It isn’t a zero sum game. A trade agreement didn’t work out in the previous geopolitical/economic environment. Things have changed. Canada is feeling vulnerable and that potentially leads to a better deal for the UK. Simultaneously, the UK can cozy up to Trump as much as they want.

Trump is engaged in brinksmanship and we need US trade more than vice versa. I think the correct move is to publicly back down - but also remind Canadians that a one month reprieve is nothing.

Once you play a card, you lose it. Right now Ford can still play that card. Manitoba can’t (and that makes the national level impact weaker).

I think Ford actually did a good job on this one. He’s Trumpian in terms of his appeal and I think did a good job of rallying Canadians of various stripes and working WITH other premiers.

Daniel Smith was the opposite. She was a Trump apologist, and was divisive instead of being a team player.

Don’t get me wrong - I think Ford is a complete tool 98% of the time, but I think he did a good job this once.

I waited until I could get my hands on a Hyundai EV because I couldn’t stomach Musk. A buddy is currently considering a used Tesla because prices have cratered - but is factoring in the cost of several large ‘Musk Sucks’ stickers to plaster all over it.

This is a FANTASTIC time for folks to start supporting Canadian made brands and avoid giving money to US companies - and that includes US companies doing business in Canada. We send a TON of money to the US via Amazon, Netflix, etc.

I’ve been really enjoying CBC Gem lately. North of North is a fun sitcom about life in the far north with a fantastic cast. Son of a Critch is also gold.

That’s some powerful writing and the diplomacy makes it almost more biting…

Dagnabbit - I went all in on Proton as well. Why is it so hard to find an email provider that respects privacy and isn’t run by people with ‘problematic’ views (i.e. people who wish people like me didn’t exist)

The classic example is a tarrif on something like Kentucky bourbon. It is targeted at a state that Trump cares about (in theory), is on something discretionary, and there’s tons of Canadian distilleries making broadly comparable products.

Personally, I’m on a Manhattan kick and am exploring the Rye Whiskey scene.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear - I haven’t resoled the boots yet, they are years away from needing that. It’s more that I tend to wear out soles LONG before I wear out the rest of the boot. For that reason I try to buy footwear that can be resoled so that I can more use out of them.

COVID was a wake up call for me. As we struggled to get masks, ventilators, and vaccines, I realized that we make incredibly little here in Canada.

I now do my best to EXCLUSIVELY buy Canadian. I’m admittedly privileged to be able to afford to, but it isn’t that much more expensive if you approach it from the perspective of buying a few quality products rather than tons of crap.

For footwear, Boulet Boots makes great summer and winter weight boots for about $300. Made just outside Trois Riviere. It’s a lot of money - but they can also be resoled, repaired and still look new in their second winter.

Most of my pants and shirts are from Common Manufacturing out of Winnipeg. $150-$200 for a shirt and $170 for a set of chinos. I used to buy Banana Republic type stuff for about half the price but I would destroy them within a year. Common offers free repairs for life but I haven’t needed to use it yet.

My belts and watch straps are from Popov Leather in Nelson, BC.

Pots and pans from Meyer in PEI.

When I tossed my black plastic kitchen tools, I replaced them with beautiful hand carved wood replacements from a local craft fair.

Every time I need something I go looking for who is making it in Canada. It’s fun, I get to support small business, and I enjoy the higher quality - even if I have less shirts.