Jamil Jivani has returned from his trip to Washington, and before briefing Dominic LeBlanc or anyone from the government, he turned to the pages of the National Post to pen a self-congratulatory op-ed for the trip that nobody asked for, and that op-ed says pretty much nothing but a collection of platitudes about the GM plant in his riding, and looking for ways to continue the partnership with the US, as though the US isn’t the problem. It’s empty, and has apparently accomplished absolutely nothing

What is hilarious, however, are the fact that conservative posters over on social media have been taking his photos from his meetings with various players in Washington and declaring this to be “leadership,” as opposed to photos that say nothing other than he met with them. And yes, these are the very same voices who denounce the fact that prime minister Mark Carney has travelled across the globe several times over the past nine months and has met with all kinds of world leaders, because of course, that’s just a useless photo op (per Pierre Poilievre’s talking points in Question Period), but Jivani’s pointless photo ops? Totally different. Because of course.

Meanwhile, Kirsten Hillman can’t actually say if she thinks Trump wants to preserve the New NAFTA because his positions change from day to day, and there is no consistency from anyone around him, so that’s fun. Here is more about Hillman’s time in Washington as she wraps up her diplomatic career.

Ukraine Dispatch

There was a massive drone attack on Odesa overnight, which followed a previous massive attack on energy facilities with over 400 drones and 40 missiles earlier in the weekend. The US says they want the war over by summer, but Russia can go home at any point, and these deadlines do nothing but encourage Russia.

Good reads:

• Here is a look into the disinformation campaign trying to link Mark Carney with the Epstein files.
• The civil service still hasn’t demonstrated a plan to have employees in the office four days a week when the three days still aren’t working (to say nothing of transit).
• The federal government is making a $1 billion repayable loan available to Canada Post to help them get through their current financial crisis.
• There is not a lot of optimism that the new auto strategy will accelerate the transition to EVs given how it has relaxed the deadlines.
• Here is a look in South Korean firm Hanwha’s charm offensive to convince Canada to choose them for the submarine procurement.
• People who live near remote border crossings are concerned that the existing trusted traveller programme is ending under pressure from Trump.
• Inuit leadership are feeling uncertain about their relationship with the Carney government, as applications for programmes are asking for economic benefits.
• Stéphane Dion has zero patience for Danielle Smith’s separatism blackmail.
• Rob Lantz has won the PC leadership on PEI, and he will return to being premier after previously holding the job while he was “interim” leader.
• Because of course there are, separatists in BC are agitating alongside their treasonous brethren in Alberta even though the provinces share few values.
• Kevin Carmichael looks to the data to question whether the affordability challenges should be what is driving the policy agenda.
• Mike Moffatt summarizes some of his latest report’s ideas on how to restore the ability of young people to buy homes.
• Althia Raj contemplates Stephen Harper’s message of unity during the Harper Nostalgia Fest that took place last week.
• Justin Ling looks at the current state of diplomacy with the government and wonders where the promised updated foreign policy is.

Odds and ends:

For National Magazine, I delve into the implications of Friday’s Supreme Court of Canada decision when it comes to lawyers who are facing criminal charges.

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