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  • Why Mark Carney Might Not Be the Right Fit for Canada

    Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has emerged as a prominent figure in Canadian politics, stepping into the role of Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister as of March 2025. With an impressive resume that spans global finance and crisis management, Carney has positioned himself as a steady hand to guide Canada through turbulent times—most notably the ongoing trade war with the United States under President Donald Trump. However, despite his credentials, there are compelling reasons to question whether Carney is the right choice to lead Canada at this critical juncture. His policy instincts, globalist leanings, and disconnect from everyday Canadian life suggest he could exacerbate existing challenges rather than resolve them.

    A Globalist at Heart in a Time of Nationalism

    Carney’s career has been defined by his deep ties to international finance and elite institutions. From his years at Goldman Sachs to his leadership roles at two G7 central banks, his time as a UN Special Envoy for Climate Action, and his position at Brookfield Asset Management, Carney has operated in a world far removed from the average Canadian. His worldview aligns with the Davos crowd—a group often criticized for prioritizing global systems over national sovereignty. This is a risky stance at a moment when Canada faces an assertive U.S. administration threatening tariffs and even annexationist rhetoric. Canadians need a leader laser-focused on protecting national interests, not one whose instincts lean toward accommodating global frameworks.

    Take his signature push for net-zero policies, for example. Carney has long championed aggressive climate action, including his role as co-founder of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), which aims to redirect trillions in global capital toward a “clean energy future.” While environmental goals are important, his approach often seems tone-deaf to Canada’s economic realities. Canada’s energy sector—particularly oil and gas—remains a cornerstone of its economy, employing hundreds of thousands and driving exports. Yet, Carney’s policies risk saddling this industry with higher taxes and regulations, potentially pushing jobs and investment south to the U.S. or overseas to less scrupulous producers like China. In a trade war, Canada can ill afford to kneecap its own strengths.

    Economic Policies That Could Deepen Vulnerability

    Carney’s economic track record raises further concerns. As Governor of the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis, he earned praise for stabilizing the economy, but his tenure at the Bank of England was less universally acclaimed. Critics argue he failed to foresee inflationary pressures post-Brexit and leaned heavily on low interest rates, which some say fueled inequality without addressing structural issues. Now, as Canada’s Prime Minister, his early proposals—like a $2-trillion investment by 2050 to reach net zero—suggest a continuation of big-spending, top-down approaches that could strain an already fragile economy.

    Canada today faces skyrocketing housing costs, a healthcare system in crisis, and stagnant productivity. Rather than tackling these domestic priorities head-on, Carney’s rhetoric often pivots to grand, abstract goals like “building an even better Canada” through climate-focused infrastructure. His critics argue this reflects an outdated elite mindset—one that assumes throwing public money at favored industries (often those he’s connected to, like green tech) will magically fix broader problems. In practice, this could mean higher taxes and energy costs for Canadians already stretched thin, all while subsidizing corporations that don’t need the help.

    A Disconnect from the Canadian Experience

    Perhaps the most glaring issue is Carney’s apparent disconnect from the day-to-day struggles of Canadians. Having spent much of the last two decades abroad—in London, New York, and global boardrooms—he returned to Canada as a political novice in 2025. His campaign speeches, peppered with references to his childhood in Fort Smith and Edmonton, feel like a calculated nod to relatability rather than a genuine understanding of current grassroots concerns. His French, while functional, has been critiqued as halting, potentially alienating Quebec voters who prize linguistic and cultural fluency in their leaders.

    Contrast this with the populist appeal of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has tapped into widespread frustration over affordability and government overreach. Carney’s polished, technocratic style—lauded by older voters and urban elites—may not resonate with younger Canadians priced out of the housing market or rural communities reliant on resource jobs. His promise to “stand up to Trump” rings hollow if his policies inadvertently weaken Canada’s bargaining power by hollowing out its economic base.

    The Risk of More of the Same

    Finally, there’s the danger that Carney represents a continuation of the Liberal status quo under Justin Trudeau—a tenure marked by ambitious promises but uneven delivery. Trudeau leaned on Carney as an informal advisor for years, and their shared commitment to progressive causes like climate action and income redistribution suggests little will change. Canadians, weary after a decade of Liberal governance, may see Carney as “Trudeau 2.0″—a more sophisticated version of the same green ideology that’s driven up living costs without solving core issues like housing or healthcare.

    In a 2021 Bloomberg interview, Carney floated the idea of funneling “billions of public dollars” into climate initiatives—a hint at his willingness to double down on centralized control. This approach clashes with a public increasingly skeptical of elite-driven agendas, as evidenced by the backlash to Trudeau’s carbon tax. If Carney pushes similar policies as Prime Minister, he risks alienating the very voters he needs to secure a mandate in the looming federal election.

