Canada Minute: Campaigning Continues, Canadian Products, and a Productive Phone Call

Saskatchewan Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Saskatchewan politics.

This Week In Canada:

• We’re heading into the second week of the federal election campaign, and party leaders have been rolling out their campaign promises. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has emphasized tough laws on crime, tax cuts, and expanding homeownership affordability. Liberal Leader Mark Carney has focused on defending Canadian industries, such as the auto sector, and boosting defence spending, while also pledging tax cuts and support for first-time homebuyers. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has outlined plans to ban corporate ownership of affordable rental buildings, boost social protections, and cut taxes on everyday expenses.
  
  
• Election Day is April 28th, and there are several ways to vote. In addition to voting on Election Day, early voting is available from April 18th to 21st at designated locations. Voters can also cast their ballots in advance at Elections Canada offices until April 22nd or apply for a mail-in ballot, which must be returned by 6:00 pm EST on April 28th. The Elections Canada website has all of the information you need about casting your ballot.
  
  
• A CBC Marketplace investigation shows that up to one-third of grocery products from major chains like Loblaws and Metro are labelled as "Canadian," but consumers are skeptical about the accuracy of these labels. Many items, such as orange juice, are labelled with symbols like the "Produit d'ici" or "Prepared in Canada," even though they may not be fully Canadian-made. Experts suggest that vague labeling definitions benefit retailers but leave room for confusion. While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) emphasizes that misleading labels are illegal, there are no clear guidelines for what constitutes a "Canadian" product. Shoppers are advised to carefully check labels and consider standards like "Product of Canada".

Last Week In Canada:

• Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed support for a Toronto Blue Jays fan, Dan Begley, who was ejected from Rogers Centre for wearing a "Canada is not for sale" hat during the team's home opener. The Blue Jays later apologized, acknowledging the incident as a mistake and inviting Begley back to the stadium. Ford left a voicemail for Begley, encouraging him to "stand firm" and continue wearing the hat, which he views as a patriotic statement. Begley, who had worn the hat for over an hour without issue, expressed feeling criminalized for showing pride in his country. The hat's manufacturer, Jackpine Dynamic Branding, also expressed surprise at the incident and provided Begley with tickets and additional merchandise.
  
  
• US President Donald Trump and Mark Carney (acting in his capacity as caretaker Prime Minister) had a productive and cordial phone call, discussing trade issues and the ongoing tariff dispute. Carney reported that Trump respected Canada's sovereignty during the conversation, marking a shift in tone from previous comments where Trump had threatened to annex Canada. While Trump did not indicate that tariffs on Canadian goods would be lifted, Carney emphasized that Canada would respond with retaliatory tariffs.
  
  
• The Canadian government has launched a billboard campaign in 12 US states to highlight the economic impact of tariffs, including messaging such as "Tariffs are a tax on your grocery bill" and "Tariffs are a tax on hardworking Americans." The campaign has gained attention online and in the media. Critics argue that the message about food price increases may not resonate with many Americans, who can easily find domestic alternatives, and economists suggest that the message about gas prices may have more impact, as US refineries rely heavily on Canadian crude.