Canada's Acute Case of Tariffitis

Episode 60 is dominated by recent events in Ottawa, a period Frank describes as the most chaotic in his lifetime. Frank first dissects the decision by Chrystia Freeland to resign from her post as Minister of Finance prior to delivering the Liberal Government's Fall Economic Statement. He then provides an update on next steps for the Liberal Party including his expectation that Prime Minister Trudeau will resign, perhaps after his own walk in the snow. Next it is on to the important task at hand, that is preparing to confront President Elect Trump's tariff threats, a topic Frank discussed with Canada's Premiers at precisely the same time Freeland resigned. The discussion then moves to international affairs, including budget issues in Europe and South Korea, as well as the warp speed of events in Syria and the rest of the Middle East. The discussion finishes in the same place it always does, with both Frank and Peter bemoaning the state of their beloved Toronto Blue Jays. This podcast was recorded on December 17, 2024. Chapter Headings 00:50 - Freeland's Shock Resignation 07:58 - Next Steps for Trudeau's Government 12:28 - Framing Canada's Response to Trump's Tariffs 24:50 - Democracy in South Korea 27:23 - The End of Assad's Reign of Terror in Syria