Toronto, ON — A new survey shows that most Americans continue to hold positive views toward Canada, even amid recent trade tensions between the two countries. The poll, conducted by Leger, Maintenant Media, and Canada 338, found that Americans — including many Republican voters — believe Canada is negotiating in good faith despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and strong rhetoric. According to Andrew Enns, Leger’s executive vice-president for Central Canada, “there’s still general goodwill toward Canada,” even as both nations navigate an uncertain trade environment.
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget has sparked cautious optimism among economists. The budget, which allocates billions of dollars for infrastructure and business tax incentives, aims to make Canada a more attractive destination for investment. Rachel Samson, vice-president of research at the Institute for Research on Public Policy, said the plan has the potential to drive growth and productivity, though its success will depend on timely execution. The federal government projects that up to $1 trillion in total investment could be enabled under the plan, helping to boost GDP and Canadians’ purchasing power.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Canada is expected to rule today on whether to hear an appeal from Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia. The farm has been fighting to prevent the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) from culling its 300-bird flock following an avian flu outbreak last December. Previous court decisions have sided with the CFIA, but the Supreme Court temporarily stayed the cull while reviewing whether to take the case. If the appeal is rejected, the CFIA will be permitted to proceed with the cull.
In Ontario, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy is set to table the province’s fall economic statement, providing an update on the province’s finances amid the economic impact of U.S. tariffs. Earlier projections estimated a $14.6-billion deficit for the fiscal year. However, Bethlenfalvy has stated that Ontario maintains a strong fiscal foundation, supported by lower borrowing costs and prudent financial management. The update is expected to outline new measures to support businesses, fund infrastructure projects, and provide targeted tax relief to strengthen the province’s economic resilience.
Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien is also making headlines after criticizing provincial governments for what he called the “excessive and casual” use of the notwithstanding clause. Chrétien, who played a key role in negotiating the clause’s inclusion in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1981, said it was intended for rare circumstances when courts overreach, not for political convenience. His comments follow Alberta’s recent decision to use the clause to end a teachers’ strike, joining Quebec, Ontario, and Saskatchewan in its controversial application.
Adding to the day’s top stories, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is in Toronto for a two-day visit ahead of Remembrance Day. The Duke, who served in Afghanistan as part of the British military, will visit veterans at Sunnybrook Hospital’s Veterans Centre, which houses more than 300 veterans from the Second World War and the Korean War. His visit comes at the invitation of the True Patriot Love Foundation, a national organization supporting military families and veterans. Prince Harry will also attend a private dinner this evening hosted by the foundation to honour Canada’s service members.
As Canada heads toward Remembrance Day, the Duke’s visit, alongside ongoing economic and political developments, reflects a day of significant national attention across multiple fronts.