Canada Minute: Advance Voting, Royal Charter, and a California Tourism Campaign

Canada Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Canadian politics.

This Week In Canada:

• Today is the last day for advance voting in the federal election. Polling stations are open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm local time. All of the information you need to locate your polling station, get information on what to bring with you to vote, and learn about your candidates is available on the Elections Canada website. Election Day is April 28th.
  
  
• California Governor Gavin Newsom is urging Canadians to return as tourists, highlighting the state's distance from Washington, DC, and contrasting his views with President Trump’s. A 12% drop in Canadian tourism in February has prompted Newsom to launch a campaign emphasizing California’s appeal, including its food, wine, and beaches. Newsom insists Trump doesn’t speak for all Americans, particularly Californians, and says strong Canada-California trade ties remain vital.
  
  
• Canada is offering tariff exemptions to auto manufacturers that continue building vehicles domestically, in response to new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The move is designed to preserve the integrated North American auto sector while protecting Canadian jobs and investment. Ottawa is also rolling out temporary relief for manufacturers and other sectors affected by the trade dispute, including a six-month pause on certain tariffs. Meanwhile, Canadian consumers are expressing growing anxiety over rising prices and market instability, with recent polls showing they are more concerned than Americans about the financial impact of the tariffs.

Last Week In Canada:

• Canadian honey producers said they are feeling the effects of escalating international trade tensions, particularly China's tariffs on Canadian canola, which reduce a key food source for bees. Meanwhile, possible US tariffs on Canadian honey and retaliatory Canadian tariffs on essential imports like queen bees and packaging materials could severely impact production costs and supply chains. Manitoba, a major honey exporter, would be especially affected if markets like the US and Japan are disrupted. The Canadian Honey Council warns that without alternative markets, producers may be forced to sell below cost, risking their operations.
  
  
• The Bank of Canada has decided to pause its key policy rate at 2.75%, marking the first break after seven consecutive cuts. This decision comes amid uncertainties surrounding US tariffs, which have complicated the Bank's ability to forecast the economy. Governor Tiff Macklem outlined two potential scenarios: one where tariffs are reduced, leading to moderate economic growth and lower inflation, and another where tariffs escalate into a global trade war, causing a recession and higher inflation. The central bank also warned that forecasting the economy's long-term path is challenging given the current volatility.
  
  
• Hudson's Bay sought court approval to auction off a range of art and historical artifacts, including the Royal Charter granted by King Charles II in 1670, which established the company. The auction is part of Hudson's Bay's creditor protection process, as it aims to generate funds to address its financial obligations. The company has decided to separate the auction of art and artifacts from its other sales to ensure these items receive proper care and attention. Among the pieces up for sale are paintings, point blankets, documents, and collectible Barbie dolls. There is concern over the potential loss of these items to private hands, with experts suggesting they should be preserved in public institutions.