ACTUAL NEWS: Weekly Recap 🇨🇦 Edition
- Olga Nesterova
- 5 hours ago
- 15 min read
May 24th, 2025
This week in Canadian History
May 18, 1642: Montreal was founded by French colonists, establishing what would become one of Canada's major cities.
May 18, 1783: The first United Empire Loyalists, known to American Patriots as Tories, arrived in Canada to take refuge under the British crown.
May 18, 1785: Saint John, New Brunswick, was established by royal charter, becoming the first incorporated city in Canada.
May 19, 1911: Parks Canada, the world's first national park service, was established as the Dominion Parks Branch under the Department of the Interior.
May 19, 1958: The United States and Canada formed the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD), a joint organization for aerospace warning and control.
May 21, 1939: The Canadian National War Memorial was unveiled by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in Ottawa, Ontario.
May 23, 1873: The Canadian Parliament established the North-West Mounted Police, the forerunner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
May 23, 1914: The vessel S.S. Komagata Maru reached the shores of Burrard Inlet in Vancouver, British Columbia, carrying 376 passengers from India. The ship was denied docking, and passengers were not allowed to disembark, highlighting Canada's exclusionary immigration policies of the time.
May 24, 1603: Samuel de Champlain first dropped anchor in Canada, landing at the mouth of the Saguenay River near what is now the village of Tadoussac, Quebec.
May 24, 1779: Simon McTavish founded the Northwest Company to compete with the Hudson’s Bay Company in the fur trade, leading to significant developments in Canada's economic history.
May 24, 1918: Women gained the right to vote in Canadian federal elections, marking a significant milestone in the country's journey toward gender equality.
King Charles III to Make First Official Visit to Canada as Monarch, May 26–27, 2025
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are scheduled to visit Canada from May 26 to 27, 2025, marking the King's first official visit since his accession to the throne. The visit underscores the enduring relationship between Canada and the Crown and highlights Canada's identity as a constitutional monarchy.
May 26: Arrival and Community Engagement
Upon arrival in Ottawa, Their Majesties will be welcomed at the Canada Reception Centre by Governor General Mary Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Indigenous leaders, and the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, accompanied by an honour guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons.
Later that day, at 1:50 p.m., the royal couple will attend a community gathering at Lansdowne Park, engaging with Canadians from various backgrounds. At 2:50 p.m., they will participate in a ceremonial tree planting at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General, symbolizing growth and continuity.
Queen Camilla is expected to be sworn into the Canadian Privy Council during this visit, reflecting her formal role in Canadian affairs.
May 27: State Opening of Parliament
On the morning of May 27, Their Majesties will travel in Canada's State Landau from the Bank of Canada to the Senate of Canada Building along Wellington Street, escorted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride. Upon arrival, King Charles III will receive full military honours, including a Royal Salute, a 100-person guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, an inspection of the guard and band, and a 21-gun salute.
King Charles III will then deliver the Speech from the Throne to open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada. This event marks only the third time a reigning monarch has delivered the Speech from the Throne in Canada, with the last occurrence being Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
Before concluding their visit, Their Majesties will lay a wreath and flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial, paying respects to Canada's fallen heroes.
This visit not only reinforces the constitutional ties between Canada and the monarchy but also serves as a symbolic affirmation of Canada's sovereignty, especially in light of recent geopolitical discussions.
Canada’s Political Week in Review (May 18–24, 2025)
Canada in Talks to Join U.S. “Golden Dome” Defense System
Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Canada is engaged in high-level discussions with the United States about joining President Donald Trump's proposed $175 billion “Golden Dome” missile defense system. This initiative aims to deploy U.S. weapons in space to detect and intercept missiles through various stages. Carney emphasized the importance of such a defense initiative to protect Canadians, especially given emerging space-based missile threats.
