit ship-to-ship transfers off its western coast, a move that analysts said marks New Delhi’s first direct support of U.S. efforts to crack down on the so-called dark fleet. ... “The timing is quite significant - [Russia threatens to deploy navy to protect vessels from ‘western piracy’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/russia-threatens-to-deploy-navy-to-protect-vessels-from-western-piracy/) - The Guardian: A senior Russian official has said Moscow could deploy its navy to protect Russian-linked vessels from potential European seizures, raising the prospect of retaliatory action against European shipping as pressure on the Kremlin’s so-called shadow fleet intensifies... - [Marco Rubio’s warm words to Viktor Orbán reinforce EU fears that US seeks disunity in Europe](https://thecompositeeye.ca/marco-rubios-warm-words-to-viktor-orban-reinforce-eu-fears-that-us-seeks-disunity-in-europe/) - The Guardian: Secretary of state spoke of ‘golden age’ of US-Hungary relations at time of tense transatlantic relations with traditional allies... - [HungryPanda riders say Chinese police intimidating families in China over Sydney protests](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hungrypanda-riders-say-chinese-police-intimidating-families-in-china-over-sydney-protests/) - ABC: Sydney riders for delivery service HungryPanda, who have been considering protesting or refusing to work, say police in China have been making threats and putting pressure on their families back home. ... The ABC has no evidence that HungryPanda or anyone connected to the company are behind the effort to stymie protests... - [New defence industrial strategy will jump-start investment, sector leaders and analysts say](https://thecompositeeye.ca/new-defence-industrial-strategy-will-jump-start-investment-sector-leaders-and-analysts-say/) - The Globe and Mail: However, the strategy is light on more specific dates and timelines with which to hold the government accountable and help companies understand when contracts will start flowing,said Christyn Cianfarani, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries. She said she will be pressing Ottawa for particulars... - [Vaccine makers slash jobs, research as Kennedy tackles big pharma](https://thecompositeeye.ca/vaccine-makers-slash-jobs-research-as-kennedy-tackles-big-pharma/) - New York Times: The Trump administration said it was not discouraging innovation. But investors have grown hesitant to bet on a field that has fallen out of favor in Washington. Major manufacturers are reporting declining sales of their shots. Smaller companies are taking the brunt of the impact, with some stocks whipsawing in response to - [Belgium reprimands US ambassador over circumcision accusations](https://thecompositeeye.ca/belgium-reprimands-us-ambassador-over-circumcision-accusations/) - Euronews: The meeting was arranged after Ambassador Bill White said in a post on X on Monday that "antisemitism is unacceptable in any form and it must be rooted out of our society". The reaction from the Belgian government was swift and furious, with one source telling Euronews: "This is not the role of US - [‘You’re going to see more defections’: Thomas Massie’s ominous prediction for GOP](https://thecompositeeye.ca/youre-going-to-see-more-defections-thomas-massies-ominous-prediction-for-gop/) - Politico: Trump often wields power on Capitol Hill through intimidation and fear. That obviously has not broken through on the Epstein matter as much. Several of you defied him on tariffs as well. How is that toolkit wearing thin for him, that he’s not able to badger enough Republicans into falling in line? The margin - [How global effort to keep AI safe went off rails ](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-global-effort-to-keep-ai-safe-went-off-rails/) - Politico: Those gathered in New Delhi are no longer obsessing about how to control AI risks but figuring out who can benefit... - [Hegseth forces ouster of senior Army spokesman in latest internal clash](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hegseth-forces-ouster-of-senior-army-spokesman-in-latest-internal-clash/) - Washington Post: Butler’s previous work as the senior spokesman for Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to until his retirement in 2023, appears to be a key factor in the effort, officials familiar with the matter said. Milley has been a political target of President Donald Trump and - [U.S. hardens allegation that China conducted secret nuclear test](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-hardens-allegation-that-china-conducted-secret-nuclear-test/) - Wall Street Journal: The U.S. presented new seismic data Tuesday to buttress its recent allegation that China has secretly carried out low-yield nuclear tests, challenging Beijing’s insistence that it has scrupulously observed an international accord banning all nuclear detonations. A senior State Department official said that a seismic monitoring station in Kazakhstan had detected a 2.75 magnitude - [Iran pitches new ideas in nuclear talks—but not one that matters to Trump](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iran-pitches-new-ideas-in-nuclear-talks-but-not-one-that-matters-to-trump/) - Wall Street Journal: Iranian officials have floated pausing uranium enrichment, moving some of the country’s stockpiles offshore and cutting business deals with the U.S. to move forward nuclear talks that could head off a U.S. strike. But short of a pledge to stop enrichment altogether, the question is whether it will be enough to satisfy - [‘Woke’ AI feud escalates between Pentagon and Anthropic](https://thecompositeeye.ca/woke-ai-feud-escalates-between-pentagon-and-anthropic/) - Wall Street Journal: A senior defense official said on Tuesday that many at the Pentagon increasingly view Anthropic as a supply-chain risk and might ask contractors and vendors to certify that they don’t use the company’s Claude models. Because that designation is typically used for foreign adversaries, the move would mark an unusual rebuke of - [Mamdani ushers in new tradition: Ramadan in City Hall](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mamdani-ushers-in-new-tradition-ramadan-in-city-hall/) - New York Times: Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, will observe Ramadan as he runs the nation’s largest city, blending his faith into his public life... - [Japan to invest $36 billion in US projects under Trump deal](https://thecompositeeye.ca/japan-to-invest-36-billion-in-us-projects-under-trump-deal/) - Bloomberg: Japan plans to invest $36 billion in US oil, gas and critical mineral projects, the first tranche of its $550 billion commitment under the trade agreement it struck with President Donald Trump. The most significant investment is a natural gas facility in Ohio that’s expected to generate 9.2 gigawatts of power, with Japan expected - [UK quietly shelves £110mn frictionless post-Brexit trade border project](https://thecompositeeye.ca/uk-quietly-shelves-110mn-frictionless-post-brexit-trade-border-project/) - Financial Times: Mike Lewis, director at TaxWatch, said: “For all intents and purposes the single trade window has been cancelled without HMRC or Deloitte and IBM having delivered anything after spending over £110mn on it. But neither HMRC nor ministers appear to wish to admit this.”... - [Mamdani threatens to hike NYC property tax to fill budget hole](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mamdani-threatens-to-hike-nyc-property-tax-to-fill-budget-hole/) - Bloomberg: The proposed 9.5% property-tax hike, which Mamdani called an option of “last resort” would take effect in the fiscal year that begins July 1 and would include all of the city’s property classes, affecting more than 3 million residential and more than 100,000 commercial units. If implemented, it would raise $3.7 billion in the - [Colbert accuses Trump administration of censorship after CBS pulls interview](https://thecompositeeye.ca/colbert-accuses-trump-administration-of-censorship-after-cbs-pulls-interview/) - The Guardian: “Let’s just call this what it is,” he said Monday. “Donald Trump’s administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV, because all Trump does is watch TV.”... - [Robin Sears: Trump may soon start to look weak. Will that prompt Mark Carney to make early election call?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/robin-sears-trump-may-soon-start-to-look-weak-will-that-prompt-mark-carney-to-make-early-election-call/) - Robin Sears/Toronto Star: It seems likely that Trump is likely once more to meddle in a Canadian election, perhaps going so far as to endorse Pierre Poilievre, who will then himself be trapped between the many Trumpians in his base and the demands of the less bamboozled Canadian voter. Trump’s desperation will likely mount by - [Tasha Kheiriddin: Carney's defence strategy is plan to bloat bureaucracy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tasha-kheiriddin-carneys-defence-strategy-is-plan-to-bloat-bureaucracy/) - Tasha Kheiriddin/National Post: According to Norman, “Every one of these needs a secretariat to support it, otherwise they will not deliver.” Cue the expansion of bureaucracy, which tends to slow down decision making, not speed it up. The strategy also includes no hierarchy of needs and framework of authority, to make it clear who has the final say on what. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, Conservative Leader Pierre - [Marco Mendicino: Carney’s defence industrial strategy signals new era of Canadian sovereignty](https://thecompositeeye.ca/marco-mendicino-carneys-defence-industrial-strategy-signals-new-era-of-canadian-sovereignty/) - Marco Mendicino/CTV: Canada’s newly released Defence Industrial Strategy is the clearest expression yet of that shift. It signals that Canada is taking down the old sign of ‘integration guarantees security’ and replacing it with a new one: ‘Sovereignty through capability.’.. - [Poilievre says he's spoken with Jivani about U.S. trip and MP 'speaks for himself'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-says-hes-spoken-with-jivani-about-u-s-trip-and-mp-speaks-for-himself/) - The Canadian Press: When asked if he agreed with Jivani's characterization, Poilievre said "no." "Canadians are legitimately upset by the unjustifiable tariffs and the comments that the president has made," Poilievre said. Poilievre said that is also the message he gave to Jivani when he spoke to him about the trip and the comments, but - [Poilievre: Conservatives want national unity in face of separation threats](https://thecompositeeye.ca/poilievre-conservatives-want-national-unity-in-face-of-separation-threats/) - The Canadian Press: Answering a question from a reporter on Tuesday, Poilievre said the Conservatives are "entirely a federalist caucus," and that he has not had a single member of Parliament on his team express they are in favour of Alberta separatism... - [Carney rolls out 'aggressive' plan to build up domestic defence sector](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-rolls-out-aggressive-plan-to-build-up-domestic-defence-sector/) - The Canadian Press: The government’s new strategy, which leaked out over the weekend but launched officially Tuesday, prioritizes building military gear domestically — especially to cover “sovereign capabilities” critical to national defence or Canada’s commitments to allies. If the equipment can’t be built at home, the strategy says, Ottawa will partner with allies or buy - [Availability of desk space unclear as feds boost in-office time for public servants](https://thecompositeeye.ca/availability-of-desk-space-unclear-as-feds-boost-in-office-time-for-public-servants/) - The Canadian