Canada is in for some very stormy economic waters. If you haven’t been paying attention, now is the time to start. This isn’t just about a federal election or the usual partisan bickering. This is about survival—about ensuring that Canadian businesses, families, and workers don’t get crushed under the weight of reckless policies, foreign aggression, and local government mismanagement.
The Reality of a Global Trade War
For years, we’ve heard the warnings. We’ve seen the shifting economic landscape. But now, the trade war is here, and Canada is at the centre of it. Two economic superpowers—the United States and China—are targeting our economy. This doesn’t just happen; we need to ask our Prime Minister, why Canada? What has happened to make us the target? We need to find that out because it does not help us to simply think that they are picking on Canada.
On March 4, Donald Trump announced a sweeping set of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Days later, he paused some of them, but the damage was already done. Even the talk of tariffs sends shockwaves through markets. Businesses don’t wait for policy details—they react immediately. Investment gets pulled, hiring slows, and market confidence shrinks. And if you thought this was just political posturing, think again.
In response, China hit back hard, imposing massive retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural products. The numbers are staggering: 100% tariffs on Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas, with a 25% duty on aquatic products and pork. For an industry that relies on stable export relationships, this is devastating. China is Canada’s largest customer for canola, buying billions of dollars' worth each year. This move isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s an attack on a crucial part of our economy.
These trade tensions are not happening in a vacuum. Ottawa just imposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum, aligning with moves by the U.S. and the European Union. That decision might sound tough on paper, but the reality is, China never backs down. The retaliatory tariffs on Canadian farmers are proof. And what’s our federal government’s response? Silence.
We should be asking: Why is Canada suddenly caught in the crossfire? Why are two global economic superpowers putting our industries under pressure? And more importantly, why aren’t our elected officials standing up and doing something about it?
Carbon Tax Hikes: Another Hit to Canadians
As if a global trade war wasn’t enough, the federal Liberal-NDP government is making life even harder for Canadians. On April 1, the carbon tax will jump another 20%, from $80 per tonne to $95 per tonne, and it’s scheduled to keep rising to $170 per tonne by 2030.
This means higher fuel costs for everyone. Gas prices will climb again. Home heating will be more expensive. And businesses that rely on transportation—whether it’s trucking, aviation, or agriculture—will have to pass those costs down to consumers. It’s a direct hit to affordability at a time when inflation is already squeezing Canadian families.
The government claims this is the best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions without harming the economy. But who believes that anymore? Provinces are pushing back, businesses are warning about competitiveness, and families are feeling the squeeze. Meanwhile, emissions aren’t dropping nearly as fast as we were promised, and yet the costs keep piling up.
How is this not making headlines every single day? A tax hike of this magnitude should be front-page news. Instead, politicians and their media allies are hoping we’ll just roll over and accept it.
Winnipeg’s Fiscal Disaster: A Local Government Out of Control
And if you think the economic storm stops at the national level, think again. Here in Winnipeg, Mayor Scott Gillingham and his Executive Policy Committee are doing their best to bleed residents dry. 2025 is already shaping up to be a record-breaking year—for tax hikes, fee increases, and bloated government spending.
The city has raised property taxes. Fees are going up. Water and sewer rates are climbing. New waste collection fees are being introduced. All of this, in one year. The average Winnipeg homeowner will be paying hundreds of dollars more just to keep the lights on and the water running.
Where is the effort to cut costs? Where is the plan to reduce spending? Mayor Gillingham isn’t even pretending to care about fiscal responsibility. And let’s not forget—this is happening while crime is rising, infrastructure is crumbling, and the city is failing to deliver basic services efficiently.
This is government mismanagement at its worst. Instead of tackling waste, politicians are turning to the same old strategy: Take more money from hardworking Winnipeggers and hope they don’t notice.
This Needs to Be an Election Issue
It’s time to wake up. This federal election is not about personalities. It’s not about who can throw the best insults. It’s about our economic future.
We need solutions, not political theatre. We need politicians who will fight to keep Canada competitive, resist unfair trade policies, and stop punishing Canadians with endless tax hikes. We need leaders at all levels—federal, provincial, and municipal—who understand that businesses and families can’t continue to absorb these costs forever.
What can you do? Start by rejecting the nonsense. Don’t accept mudslinging and empty rhetoric. Demand real answers. Ask your candidates how they plan to protect Canadian jobs. Ask them how they will stand up to unfair trade practices. Ask them what they will do to rein in government spending.
And most importantly—get out and vote.
Being a good Canadian isn’t just about waving the flag on July 1st. It’s about participating in democracy. It’s about holding politicians accountable. It’s about standing up for what makes this country strong.
The storm is here. The only question is whether we’ll be ready for it.