Productive Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Amid Tariff Tensions
At the G7 finance ministers' meeting in Banff, Alberta, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held bilateral talks addressing ongoing trade tensions. Both officials described the meeting as productive, reflecting a broader G7 consensus on economic stability despite tensions over President Trump's tariffs on Western allies. Canada has retaliated with tariffs on $43 billion in U.S. imports, though exemptions have been granted to some industries.
Mandate Letter Issued to New Cabinet
On May 21, Prime Minister Carney issued a mandate letter to his new Cabinet, outlining priorities such as building a strong economy, reducing the cost of living, and keeping communities safe. The government aims to catalyze investment and build a new Canadian economy that creates higher-paying careers and can withstand future shocks.
You can find the Mandate Letter attached below:
Carney Taps Mendicino to Stay on as PMO Chief of Staff Through Summer Transition
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced today that Marco Mendicino, former MP and Minister, will continue serving as his Chief of Staff through the summer. Mendicino, who initially planned to return to Toronto, has been instrumental during the post-leadership race, federal election, and the government’s transition period. Carney confirmed that Mendicino will now lead the rollout of the government's mandate in Parliament and oversee the Prime Minister’s Office transition leading up to the Throne Speech. Carney expressed gratitude for Mendicino’s ongoing commitment and service to Canadians.
World Politics
Carney, Macron, and Starmer Issue Joint Statement Condemning Israeli Military Escalation in Gaza
In a rare show of coordinated transatlantic diplomacy, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada joined UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in issuing a strongly worded joint statement on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, warning Israel of potential sanctions if military operations and humanitarian restrictions persist.
“We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza,” the three leaders stated. “The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable.”
The statement calls the Israeli government's recent announcement to allow limited food aid into Gaza "wholly inadequate" and demands immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access, including collaboration with the United Nations to restore full-scale aid delivery in line with international humanitarian principles.
A Condemnation of Forced Displacement and Escalation
Carney, Macron, and Starmer condemned what they described as “abhorrent language” used by members of the Israeli government, warning that any permanent forced displacement of Palestinian civilians would amount to a breach of international humanitarian law.
“We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions,” the leaders warned. “If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”
Balancing Support for Israel and Accountability
While reaffirming support for Israel's right to self-defense following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, the leaders denounced the current military campaign as “wholly disproportionate.” They also reiterated demands for the immediate release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.
Settlement Expansion and Sanctions Threat
The joint statement also took aim at ongoing settlement expansion in the West Bank, calling such activity illegal under international law and a direct threat to a future two-state solution.
“We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions,” the statement reads.
Support for Ceasefire Efforts and Two-State Pathway
Carney, Macron, and Starmer expressed strong backing for U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian-led efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire and negotiate terms for a long-term political resolution. The leaders emphasized that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to sustained peace.
They also signaled support for the June 18 High-Level Two-State Solution Conference at the United Nations, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, as a pivotal forum for international consensus.
“We are committed to recognizing a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution,” the leaders affirmed, pledging to work in tandem with regional and international partners, including the Palestinian Authority and the Arab League, to define Gaza’s future.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
The statement marks a significant shift in tone among Western allies of Israel and signals growing frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition. It also reflects an emerging European-North American axis of leaders seeking to redefine engagement in the Middle East and assert a firmer stance on humanitarian and legal norms.
NEW: Netanyahu responds to Prime Minister Carney, President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer claiming they are on the "wrong side of history".
United States Looks Forward to Trade With Russia
In his recent conversation with Vladimir Putin—which followed the Russian president’s decision to skip negotiations in Turkey that he had himself requested—President Donald Trump discussed the possibility of a ceasefire with Russia, which Putin rejected. The two leaders also spoke about the potential for renewed trade between their countries. That topic, in particular, appeared to excite Trump, who expressed his enthusiasm in a post on Truth Social shortly after the call.
During a follow-up call with European leaders, Trump reportedly expressed the belief that Russia was winning, echoing several Kremlin talking points, according to sources familiar with the conversation. - Bloomberg
At an event at the White House on Monday, Trump also mentioned hearing that Putin “likes Melania better than him.”