Press: Sylvain Routier, a federal public servant living in the Ottawa area, says booking desk space is a struggle under the current rules and workers need to sign up a month in advance. Public Services and Procurement Canada will only say it's readjusting its plan to sell off or lease surplus office space - [John Ivison: Let turf war over Carney’s defence-spending bonanza begin](https://thecompositeeye.ca/john-ivison-let-turf-war-over-carneys-defence-spending-bonanza-begin/) - John Ivison/National Post: A move away from market competition toward economic nationalism risks mismanagement, inefficiency and corruption... - [B.C. hikes tax rate as budget delivers record $13 billion deficit](https://thecompositeeye.ca/b-c-hikes-tax-rate-as-budget-delivers-record-13-billion-deficit/) - The Canadian Press: The tax rate on the lowest bracket is being increased by 0.54 per cent, with government staff saying 60 per cent of tax filers will face higher bills, and the average taxpayer will be hit with a $76 hike... - [PM Carney meets ex-Liberal MP in Terrebonne after Supreme Court overturns election](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pm-carney-meets-ex-liberal-mp-in-terrebonne-after-supreme-court-overturns-election/) - The Canadian Press: Voters in Terrebonne will return to the polls because the Supreme Court of Canada last week invalidated the results in the riding after the April 28 federal election. - [Build it here or buy it there? Canada's defence plan meets Trump's new arms agenda](https://thecompositeeye.ca/build-it-here-or-buy-it-there-canadas-defence-plan-meets-trumps-new-arms-agenda/) - CBC: At the centre of the plan is what is being described as a "build, partner, buy" philosophy. This means prioritizing buying from Canadian defence manufacturers. If that can't be done, the next step will be to partner with allied nations to acquire the equipment, attracting investment and intellectual property rights to Canada. "Only after - [Don Cherry among 30 new appointees to Order of Ontario](https://thecompositeeye.ca/don-cherry-among-30-new-appointees-to-order-of-ontario/) - CTV: Cherry, 92, was among 30 new recipients of the province’s highest civilian honour announced by Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont on Tuesday morning. Other new Order of Ontario appointees include Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey and Edward Rogers, the executive chair of Rogers Communications and chair of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment... - [Food inflation spiked 7.3% in January. Here’s what’s driving the increase](https://thecompositeeye.ca/food-inflation-spiked-7-3-in-january-heres-whats-driving-the-increase/) - CTV: ...much of today’s higher prices are related to the weaker Canadian dollar in early 2025 as well as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on the United States, which targeted grocery products such as Florida orange juice. Both of those factors make it more expensive for importers to buy food or ingredients from outside the country... - [US increases military pressure on Iran ahead of high-stakes talks](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-increases-military-pressure-on-iran-ahead-of-high-stakes-talks/) - CNN: The US military is continuing a significant buildup of air and naval assets in the Middle East ahead of planned talks with Iran in Geneva on Tuesday. The pieces are being moved into place both to intimidate Tehran and to have options to strike inside the country should negotiations over its nuclear program fail, multiple sources - [KPMG partner fined over using AI to pass AI test](https://thecompositeeye.ca/kpmg-partner-fined-over-using-ai-to-pass-ai-test/) - Financial Times: A partner at KPMG Australia has been fined A$10,000 (US$7,000) by the Big Four firm after using AI tools to cheat on an internal training course about using AI. The unnamed partner was forced to redo the test after uploading training materials into an AI platform to help answer questions on the use - [Anthropic’s new AI work tools: Game-changing for professionals?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anthropics-new-ai-work-tools-game-changing-for-professionals/) - Financial Times: Adaptable plug-ins must compete with bespoke products already used by lawyers and consultants... - [Iranian navy launches military exercises ahead of nuclear talks](https://thecompositeeye.ca/iranian-navy-launches-military-exercises-ahead-of-nuclear-talks/) - The Hill: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’s naval drills are dubbed “Smart Control of Hormuz Strait” and are rehearsing scenarios to respond to potential security and military threats in the Strait of Hormuz region, Iranian state media reported. The U.S. is preparing for a weeks-long military operation against Iran if President Trump orders an attack - [EVs must be 70% made in EU to qualify for state support: Brussels](https://thecompositeeye.ca/evs-must-be-70-made-in-eu-to-qualify-for-state-support-brussels/) - Financial Times: Brussels is planning to force electric-vehicle manufacturers benefiting from state support to ensure that at least 70 per cent of the components in their cars are made in the EU, as it seeks to protect the bloc’s industries from intense Chinese competition. The European Commission will also stipulate that at least 25 per - [Ukraine ex-minister charged with money laundering after trying to flee](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ukraine-ex-minister-charged-with-money-laundering-after-trying-to-flee/) - Financial Times: The scandal has added to concerns among Ukraine’s chief partners that the country needs to tackle entrenched graft as it seeks billions more dollars in western support for its war effort and economy, and moves ahead in its effort to join the EU on an expedited timeline. A Nabu official said its detectives - [Disappointment of young Trump voters](https://thecompositeeye.ca/disappointment-of-young-trump-voters/) - The Atlantic: All of this suggests that Trump didn’t own the votes of young people who supported him in 2024; he rented them. And many of them are now getting tired of antics that, in their minds, take the focus away from the economy. When we asked a recent group about Trump’s threats against Greenland, - [Trial of Gisèle Pelicot’s rapists united France and fractured her family](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trial-of-gisele-pelicots-rapists-united-france-and-fractured-her-family/) - New Yorker: After fifty-one men were convicted, Pelicot became a feminist hero. But additional accusations left her children struggling to accept her new role... - [Hyatt Chairman Pritzker leaves board over Epstein ties](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hyatt-chairman-pritzker-leaves-board-over-epstein-ties/) - CNBC: Recently released files show Pritzker and Epstein exchanged friendly emails after the disgraced financier’s 2008 plea deal. Being part of the release of thousands of documents and photos does not imply any wrongdoing. “I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner,” Pritzker said in - [With frugal AI strategy, India offers blueprint for developing world](https://thecompositeeye.ca/with-frugal-ai-strategy-india-offers-blueprint-for-developing-world/) - Wall Street Journal: “One of the things we strongly believe is you don’t need large models,” said Arghya Bhattacharya, Adalat AI’s chief technology officer. “You need models that are smaller and customized for every setting.”... - [Newsom signs California-UK clean energy pact](https://thecompositeeye.ca/newsom-signs-california-uk-clean-energy-pact/) - Politico: The deal includes greater collaboration on offshore windfarms — a great bugbear of Donald Trump... - [Anderson Cooper leaving ‘60 Minutes’ after two decades](https://thecompositeeye.ca/anderson-cooper-leaving-60-minutes-after-two-decades/) - Washington Post: Now, his exit comes amid a new evolution at CBS News. Under new editor in chief Bari Weiss, the company has undergone layoffs and internal tension as the anti-woke editor seeks to make a mark on the network. “Our strategy until now has been clinging to the audience that remains on broadcast television, and I’m here to tell you - [Break is over. Companies jacking up prices again.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/break-is-over-companies-jacking-up-prices-again/) - Wall Street Journal: The pricing break is over. Many companies typically raise prices at the start of the new year. Yet increases appeared to be stronger than normal for January for electronics, appliances and other durable goods, said UBS economist Alan Detmeister. Some companies have pointed a finger at tariffs for their increases, while others, especially small businesses, also - [Despite Epstein’s toxicity, Steve Bannon stood by him, texts indicate](https://thecompositeeye.ca/despite-epsteins-toxicity-steve-bannon-stood-by-him-texts-indicate/) - New York Times: Mr. Bannon, a MAGA podcaster, developed a seemingly chummy relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of sex trafficking. He said it was in the name of getting Mr. Epstein to open up... - [Social media misleads young on gender transitioning, says England review leader](https://thecompositeeye.ca/social-media-misleads-young-on-gender-transitioning-says-england-review-leader/) - The Guardian: Hilary Cass, the British paediatrician whose review of NHS gender care led to a significant shift including a ban on puberty blockers, warned of “unrealistic images and expectations on social media” when it came to “what transition would really mean and how hard it would be”, including “quite intensive medical treatments” and “sometimes - [US build-up of warships, fighter jets tracked near Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-build-up-of-warships-fighter-jets-tracked-near-iran/) - BBC: ...we have now tracked 12 US ships in the Middle East through satellite imagery: the Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered Nimitz-class carrier, which together with three Arleigh Burke class destroyers forms a carrier strike group; plus two destroyers capable of carrying out long-range missile strikes and three specialist ships for combat near to the shore - [Russia’s economy has entered death zone](https://thecompositeeye.ca/russias-economy-has-entered-death-zone/) - Alexandra Prokopenko/The Economist: The most dangerous feature of this new structure is the fuel it burns. Russia’s economy now runs on what might be called “military rent”: budget transfers to defence enterprises that generate wages and economic activity. Functionally, this resembles the oil windfalls of the 2000s. But there is a critical difference. Oil rent - [Pentagon threatens Anthropic punishment](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pentagon-threatens-anthropic-punishment/) - Axios: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is "close" to cutting business ties with Anthropic and designating the AI company a "supply chain risk" — meaning anyone who wants to do business with the U.S. military has to cut ties with the company, a senior Pentagon official told Axios. ... Anthropic and the Pentagon have held months - [UK’s Epstein crisis](https://thecompositeeye.ca/uks-epstein-crisis/) - The Nation: Starmer’s personal ratings are already at rock bottom—the worst of any prime minister on record. But newly released Epstein files have prompted the resignation from the party of former US ambassador Peter Mandelson, as well as a police investigation, with Starmer’s top aides stepping down and mounting calls for the prime minister to - [Rage, grief, anxiety: New mood in Iran](https://thecompositeeye.ca/rage-grief-anxiety-new-mood-in-iran/) - New York