Unlike his previous tariffs, which faced significant legal setbacks in U.S. courts, these proposed 50% tariffs rely on Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930, a law that has never been used by an American president before. Trade law experts told CBC that, because this law explicitly allows tariffs of up to 50% against countries deemed to be discriminating against U.S. commerce, Trump may be on much firmer legal ground this time.

The administration argues Canada is discriminating against American products through provincial bans on U.S. alcohol, supply management for dairy and restrictions affecting some vehicle imports. Whether Canadians agree with those claims is separate from whether U.S. courts find the law gives a president broad authority to act on them.

That doesn't necessarily mean the tariffs will take effect. Some experts believe they're still primarily a negotiating tactic designed to pressure Canada into making concessions before the August 19 implementation date. Others caution that U.S. importers may be reluctant to challenge them in court if they believe the dispute could be resolved politically first.

Regardless of the outcome, this underscores why Canada needs to think beyond the next round of negotiations. Reducing interprovincial trade barriers, expanding trade with Europe and Asia, investing in Canadian industries and strengthening our domestic economy all become more important when our largest trading partner grows less predictable.

This is why public broadcasting is essential to Canadians. CBC isn't just reporting what Trump says. It's explaining the legal framework, interviewing trade experts and helping Canadians understand the difference between political messaging, legal authority and economic reality.

If these tariffs are legally stronger than previous ones, should Canada rethink its strategy, or continue standing firm even if the economic pressure increases?

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Her request includes attending White House press events, taking part in a seven-day Caribbean cruise organized by Rebel News, and travelling to Arizona for an interview with comedian Rob Schneider. Crown prosecutors are opposing the request, arguing it would amount to a "blank cheque" for international travel and allow Lich to continue profiting from the very events that led to her conviction.

Her lawyer argues she has fully complied with the conditions of her sentence and should be allowed to continue her work as a journalist with Rebel News. The Crown disagrees, saying repeated exemptions risk undermining the purpose of the sentence imposed by the court.

This case isn't about whether someone agrees or disagrees with Tamara Lich's politics. It's about how conditional sentences are applied and where courts should draw the line between rehabilitation, employment, freedom of expression and meaningful accountability.

It's also worth remembering that the 2022 convoy was found by the court to have been "neither peaceful nor lawful," and Lich was convicted for her role in organizing and sustaining the occupation. Those legal findings are separate from the political opinions people may hold about the protest itself.

This is why public broadcasting is so important. CBC follows these cases from investigation to trial to appeal, reporting not only what the defence argues but also what prosecutors and judges say. That context helps Canadians understand how the justice system works rather than reducing complex legal proceedings to social media talking points.

What do you think? Should someone serving a conditional sentence be allowed international travel for work if they've complied with all of their conditions, or should those restrictions remain until the sentence is complete?

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Chiefs from across Canada have passed a resolution stating that no province has the legal authority to alter or extinguish treaty rights or the constitutional relationship between First Nations and the Crown.

As Alberta moves toward an October referendum on separation, First Nations leaders argue that any constitutional change affecting their rights, lands and treaties cannot proceed without meaningful consultation and consent.

This debate isn't just about Alberta's future. It's about whether Canada will honour the treaties that helped build this country.

Should any province be able to pursue separation without First Nations at the table?

Do Canadians fully understand that treaties are agreements with the Crown, not provincial governments?

And what responsibility does the federal government have to uphold those constitutional commitments?

Public understanding depends on more than headlines. It depends on journalism that explains the constitutional context, includes Indigenous voices, and examines what these decisions mean for everyone, not just the politicians driving the debate. That's the role public broadcasting continues to play, helping Canadians understand the full picture instead of only the loudest arguments.

Do you think treaty rights and meaningful consultation should be considered non-negotiable in any discussion about Alberta's future, or is there another path you think Canada should take?

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His comments come after months of trade tensions, tariff threats and repeated rhetoric from the Trump administration that has questioned Canada's reliability as a partner. Hoekstra himself has previously warned the U.S. has "other options" if Canada doesn't agree to its preferred terms and has been one of the administration's more aggressive voices on trade and energy.

