From New Delhi, Mark Carney had his big meeting with Narendra Modi, and they announced their plans on a comprehensive trade agreement by the end of the year, along with a number of other trade plans, including a uranium agreement. Carney even said that “We are one family” with Modi, erm, except Modi’s government has very likely murdered Canadians on Canadian soil, which is a pretty strange definition of “family.” But then Carney refused to take media questions, cancelled a planned press conference, citing the need to get into the air to avoid the flight crew’s scheduling regulations, and apparently decided that he couldn’t scrum on the plane either, meaning that all of those media outlets who shelled out thousands of dollars to be there are being given nothing for the time and trouble. This is turning into a habit for Carney, as is the fact that at least one of his meetings was found out by social media and wasn’t on his itinerary.
Pretty much.
— Dale Smith (@journodale.bsky.social) 2026-03-02T15:19:39.900Z
Meanwhile, Anita Anand had to pick up the media slack, but even then, she refused to say whether she believes the attack on Iran violated international law, and only will say that Canada is not militarily involved, though she also says she wants to see a “diplomatic solution.” Other members of the government has also been backtracking on the assertion that India stopped engaging in foreign interference and repression, including secretary of state for combatting crime, Ruby Sahota, which makes it look an awful lot like that senior official was set up to try and deflect questions on the interference ahead of the trip (which backfired spectacularly because we could all tell that it was bullshit).
Meanwhile, while in London, Pierre Poilievre expounded on his idea of a critical mineral stockpile available to allies with tariff-free trade agreements (but again, I fail to see how this will change Trump’s mind). He is also getting all hot and bothered by the impact that the Iran conflict is having on the oil market, but it’s making him say dumb things about Canada trying to step in and displace that Middle Eastern oil and gas. It’s never going to happen, and none of what he’s saying is true, but nobody’s going to challenge him on it (other than Andrew Leach).
https://twitter.com/andrew_leach/status/2028513969766560215
https://twitter.com/andrew_leach/status/2028517629439414642
Ukraine Dispatch
Ukraine’s military continues to make gains reclaiming territory in Zaporizhzhia region, while a naval drone attack his the Russian oil terminal at Sheskharis, suspending operations. President Zelenskyy says that Russia won’t be able to fulfil its short-term goals in the invasion.
https://twitter.com/ukraine_world/status/2028512953016733884
Good reads:
- Mark Carney has landed in Sydney, Australia, where he will have meetings before his trip to Canberra on Thursday to address Parliament.
- David McGuinty is adding his own call for a ceasefire and diplomatic solution in Iran.
- The federal government is urging Canadians to avoid travel to most of the Middle East, and to avoid non-essential travel in other countries in the region.
- It sounds like there is consideration for a mixed submarine fleet, possibly to try and reap industrial benefits from both suppliers as the deadline approaches.
- The federal government has signed an agreement with the Musqueam First Nation in BC, which includes their rights over a vast swath of land including Vancouver.
- Here is an explainer on Bill S-2, which will expand First Nations status under the Indian Act, and what changes the Senate made to the bill.
- Interim Parliamentary Budget Officer Jason Jacques’ appointment has expired, and a replacement has not yet been named (which will suspend new work in the office).
- French president Emmanuel Macron is talking about expanding France’s nuclear umbrella, if the Americans can’t be counted upon. (The arsenal by the numbers).
- Liberal MP Will Greaves is breaking ranks on the Iran situation, and Carney’s support for it, saying Canada should not endorse illegal use of military force.
- Jared Wesley points to the problems with Danielle Smith’s attempting to govern by referendum, and why it’s a populist tool to manufacture legitimacy.
Odds and ends:
New episodes released early for C$7+ subscribers. This week I'm answering your #cdnpoli questions.
— Dale Smith (@journodale.bsky.social) 2026-03-03T04:15:54.079Z
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