Times: Mariam, a 54-year-old designer, said she panics whenever her teenage son leaves the house because he had friends and classmates who were shot and killed in the protests. “The truth is that we are feeling extremely not well,” she said. “I have never experienced this kind of collective grief and instability. We - [PM Carney taps former head of public service to spearhead CUSMA negotiations](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pm-carney-taps-former-head-of-public-service-to-spearhead-cusma-negotiations/) - CBC: Prime Minister Mark Carney has chosen former Privy Council clerk Janice Charette to head Canada's trade negotiations as it prepares for a review of the North American trade pact. ... In her second tenure as Privy Council clerk, Charette recommended the government use the Emergencies Act for the first time, in order to clear - [Preparing for possible early election, Conservatives closing first batch of 16 riding nominations this month](https://thecompositeeye.ca/preparing-for-possible-early-election-conservatives-closing-first-batch-of-16-riding-nominations-this-month/) - The Hill Times: Conservative nomination applications for some ridings are due on Feb. 25. Those electoral districts 'should begin forming candidate nomination committees without delay,' states a memo from the party's headquarters, obtained by The Hill Times. And Elan Harper, Stephen Harper's sister-in-law, wants to run in Calgary Confederation... - [Federal tracker: Liberals lead by 9: 43% to 34%](https://thecompositeeye.ca/federal-tracker-liberals-lead-by-9-43-to-34/) - David Valentin, Principal at Liaison Strategies, said: "It looks like we are settling into a new normal with the Liberals consistently posting strong leads over the Conservatives. So far, we don't see very much movement." "Regionally, the Liberals show strong support in Atlantic Canada (59%) and Ontario (47%), while the Conservatives maintain their stronghold in - [How Alberta’s separatists threaten to derail billions of dollars in investments](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-albertas-separatists-threaten-to-derail-billions-of-dollars-in-investments/) - Toronto Star: Quebec’s referendums on sovereignty in 1980 and 1995, as well as the initial election of the separatist Parti Québécois led to major companies and thousands of people leaving the province. Reuven Brenner, a retired McGill University professor who studied the economic impact of Quebec’s attempts at separation, points out that the province lost - [Car dealers still seeking reimbursement for EVs sold under old rebates program](https://thecompositeeye.ca/car-dealers-still-seeking-reimbursement-for-evs-sold-under-old-rebates-program/) - CBC: The return of the popular program is being welcomed by car dealerships. But some of them have their guard up because the government's portal to submit reimbursement claims won't be launched until April. "It's a little worrisome," said Dean Woods, sales manager at a Kia dealership in Grimsby, Ont. "Obviously my antlers are a - [Canadians say they'll buy cheaper Chinese EVs as tariffs drop](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadians-say-theyll-buy-cheaper-chinese-evs-as-tariffs-drop/) - Bloomberg: More than half of Canadians, or 53%, say that knowing an EV was made in China would have no effect on their purchasing decision, according to a new poll by Nanos Research Group for Bloomberg News. A further 15% said Chinese manufacturing would make them more likely to buy the vehicle, while 28% said - [Obama clarifies comments on aliens being real, says he saw 'no evidence' they've made contact](https://thecompositeeye.ca/obama-clarifies-comments-on-aliens-being-real-says-he-saw-no-evidence-theyve-made-contact/) - CBC: The statement came in the wake of social media buzz following a video showing Obama's answer to a lightning round of questions with podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen, when the former U.S. president was asked: "Are aliens real?" "They’re real, but I haven't seen them, and they're not being kept in Area 51. There's - [Sweet success for young Ontario boy who started baking business to buy Lego set](https://thecompositeeye.ca/sweet-success-for-young-ontario-boy-who-started-baking-business-to-buy-lego-set/) - CBC: For two months, Liam Tait has been learning how to run his very own baking business, with real customers to serve, real books to balance and real deadlines to meet. It’s called Liam’s Cinnamon Rolls, and business is booming. “It's been hard, but it's been very fun," Liam said. The business, as Liam explains - [Canadians ready for Chinese-made autos, but experts note there are security risks](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadians-ready-for-chinese-made-autos-but-experts-note-there-are-security-risks/) - CBC: Over the last decade, China has passed a series of national security and intelligence laws that oblige Chinese companies to cooperate with the government when asked. A similar law in the U.S., called the Cloud Act, compels American technology companies to share data gathered in foreign countries with the government if asked. And the - [They bought their condos in pandemic. Now, they’re stuck ‘bleeding cash’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/they-bought-their-condos-in-pandemic-now-theyre-stuck-bleeding-cash/) - The Globe and Mail: They thought they’d lucked out when their offer to buy a $520,000 two-bedroom condo was accepted. But five years later, Ms. Parc sees things differently. If the couple were to sell the condo today, they estimate they’d lose $70,000 to $100,000. Leasing would mean a $6,000 annual loss, based on the - [How Canada, allies can stand up to Trump and other great-power bullies](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-canada-allies-can-stand-up-to-trump-and-other-great-power-bullies/) - Fen Osler Hampson and Tim Sargent: Canada, along with other advanced democracies such as Britain, Norway, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the countries of the European Union, should look beyond traditional diplomacy. They should seek to establish a 21st-century version of the Hanseatic League: an informal alliance of hundreds of cities and merchant - [Carney spearheading discussions between EU and major Indo-Pacific trade bloc after calling on middle powers to join forces](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-spearheading-discussions-between-eu-and-major-indo-pacific-trade-bloc-after-calling-on-middle-powers-to-join-forces/) - Politico: The middle powers are taking action. The EU and CPTPP are starting talks this year to strike an agreement to intertwine the supply chains of members like Canada, Singapore, Mexico, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Australia with Europe. It would bring nearly 40 nations on opposite sides of the globe closer together with the aim - [He spent decades perfecting his voice. Now he says Google stole it.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/he-spent-decades-perfecting-his-voice-now-he-says-google-stole-it/) - Washington Post: NPR’s David Greene says he was “completely freaked out” when he heard an AI voice that sounded just like his own, and he’s suing over it... - [Munich: Europe pivots toward 'de-risking' from unpredictable U.S. But Rubio says Europe and America 'belong together.'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/in-munich-europe-pivots-toward-de-risking-from-unpredictable-u-s-but-rubio-says-europe-and-america-belong-together/) - New York Times: The disputes this past year between Washington and Europe — over tariffs, Greenland, free speech for right-wing political parties and the Trump administration’s declaration that Europe is headed to “civilizational erasure” unless it controls its borders — have obscured a more fundamental shift. Leaders of several European nations said that after that - [Ford CEO, Trump Officials discussed China-US carmaking ventures](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ford-ceo-trump-officials-discussed-china-us-carmaking-ventures/) - Bloomberg: The rough framework discussed by Ford Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley and Trump cabinet members last month would allow Chinese carmakers to manufacture vehicles in the US through joint ventures with domestic automakers in which the American company holds a controlling stake, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions - [‘Capitulation camouflaged as peace’: Andrey Kurkov’s warning on Ukraine](https://thecompositeeye.ca/capitulation-camouflaged-as-peace-andrey-kurkovs-warning-on-ukraine/) - Bloomberg: So would you want President Zelenskiy to stand absolutely firm in the face of pressure like that? If Ukraine gives in, Russia will not stop. Putin will not stop. There will be a break of two or three years — or two or three months — and there will be another demand for Ukraine - [Munich: Lawmakers concede damage done by Trump’s Greenland threats. Rubio: 'Washington does not need vassals, but strong partners.' Europe gets steely.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/munich-lawmakers-concede-damage-done-by-trumps-greenland-threats-rubio-washington-does-not-need-vassals-but-strong-partners-europe-gets-steely/) - New York Times: U.S. lawmakers left the Munich Security Conference on Sunday confident they had patched the wound inflicted on the trans-Atlantic partnership by President Trump when he toyed with invading Greenland. But they conceded that his threats had indelibly altered relations with Europe and left scars that Congress would have to reckon with, leading - [End of EV euphoria triggers $65bn hit for carmakers](https://thecompositeeye.ca/end-of-ev-euphoria-triggers-65bn-hit-for-carmakers/) - Financial Times: Carmakers were forced to overhaul their EV product and investment plans following a radical reversal in climate policy in the US, with companies that had made the biggest pivot away from petrol hit the hardest. This month Stellantis took a $26bn charge to scrap some fully electric models and revive the popular 5.7-litre “Hemi” V8 - [Russia’s Wagner Group pivots to European sabotage, say western officials](https://thecompositeeye.ca/russias-wagner-group-pivots-to-european-sabotage-say-western-officials/) - Financial Times: ...Wagner recruiters who specialised in persuading young men from Russia’s hinterland to fight in Ukraine have been given a new task — recruiting economically vulnerable Europeans to carry out violence on Nato soil, the officials said. Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU) “is using the talent it has got available to it”, said one western - [Canada gives U.S. arms makers cold shoulder on military spending](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-gives-u-s-arms-makers-cold-shoulder-on-military-spending/) - New York Times: The Canadian government, faced with increasing hostility from the Trump administration, plans to divert billions of dollars in military spending it long gave to U.S. defense companies and direct it instead to domestic manufacturers. ... The new defense industry strategy, which is to be announced this week, is the latest step by - [U.S. bill aims to protect Gordie Howe bridge from Trump's 'blatant corruption'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-bill-aims-to-protect-gordie-howe-bridge-from-trumps-blatant-corruption/) - National Post: Several Democratic U.S. Representatives from Michigan have joined forces to launch a bill that would stop President Donald Trump’s threatened roadblock of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. “Trump’s threat to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a spit in the face to Detroiters who have been patiently awaiting its opening,” said Rep. - [B.C. ends drug decriminalization, but needs to start charging for possession again: MLA](https://thecompositeeye.ca/b-c-ends-drug-decriminalization-but-needs-to-start-charging-for-possession-again-mla/) - National Post: “Decriminalization — the pilot at least — is over,” says the Independent MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, Elenore Sturko, a former RCMP officer and long-time foe of B.C.’s soft-on-drugs approach. Elenore is worried the province’s step-back isn’t enough; she says the province now needs to commit to charge people for possession of the hard stuff: - [New Abacus poll: Liberals open largest lead since Carney became leader as optimism hits multi-year high](https://thecompositeeye.ca/new-abacus-poll-liberals-open-largest-lead-since-carney-became-leader-as-optimism-hits-multi-year-high/) - Abacus Data: Taken together, the findings point to a measurable shift in the political landscape. Optimism about the direction of the country has reached a new multi-year high. Concerns about Donald Trump are now nearly tied with concerns about the economy. And most significantly, the Liberals have opened up their largest national lead in our - [Carney strategy for defence industry pledges 125,000 jobs, sweeping policy changes](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-strategy-for-defence-industry-pledges-125000-jobs-sweeping-policy-changes/) - The Canadian Press: The $6.6-billion strategy aims to help small and medium-sized Canadian businesses break into the defence industry and reorient spending decisions to prioritize equipment made in Canada, instead of relying on foreign military contractors such as American firms. The document claims it will spur 125,000 jobs over a decade. According to a government - [House leader stands by Liberals’ decision to deliver omnibus budget implementation bill](https://thecompositeeye.ca/house-leader-stands-by-liberals-decision-to-deliver-omnibus-budget-implementation-bill/) - CTV: Bill C-15, the Budget Implementation Act, allows the government to enact the legislative policies laid out in the budget that require new laws or amendments to existing laws. Among other things, the legislation includes changes to transport laws, the Judges Act, and a clause that has garnered considerable pushback from opposition parties because it - [Liberals see path forward for budget bill, but Conservatives still have ‘huge concerns’ with cabinet’s ‘regulatory sandbox’](https://thecompositeeye.ca/liberals-see-path-forward-for-budget-bill-but-conservatives-still-have-huge-concerns-with-cabinets-regulatory-sandbox/) - The Hill Times: Conservatives have concerns about a clause buried in Bill C-15 that grants cabinet ministers the power to exempt any individual or firm from nearly any federal law—excluding the Criminal Code—for up to six years... - [Beijing drops visa requirement for Canadian tourists, business visitors to China](https://thecompositeeye.ca/beijing-drops-visa-requirement-for-canadian-tourists-business-visitors-to-china/) - The Canadian Press: China’s Foreign Ministry says Canadians will no longer be required to get visas for 30-days stays, starting Tuesday until at least the end of this year. A month ago, during his visit to Beijing, Carney said Chinese President Xi Jinping committed to visa-free access for Canadians, which China never confirmed. For most - [Canada seals deal on EU defence procurement as Munich summit tests transatlantic ties](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-seals-deal-on-eu-defence-procurement-as-munich-summit-tests-transatlantic-ties/) - The Canadian Press: Defence Minister David McGuinty announced Ottawa had signed onto the European Union’s 150-billion euro program called Security Action for Europe, or SAFE, Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. The program allows EU countries to access low-interest loans to buy military gear and weapons, as part of an initiative called ReArm Europe aimed - [Food inflation expected to jump in January amid tax changes: Economists](https://thecompositeeye.ca/food-inflation-expected-to-jump-in-january-amid-tax-changes-economists/) - The Canadian Press: Starting mid-December 2024, the Liberal government waived the federal portion of the sales tax on dining out and a variety of common household goods and some grocery items for two months. With January 2025 marking the only full calendar month benefiting from the tax change, January 2026 will see higher prices in - [Alberta separation: Survey shows Canadians believe U.S. would support independence](https://thecompositeeye.ca/alberta-separation-survey-shows-canadians-believe-u-s-would-support-independence/) - CTV: A Nanos Research survey commissioned by CTV News found four in five Canadians believe the U.S. would support Alberta separating from Canada. Respondents in the Prairie provinces reported the highest levels of that belief at 58.2 per cent, whereas less than 30 per cent of Quebec residents believe that it is likely that the - [Ottawa sees 'huge opportunity' as trade delegation heads to Mexico, says cabinet minister](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ottawa-sees-huge-opportunity-as-trade-delegation-heads-to-mexico-says-cabinet-minister/) - CBC: A Canadian trade mission to Mexico this week could produce new deals by early spring, and marks the country's "most significant" such mission ever to Mexico, according to Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc. LeBlanc is leading the mission, which will see over 370 Canadian delegates and more than 200 businesses in Mexico from Sunday - [The Atlantic’s interview with Volodymyr Zelensky](https://thecompositeeye.ca/the-atlantics-interview-with-volodymyr-zelensky/) - The Atlantic: Shuster: You have expressed concern that the talks between the U.S. and Russia have touched on questions related to the sovereign territory of Ukraine. What did you mean exactly? Zelensky: We know that the Americans are building bilateral relations with the Russians. We understand the signal that the Americans gave the Russians: Let’s - [Epstein e-mails spotlight Philippines as hub for scrubbing search results at ‘insanely low’ prices](https://thecompositeeye.ca/epstein-e-mails-spotlight-philippines-as-hub-for-scrubbing-search-results-at-insanely-low-prices/) - Straits Times: Emails revealed Jeffrey Epstein hired a Philippine team in 2010 to suppress negative online search results about his criminal past, coordinated by Al Seckel. The Philippines was chosen for its low-cost, English-speaking digital labour expertise, reflecting its role as a global hub for online reputation management outsourcing. The revelations have prompted calls for - [Canadian researchers develop AI tool to fight online disinformation](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadian-researchers-develop-ai-tool-to-fight-online-disinformation/) - CTV: The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research says incorporating AI technology into its debunking tool CIPHER has allowed it to better keep up with a constant flow of false and misleading claims. Brian McQuinn, an associate professor at the University of Regina who is one the project’s leads, said the technology currently only analyzes Russian - [Propaganda machine: Secret documents reveal Russia’s foreign influence strategy across three continents](https://thecompositeeye.ca/propaganda-machine-secret-documents-reveal-russias-foreign-influence-strategy-across-three-continents/) - Forbidden Stories: The Company is a network of experts tasked with orchestrating disinformation campaigns around the world on Russia’s behalf. Thanks to an unprecedented data leak, Forbidden Stories reveals what goes on behind the scenes of this organization. Backed by significant financial resources and directed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, the SVR, these operations extend - [China summons Western envoys in Hong Kong over Jimmy Lai sentencing criticism](https://thecompositeeye.ca/china-summons-western-envoys-in-hong-kong-over-jimmy-lai-sentencing-criticism/) - Reuters: The office said it expressed "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition" and urged those governments to respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s rule of law, stop "irresponsible" remarks on national security cases and cease interfering in Hong Kong and China’s internal affairs... - [MAGA-friendly European think tanks Trump wants to fund](https://thecompositeeye.ca/maga-friendly-european-think-tanks-trump-wants-to-fund/) - Politico: U.S. State Department officials have held early talks about government funding with representatives of the new MAGA-supporting French think tank Western Arc and Britain’s Free Speech Union, an advocacy group. Those approaches were informed by a list provided to U.S. officials by the Washington-based Heritage Foundation of groups the MAGA-aligned think tank described as - [What America forgets about UN](https://thecompositeeye.ca/what-america-forgets-about-un/) - Financial Times: The organisation faces a potential rival in Donald Trump’s fledgling ‘Board of Peace’. But as a forum for US power, it would be a hard act to follow... - [‘South Texas will never be red again’: Home builders warn GOP over Trump’s immigration raids](https://thecompositeeye.ca/south-texas-will-never-be-red-again-home-builders-warn-gop-over-trumps-immigration-raids/) - Politico: Construction executives have held multiple meetings over the last month with the White House and Congress to discuss how immigration busts on job sites and in communities are scaring away employees, making it more expensive to build homes in a market desperate for new supply. Beyond the affordability issue, the executives made an electability - [Epstein’s girlfriend married woman, showing how he gamed immigration](https://thecompositeeye.ca/epsteins-girlfriend-married-woman-showing-how-he-gamed-immigration/) - Bloomberg: Shuliak’s immigration story — and the stories of several other women revealed in a cache of files released by the US Department of Justice — show how Epstein used student visas, English language courses and sham marriages to make sure the women in his orbit stayed right where he wanted them... - [Gates Foundation ‘sullied’ by Epstein link, chief says](https://thecompositeeye.ca/gates-foundation-sullied-by-epstein-link-chief-says/) - Financial Times: “I feel somewhat sullied by just any association of Epstein with the work we do,” Suzman told employees at a town-hall meeting on February 5. “And having that association just makes [our mission] more uncomfortable and more challenging and more difficult in ways that it shouldn’t.”