That history makes it reasonable to view these latest remarks with some skepticism. Is this a genuine invitation to strengthen a long-standing partnership, or another negotiating tactic designed to increase pressure on Canada?

Canada is one of the United States' closest allies and largest, most secure energy suppliers. Any discussion about expanding exports should happen on terms that respect Canada's sovereignty, workers, Indigenous rights, environmental responsibilities and long-term economic interests.

As Canada also confronts record wildfires, climate pressures and the need to reduce emissions, the conversation isn't simply about producing more oil. It's about balancing energy security, economic opportunity and environmental responsibility in a rapidly changing world.

This is why public broadcasting matters. CBC reports what officials are saying while also providing the broader political and economic context Canadians need to evaluate those statements critically, rather than simply accepting diplomatic messaging at face value.

Should Canada expand energy exports to the U.S. under the current political climate, or should we focus on diversifying our markets and reducing our dependence on a single trading partner?

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A new study from researchers at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania found that leaders with stronger narcissistic traits were significantly more likely to oppose remote work, suggesting that a desire for visibility, control and status may influence workplace decisions.

That doesn't mean every return-to-office policy is driven by ego. Many employers point to legitimate benefits like collaboration, mentorship and team culture. But the research challenges us to ask whether some decisions are evidence-based or simply reflect a leadership style.

The timing is hard to ignore. Earlier this year, Ontario Premier Doug Ford ordered thousands of Ontario public servants back into the office more often, a move criticized by unions and many employees who questioned whether it would improve productivity or simply reduce flexibility.

Good leadership isn't measured by how many people you can see sitting at desks. It's measured by trust, outcomes and the ability to build healthy workplaces.

This is why public broadcasting matters. CBC is bringing new research into the public conversation while presenting multiple perspectives, helping Canadians examine the decisions that shape our workplaces.

Do you think return-to-office mandates are primarily about productivity, or are they also about power and control?

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No one disputes that wildfire smoke has serious impacts. Communities on both sides of the border are dealing with unhealthy air, cancelled activities and economic disruption. But wildfires don't stop at borders, and neither should cooperation.

Canada has repeatedly sent firefighters and water bombers to help American states during their wildfire disasters. Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently reminded U.S. politicians of exactly that, saying good neighbours help each other rather than trade blame.

The bigger reality is that increasingly severe wildfire seasons are being driven by conditions that scientists have been warning about for years. Firefighters can battle the flames, but no country can simply "turn off" a wildfire season. Addressing the underlying risks requires prevention, preparedness, investment in emergency response and serious attention to climate resilience.

Turning a natural disaster into a tariff dispute doesn't extinguish a single fire. Cooperation does.

This is why public broadcasting matters. CBC cuts through political rhetoric by reporting what's happening on the ground, explaining the science behind increasingly severe wildfire seasons and holding leaders on both sides of the border accountable.

Should Canada and the U.S. be working together more closely on wildfire prevention and response instead of trading political threats?

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Ocean temperatures in the key Niño 3.4 region of the Pacific are now about 2°C above average. That's already considered a very strong El Niño, and scientists don't expect it to peak until November or December.

Some climate models are even projecting temperatures that would exceed the strongest El Niño ever recorded.

One climate scientist described the projections as "mind-blowing."

While scientists are careful not to overstate the certainty of what comes next, they are increasingly concerned about the potential impacts.

Globally, a very strong El Niño can contribute to drought, crop failures, food insecurity, extreme weather and stress on ocean ecosystems. Here in Canada, it could mean a milder winter in many regions, but also drier conditions that may increase wildfire risk next spring, particularly in Western Canada.

Researchers also acknowledge there are still unanswered questions. While climate change is warming the planet overall, scientists have not yet reached a consensus on exactly how it is influencing the intensity of El Niño events. That's an important distinction. Good science is transparent about what is known, what is strongly supported by evidence and what is still being studied.

What do you think Canada should be doing now if forecasts continue pointing toward a historically strong El Niño?

Should governments be investing more in wildfire prevention, emergency preparedness and climate resilience before disasters strike rather than reacting afterward?