Russia quickly hailed the discussion as marking a “new era” in relations between Washington and Moscow.
As for Ukraine, Trump appears to be backing away. According to a recent report by German outlet Bild, Trump no longer considers a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine a prerequisite for resuming trade with Moscow. The shift signals a broader retreat from diplomatic engagement, leaving Ukraine increasingly isolated as the so-called Coalition of the Willing, made up of European nations and Canada, appears indecisive and fragmented.
In contrast, the European Union has pressed forward, approving its 17th sanctions package targeting Russia’s shadow fleet. A draft of an 18th sanctions package is reportedly in development.
In response, United States President has threatened to impose a 50% tariff on the European Union. Once again, there are no sanctions or tariffs newly imposed by the United States on Russia.
In addition, President Donald Trump announced Friday a proposed 25% tariff on Apple that would also extend to Samsung and other smartphone manufacturers. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump also reaffirmed his willingness to maintain a 50% tariff on EU goods if no trade deal is reached, signaling a broad escalation in his trade agenda.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their recent visit to the Vatican.
Other meetings conducted by Carney in Vatican, in his own words:
On Thursday, Prime Minister also spoke to his Polish counterpart on the phone
Today, Prime Minister Carney expressed his gratitude to the U.S. delegation for a successful visit...
...and shared a warm message after talking to the Prime Minister of Norway.
The latest from Ukraine
Hell in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.
Powerful explosions rocked residential buildings in Stepnogorsk, as Russian forces reduced half a block of high-rise buildings to rubble in mere seconds.
Former head of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Zaluzhny, stated: “Ukraine should not hope for the return of the 1991 borders. Russia has the resources to continue the war.” He went on to explain that Ukraine should not expect any “miraculous negotiations” to result in the de-occupation of its territories. Instead, he emphasized that only the elimination of Russian forces from Ukraine would bring about such an outcome.
This tweet by Ukraine Front Line helps illustrate why Vladimir Putin remains uninterested in holding any serious peace negotiations.
Polish Jets Intercept Russian Bomber Over Baltic Sea
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Su-24 bomber on May 22 in international airspace over the Baltic Sea, following an order from NATO's Allied Command Operations. Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the interception, citing the Russian aircraft's "dangerous maneuvers" as deliberate and provocative. The Polish pilots successfully located, intercepted, and deterred the aircraft. "It is not an accidental action, it is an intentional action," Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized during a press conference.
Trump’s Missile Shield Plan Needs Canada
President Donald Trump’s ambitious $500 billion "Golden Dome" missile and air defense shield over North America hinges on a key partner: Canada — and it’s not clear Ottawa is fully committed.
To detect and intercept missiles over the Arctic, Canada's vast airspace and northern territory are critical. Trump has downplayed Canada’s role, but military experts and U.S. officials say without Canadian radars and cooperation, the project’s effectiveness is compromised.
Former NORAD commander Glen VanHerck stressed that positioning radar deep into the Arctic would dramatically enhance U.S. and Canadian defense capabilities.
Despite Trump claiming Canada is eager to help, Canadian leaders are cautious, with Prime Minister Mark Carney warning the U.S. not to take Canadian support for granted. Tensions remain after Trump’s past rhetoric on tariffs and military burden-sharing, and Ottawa is seeking broader security partnerships as leverage.
Canada currently funds about 40% of NORAD’s investments and has committed $38 billion to upgrade northern radar infrastructure. However, the Canadian government has not yet decided whether it will participate in missile interception — a politically sensitive issue — and won’t finalize its defense budget until the fall.
As Trump pushes for $25 billion in initial U.S. funding through Congress, Canada’s involvement remains uncertain, making the success of Golden Dome as much a diplomatic challenge as a technical one.
Opinion: Can Canada Trust Washington on Missile Defense?