... - [Ukraine wants 20-year US security guarantee to sign peace deal](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ukraine-wants-20-year-us-security-guarantee-to-sign-peace-deal/) - The Guardian: Ukraine wants security guarantees for a minimum of 20 years from the US before it can sign a peace deal with dignity, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said ahead of talks with Russia and the US scheduled for next week. Speaking in Munich on Saturday, he also called for a clear date for Ukraine to be - [How Kathy Ruemmler and Goldman Sachs finally reached breaking point](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-kathy-ruemmler-and-goldman-sachs-finally-reached-breaking-point/) - Wall Street Journal: One particularly sensitive area for those board members was documents in which Ruemmler provided guidance on how to deal with media coverage of Epstein’s alleged crimes and defend his 2008 plea agreement, people familiar with the matter said. Some clients in the investment bank and wealth management divisions called bankers raising questions - [Teen suspect in Canada shooting had turbulent life marred by ‘nomadic’ early years](https://thecompositeeye.ca/teen-suspect-in-canada-shooting-had-turbulent-life-marred-by-nomadic-early-years/) - Wall Street Journal: During her teen years, Van Rootselaar became well-known to the local police. They interacted with her through numerous visits to handle mental-health concerns at the residence where she lived with her mother and younger siblings. More than once, police said, Van Rootselaar was apprehended for assessment under the province’s mental-health law. But - [Thousands rally for Iran regime change in cities around world](https://thecompositeeye.ca/thousands-rally-for-iran-regime-change-in-cities-around-world/) - New York Times: Protesters demanding regime change in Iran converged on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, a day after President Trump said a change in government would be the best outcome for a country reeling from deadly unrest. Earlier this month, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the country’s deposed shah and - [U.S. deports nine migrants in secret, ignoring legal protections](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-deports-nine-migrants-in-secret-ignoring-legal-protections/) - New York Times: In a secret deportation arrangement, the Trump administration flew nine people, nearly all of whom had been granted U.S. court protections from being sent back to their home countries, to the African nation of Cameroon in January. None of them are from Cameroon, according to government documents obtained by The New York - [Russia killed Alexei Navalny with frog toxin, UK and four European allies say](https://thecompositeeye.ca/russia-killed-alexei-navalny-with-frog-toxin-uk-and-four-european-allies-say/) - The Guardian: The intelligence agencies claimed laboratory testing found that the deadly toxin in the skin of Ecuador dart frogs (epibatidine) was found in samples from Navalny’s body and probably resulted in his death. The statement adds: “Only the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy this lethal toxin to target Navalny - [Steve Bannon courted Epstein in efforts to ‘take down’ Pope Francis](https://thecompositeeye.ca/steve-bannon-courted-epstein-in-efforts-to-take-down-pope-francis/) - CNN: Bannon had been highly critical of Francis whom he saw as an opponent to his “sovereigntist” vision, a brand of nationalist populism which swept through Europe in 2018 and 2019. The released documents from the DOJ appear to show that Epstein had been helping Bannon to build his movement. “Will take down (Pope) Francis,” Bannon - [350,000 people march in Toronto in support of Iran protests](https://thecompositeeye.ca/350000-people-march-in-toronto-in-support-of-iran-protests/) - CBC: A rally in North York Saturday that drew an estimated 350,000 people called on the Canadian government to recognize Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi as the leader of Iran’s democratic transition after anti-government protests erupted in Iran at the end of last year. Co-organizer Aveen Ghahremani said the focus of the demonstration Saturday - [Canada has officially joined EU's loans-for-weapons program](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-has-officially-joined-eus-loans-for-weapons-program/) - CBC: Defence Minister David McGuinty says Canada has now officially joined the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, which offers loans to member states to invest in defence capabilities. "The agreement strengthens our collective security, supports the development of key defence capabilities, and gives Canadian industry access to European defence markets while contributing - [Take the tunnel, Windsor city councillor says as Ambassador Bridge owners lobby against new bridge](https://thecompositeeye.ca/take-the-tunnel-windsor-city-councillor-says-as-ambassador-bridge-owners-lobby-against-new-bridge/) - CBC: A city councillor in Windsor, Ont., is encouraging Canadians who want to buy Canadian to travel from Windsor to Detroit through the Windsor-Detroit tunnel instead of crossing the Ambassador Bridge. The City of Windsor owns half of the tunnel and receives dividends from its operation, Coun. Angelo Marignani said... - [Shannon Proudfoot: The thing everyone is talking about but no one is thinking about in Ottawa politics](https://thecompositeeye.ca/shannon-proudfoot-the-thing-everyone-is-talking-about-but-no-one-is-thinking-about-in-ottawa-politics/) - Shannon Proudfoot/The Globe and Mail: ...reporters have started asking federal politicians whether a snap election is looking tantalizing to the Liberals and terrifying to the Tories right now. And in response to these very predictable questions, a tragic and hilarious epidemic of feigned bewilderment has taken over. My stars, no one in Ottawa has ever - [The NDP is on life support. Where does it go next?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/the-ndp-is-on-life-support-where-does-it-go-next/) - Xtra: This is where the paths to the party’s future are starting to present themselves—how do they recapture the labour vote? How do they try to make themselves relevant to voters who aren’t extremely online and are more concerned with working-class issues and not whether they are current with the algorithmic capital-D Discourse? Or how - [Mark Carney joins hands with Canada opposition leader as he pays tribute to school shooting victims](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mark-carney-joins-hands-with-canada-opposition-leader-as-he-pays-tribute-to-school-shooting-victims/) - The Guardian: The prime minister, holding hands with opposition leader Pierre Poilievre while flanked by First Nations chiefs and local officials, paid tribute to the families enduring the loss of loved ones, after the shooting at a local school that has become one of the most deadly attacks in Canadian history. “I know that nothing - [From umbrella to uncertainty: Europe and Canada's nuclear deterrence anxiety](https://thecompositeeye.ca/from-umbrella-to-uncertainty-europe-and-canadas-nuclear-deterrence-anxiety/) - Murray Brewster/CBC: Although little has been said publicly, several Western allies are now apparently elbowing each other to shelter under France's nuclear arsenal. While the sentiment is more prominent in Europe, it's clear Canada cannot be excluded from the slow-burning crisis of confidence among allies about whether the United States can still be relied upon - [Inuit leaders urge Ottawa to follow Greenland's infrastructure lead](https://thecompositeeye.ca/inuit-leaders-urge-ottawa-to-follow-greenlands-infrastructure-lead/) - CBC: Inuit leaders back from a recent trip to Greenland say there's a stark contrast between the infrastructure in that Nordic country compared to Canada's North, and they're calling on the federal government to urgently fill the gap as part of its enhanced focus on Arctic security. "They're way ahead of us," said Paul Irngaut, - [Head of military's space division warns Russia considering putting nuclear weapons in orbit](https://thecompositeeye.ca/head-of-militarys-space-division-warns-russia-considering-putting-nuclear-weapons-in-orbit/) - CBC: "That would be cataclysmic," said Brig.-Gen. Christopher Horner, Commander of 3 Canadian Space Division during an interview with CBC's The House. "Everything that we have come to rely on from a communications platform level or from a GPS level — if [Russia] were to deploy a capability like that and then detonate it — - ['Tumbler Ridge is full of grace tonight': Carney at B.C. shooting vigil](https://thecompositeeye.ca/tumbler-ridge-is-full-of-grace-tonight-carney-at-b-c-shooting-vigil/) - The Canadian Press: “Nothing I can say will bring your children home,” the prime minister told hundreds gathered at Friday night’s vigil in tribute to the victims of Tuesday’s mass shooting... - [Surveillance company Palantir suing Swiss magazine 'Republik'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/surveillance-company-palantir-suing-swiss-magazine-republik/) - Netzpolitik: The surveillance company Palantir is suing Republik magazine over its reporting and demanding a retraction . Journalist Adrienne Fichter announced this today on social media , and a Palantir spokesperson confirmed the matter to netzpolitik.org. In December, the magazine reported how Palantir tried to gain a foothold in Switzerland – and how the Swiss military refused to cooperate, because, among - [Pilot fired over Kristi Noem’s missing blanket and constant chaos inside DHS](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pilot-fired-over-kristi-noems-missing-blanket-and-constant-chaos-inside-dhs/) - Wall Street Journal: Within DHS, Noem and Lewandowski have cut employees or put them on administrative leave. The pair have fired or demoted roughly 80% of the career ICE field leadership that was in place when they started. In the blanket incident, Noem had to switch planes after a maintenance issue was discovered, but her - [ICE plans to spend $38.3 billion turning warehouses into detention centers](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ice-plans-to-spend-38-3-billion-turning-warehouses-into-detention-centers/) - Washington Post: ICE plans to buy and convert 16 buildings across the countryto serve as regional processing centers, each holding 1,000 to 1,500 immigrant detainees at a time, according to one of the documents, an overview of the detention plan. Another eight large-scale detention centers will hold 7,000 to 10,000 detainees at a time, and serve - [Trump’s team considers overhaul to steel, aluminum tariffs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-team-considers-overhaul-to-steel-aluminum-tariffs/) - Wall Street Journal: The U.S. currently charges a 50% tariff on the steel and aluminum in most imported products. Under the new plan being considered, steel and aluminum products would be sorted into groups with different rates based on the metal content in the product, some of the people said. The plan would also make - [Trump privately lashes out at GOP lawmakers over racist video blowback](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-privately-lashes-out-at-gop-lawmakers-over-racist-video-blowback/) - CNN: Hours after refusing to apologize for a racist video posted to his Truth Social account, President Donald Trump hadn’t let go. He spent last weekend complaining to allies about Republicans who had condemned the video depicting the Obamas as apes, questioning the lawmakers’ loyalty and vowing consequences, sources familiar with his comments told CNN... - [Pentagon used Anthropic’s Claude in Maduro Venezuela raid](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pentagon-used-anthropics-claude-in-maduro-venezuela-raid/) - Wall Street Journal: The mission to capture Maduro and his wife included bombing several sites in Caracas last month. Anthropic’s usage guidelines prohibit Claude from being used to facilitate violence, develop weapons or conduct surveillance. “We cannot comment on whether Claude, or any other AI model, was used for any specific operation, classified or otherwise,” said an Anthropic spokesman. - [Will pressure from Trump cause Cuba to finally buckle?