    Conclusion: A Leader Out of Sync?

    Mark Carney’s resume is undeniably impressive, and his experience managing crises could be an asset in navigating Canada’s tense relationship with the U.S. But leadership is more than a CV—it’s about aligning with a nation’s needs and mood. Right now, Canada demands a leader who prioritizes sovereignty, affordability, and practical solutions over globalist ideals and costly experiments. Carney’s track record suggests he’s more comfortable in the latter camp, which could leave Canada vulnerable at a time when strength and focus are non-negotiable. For these reasons, many argue he’s the wrong person to steer the country forward. Time will tell if he can prove the skeptics wrong—but the stakes couldn’t be higher.

  • Timeline of Sports Fans Booing National Anthems

    News headlines and truth can be hard to decode these days with all the propaganda and algorithmic pushing of certain view points. I have heard a few people mention Americans booing the Canadian anthem but not one mention of Canadians booing the American Star-Spangled Banner. This made little sense to me based on the events that would have led up to it. So I put a timeline together of the events to provide people a resource to understand the events.

    The 2025 wave of anthem booing began with Canadian fans. Here’s a detailed explanation of the events:

    • On February 1, 2025, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement, Canadian fans at the Ottawa Senators vs. Minnesota Wild NHL game booed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” This was the first notable instance of anthem booing in the 2025 wave.
    • That same day, February 1, 2025, Canadian fans also booed the U.S. anthem at the Calgary Flames vs. Detroit Red Wings NHL game.
    • The booing by Canadian fans continued at subsequent games, including:
      • February 2, 2025: Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Clippers (NBA) and Vancouver Canucks vs. Detroit Red Wings (NHL).
      • Additional instances on February 4 and February 15, 2025.
    • U.S. fans occasionally retaliated by booing “O Canada,” with the first instance occurring on February 3, 2025, at a game in Nashville. However, this was after the initial booing by Canadian fans on February 1.

    Therefore, the 2025 wave of anthem booing was initiated by Canadian fans in response to the U.S. tariff announcement, with U.S. fans later retaliating in some instances.

    To provide some interesting history found while researching booing continue reading for a more detailed history since 1968.

    1968: Mexico City Summer Olympics

    • Event: During the medal ceremony for the 200-meter race at the Summer Olympics in Mexico City, American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a Black Power salute as “The Star-Spangled Banner” played.
    • Response: Some spectators reportedly booed during the anthem, reflecting discomfort with the protest against racial injustice in the U.S. This moment blended political dissent with anthem reception, though the booing was not necessarily directed at the anthem itself but the context surrounding it.

    1972: Summit Series (Canada vs. Soviet Union)

    • Event: During the famous hockey series between Canada and the Soviet Union, tensions ran high due to Cold War rivalry.
    • Response: While not extensively documented, anecdotal reports suggest occasional booing or jeering by Canadian fans during the Soviet anthem in some games, particularly as national pride and political undertones fueled the rivalry. Exact instances are less clear due to limited recordings from the era.

    1991: NBA Finals (Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers)

    • Event: During Game 1 of the NBA Finals in Chicago, some Bulls fans reportedly booed “O Canada” when it was played to honor Canadian-born player Bill Cartwright, though this was a minor and atypical occurrence.
    • Response: The booing was brief and not politically motivated, more a reflection of local team fervor than international tension.

    2003: Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Islanders (NHL)

    • Event: On March 22, 2003, at a Montreal Canadiens home game against the New York Islanders, some fans booed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
    • Context: This occurred days after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began, which Canada did not support. Earlier that day, about 200,000 people had protested in Montreal against the war, amplifying anti-U.S. sentiment.
    • Response: The Canadiens organization issued an apology, and the incident sparked debate in both Canada and the U.S. about respect for anthems at sporting events.

    2003: NHL Games Amid Iraq War Tensions

    • Event: Beyond Montreal, other NHL games in Canada during the early 2000s saw sporadic booing of the U.S. anthem, tied to disapproval of the Iraq War.
    • Context: These instances were less publicized but reflected a broader sentiment among some Canadian fans at the time, particularly in cities with strong anti-war movements.

    2016: NBA Preseason Game (Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors)

    • Event: During a preseason game in Vancouver, a small number of fans reportedly booed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
    • Context: This was not a widespread incident and lacked a clear political trigger, possibly reflecting local rivalry or isolated discontent. It did not garner significant attention.