There’s one practical question Prime Minister Mark Carney must consider before committing to the Golden Dome missile defense project:
Can Canada trust a U.S. administration that once turned off Starlink for Ukraine — and now demands unquestioned cooperation?
President Donald Trump’s erratic handling of international security, his administration’s decision to freeze aid to Ukraine, and Elon Musk’s casual control of critical battlefield technology should all raise alarms. So should Trump’s dismissive tone toward Canada — calling former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a "governor" and repeatedly suggesting that Canada would be better off as the 51st state.
While participating in missile interception may make strategic sense on paper, logic only works when both partners are logical. If one treats allies as afterthoughts and shrugs off accountability, then trust — not just technology — becomes the real defense gap.
Before investing Canadian territory, radars, and political capital into a U.S.-led system, Ottawa must ask: Is this a partnership, or a liability in disguise?
The latest World News
EU Urges U.S. to Show ‘Respect, Not Threats’ Amid Tariff Tensions
The European Commission called on the U.S. to approach trade talks with “respect, not threats” after President Trump proposed a 50% tariff on EU goods starting June 1. EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to a mutually beneficial deal during talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The sharp rhetoric marks a new flashpoint in transatlantic trade tensions.
BlackRock Criticizes U.S. Backing of “Baseless” Coal Antitrust Case
BlackRock pushed back Friday against U.S. government support for an antitrust lawsuit accusing asset managers of colluding to limit competition in the coal industry. The firm called the case “baseless” and warned it could jeopardize U.S. energy independence goals. As the world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock’s sharp rebuke highlights growing tensions between federal regulators and major financial institutions.
U.S. Signals More Sanctions on Cuba Following Crackdown on Dissidents
The United States plans to impose additional sanctions on Cuba, its top diplomat in Havana announced Friday. The move comes just days after sanctions were levied against several Cuban judicial officials involved in imprisoning political dissidents. The escalation signals a hardening U.S. stance on human rights abuses by the Cuban government.
Trump Shows Misleading Video at White House
President Trump faced criticism after playing a video of white crosses, misidentified as mass graves of South African farmers. The footage was later traced to a cemetery in Congo, not South Africa.
Trump Administration Lifts Sanctions on Syria
The Trump administration on Friday issued orders that it said would effectively lift sanctions on Syria, after President Donald Trump earlier this month pledged to unwind the measures to help the country rebuild after a devastating civil war.
Japan's Top Trade Negotiator to Visit D.C.
Ryosei Akazawa is set to visit Washington from Friday to Sunday for discussions on U.S. tariffs, he confirmed on Thursday. Akazawa noted that the details of the upcoming talks, including the U.S. representatives attending, have yet to be finalized.
Greenland Signs Lucrative Minerals Deal with Europe.
Greenland has granted a 30-year mining permit to a Danish-French consortium, Greenland Anorthosite Mining (GAM), to extract anorthosite, a rock essential for aluminum production. This follows past interest from U.S. President Donald Trump in acquiring the island, which is part of Denmark. The consortium, backed by the French Jean Boulle Group and Danish-Greenlandic real estate investment firms, now holds the exclusive rights to mine this resource. Experts, like Jesper Willaing Zeuthen from Aalborg University, suggest that Trump's interest in Greenland's resources might be driven by a desire for long-term investments, though current Greenlandic laws present challenges for such ventures.
European Support for RFE/RL
The European Union has agreed to contribute approximately $6 million in short-term emergency funding to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), as announced by the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas. This follows the Trump administration’s decision to cut funding for the U.S.-based media organization, which has its journalistic headquarters in the Czech Republic. Kallas emphasized that while the EU could not fully fund RFE/RL’s global operations, it aimed to support the organization’s work “in our neighborhood.”
Former DRC Leader Sentenced
The Democratic Republic of Congo's Constitutional Court sentenced former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo Mapon to ten years of forced labor for embezzlement. Matata, who governed the country from 2012 to 2016, was convicted for misusing funds from an agricultural development project. He currently leads the Leadership and Governance for Development party. His lawyer denied any wrongdoing, claiming the charges were politically motivated.
