2025 was a major turning point in American and Canadian politics. Trump's second presidency has already made a huge impact on the world, as he launched trade wars against many countries including Canada.
In March, Mark Carney took over as Canada's Prime Minister and steered the Liberal Party to the right. He adopted much of the Conservative Party's platform and won another minority government in April.
The Liberal government's new restrictions on immigration led to a record decline of Canada's population. This sudden population drop is bad news for Canada's economy, which is struggling to maintain any growth. Add in the uncertainty caused by Trump's on-again, off-again trade war, and there is a strong possibility of a recession in the new year.
As Israeli settlements continue to expand, Israel is forcing Palestinians out of their homes and restricting their access to land and resources, including water.
Israel shredding Gaza ceasefire while US distracted by Ukraine - Paul R. Pillar, Responsible Statecraft
Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire in October, but Israel has violated the ceasefire hundreds of times since then, killing hundreds of Gazans. The prospect of a stable, lasting peace still seems far off.
Israel-Iran war
Iranians deserve a path to freedom that is also free from violence - Samira Mohyeddin, the Globe and Mail
Israel launched a major attack on Iran in June. The U.S. followed suit, as both Netanyahu and Trump threatened Iran with "regime change." Predictably, the Iranian regime cracked down on internal opposition and remains in power.
Canadian News
Largest First Nation reserve in Canada files lawsuit over unsafe drinking water - Patrick White, the Globe and Mail
In April, Six Nations of the Grand River sued the federal government for failing to provide clean water to thousands of the community's residents. How did Prime Minister Carney respond? In November, his budget reduced funding for First Nations’ drinking water. Dozens of drinking water advisories remain in Indigenous communities across the country.
Canada’s assisted dying program is bad for the vulnerable - Quinn H. Gibson, Jacobin
“Freedom to die is offered with one hand; freedom to improve one’s conditions is taken with the other.”
While doctor shortages plague most of the country and Canadians struggle to access healthcare, access to assisted suicide and euthanasia (MAiD) continues to expand. This dangerous combination puts many poor, chronically ill, and disabled Canadians at risk.