Andrew Scheer quits as Canada's Conservative leader

   Canada column for Sunday, Dec. 15/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Andrew Scheer, in a surprise move, has quit as Canada’s Conservative leader.

  He faced severe criticism for failing to lead the party to victory over Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in last October’s election.

   Scheer also became unpopular with voters during the campaign when hounded with questions about his personal opinions on same-sex marriage and abortion.

   Saying it was “one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made,” Scheer will stay on until the party chooses a new leader.

   The 40-year-old politician said he “felt it was time to put my family first” and quit.

   “In order to chart the course ahead, this party, this movement, needs someone who can give 100 percent to the efforts,” he said.

   Trudeau thanked Scheer for his dedication and service, saying he “understood the many sacrifices made by the families of politicians.”

   Among those considered as a possible successor is former interim leader Rona Ambrose.

   She united the Conservatives when former Prime Minister Stephen Harper quit after his party’s 2015 election defeat.

BullyingCanada needs your help -- Share holiday happiness with the homeless

Spread Christmas Joy With Christmas Cards

Fredericton, N.B., 10 December 2019 News Release— BullyingCanada is looking for individuals willing to lend a hand by writing a card to homeless or recovering people to help them this holiday season.

To get involved, simply go to BullyingCanada.ca/HomelessHoliday for details on how to write and send in greeting cards.

Though this isn’t an anti-bullying project in the traditional sense, as we work with Canadian youth and schools, we would like to remind everyone that the homeless are valued, too. They’re often bullied while on the streets, let’s make sure they know we care.

Canada could 'pay a price' for Trudeau mocking Trump, analysts say

   Canada column for Sunday, Dec. 8/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Political analysts suggest Canada might pay a price for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau provoking President Donald Trump.

   It’s because Trudeau appeared to mock Trump in a “hot mic” conversation at a Buckingham Palace event for world leaders.

   Trudeau was talking with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Princess Anne where they appeared to make fun of the president.

   Later Trump said Trudeau is “two-faced, but I find him to be a nice guy.”

   “Canada could well pay for this . . . it could have very serious consequences,” said Michael Byers, politics and law professor at the University of British Columbia.

   “It sets back years of effort . . . to keep Canada out of the gunsights, so to speak, of an impulsive and vindictive president,” he added.

   Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said “Trudeau’s poor judgment, lack of professionalism, and love of drama continues to weaken Canada’s position on the world stage.”

Push is on to ratify new U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal by year's end

   Canada column for Sunday, Dec. 1/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   The signatures have dried long ago but the new North American free-trade deal has yet to “cross the finish line.”

   The three countries have signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement but it has to be ratified by their legislatures before it takes effect.

   There’s a push on now to get the deal done by the end of the year but Mexico’s Jesus Seade said issues raised by the Democrats are valid but not an impediment to derail the deal.

   Seade met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and deputy Chrystia Freeland in Ottawa and said there are “improvements where all three of us are on the same side.”

   The deal is stalled in the U.S. Congress as Democrats want stricter enforcement measures for its labor and environmental standards.

   One issue where Canada can help is encouraging Mexico to adopt its system for certifying unions.

   Canada is “extremely supportive of Mexico’s steps towards labor reforms” and the countries had been working on this, Trudeau said.

   U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that a version of the trade deal was “within range” but a final review is needed.

New cabinet team to help Trudeau government deal with regional issues

   Canada column for Sunday, Nov. 24/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   The renewed Liberal government –- with much pomp and ceremony – has announced its team to tackle campaign promises.

   Prime Minister Justin Trudeau presented his new larger cabinet that will help deal with regional tensions, climate change and middle-class prosperity.

   A highlight of the new minority government was the promotion of Chrystia Freeland to deputy prime minister and minister of intergovernmental affairs.

   She represented Canada’s interests in a revised free-trade deal with the United States and Mexico.

   Freeland will now help to appease western Canada concerns of premiers Jason Kenney of Alberta and Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe along with Ontario’s Doug Ford.

   Winnipeg Member of Parliament Jim Carr, suffering with cancer, is now a “special representative for the Prairies to ensure westerners have a “strong voice in Ottawa,” Trudeau said.

   Acknowledging Bloc Quebecois’ resurgence, Montreal’s Pablo Rodriguez moves into the role of government House leader.

Western alienation, climate change challenge new Canadian government

   Canada column for Sunday, Nov. 10/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Long-simmering anger over “western alienation” and climate change confront Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s new Liberal minority government.

   As he met with his team, including those defeated in the election, he said there’s “a lot of work to do to make sure that we’re governing for the entire country.”

   That was in response to what Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister called mounting frustration in the western provinces with deep regional rifts.

      Pallister said he gave Trudeau some “friendly advice” on how to proceed with great frustration over the lack of progress on pipeline expansion and things such as flood protection measures.

   No Liberals were elected in Alberta and Saskatchewan while Trudeau said giving those provinces a voice is a “significant” challenge.

   The new cabinet will be sworn in on Nov. 20 while missing from Ottawa will be Elizabeth May who has quit as leader of the Green party that had three members elected.

   May, 65, cited a family promise to quit and appointed deputy leader Jo-Ann Roberts to be her successor.

Canada, Mexico patient as U.S. moves closer to freetrade pact vote

   Canada column for Sunday, Nov. 3/19

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   There are signals that U.S. lawmakers are preparing to vote soon to ratify a modified version of the North American trade pact.

   Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi said congressional Democrats and the Trump administration are close to resolving differences over the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

   Richard Neal, chairman of the U.S. House ways and means committee, will travel to Ottawa Wednesday to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland to discuss the ratification process.

   Pelosi has had misgivings about conditions concerning labor, enforcement, prescription drugs and environmental standards.

   Waiting patiently are Trudeau and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador who had discussions after the Canadian election last month.

   “We agree to maintain good relations and continue to convince U.S. congressmen about the importance of approving the agreement for the benefit of the three nations,” the Mexican leader said.

   U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is working to get the deal ratified and it is something that President Trump believes would benefit him in his re-election bid.