    2021: UEFA Euro 2020 (England vs. Various Opponents)

    • Event: England fans booed the national anthems of Scotland, Germany, and Denmark during Euro 2020 matches at Wembley Stadium.
    • Context: The booing was interpreted as an attempt to intimidate opponents rather than a political statement, though it drew criticism from figures like Gary Lineker and UEFA, which fined the English Football Association £26,000 for “disturbances” during the Denmark semifinal.
    • Response: England manager Gareth Southgate and others urged fans to show respect, highlighting a cultural debate about fan behavior.

    2025: Canadian Sports Events Amid U.S. Tariff Threats

    • Event: Starting in late January 2025, Canadian fans booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at multiple NHL and NBA games following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports (effective January 20, 2025, but paused for 30 days on February 3).
    • Key Instances:
      • February 1, 2025: Ottawa Senators vs. Minnesota Wild (NHL) – Fans booed the U.S. anthem hours after the tariff announcement.
      • February 1, 2025: Calgary Flames vs. Detroit Red Wings (NHL) – Similar booing occurred in Calgary.
      • February 2, 2025: Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Clippers (NBA) – Fans booed during the anthem, with 15-year-old singer Kyra Daniel facing loud jeers, followed by enthusiastic cheers for “O Canada.”
      • February 2, 2025: Vancouver Canucks vs. Detroit Red Wings (NHL) – Boos erupted as singer Agasha Mutesasira performed the U.S. anthem.
      • February 4, 2025: Vancouver Canucks vs. Colorado Avalanche (NHL) – Booing continued, though less intense than prior days.
      • February 4, 2025: Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks (NBA) – Boos were milder compared to the Clippers game but still audible.
      • February 4, 2025: Winnipeg Jets vs. Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) – Booing grew louder toward the anthem’s end.
      • February 15, 2025: 4 Nations Face-Off (Team USA vs. Team Canada, Montreal) – Canadian fans at Bell Centre booed the U.S. anthem before this high-profile hockey matchup, reflecting ongoing tariff-related tensions.
    • Context: The booing was a direct response to Trump’s tariffs and his earlier comments about Canada becoming the “51st state,” stoking nationalistic fervor. U.S. fans occasionally retaliated by booing “O Canada,” such as in Nashville (February 3) and Boston (February 17, during the 4 Nations Face-Off).
    • Response: Players like Drew Doughty and Zach Werenski expressed disapproval, while academics and media reignited debates about the role of anthems in sports.

    Observations and Trends

    • Political Triggers: Many instances (e.g., 2003 Iraq War, 2025 tariffs) correlate with international disputes, where fans use anthems as a proxy for broader grievances.
    • Sporting Rivalries: Events like the Summit Series and Euro 2020 show booing as a tactic to unsettle opponents, independent of politics.
    • Escalation Over Time: The 2025 Canadian booing wave stands out for its frequency and scale across multiple sports and cities, amplified by modern media coverage and social media sentiment.
    • Reciprocity: When one nation’s anthem is booed, the other side often responds in kind (e.g., U.S. fans booing “O Canada” in 2025), escalating tensions.

    This timeline is not exhaustive, as smaller or less-documented incidents likely occurred, especially in local or international contexts. However, it captures significant moments where anthem booing intersected with sports and society. If you’d like me to refine this further or focus on a specific region or sport, let me know!

  • Trump’s 25% Tariff

    On February 1, 2025 the United States imposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods being imported to the U.S. except energy which only received a 10% tariff. Prime Minister Trudeau who has already announced his resignation and has parliament prorogued announced a 25% import tariff on U.S. goods imported to Canada.

    According to a report done by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce the 25% tariff imposed by Trump would cause the Canadian economy to fall into a depression by mid 2025, and will cost each Canadian roughly $2,000 CAD. This would be a 2.6% reduction in GDP. This impact would further impact Canadians in April when the Carbon tax increases. While at the same time the U.S. would only experience a 1.6% reduction of GDP or $1,300 USD.

    But what do these reductions mean for the individual in each nation? Looking at each nations GDP per capita we can see just how much the average person will be effected. The GDP per capita in Canada is $53,372 CAD which means the average Canadian will experience a 3.75% loss in earnings. While the GDP per capita in the U.S. is $82,769 USD which results in a 1.57% loss in earnings.

    However, these tariffs will disproportionately effect Canadians who work in manufacturing and production that exports products to the U.S.

    This combined with the price increases due to inflation as a result of increased government spending/deficit and the increasing carbon tax will be a significant increase to cost of living.