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/will-pressure-from-trump-cause-cuba-to-finally-buckle/) - Financial Times: The communist regime is more isolated than ever and fuel supplies are dwindling. Diplomats fear outbreaks of disease and the spread of hunger... - [Boss of P&O Ferries owner DP World leaves over Jeffrey Epstein links](https://thecompositeeye.ca/boss-of-po-ferries-owner-dp-world-leaves-over-jeffrey-epstein-links/) - The Guardian: Documents disclosed by the US Department of Justice revealed that Sulayem emailed Epstein in 2015 that he met a girl “two years ago” who went to an American university in Dubai was “the best sex I ever had amazing body”. He said: “She got engaged but now she back with me.” Thomas Massie, a Republican congressman from - ['My conscience is clear': Hungary's opposition leader says he was lured into sex tape 'honey trap'](https://thecompositeeye.ca/my-conscience-is-clear-hungarys-opposition-leader-says-he-was-lured-into-sex-tape-honey-trap/) - Euronews: Péter Magyar has claimed his former girlfriend lured him into a compromising situation and rejected allegations of drug use, saying Viktor Orbán's government is using secret service methods to smear him... - [Rubio skips Ukraine meeting with European leaders in Munich](https://thecompositeeye.ca/rubio-skips-ukraine-meeting-with-european-leaders-in-munich/) - Financial Times: One European official said the cancellation was “insane”. It came as the Trump administration increasingly distances itself from its European allies and is seeking to push Ukraine towards a settlement with Russia to end the almost four-year-long war... - [Why ads are coming to your AI chatbot](https://thecompositeeye.ca/why-ads-are-coming-to-your-ai-chatbot/) - Financial Times: Faced with the commercial necessity of making money to justify the lofty valuations now being placed on AI platforms, OpenAI started testing ads on ChatGPT this week. With advertisers being asked to commit at least $200,000 in spend to appear in results, OpenAI is targeting an ambitious goal of generating billions in revenue - [Trump’s Minnesota retreat points to power of public anger](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-minnesota-retreat-points-to-power-of-public-anger/) - New York Times: The withdrawal came as polls show Americans opposing the president’s immigration tactics, and as some Republican lawmakers began to find ways to distance themselves... - [Trump admin repeals legal basis for federal climate action](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-admin-repeals-legal-basis-for-federal-climate-action/) - New York Times: The Environmental Protection Agency rejected the bedrock scientific finding that greenhouse gases threaten human life and well being. It means the agency can no longer regulate them... CNN: First issued in 2009, the endangerment finding determined that six greenhouse gases could be categorized as dangerous to human health under the Clean Air - [Washington pushes back against EU’s bid for tech autonomy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/washington-pushes-back-against-eus-bid-for-tech-autonomy/) - Politico: Europe and the U.S. “face the same sort of threat and the same threat actors,” said Cairncross, who advises Trump on cybersecurity policy. Rather than weaning off America, wean off China, he said: “There is a clean tech stack. It is primarily American. And then there is a Chinese tech stack.” Claiming that U.S. tech - [Meet YOLO Republicans: Lawmakers with nothing to lose threatening Trump’s grip on Congress](https://thecompositeeye.ca/meet-yolo-republicans-lawmakers-with-nothing-to-lose-threatening-trumps-grip-on-congress/) - Politico: The reasons why this handful of GOP lawmakers feel empowered to spurn their president and their party vary. But they are launching mini-rebellions with increasing frequency. It’s causing headaches for party leaders who want to keep tight control of the legislative agenda in an election year and anxiety among rank-and-file Republicans who are facing - [Ramping up election attacks, Trump does not let reality get in his way](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ramping-up-election-attacks-trump-does-not-let-reality-get-in-his-way/) - New York Times: President Trump increases his attacks when he fears an election loss. With midterm elections approaching, he has gone into overdrive as Republicans face potential losses... - [MAGA thought police: Homeland Security orders social media sites to hand over information about people behind anti-ICE accounts](https://thecompositeeye.ca/maga-thought-police-homeland-security-orders-social-media-sites-to-hand-over-information-about-people-behind-anti-ice-accounts/) - New York Times: The Department of Homeland Security is expanding its efforts to identify Americans who oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement by sending tech companies legal requests for the names, email addresses, telephone numbers and other identifying data behind social media accounts that track or criticize the agency. In recent months, Google, Reddit, Discord and - [US ‘not powerful enough to go it alone,’ Chancellor Merz tells Munich conference](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-not-powerful-enough-to-go-it-alone-chancellor-merz-tells-munich-conference/) - The Guardian: The US acting alone has reached the limits of its power and may already have lost its role as global leader, Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, warned Donald Trump at the opening of the Munich Security Conference. Merz also disclosed he had held initial talks with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, over the - [Canada not on track to hit net-zero by 2050, or meet any climate targets: study](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-not-on-track-to-hit-net-zero-by-2050-or-meet-any-climate-targets-study/) - The Canadian Press: A new study published Friday by the Canadian Climate Institute says Canada is not on track to meet any of its climate targets — not the 2026 interim emissions reduction target, the 2030 Paris Agreement commitment, or even the long-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The report suggests Canada has - [Freeland violated law by answering questions about byelection: Elections commissioner](https://thecompositeeye.ca/freeland-violated-law-by-answering-questions-about-byelection-elections-commissioner/) - The Canadian Press: The report said journalists asked Freeland about both government policy and the byelection. The commissioner’s report said in response to the questions Freeland expressed her support for Church, who recently had resigned as Freeland’s chief of staff in order to run. The report said because Freeland shared these remarks as a government - [Charles Milliard acclaimed as new leader of Quebec Liberal Party](https://thecompositeeye.ca/charles-milliard-acclaimed-as-new-leader-of-quebec-liberal-party/) - The Canadian Press: With no other candidate accepted by the party, the Liberals formally announced Milliard as the new leader shortly after Friday’s application deadline. ... Milliard is a member of the Quebec order of pharmacists and was head of the federation of Quebec chambers of commerce... - [Supreme Court nullifies Liberal single-vote election win in Montreal-area riding](https://thecompositeeye.ca/supreme-court-nullifies-liberal-single-vote-election-win-in-montreal-area-riding/) - CBC: The ruling means that a new byelection will have to be called for the Montreal-area riding of Terrebonne. The electoral district was initially declared for the Bloc Québécois, but a judicial recount later found the Liberals had won the seat by one vote... - [Why Jamil Jivani thinks there's 'a lot of goodwill' for Canada after meeting Trump](https://thecompositeeye.ca/why-jamil-jivani-thinks-theres-a-lot-of-goodwill-for-canada-after-meeting-trump/) - National Post: Was there anything that surprised you in your conversations? One thing that really stood out to me was, you know, there is a lot of goodwill toward our country, despite, I think, how things come across sometimes … I think sometimes the last year has often felt like a bit of an emotional - [Canada, Denmark deepen defence ties after Greenland annexation threat](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canada-denmark-deepen-defence-ties-after-greenland-annexation-threat/) - CBC: Canada and Denmark signed a defence co-operation agreement on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, setting the stage for a deeper partnership after the Trump administration threatened to annex Greenland. ... The co-operation agreement is not a formal treaty and doesn't commit Canada to defending Danish sovereignty over and above the commitments that - [Epstein paid reputation firms to suppress child sex offenses online](https://thecompositeeye.ca/epstein-paid-reputation-firms-to-suppress-child-sex-offenses-online/) - Bloomberg: Companies and individuals were either hired or submitted detailed action plans for the project, with fees as high as $12,500 per month, according to hundreds of pages of emails and documents released by the US Department of Justice last month. These companies, to varying degrees, offered to target news articles highlighting the financier’s status - [Gabbard whistleblower complaint based on intercepted conversation about Jared Kushner](https://thecompositeeye.ca/gabbard-whistleblower-complaint-based-on-intercepted-conversation-about-jared-kushner/) - Wall Street Journal: It couldn’t be determined which country the foreign nationals are from or what they discussed about Kushner. But the connection to Kushner sheds further light on the top-secret whistleblower complaint that bureaucratically stalled within Gabbard’s agency for eight months and was kept locked in a safe until it reached Congress in heavily - [US concludes Alibaba, BYD have links to Chinese military](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-concludes-alibaba-byd-have-links-to-chinese-military/) - Financial Times: The Pentagon has concluded that Alibaba and BYD should be added to a list of companies with alleged connections to the Chinese military, two months before Donald Trump is expected to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing. The defence department sent its required updated “Chinese Military Companies” list to the Federal Register on Friday - [U.S. House votes against Trump's tariffs on Canada](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-house-votes-against-trumps-tariffs-on-canada/) - CNBC: The House on Wednesday passed a resolution disapproving of President Donald Trump’s tariffs against Canada, a blow to Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and a rare Republican rebuke of the president’s signature economic policy. The resolution cleared the House 219-211, with several Republicans crossing the aisle to support it. One Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, voted against the measure... - [Ex-Barclays boss Jes Staley was trustee of Jeffrey Epstein’s estate until 2015, files say](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ex-barclays-boss-jes-staley-was-trustee-of-jeffrey-epsteins-estate-until-2015-files-say/) - The Guardian: Information appears to contradict court testimony by banker in 2025 over nature of ties to convicted sex offender... - [CIA releases new video in attempt to lure Chinese military officers to spy for US](https://thecompositeeye.ca/cia-releases-new-video-in-attempt-to-lure-chinese-military-officers-to-spy-for-us/) - Financial Times: The CIA has stepped up public efforts to recruit Chinese spies by releasing a Chinese-language video to appeal to People’s Liberation Army officers who are disillusioned with corruption and extensive purges of top generals. The US intelligence agency on Thursday released a video titled “Save the Future” on YouTube and other social media, nine months - [Border czar Tom Homan says Minnesota immigration surge is ending](https://thecompositeeye.ca/border-czar-tom-homan-says-minnesota-immigration-surge-is-ending/) - Washington Post: President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, declared an end to Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota following