News
World leaders are gathered at the World Economic Forum today in Davos, Switzerland, where Greenland is expected to be at the top of the Western agenda. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is due to speak at the conference, will likely lead discussions with Canada’s NATO allies including the Americans, about US President Donald Trump’s efforts to annex the Arctic Island that is considered part of Denmark. In a call with broadcaster NBC yesterday afternoon, Trump declined to comment about whether he would rule out taking Greenland by force. He also repeated his frustration with the country of Norway for not being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; and suggested that European leaders should be more concerned about the Russian military action against Ukraine instead of Greenland.
Staying with this story, Beijing has urged the US to stop using the “so-called ‘China threat’” as a justification for imposing tariffs on European countries which have opposed Trump’s plan to acquire Greenland. In response to a question a from a Bloomberg journalist, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said: “China has stated its position on multiple occasions on Greenland. “The international law underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter is the foundation of the current international order and must be upheld. “We urge the US to stop using the so-called “China threat” as a pretext for itself to seek selfish gains.”
The Bank of Canada released its quarterly Survey of Consumer Expectations yesterday afternoon and as you might guess, expectations aren’t great. Those surveyed perceived a higher likelihood of missing debt payments and a greater chance of losing their jobs. They also expect inflation to stay elevated in the near-term, citing tariffs as a primary driver. Those worries weighed on their spending plans, with respondents pointing to high prices, economic uncertainty and higher housing costs as barriers to spending. When compared to the previous quarter, more respondents believed their financial situation had deteriorated. Overall, consumer expectations declined in the fourth quarter and are still well below their pre-pandemic levels — and are lower relative to where they were before the trade conflict with the U.S. began last year. Looking at the hard numbers, the Canadian economy is somewhat better than how Canadians are feeling about it. While job growth slowed last month and the unemployment rate ticked back up, labour data had largely bounced back in the fall; the country avoided a technical recession in November; and inflation has stayed within the Bank of Canada’s target window. But, until Canadians can see money in their wallets, it’s unlikely sentiment will improve.
Finally, Youth Habilitation Quinte Inc. (Youthab) is expanding access to its mental health programs for youth in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties thanks to a $25,000 donation from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Mental Health Fund. This funding will allow Youthab to serve more clients in its mental health programs by reducing wait times, thereby keeping up with significantly increasing demand. Youthab provides a range of mental health services for youth aged 16 to 24 that are free and confidential. You can find more information at youthab.ca.
Sports
Your Wellington Dukes were in action last night, travelling to Cobourg to face the Cougars. Zachary Carrier opened the scoring at 9.45 of the first with his 23rd goal and finished the scoring at 19.31 of the third with his 24th goal to cement a 4-1 victory. Not much rest for the boys as they welcome St Mike’s to the Duke Dome this evening.
In NFL news, the Miami Dolphins will name the Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley as their new head coach. The 46 year-old has signed a 5 year deal with the team. And bad news for the Seattle Seahawks and their fans as running back and leading touchdown scorer Zach Charbonnet will miss the rest of the playoffs with a knee injury.
Turning to soccer, the Canadian men’s national team announced yesterday that they will be facing Tunisia and Iceland in tune up games ahead of this summer’s World Cup. It is expected that these games will take place in Toronto in March.
Back to hockey, the Toronto Maple Leafs were in action last night, making the visiting Minnesota Wild feel welcome by spotting them a 5-1 lead heading into the final frame. Nicholas Robertson and Auston Matthews scored to make it interesting before Marcus Foligno put away his third of the night for the hat trick and a 6-3 Wild win.
