Based on conversations at a social gathering last week, current hot topics are the weather, Mark Carney, the price of everything and what sacrifices people were still making as part of the “Elbows Up” movement.
There was consensus on most subjects: The weather was brutal but we have been through this before. Our Prime Minister gives great speeches, but the federal government has to start delivering the goods. Most will pay more for Canadian-made products. One issue was surprisingly divisive. Netflix. Cut or keep? The gathering was split, reflecting a national sentiment. Polls show that most Canadians will boycott products bearing a Made In America tag, but patriotism has its limits. A majority of consumers will not cancel American-based streaming service such as Netflix. Thankfully, one of the hottest shows, Heated Rivalry, is available through a Canadian streamer. The ground-breaking series about gay hockey players has received the ultimate accolade – it has been noticed by Americans! The stars were applauded at the Golden Globes, an honour which they could not win because the program is made in Canada. Praise from Yanks may, as the joke now goes, suggest that US audiences are ready to watch more shows about hockey.
The popularity of Heated Rivalry had given rise to a new term: boy aquarium. That is slang for watching a hockey game as players compete behind glass in the arena. Honest. Our national pride has received a boost, and our vocabulary has been expanded, following the Prime Minister’s impressive performance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he received a standing ovation. When he referred to the US as a hegemon, online searches for the term revealed that the term means a major power.
For the past year, we have accepted that Trump hates Canada, we cannot trust the US administration and we must cozy up with certain hegemons that have not been all that friendly in the past. Take the deal with China. That is not perfect, obviously, but Carney is getting the benefit of the doubt, for now. Ontario Premier Doug Ford was mad when Carney agreed to import thousands of Chinese electric vehicles. But there he was this week reporting he and the PM had a very productive meeting. “At the end of the day, make no mistake about it. We are one country,” said Ford after he and Carney picked up slices of pizza. Ford had a veggie, Carney opted for a ham and pineapple, a.k.a. the Hawaiian, another ground-breaking Canadian invention. More Canadians will be able to afford to order a slice now that the federal government has rolled out new measures that are meant to make groceries and other essentials more affordable. To help more than 12 million low- and modest-income Canadians afford day-to-day essentials, the government is introducing the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (the former Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit), which is increasing by 25 per cent for five years beginning in July. Ottawa is also providing a one-time payment, equivalent to a 50 per cent increase, this year. The government is allocating $500 million to help businesses cover the costs of supply chain disruptions without passing those costs on to Canadians at the checkout line, creating a $150 million Food Security Fund for small and medium enterprises and is allowing greenhouse operators to fully write off greenhouses in order to encourage investment in domestic food production. A $20 million Local Food Infrastructure Fund will support food banks; a National Food Security Strategy will strengthen domestic food production and improves access to affordable, nutritious food. So, the government is moving on the meat and potato issues, although the beef section in the grocery section still causes sticker shock. Fortunately, if you feel inclined to put up a greenhouse, you will have a tax incentive to get a start on the gardening season and maximize your food output. “One of the best things about Canada is that you don’t have to be born rich to succeed,” the Prime Minister states. “To protect that fundamental value, we are building a stronger economy that benefits everyone – creating thousands of new career opportunities with better wages. We’re also bringing in new measures to lower costs and make sure Canadians have the support they need now. We’re building Canada strong, because we’re strongest when we look after each other and when we ensure everyone has the chance to get ahead.” The message is indeed heartening. A pep talk is always useful. And encouragement is especially necessary for those who cannot afford to buy a home, are facing the prospect of being replaced by AI or fretting about putting food on the table. Critics have been quick to denounce the GST changes as a temporary fix. Yet, it is difficult to publicly decry any move that will help poor people. Foreign policy is important; our international reputation is improving, but governments ignore domestic issues at their peril. We have many challenges to face as a nation. However, we can take consolation in knowing that our PM can back up his fine words with concrete actions. Does that sentiment make your heart glow as the thermometer plunges? Tell us what you think at rmahoney@seawaynews.media
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