Feb 1 tariff deadline | Clear those shelves | Need a hug?

Top of the morning! Deep freeze continues. Sunny, chance of flurries. High -10 wind chill -24.

MORNING NEWS SCRAMBLE

President Trump ‘thinks’ Tariffs in effect for Canada February 1st

After nary a mention of Canada in his inaugural address, President Donald Trump declared from the Oval Office he is looking at February 1st as the day he plans to slap Canada and Mexico with 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs. Trump made the statement while signing executive orders Monday night, citing the migration of people and fentanyl crossing the borders.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to speak with media today

Trudeau is huddling with his team in Montebello, Que., for the government's annual winter cabinet retreat - the focus this year on the Canada-U.S. trade strategy. Last night, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly addressed the Trump tariff bomb.

Ford: Clear the shelves and take a vote!

Premier Doug Ford says he’s told the LCBO to clear the shelves of all U.S. booze if tariffs are put in place. “We are the largest purchaser of alcohol in the entire world. They will feel the pain,” said Ford of the potential retaliatory action. Ford is also still talking about needing another “mandate” (in other words “election”) so he can “use every tool in the toolbox to protect the people of Ontario” in response to the change in U.S. government.

Even MORE disruptions?

Feds cut immigration staff

Reports say 3,300 immigration department workers are about to lose their jobs over the next three years. A message was sent to staff on Monday. The department expanded rapidly over the last couple of years, but a drop in immigration necessitates the cuts.

Tip of the hat…to the hamburglar?

While red MAGA baseball caps have become synonymous with President Donald Trump, Melania Trump made her own millinery-related fashion statement, sporting a navy wide-brimmed hat on inauguration day. It not only shielded the first lady’s eyes but (strategically?) ensured only air-kisses all day long.

Jimmy having a bit of….fun….with the hat

Fallon says Melania’s hat is her ‘Very own border wall.’

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KEEP THE CHANGE

Gloomy Canucks

Shoppers at Square One. Source: Cockadoodle News

A Bank of Montreal survey says 63% of Canadians are concerned about a potential recession in the next year, and half of respondents think the economy is going to get worse. The cost of living also remains a big issue for Canadians, but the bank points out that recent data “indicates price growth has stabilized around the Bank of Canada’s target.”

Rent growth expected to slow

An economist with TD Bank tells BNN Bloomberg that rent price growth in purpose-built rental apartment buildings this year is likely to see a “significant slowdown”. The bank expects rent increases in the 3-4% range this year, down from the 7% increase seen last year. An increase in purpose-built rental apartments, government programs focused on building on this type of housing, and a drop in immigration are all seen as drivers of the slower price growth.

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HEALTHY START

A prescription for fun

Maclean’s magazine has a feature on “The Case for Social Prescribing” which outlines why prescriptions for doing things we enjoy could be key to improving our health. The article says social factors can account for up to “80% of our health, far more than any single medical intervention.”

Check your fridge!

Recalled eggs. Source: Health Canada

Health Canada is recalling several different types of eggs due to salmonella concerns. Some of the brands include Compliments, IGA, and no name with expiry dates of February 16, 22nd, and March 1st. You can see the specific products at this link.

AND… ANOTHER THING!

Need a hug?

If so, today’s your day! It’s National Hugging Day. Today was picked because it’s between the holidays and Valentine’s Day, and it’s a good time to lift peoples’ spirits. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are health benefits to hugs: “What’s happening on the inside when we receive a hug is there is a release of oxytocin. That is that feel good chemical that when it’s released, we feel bonded to those around us.”

Have a terrific Tuesday!  Thanks for subscribing to Cockadoodle News!