Canada Minute: Nominations Close, Magic Mushrooms, and Western Alienation Concerns

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

This Week In Canada:

• The federal election campaign continues. Candidate nominations close today, and a list of confirmed candidates will be available on Elections Canada’s website on Wednesday. Election Day is Monday, April 28th, and polls will be open for 12 hours at assigned polling stations. Advance voting will take place from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm from April 18th to 21st. You can also vote early at any Elections Canada office until April 22nd using a special ballot. All of the information is available on the Elections Canada website.
  
  
• Canadians planning to cross into the US are being urged to fully cooperate with border officials and be prepared for detailed questioning and electronic device searches. A new federal travel advisory warns that denial of entry could result in detention while awaiting deportation. Canadian travel to the US has dropped significantly, with school and religious trips being cancelled due to political concerns. Starting April 11th, Canadians staying over 30 days must register or face legal consequences, especially at land border crossings. Ottawa is also reminding travellers to carry proof of their legal status in the US at all times.
  
  
• A recent study shows that over a third of Canadian cities now have psilocybin dispensaries, with many of them making health claims about the benefits of “magic mushrooms.” The study, which focused on dispensaries operating last May, found that most offer online sales and delivery of psilocybin-infused products, such as chocolates and candies. These dispensaries often claim mental health benefits, such as improvements in depression and anxiety. The study also noted that these outlets fail to adequately warn of potential risks, such as triggering mania or psychosis. Psilocybin is illegal in Canada without a Health Canada exemption, yet the number of these dispensaries has surged, raising concerns about the need for greater regulation and public awareness of both benefits and harms.

Last Week In Canada:

• Preston Manning warned in a recent opinion piece that another Liberal win could push western provinces toward secession. He argued that without a western-focused political party like the former Reform Party, leaders need to prepare for potential separation discussions. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she won’t lead a separation effort but supports letting citizens take initiative through referendums. Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre rejected the notion, saying his goal is to unify the country.
  
  
• US President Donald Trump has introduced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on most foreign goods, but Canada has been largely exempt, aside from ongoing levies on steel, aluminum, and some non-CUSMA-compliant products. Mark Carney, acting in his capacity as Prime Minister, paused his campaign to coordinate a federal response, promising deliberate and forceful countermeasures if additional tariffs are imposed. Canada has already retaliated with billions in tariffs on US goods, and Carney is consulting premiers and cabinet on next steps. Meanwhile, US Senators from both the Republican and Democrat parties are pushing back on Canada-specific tariffs, arguing they are unjustified and unconstitutional.
  
  
• Canada's economy lost 33,000 jobs in March, marking the largest decline since January 2022. This loss pushed the unemployment rate up to 6.7%, slightly higher than February's 6.6%. The job losses were attributed to the growing uncertainty around U.S. tariffs, which have raised concerns over a potential economic slowdown. The retail trade, information and culture sectors, and agriculture saw significant declines, while the "other services" and utilities sectors experienced job gains. Despite the downturn, total hours worked rose by 0.4%, and average hourly wages increased by 3.6% year-over-year.