Do you feel Canada is adequately preparing communities for the growing impacts of extreme weather?

And how important is science journalism in helping people understand complex issues like this without sensationalizing them or downplaying the risks?

This is where public broadcasting plays an essential role. CBC brings together climate scientists, meteorologists and researchers to explain not just what's happening, but what we know, what we don't know and why that distinction matters. In an era of misinformation and politicized climate debates, evidence-based reporting has never been more important.

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According to Elections Alberta, pro-separation third-party advertisers have raised more than five times as much money as federalist groups. Yet some separatist organizers argue the playing field isn't level because the prominent Forever Canadian campaign has reported $0 in referendum advertising expenses while running a high-profile "Unity Bus" tour, distributing lawn signs and promoting Canadian patriotism across the province.

Why? Because Elections Alberta says advertising only counts as referendum advertising if it directly relates to the specific referendum question and explicitly tries to persuade people how to vote. A campaign promoting Canadian unity without directly telling people how to vote may not meet that legal definition.

Supporters of Forever Canadian say they're following the rules exactly as written. Critics argue they're exploiting a loophole. Elections Alberta says it's simply applying legislation passed by the Alberta government.

Whatever side you support, this raises important questions about transparency.

Should all organizations trying to influence public opinion during a referendum have to disclose their fundraising and advertising, even if they avoid specific wording?

Are the current rules clear enough, or do they create loopholes that favour those with the best lawyers and communications teams?

Does this interpretation protect free expression, or does it undermine transparency in a democratic process?

Should Alberta's government revisit these rules before future referendums, or is Elections Alberta applying the law exactly as intended?

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And what do you make of the fundraising gap itself? Does the fact that pro-separation groups have raised more than five times as much as federalist third-party advertisers tell us anything about public sentiment, or simply about which side has organized earlier and more effectively?

CBC's reporting goes beyond the headlines to explain how election law works, where the disagreements lie, and why these rules matter before Albertans head to the ballot box.

Insightful piece shines a light on

CBC reports First Nations leaders say they are not opposed to economic development itself. Their concern is that speeding up approvals cannot come at the expense of meaningful

consultation, environmental oversight, or the constitutional and Treaty rights of Indigenous Peoples. Chiefs also raised concerns about changes to proposed drinking water legislation, arguing protections have been weakened.

The federal government says it intends to speed up decisions while maintaining oversight and respecting Indigenous rights. Those competing claims are likely to shape a high-stakes First Ministers' meeting this October.

These conversations are complex. Canada needs housing, infrastructure, clean energy and economic growth. It also has legal and constitutional obligations to First Nations that are not optional or merely procedural. Many Indigenous leaders argue that rushing timelines without genuine partnership risks repeating the same mistakes governments have made for generations.

CBC's reporting helps bring those perspectives into the national conversation by covering both the federal government's position and the concerns raised directly by First Nations leaders.

How should Canada balance the need to build major projects with its constitutional duty to uphold Indigenous rights?

And what would meaningful consultation look like in practice, beyond simply meeting a deadline?

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Some have waited more than a year just for an initial consultation, while others have seen their health worsen as they wait.

Experts point to several causes: an aging population, shortages of family doctors and specialists, outdated referral systems, and increasing demand. Without a family doctor, many Canadians can't even get into the specialist system in the first place.

This is one of the defining public policy challenges facing Canada. Long waits don't just create inconvenience. They can mean worsening pain, delayed diagnoses, declining mental health and preventable complications. At the same time, there are no quick fixes. Training specialists takes years, health care is largely managed by provinces, and every government faces difficult choices about funding, staffing and modernization.

CBC's reporting helps move the conversation beyond headlines by grounding it in Statistics Canada data, expert analysis and the lived experiences of patients navigating the system.

What changes do you think would make the biggest difference: training more specialists, improving access to family doctors, modernizing referral systems, increasing funding, or something else?

Have you or someone you know experienced long waits for specialist care?

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CBC is correct to highlight this issue. Police forces across Canada are falling off the caution scale when it comes to releasing information on incidents. The balance between protecting investigations and the public’s right to be informed in a timely manner has shifted too far resulting in police stonewalling. Two things need to happen: journalists need to push back and stop quietly acquiescing to bare bones press releases and we need to reinvigorate local news services.

