tracyschruderblogspot

Tag: Canadian

  • Remembering, Reflecting, and Reforming: A Call for Accountability in Canadian Governance

    By Tracy Schruder

    As Canadians, we must remember the pivotal moments that have shaped our nation’s history. One such moment occurred on February 14, 2022, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act in response to protests across the country. This move granted extraordinary powers to law enforcement, allowing them to freeze bank accounts, suspend insurance coverage for participating vehicles, and dismantle blockades through large-scale police operations.

    The Emergencies Act is rarely invoked, and its use is typically reserved for wartime or national security crises. Notable instances of its use include:

    – World War I (1914): The War Measures Act was first invoked, granting the government sweeping powers to intern enemy aliens, censor the press, and regulate the economy.

    – World War II (1939): The Act was invoked again, allowing the government to intern Japanese Canadians, restrict civil liberties, and mobilize the economy for war.

    – October Crisis (1970): The War Measures Act was invoked in response to kidnappings and bombings carried out by the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ).

    – Peacetime Emergencies (1988): The War Measures Act was replaced by the Emergencies Act, allowing for more limited and specific emergency declarations.

    Google image

    Pierre Trudeau, Justin Trudeau’s father, invoked the War Measures Act in 1970 during the October Crisis. This decision was based on the need to restore order and stability in Quebec, but it was also widely criticized for its impact on civil liberties.

    Imagine courtesy, Google

    During the Trucker Protest, the Trudeau government’s actions went beyond the Emergencies Act. They worked to disrupt the flow of funds to protesters, securing a court order to freeze funds raised through the GiveSendGo platform. Trudeau also announced tariffs on US goods in response to US tariffs, although this move was not directly related to the protests.

    Government Reaction to Protests During Trudeau’s Tenure

    Google images

    Trudeau’s government has responded to various protests throughout his tenure. Some notable examples include:

    – Indigenous Rights Protests: The government faced criticism for its handling of Indigenous rights protests, particularly the Wet’suwet’en pipeline protests.

    – Anti-Mask Protests: The government took a firm stance, emphasizing the importance of public health measures and encouraging Canadians to follow the guidelines.

    – Environmental Protests: The government has responded by emphasizing its commitment to environmental protection and attempting to balance economic and environmental concerns.

    Pre-Trudeau Era

    Before Trudeau’s tenure, the Canadian government responded to protests in various ways. Two notable examples include:

    – October Crisis (1970): The government invoked the War Measures Act, granting the military sweeping powers to arrest and detain individuals.

    – Quebec Protests (2012): The Quebec student protests were a significant event, with students protesting against tuition fee increases.

    Trudeau’s Policies and Their Impact

    The Justin Trudeau government has introduced several new laws, bills, and taxes that have impacted Canadians’ lives. Some notable examples include:

    – Tax Breaks: A tax break announced in November 2024 aims to put more money in Canadians’ pockets by exempting essentials like groceries and children’s clothing from GST/HST.

    – Environmental Policies: The government has implemented various initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability, such as the Clean Fuel Standard.

    – Notable Policies: The government has supported the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline and launched various initiatives to address climate change.

    Holding the Government Accountable

    Holding leaders accountable is crucial for ensuring that they serve the best interests of their constituents. Here are some ways to hold government leaders accountable:

    – Through Democratic Processes: Voting, contacting representatives, and participating in public consultations.

    – Transparency and Oversight: Freedom of information requests, independent watchdogs, and whistleblower protection.

    – Media and Public Scrutiny: Free press, social media, protests, and demonstrations.

    – Education and Critical Thinking: Critical thinking, civic education, and fact-checking.

    – Accountability Mechanisms: Independent commissions, parliamentary committees, and judicial review.

    In conclusion,

    as Canadians, it is essential to remember the significant events that have shaped our nation’s history. The invocation of the Emergencies Act, the government’s response to protests, and the introduction of new policies have all had a profound impact on our country. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to hold our leaders accountable and work towards creating a better future for all Canadians.

    Google Images

  • The Tariff Suggestion 

    The Tariff Suggestion 

    by Tracy Schruder

    Understanding Tariffs: What They Are and How They Impact the Economy

    I never really paid any attention to tariffs in the past. To be honest, I didn’t even know what tariffs were. As I’m a red blooded homegrown Canadian, I watch the news just like everyone else and I’ve noticed that most of the news revolves around politics ever since the Covid lock downs, anyway. So, like every other red blooded Canadian, I’ve taken notice to all of the reports on (presidential candidate) inaugurated President Trump. 

    It’s my opinion that no government can make their country great again by alienating the rest of the continent but that’s just one Canadian’s opinion. I had to figure it all out so I could prepare myself and my family for everything that this entails. So, I’ve done my research and I now, have come to understand that a tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported goods or services. It is a trade policy tool used to regulate international trade and protect domestic industries. 

    Tariffs can be levied on a wide range of products, including agricultural goods, manufactured goods, and services.I also learned there are several types of tariffs, including:

    Ad valorem tariff 

    A percentage-based tariff that is calculated as a percentage of the imported good’s value.

    Specific tariff 

    A fixed amount of money levied on each unit of the imported good.

    Compound tariff

    A combination of ad valorem and specific tariffs.

    Tariff rate quota (TRQ)

    A tariff that applies a lower tariff rate to a certain quantity of imports, and a higher tariff rate to imports above that quantity.

    I also learned what the purpose of Tariffs are:

    Protecting domestic industries 

    Tariffs can be used to protect domestic industries from foreign competition by making imported goods more expensive.

    Generating revenue

    Tariffs can be used to generate revenue for the government.

    Influencing trade policy

    Tariffs can be used to influence trade policy and negotiate trade agreements.

    I learned about the (potential) positive effects of Tariffs 

    Protection of Domestic Industries

    Tariffs can protect domestic industries from foreign competition, allowing them to grow and develop.

    Job Creation

    By protecting domestic industries, tariffs can help create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

    Revenue Generation

    Tariffs can generate revenue for the government, which can be used to fund public programs and services.

    Negotiating Leverage 

    Tariffs can be used as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations, allowing countries to secure better trade deals.

    Encouraging Domestic Production 

    Tariffs can encourage domestic production by making imported goods more expensive, which can lead to increased domestic investment and innovation.

    Reducing Trade Deficits 

    Tariffs can help reduce trade deficits by reducing the amount of imported goods and increasing the amount of exported goods.

    Protecting National Security 

    Tariffs can be used to protect national security by limiting the importation of goods that could pose a security risk.

    Environmental Protection

    Tariffs can be used to protect the environment by limiting the importation of goods that do not meet environmental standards.

    Promoting Fair Trade

    Tariffs can be used to promote fair trade by penalizing countries that engage in unfair trade practices.

    Stimulating Economic Growth

    Tariffs can stimulate economic growth by increasing domestic investment, innovation, and production.

    It’s worth mentioning that while tariffs can have these positive effects, they can also have negative effects. Listed below are some of the negative effects of Tariffs:

    Increasing prices

    Tariffs can increase the prices of imported goods, which can hurt consumers.

    Reducing trade

    Tariffs can reduce trade between countries, which can hurt businesses that rely on imports and exports.

    Creating trade wars

    Tariffs can create trade wars between countries, which can hurt the global economy.

    Overall, I’ve come to learn that tariffs are a complex trade policy tool that can have both positive and negative effects on the economy.

    I can only imagine how much everything is going to change if the tariffs suggested by President Trump become a reality. Let’s just say that I’m hoping and praying that the Canadian government has what it takes to reach a fair and just, agreement and stop this nonsense about ‘threatening the neighbours with unreasonable and unnecessary tariff price hikes.