widespread protests against immigration raids that led to the fatal shootings by officers of two American citizens... - [Detroit auto rep warns Carney that China EV plan risks US trade](https://thecompositeeye.ca/detroit-auto-rep-warns-carney-that-china-ev-plan-risks-us-trade/) - Bloomberg: The Canadian government’s deal with China to allow Chinese-made electric vehicles into the country is putting more important trade negotiations with the US at risk, according to a representative for American automakers. Brian Kingston, chief executive officer of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, said the move “further complicates what’s already become a very challenging discussion.” - [US, Taiwan sign trade agreement to seal chip investment](https://thecompositeeye.ca/us-taiwan-sign-trade-agreement-to-seal-chip-investment/) - Financial Times: Donald Trump last week announced that the US would slash tariffs on Taiwan to 15 per cent in exchange for a $250bn investment in the US chip industry, as Washington moves to secure semiconductor supply chains and boost investment in American manufacturing. The move brings duties on Taiwanese products in line with those levied on - [How China wants to create ‘Polar Silk Road’ through Arctic](https://thecompositeeye.ca/how-china-wants-to-create-polar-silk-road-through-arctic/) - Financial Times: The proposed bull-nosed, nuclear-powered vessel, unveiled as a conceptual design in December, is intended to provide a prototype for Beijing’s emerging polar fleet. China’s state-run 708 Research Institute, which designed the vessel, says it will be a “multirole” cargo and polar tourism ship. While China describes its interests in the region in terms of - [U.S. smuggled thousands of Starlink terminals into Iran after protest crackdown](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-smuggled-thousands-of-starlink-terminals-into-iran-after-protest-crackdown/) - Wall Street Journal: The Trump administration has denied fomenting public unrest in Iran, but the operation shows it has provided covert support to antiregime efforts... - [Americans with higher incomes starting to fall behind on payments](https://thecompositeeye.ca/americans-with-higher-incomes-starting-to-fall-behind-on-payments/) - Wall Street Journal: The average client seeking help from credit-counseling agencies across the country now makes about $70,000 a year, with unsecured debt levels approaching $35,000, or half their annual income, according to the NFCC. Before the pandemic, the typical client enrolled in counseling made about $40,000 a year and carried $10,000 in unsecured debt, - [Goldman Sachs’s top lawyer to step down following latest Epstein documents](https://thecompositeeye.ca/goldman-sachss-top-lawyer-to-step-down-following-latest-epstein-documents/) - Wall Street Journal: Goldman Sachs general counsel Kathryn Ruemmler will step down after the Jeffrey Epstein files showed she had remained a close ally of the convicted sex offender through his 2019 arrest. Goldman said Ruemmler, 54, would resign as of June 30. ... In the past several months, batches of documents released by Congress and the Justice - [In Munich, Europe’s leaders wonder if they can ever trust America again](https://thecompositeeye.ca/in-munich-europes-leaders-wonder-if-they-can-ever-trust-america-again/) - New York Times: Diplomats and heads of state across the continent say they no longer expect relations with America to revert to a pre-Trump normal, even after Mr. Trump leaves office. They have accelerated efforts to reduce their military and economic dependence on the United States, even as they continue to court the president with flattery - [Trump’s disdain for borders triggering alarms over financial, tech sovereignty](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-disdain-for-borders-triggering-alarms-over-financial-tech-sovereignty/) - New York Times: European leaders have stepped up their push to reduce reliance on big American tech firms like Amazon, Google and Microsoft for cloud computing, and on financial services titans like Mastercard and Visa for payment systems. The move to secure what are being labeled monetary sovereignty and digital sovereignty is part of a - [Americans paying bill for tariffs, despite Trump’s claims](https://thecompositeeye.ca/americans-paying-bill-for-tariffs-despite-trumps-claims/) - New York Times: Research published on Thursday by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Columbia University suggests that, through November 2025, 90 percent of the economic burden of the president’s tariffs fell on U.S. companies and consumers... - [Taiwan leader warns countries in region 'next' in case of China attack](https://thecompositeeye.ca/taiwan-leader-warns-countries-in-region-next-in-case-of-china-attack/) - AFP: Lai said if China were to take Taiwan, Beijing would become "more aggressive, undermining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and the rules-based international order." "If Taiwan were annexed by China, China's expansionist ambitions would not stop there," Lai told AFP during an exclusive interview on Tuesday at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei. - [John Ivison: Carney seeks 'parliamentary exchange' with a China that targets our MPs](https://thecompositeeye.ca/john-ivison-carney-seeks-parliamentary-exchange-with-a-china-that-targets-our-mps/) - John Ivison/National Post: Last week, Canada’s Foreign Affairs committee received a formal request from its Chinese counterpart urging that the Beijing committee’s “parliamentarians” be invited to Ottawa. The immediate problem with that is that many of Canadian committee members, including its two vice-chairs — Conservative MP Michael Chong and Bloc MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe — are - [Conservative MP refusing pay bump heckled, admonished by his colleagues](https://thecompositeeye.ca/conservative-mp-refusing-pay-bump-heckled-admonished-by-his-colleagues/) - CBC: Backbench MPs are currently paid $209,800 with committee chairs, ministers, the prime minister, the Speaker and his deputies, among other officeholders, entitled to additional remuneration. The party's whip, MP Chris Warkentin, called Dawson out from the front of the room during a caucus meeting on Wednesday, multiple caucus sources told CBC News. Warkentin told - [Prime Minister Carney to attend vigil in Tumbler Ridge Friday with other leaders](https://thecompositeeye.ca/prime-minister-carney-to-attend-vigil-in-tumbler-ridge-friday-with-other-leaders/) - Global: That includes Conservative leader and Leader of the Official Opposition Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québecois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP interim leader Don Davies and Green Party MP Elizabeth May. MPs from all parties have been signing a book of condolences that has been placed in House of Commons. The condolence book will be delivered to - [Canadian separatists optimistic after meetings with Trump officials](https://thecompositeeye.ca/canadian-separatists-optimistic-after-meetings-with-trump-officials/) - NBC: In three separate, highly unusual meetings with officials from the State Department, they’ve discussed the logistics of Alberta breaking off from Canada, including switching over to U.S. currency and border security... - [Ottawa MPs Sudds, Fanjoy speak out against return-to-office order for public servants, as MPs debate ending hybrid Parliament](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ottawa-mps-sudds-fanjoy-speak-out-against-return-to-office-order-for-public-servants-as-mps-debate-ending-hybrid-parliament/) - The Hill Times: Sudds and Fanjoy represent ridings that are between approximately 25 and 35 kilometres away from Ottawa’s downtown, respectively, where many federal offices are located. Rush-hour traffic routinely chokes Highway 417, the city’s main east-west artery, and Ottawa’s beleaguered transit system has long been criticized for falling short of reliability targets. Additionally, most O-Train vehicles are - [Some MPs concerned as feds plan to allow cabinet to exempt entities from certain laws](https://thecompositeeye.ca/some-mps-concerned-as-feds-plan-to-allow-cabinet-to-exempt-entities-from-certain-laws/) - The Canadian Press: The exemptions are being referred to as “regulatory sandboxes” and are contained in a clause in the government’s omnibus budget implementation bill, currently being debated at a House of Commons committee. The clause would allow federal ministers to exempt individuals or corporations from any federal laws they are responsible for, except the - ['You're making this up,' Miller tells Tory MP over media producers' group comments](https://thecompositeeye.ca/youre-making-this-up-miller-tells-tory-mp-over-media-producers-group-comments/) - The Canadian Press: At issue were comments made by Reynolds Mastin, the president and CEO of the Canadian Media Producers Association, which represents independent TV and film producers. At the Prime Time conference in Ottawa in late January, Mastin introduced Prime Minister Mark Carney at one event. A key issue at the conference was funding - [Mother of Tumbler Ridge shooter posted photo of several long guns in 2024](https://thecompositeeye.ca/mother-of-tumbler-ridge-shooter-posted-photo-of-several-long-guns-in-2024/) - The Canadian Press: The mother of the shooter in the Tumbler Ridge, B.C., killings once posted a photo on Facebook of several long guns in a cabinet with the caption, “Think it’s time to take them out for some target practice.”... - [Bank of Canada's Rogers urges small and medium firms to invest in AI](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bank-of-canadas-rogers-urges-small-and-medium-firms-to-invest-in-ai/) - Bloomberg: The Bank of Canada’s second-in-command is warning of future inflation risks if investment in artificial intelligence is concentrated among the country’s big companies... - [U.S. agriculture groups launch campaign backing trade deal with Canada, Mexico](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-agriculture-groups-launch-campaign-backing-trade-deal-with-canada-mexico/) - CBC: The powerful U.S. agriculture industry is throwing its weight behind the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement, urging the Trump administration to consider the deal's economic benefits to rural America before making any moves to rip it up. ... Their campaign, which includes advertising, research and lobbying, puts a heavy emphasis on how the agreement has boosted - [Ottawa commits to keeping Mounties on front lines, says fixing federal policing is priority](https://thecompositeeye.ca/ottawa-commits-to-keeping-mounties-on-front-lines-says-fixing-federal-policing-is-priority/) - CBC: "Bottom line is, we could do both," said Anandasangaree in an interview on Tuesday about the future of the storied — but troubled — national police force. The interview was conducted before news broke of the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., where the RCMP are the lead investigators. The ability of the RCMP - [Hong Kong convicts political exile’s father, a first for the City](https://thecompositeeye.ca/hong-kong-convicts-political-exiles-father-a-first-for-the-city/) - New York Times: On Wednesday, a Hong Kong court convicted Kwok Yin-sang, her father, of a national security crime, in what rights groups have said is an escalation of the city’s campaign to silence activists living abroad by targeting their relatives at home. In her first interview about the case, Ms. Kwok denounced the authorities - [Philippines: Chinese embassy just told you how it controls local media](https://thecompositeeye.ca/philippines-chinese-embassy-just-told-you-how-it-controls-local-media/) - Rappler: Beijing explains how pro-China propaganda is the 'core mission' of Chinese-language media in the Philippines, while contending that transparency is the real threat to free speech... - [Three Canadian Prime Ministers flew privately to China with Toronto businessman flagged in Washington 'United Front' study](https://thecompositeeye.ca/three-canadian-prime-ministers-flew-privately-to-china-with-toronto-businessman-flagged-in-washington-united-front-study/) - Sam Cooper/The Bureau: Years before Luk unsuccessfully ran to become Toronto’s mayor in 2022—the first Chinese Canadian to seek the office in Canada’s largest city—a member of the Ontario legislature stood in the provincial chamber to honor him by name, citing his leadership across a constellation of organizations including the Canada-China Overseas Exchange Association, the - [Beijing's hidden army: How 2,294 United Front cells advance China's interests in four leading democracies](https://thecompositeeye.ca/beijings-hidden-army-how-2294-united-front-cells-advance-chinas-interests-in-four-leading-democracies/) - Sam Cooper/The Bureau: A groundbreaking study has mapped 2,294 organizations with proven links to the Chinese Communist Party’s “united front” influence apparatus across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany—with Canada exhibiting nearly five times the per-capita penetration rate of the U.S. and the highest density of CCP-linked organizations among all four democracies. - [Westminster fears release of ‘embarrassing’ exchanges in Mandelson data dump](https://thecompositeeye.ca/westminster-fears-release-of-embarrassing-exchanges-in-mandelson-data-dump/) - Financial Times: Many fear highly embarrassing messages will emerge, including some that contain criticism of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer himself. “There’s a lot of concern that there could be things that are irrelevant to the issue at hand, but very embarrassing — tittle tattle, ‘water cooler’ gossip,” said one person familiar with the matter. - [WhatsApp says Russia tried to fully block service to push state app](https://thecompositeeye.ca/whatsapp-says-russia-tried-to-fully-block-service-to-push-state-app/) - Reuters: Russia has attempted to "fully block" Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp in the country, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday, as it promotes home-grown platforms and seeks greater control over its internet space. A simmering dispute with foreign tech providers intensified after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Russian authorities are pushing a state-backed rival app called - [House passes GOP measure tightening voter-id requirements](https://thecompositeeye.ca/house-passes-gop-measure-tightening-voter-id-requirements/) - Wall Street Journal: In a 218-213 vote almost entirely along party lines, the House approved the measure known as the SAVE America Act, a measure that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and would establish a nationwide voter identification requirement for casting ballots. Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas - [Pentagon prepares second aircraft carrier to deploy to Middle East](https://thecompositeeye.ca/pentagon-prepares-second-aircraft-carrier-to-deploy-to-middle-east/) - Wall Street Journal: President Trump said Tuesday that he was weighing sending a second carrier to the Middle East to prepare for military action if negotiations with Iran failed. The order to deploy could be issued in a matter of hours, one of the officials said. The officials cautioned that Trump hadn’t yet given an official order - [Trump’s policies will add $1.4tn to US deficit over next decade, watchdog says](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trumps-policies-will-add-1-4tn-to-us-deficit-over-next-decade-watchdog-says/) - Financial Times: The Congressional Budget Office on Wednesday raised its estimate of cumulative deficits to the end of 2035 by 6 per cent, compared with a previous forecast in January 2025, following the implementation of the president’s sweeping tax and spending bill and his immigration policies. It said the annual deficit would rise from $1.9tn - [Trump orders Pentagon to buy coal power as polluting fuel struggles to survive](https://thecompositeeye.ca/trump-orders-pentagon-to-buy-coal-power-as-polluting-fuel-struggles-to-survive/) - Washington Post: Experts warn that the administration’s efforts to revive coal threaten to raise electricity prices for all ratepayers and to drive significant air and water pollution from particulate matter and toxic chemicals, as well as carbon emissions. ... The executive order Trump signed Wednesday, which does not specify how much the Pentagon will spend, - [Zelensky planning elections in Ukraine and vote on peace deal](https://thecompositeeye.ca/zelensky-planning-elections-in-ukraine-and-vote-on-peace-deal/) - Financial Times: Holding an election would mark a dramatic political pivot for a president who has repeatedly argued that such votes are impossible while the country remains under martial law, millions of Ukrainians are displaced and about 20 per cent of the country is under Russian occupation. According to Ukrainian and European officials involved in - [Job growth was overstated, new data shows](https://thecompositeeye.ca/job-growth-was-overstated-new-data-shows/) - New York Times: U.S. employers added just 181,000 jobs last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Wednesday. That was 69 percent fewer jobs than its initial estimate of 584,000. The agency also lowered its estimate of job growth in 2024 by nearly 28 percent. In total, the U.S. economy has more than a - [Bondi faces anger from lawmakers over handling of Epstein files](https://thecompositeeye.ca/bondi-faces-anger-from-lawmakers-over-handling-of-epstein-files/) - New York Times: Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to apologize to survivors of the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein who were seated in the House Judiciary Committee room on Wednesday — and instead demanded that Democrats apologize to President Trump. Ms. Bondi, imitating Mr. Trump’s tactic of going on the attack when facing tough questions, - [Gallup will no longer track Presidential approval ratings](https://thecompositeeye.ca/gallup-will-no-longer-track-presidential-approval-ratings/) - New York Times: Gallup’s decision comes as President Trump has escalated his threats against the press, and sued at least one respected pollster, J. Ann Selzer. He accused Ms. Selzer and The Des Moines Register of election interference after publishing a poll just before the general election showing Kamala Harris leading in Iowa. Mr. Trump - [Zoë Hitzig: OpenAI making mistakes Facebook made. I quit.](https://thecompositeeye.ca/zoe-hitzig-openai-making-mistakes-facebook-made-i-quit/) - Zoë Hitzig/New York Times: I don’t believe ads are immoral or unethical. A.I. is expensive to run, and ads can be a critical source of revenue. But I have deep reservations about OpenAI’s strategy. For several years, ChatGPT users have generated an archive of human candor that has no precedent, in part because people believed - [U.S. think tank links CCP groups to entities in Canada](https://thecompositeeye.ca/u-s-think-tank-links-ccp-groups-to-entities-in-canada/) - CPAC: In Ottawa, representatives from the Jamestown Foundation, a U.S. defence policy think tank, reveal the findings of their investigation into the activities of the Chinese Communist Party’s united front groups in Canada and other Western countries. Speaking at the news conference are the Jamestown Foundation’s Peter Mattis and Cheryl Yu, as well as former - [University of Alberta to become first to abandon race-centric hiring](https://thecompositeeye.ca/university-of-alberta-to-become-first-to-abandon-race-centric-hiring/) - National Post: Those equity targets are all a direct consequence of a 2006 decision by the Canadian Human Rights Commission requiring racial quotas in academic hiring. It’s on the grounds of that 2006 decision that, this week, University of Ottawa professor Amir Attaran published an open letter threatening to launch legal action against the University - [Arviat, Nunavut, chosen as main campus site for Canada's 1st Inuit university](https://thecompositeeye.ca/arviat-nunavut-chosen-as-main-campus-site-for-canadas-1st-inuit-university/) - CBC: ITK President Natan Obed said the creation of the first university in Inuit Nunangat — the homeland of Inuit in Canada — is an important step in asserting jurisdiction in the Canadian Arctic. "Inuit underpin Canada's sovereignty," Obed said. "One of the driving forces of the strength of our society is our knowledge and - [If question period is 'broken,' is anyone going to fix it?](https://thecompositeeye.ca/if-question-period-is-broken-is-anyone-going-to-fix-it/) - Aaron Wherry/CBC: "The current format of question period falls short of its goal of providing true accountability," Hogan said. "There are shallow questions, shallow answers, a degree of repetition that would make an advertiser blush and mad applause on both sides as though we were hitting oratory high scores in 35-second exchanges about procurement. " If - [Les Whittington: Trump finally went too far for Stephen Harper ](https://thecompositeeye.ca/les-whittington-trump-finally-went-too-far-for-stephen-harper/) - Les Whittington: The former PM has devoted much of his post-political career to helping to empower right-wing political parties, but drew the line at threatening Canada’s existence... - [Shachi Kurl: Albertan separatism has left Pierre Poilievre stuck between rock and hard place](https://thecompositeeye.ca/shachi-kurl-albertan-separatism-has-left-pierre-poilievre-stuck-between-rock-and-hard-place/) - Shachi Kurl/Toronto Star: At a time when Liberal, Conservative and Indigenous leaders are making the case for Canada to Albertans, it is difficult to see how, and indeed if, Poilievre is equipped or politically inclined to offer a full-throated defence of national unity — particularly when fully half of his own Alberta voters wish to - [Stephen Maher: Hear those rumours of election call? Here’s what’s really happening](https://thecompositeeye.ca/stephen-maher-hear-those-rumours-of-election-call-heres-whats-really-happening/) - Stephen Maher/Toronto Star: But the people from whom Carney would be seeking advice if he was really planning on an election tell me he is not talking to them about it, and the key constituency — small-c conservatives who reluctantly approve of Carney — would be alienated if he looks opportunistic, as he would. What - [Netanyahu again flies through Canadian airspace en route to Washington](https://thecompositeeye.ca/netanyahu-again-flies-through-canadian-airspace-en-route-to-washington/) - CBC: Online flight trackers show that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew hundreds of kilometres through Canadian airspace on his way to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday — despite Prime Minister Mark Carney previously saying he would honour an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC)... - [Carney govt to select private-sector ‘strategic partners’ in new defence industry strategy](https://thecompositeeye.ca/carney-govt-to-select-private-sector-strategic-partners-in-new-defence-industry-strategy/) - Toronto Star: The federal government plans to choose a number of “key strategic partners” from Canada’s defence sector to get special support and access to contracts under the new military industrial strategy that Prime Minister Mark Carney was scheduled to release on Wednesday, the Star has learned. ... 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