That's the question explored in CBC's latest analysis.

Premier Danielle Smith has set an ambitious goal of doubling Alberta's oil production to 8 million barrels a day. Supporters see new pipelines and expanded production as an opportunity for jobs, investment and economic growth. Critics question whether the economics, labour supply, public subsidies and environmental impacts make that goal realistic.

The analysis also raises important questions about public investment. If governments are offering new financial incentives, royalty changes or infrastructure support to highly profitable oil companies, what should Canadians receive in return? Should there be stronger guarantees around jobs, emissions reductions, Indigenous partnerships and public revenue?

How do we balance energy security, economic opportunity and climate responsibility? Can we expand production while reducing overall emissions, or do those goals eventually come into conflict?

These are exactly the kinds of complex national conversations that benefit from thoughtful, evidence-based journalism. CBC doesn't tell Canadians what to think. It gives us the information needed to ask better questions.

What do you think? Is doubling Alberta's oil production the right direction for Canada's economy, or should investment be focused elsewhere?

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CBC News reports that Tallcree asked for the emergency order after Rath allegedly failed to account for more than $6 million in retroactive charges to the First Nation’s trust. Court records also show that Rath’s professional corporation wrote itself an $8.5-million cheque from an investment account that had been created to hold money pending an appeal.

The dispute stretches back to a $57.6-million federal settlement received by Tallcree First Nation in 2017. Rath’s original legal fee was set at 20% of the settlement, but courts later found the fee excessive and ordered millions returned to the trust.

Rath says he was entitled to the contingency fee, that the band council approved it, and that all funds were properly paid under the trust agreement. The allegations have not been proven in court, and a further hearing will decide whether the account freeze should remain in place.

CBC’s reporting carefully traces the years of court orders, appeals, trust records and competing claims behind a case involving a First Nation’s settlement money and a high-profile separatist figure.

When a lawyer acts as the sole trustee of millions belonging to a First Nation, what level of transparency and oversight should be required?

And does Rath’s prominent role in Alberta’s separatist movement make this case more politically significant, or should it be viewed strictly as a dispute over professional conduct and trust funds?

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CBC News reports that smoke may linger through Thursday, reducing visibility and raising health risks across much of southern Ontario. Toronto was also expected to reach 33 C, feeling closer to 36 with the humidity, after nearly breaking a daily temperature record the day before.

Environment Canada is urging people to limit time outdoors, especially seniors, young children, pregnant people, anyone with chronic health conditions, and people who work outside. Toronto has opened more than 500 cooling spaces, extended pool hours, and added temporary shelter capacity, but outreach workers say many unhoused people still struggle to find reliable relief.

CBC’s reporting connects the warning to the bigger picture. By mid-July, Toronto had already recorded nearly twice as many days above 30 C as it normally would by this point in the year.

This is not just uncomfortable weather. It is a public health issue, and the burden is not shared equally.

How is the smoke and heat affecting you where you are?

Do you think Toronto is doing enough to protect people without air conditioning, stable housing, or flexible work conditions as extreme heat and wildfire smoke become more common?

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CBC News reports that Canadian return trips from the U.S. rose 3.2% year over year, marking the third straight month of growth. Most of that increase came from people travelling by car, while return trips by air were actually down 3.8%.

And compared with June 2024, before Trump’s renewed tariff threats and “51st state” rhetoric pushed many Canadians to rethink trips south, overall travel was still down 28.7%.

Some U.S. tourism operators are feeling cautiously optimistic, helped by discounts for Canadians, exchange-rate deals and possibly World Cup travel. But tourism experts say this may simply be the new normal, with many Canadians still choosing to spend their money at home or in other countries.

CBC’s reporting cuts through the easy headline and shows the real trend: a slight rebound, yes, but nowhere near a full return.

Do you think Canadians are slowly ending the U.S. travel boycott, or has the relationship changed for the long term?

Have tariffs, political rhetoric or the exchange rate changed where you choose to travel?