Russian Spies Uncovered in Brazil
Since 2022, Brazilian authorities, in cooperation with Western intelligence agencies, have identified at least nine deep-cover Russian spies operating under fake identities in the country, according to the New York Times. Two of the spies were arrested, while others fled as investigations advanced. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has spurred greater international cooperation to combat Russian espionage.
India Targets Insurgents
India’s military killed the top leader of the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency group and 26 other members during a military operation, as reported by the country's home affairs minister. The Naxalite-Maoist insurgency has been active since 1967. The government also announced the deaths of 31 insurgents in a separate operation last week.
In response to President Trump’s cuts to science research funding and attacks on universities, the European Union is investing over $500 million to recruit researchers and scientists from the United States.
Please find the detailed news summary in the Daily Briefing
Canada Kind
🏒 NHL Fans Unite to Honor Mark Scheifele’s Father with Over $100K in Donations
Following the passing of Brad Scheifele, father of Winnipeg Jets' Mark Scheifele, fans across the NHL launched a heartfelt fundraising campaign titled “$55 for 55.” This initiative quickly gained momentum as supporters from Winnipeg, Dallas, and beyond united in tribute, turning sorrow into charity. The campaign raised over $100,000, with proceeds benefiting the True North Youth Foundation and KidSport Canada, two organizations significant to the Scheifele family.
🌱 Pembina Valley Embraces “Pay It Forward May” with Acts of Kindness
In Manitoba’s Pembina Valley, the community celebrated “Pay It Forward May,” encouraging residents to perform acts of kindness—big or small—with the hope that these gestures would inspire others to do the same. From covering coffee tabs for strangers to delivering homemade treats to neighbors, the initiative fostered a ripple effect of goodwill throughout the region.
Watch Now: "Made in Canada" – Celebrating Innovation and Craftsmanship
Dive into the stories of two remarkable Canadian businesses in this exclusive recorded interview series by ONEST Network.
Founded by Miriam Pearl, a dedicated mother and entrepreneur, this Montreal-based company crafts allergen-friendly, gluten-free baked goods that don't compromise on taste. With a commitment to quality and safety, their products are non-GMO, kosher, and free from common allergens, ensuring everyone can enjoy delicious treats.
With trade uncertainty impacting Miriam’s business, how will she pivot? Watch to find out!
Led by Sherrie and Dale Kearney from Amherst, Nova Scotia, this artisan business specializes in handmade tartan products, from scarves and blankets to clothing and accessories. With over 40 years of sewing experience, Sherrie combines tradition with craftsmanship to create items that are loved by many.
What are the latest additions to the collection, and what role does Scotland play in it? Don’t miss it!
Don't miss these inspiring conversations that showcase the passion and dedication driving Canadian innovation. Tune in now to learn more about these exceptional companies and their journey to success.
Did You Know?
Canada Once Had a Secret UFO Research Program
In the 1950s, the Canadian government quietly launched a top-secret program called Project Magnet to study unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and explore the possibility of harnessing magnetic energy for aircraft propulsion.
Led by Wilbert B. Smith, a senior radio engineer with the Department of Transport, Project Magnet was established in 1950—just three years after the Roswell incident in the U.S. The program operated out of a remote research station in Shirley’s Bay, Ontario.
Smith believed that UFOs were real and may be using magnetic fields to fly. He even claimed to have communicated with extraterrestrials through telepathy and maintained contact with officials in Washington who were also secretly studying the phenomena.
Though Project Magnet officially ended in 1954, it left behind one of Canada’s strangest Cold War legacies—a government-funded initiative that openly entertained the existence of alien life and interstellar technology.
Today, documents related to the project are available in Canada’s National Archives, and UFO sightings continue to be reported across the country.
CARTOON OF THE WEEK
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