In a bit of bizarre theatre, Pierre Poilievre went to Detroit yesterday to talk to business leaders about the benefits of tariff-free trade. In other words, something every rational person already knows, but that Trump refuses to believe, and along the way, others have become convinced of the benefits of tariffs, including certain Democrats and the United Auto Workers. But first, he had to hold a press conference in Windsor to give his usual talking points about how the two governments need to get a deal, even though there is no deal to be had.
Poilievre is off to Detroit to engage in some more theatre.This is solely for the benefit of his online audience.
— Dale Smith (@journodale.bsky.social) 2026-10-12T18:39:06.830Z
But perhaps more bizarre was how his trade critic, Kyle Seeback, went on Power & Politics later in the day to articulate that apparently, the Carney government just hasn’t found the proper win-win with Trump yet. No, seriously, that’s the position of the Conservatives, because clearly, this is Carney’s fault and Trump must be a rational actor. He then had to choke out a bunch of bullshit when pressed about how there could possibly be a deal when Trump can’t live up to any agreement he makes (and then spiralled as he insisted that the government taking over TMX was bad, and that nationalizing Stelco would be bad, but having the government build Pacific Link would be good, because tHaT’s DiFfErEnT!) Seeback revealed himself to be terminally unserious, as much as his whole party is terminally unserious, particularly on this file. They keep insisting that Carney needs to get a deal when there is no deal to be had, while their idea of “helping’ is magical thinking. Just risible from top to bottom.
My Latest:
- My Xtra Magazine column contrasts two LGBTQ+ group’s demands on Parliament Hill, and why one is more likely to achieve something than the other.
- For National Magazine, I delve into Friday’s Supreme Court of Canada decision to resolve the tension in sentencing when there is an Indigenous accused and victim.
- My long weekend column praises Liberal backbencher Patrick Weiler for standing up for his constituents in the face of his party’s own bill as a backbencher should.
- My Loonie Politics Quick Take explains the unusual committee process for Bill C-39.
Ukraine Dispatch:
Over the weekend, Trump declared there was an “energy ceasefire” between Ukraine and Russia, to which president Zelenskyy said “news to me,” as Russia was bombing energy infrastructure, and continues to do so. (They’re also bombing cargo vessels). Trump of course also decided to break sanctions to buy Russian diesel (even though the US is exporting record amounts, because this is just a charade). Russia’s latest attacks on Kyiv apparently came with no intelligence warnings, which Trump denies.
Noteworthy:
- Kevin Carmichael points out how Canada’s relative ignorance about India and the market there is hampering our ability to trade.
- Justin Ling suggests that it’s time to start taxing digital asbestos companies before they start making changes to the labour market, not after.
- Paul Wells highlights the wildly divergent press releases the PMO put out on Sunday regarding Carney’s conversations with both Zelenskyy and Trump.
- Wells also gives his preliminary evaluation of PSPP’s road ahead in Quebec.
- Jennifer Robson ponders the blackmail at the heart of the Stelco layoffs, and why there is a better alternative than nationalising it like the NDP are calling for.
For my latest Danielle Smith collab with @forwardcanada.bsky.social, Danielle is here to help prepare you for Referendum Day, which will be totally calm and chill and feature no January 6th-ing whatsoever! youtu.be/6N9grKFJ_ro?…
— Clare Blackwood (@clareblackwood.bsky.social) 2026-10-11T15:40:12.759Z
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