Issue 116 – 26, August 23, 2026
The Beaver Slaps its Tail
Our country’s beaver symbol is cute, but when its home and way of life are threatened, it slaps its tail in warning, we must protect ourselves. Canada is known around the world as a polite and peaceful country. We are often seen as good neighbors. But lately, Canada has had to show a different side.
A big problem with trade talks between Canada and the United States. These talks are about how both countries share goods like steel, lumber, and other important issues, including our sovereignty.
Last Friday night, with a deadline coming and no agreement in sight, Carney decided to stop talking with the U.S. and sent Canada’s negotiators home. Just hours later, the U.S. announced it would put a 50% tariff, or tax, on billions of dollar's worth of Canadian goods. This meant that many Canadian exports, like goods sent to the U.S., would cost more.
Carney responded that Canada would match those tariffs dollar for dollar. Many people thought Carney might give in to U.S. demands, but he did not. Instead, he made it clear that Canada would stand firm.
Bea Bruske, speaking on behalf of workers and their unions, supports Canada’s decision. She says, “Walking away from a bad deal was the right choice. We cannot let Trump’s unfair tariffs hurt Canadian jobs and industries.” She emphasizes that Canada must protect its workers and industries from unfair trade tactics.
They both believe that Canada needs to be strong and independent. They say that Canada has many resources, like energy and minerals, that can be used to help our economy. They also say Canada should build more factories and buy Canadian-made products to create jobs and reduce dependence on the U.S.
On social media, Carney said, “we cannot accept what the U.S. has offered, and we will not give what they have asked.” He explained that the last-minute changes to the U.S. terms were unfair and could not work.
Canada pulled out of the talks because the U.S. was changing the rules unfairly. The talks are over for now, and the tariffs are in place. Canada has decided to fight back instead of just accepting the U.S. demands.
Canada is prepared to use all its tools to defend itself. That includes making strategic decisions about trade and resources. The goal is to protect Canadian jobs and industries while building a stronger, more independent economy.
Canada is showing that it will not be pushed around. Like a beaver that slaps its tail when it feels danger, Canada is making loud calls for respect and fairness. We are ready to stand tall and protect our country’s future.
Read more - Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canada-U.S. trade negotiations | Prime Minister of Canada
It’s Time for the Government to Write Off This Debt
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Canadians needed help. The government quickly gave out money to people who lost jobs or couldn’t work. This money was meant to keep people from going hungry or losing their homes. But now, years later, the government is still asking some of these same people to pay back the money they received. Many of these people are poor and cannot afford to pay.
The authors of a report from Maytree, John Stapleton and MacGregor Goodman, say the government should stop trying to recover money from people who cannot pay. They suggest forgiving the debts of low-income Canadians and making a fair plan to settle the remaining cases. This would be the right and kind thing to do.
The pandemic was a major emergency, and the government responded quickly to help. Now, it’s time to end the effort to recover this money and forgive what cannot be repaid. The Carney government should act fairly and help people rebuild their lives instead of making them pay debts they cannot afford.
Other countries have already decided to stop chasing after low-income people for this money. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have written off most of the debt or made it easier for people to keep their money. Canada, on the other hand, is still making poor people pay. This is not right.
Many people who received help during the pandemic did so in good faith. They believed they qualified, and they needed the money. But now, the government treats them like they did something wrong. Some are being forced to pay back money they never truly had, or that had already been taken away from them by their provincial government.
Many experts agree that this is unfair. The people who received the money were trying to help themselves and their families during a hard time. The government is spending a lot of money chasing after these debts, which costs more than the money they collect. This wastes public funds and causes more hardship for families who are already struggling.
Let’s put an end to this unfair debt collection and focus on supporting those who need it most.
Read more - Let it be over
Congratulations, Kate Bronfenbrenner!
CURC is very happy to celebrate Kate’s retirement and all the amazing work she has done for workers and unions over the past four decades. Her dedication and research have made a big difference in how unions organize and fight for workers’ rights today.
Kate grew up in in a working-class home, with parents who cared about civil rights and social justice. She started her career helping organize workers in different places, like Seattle and Mississippi for unions like the United Woodcutters Association, and SEIU.
Kate’s special talent was studying how unions win their campaigns. She asked questions like: What do successful campaigns do differently? How do employers try to stop workers from organizing? Her research showed that the most important thing unions can do is build strong, active groups of workers from the very beginning. Her findings helped unions become better at winning elections and contracts.
One of her most important contributions was creating tools and strategies that unions use to fight back against companies that try to stop organizing efforts. Her work helped unions understand how big companies like Amazon and Walmart operate across the world, making it possible to plan smarter campaigns.
Kate also believed that organizing big companies is very important, even if it’s hard. She said that victory isn’t just about winning one election, it’s about making changes that improve workers’ lives over time. Thanks to her work, unions are now better at fighting for fair treatment, good wages, and safe workplaces.
Throughout her career, Kate shared her knowledge with many people. She trained union organizers, helped develop research programs, and inspired workers everywhere. Her efforts changed the way unions think and act, making them stronger and smarter.
CURC thanks her for your passion, her research, and her dedication to workers’ rights. Kate’s work has made a lasting impact, and we wish her the best in retirement. Kate truly helped build a better future for workers and union retirees everywhere!
Read more - Kate Bronfenbrenner, the Union Organizer’s Scholar | Portside