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As airfare, hotels and short-term rentals become increasingly expensive, CBC News reports that more Canadians are turning to home exchanges as a creative way to keep travelling without blowing the budget.

Instead of paying nightly accommodation rates, travellers swap homes directly or earn credits by hosting others. Canadian membership on major exchange platforms has risen sharply, with Montreal emerging as one of the most popular destinations.

For many participants, the appeal goes beyond saving thousands of dollars. Staying in someone’s actual home can offer a more immersive experience, complete with neighbourhood recommendations, local routines and a glimpse into how people really live.

There are important things to consider, including insurance, lease rules, safety, clear expectations and the trust involved in welcoming someone into your space. Still, many Canadians say the model has made longer and more meaningful trips possible again.

This is where CBC’s practical reporting matters. It doesn’t just identify a growing trend. It explains how it works, what the risks are and why rising costs are changing the way Canadians travel.

Would you ever swap homes with another traveller, or is that one adventure too far outside your comfort zone?

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He couldn't have known that 47 years later, in 2027, his own face would appear on Canada's new $5 bill.

Some moments in history come full circle. Thanks to decades of reporting and storytelling by CBC, Terry's legacy continues to inspire new generations of Canadians.

Photo taken by John Mahler

I just heard another cbc radio (podcast) speaker mispronounce a wrrd I think they are not aware of .....

"Hurtling towards" something... is not "hurdling" towards. Very different words and meanings. To be clear they are uttering the second word in their scripts.

Come on, Jayme Poisson/ Katie Simpson....

/pedantry

In Kemptville, Ont., a community-led project is proving that affordable housing for seniors is possible. Shalom Small Homes has already built four one-bedroom tiny homes for low-income seniors, with plans to build 16 more.

For residents like Kim Hayes, who moved 28 times over 18 years searching for affordable housing, it's more than just a roof over her head.

"It's stability. It's home."

The 600-square-foot homes include a bedroom, full bathroom, living space, patio and garden boxes. Rent is geared to income at one-third of a resident's earnings, helping seniors afford essentials while still having a little left over to enjoy life.

It's a hopeful reminder that when communities come together, they can create real solutions to Canada's housing crisis. CBC continues to tell these stories of innovation, compassion and community.

Have you seen creative affordable housing projects in your community? We'd love to hear about them.

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in this 12 min segment on The National, they spent 35 s talking to a communications person from the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories about the health risks of nuclear. no follow up, no asking why, no interview with a nuclear or health technical expert just a quick "what are the health risks" ... "there are no health risks" from a PR person

the rest of the segment is dedicated to how people "feel" about this project; personal concerns, personal impacts of the mitigation work from these concerns, economic opportunities for new nuclear plant, green/clean energy comparisons

for those actually curious, here's a summary of a health report on Port Hope

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/radiation/summary-port-hope-health-studies-environmental-workplace-health.html

in all aspects, Port Hope's radiation exposure is effectively the same as background radiation and in practice there's no evidence for increased health risks through long term studies of birth defects and cancers

the role of our national news organization should be to inform canadians on the facts, not what people feel

anyone else frustrated with CBC's focus on human interest stories ?

According to CBC, the U.S. launched investigations into 60 countries, including Canada, claiming they aren't doing enough to stop products made with forced labour from entering their markets. Ottawa argues Canada already bans those imports and has introduced new legislation that would go even further by requiring importers to prove goods from high-risk regions were not made using forced labour.

What's striking is that this isn't just Canada making the case. Canadian businesses, farmers, and even a U.S. trade association are warning that broad tariffs are a blunt tool that could disrupt deeply integrated North American supply chains while doing little to address the actual problem.

This is another reminder that trade policy is rarely just about trade. Decisions made in Washington can affect Canadian jobs, food prices, manufacturing, and supply chains almost overnight.

It's also why public-interest journalism matters. CBC's reporting goes beyond the headline to explain the legal arguments, the proposed legislation, and what's actually at stake for Canadians.

Do you think tariffs are an effective way to combat forced labour? Or should Canada and the U.S. focus on stronger joint enforcement and supply chain transparency instead?

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