Canada is a class act-I’ve never been more proud of Canada and its people.
As an American, I have watching the trade negotiations very closely over the past few weeks, and I’m completely and utterly disgusted with the U.S. government and the people in office right now. It makes me physically ill to watch what is transpiring. This morning I watched Mark Carney’s speech about the negotiations, and as always, Prime Minister Carney eloquently and directly discussed what happened during the talks and what Canadians can expect moving forward. I have to say, I’ve always liked Mark Carney, but today I felt so proud for Canadians as I listened to him speak. He truly is a class act and has Canadians best interest at heart, making sure economic pathways with other countries are in place so Canada is not economically dependent on the U.S. and having government financial programs in place to help businesses hit hard by these tariffs. I applaud Prime Minister Carney and he is absolutely correct that you should not take a bad deal in a situation like this with Trump, and that Canadians should continue to push back and fight against this corrupt regime in the U.S.—You never give the school yard bully your lunch money, no matter how much he throws idle threats or retaliation at you, because if you give in, he will always, always, come back for more. And this was clearly shown by the Americans in the final hours of negotiations—the back tracking, the adding in of addition demands, the mind games, the threats made against of Canada’s sovernty—we Americans see straight through Trump, Greer, and his cronies. We know what they’re all about and don’t believe one f***ing word that comes out of their mouths.
As an American, I am truly embarrassed to be a part of this country. I don’ recognize the United States anymore and I don’t even want to call myself an American. I’m truly devastated about how this is affecting Canada and its people, but I have to say, I am so impressed by how the people of Canada are coming together and pushing back as a nation to the bullies in the U.S.! The Canadian people’s resolve to continue to fight this unfair treatment by the U.S. shows their strength, grit, and determination to stand up and fight for what is true, just, and right! Americans have a past reputation of being the ones who go in head first and fight like hell, but I do not see that in Americans anymore. I think Americans, as a whole, have become lazy, spoiled, and apathetic. They want others to fight their fight, and if we had 1/8th of the determination and grit the Canadians have shown, we’d be overthrowing our current government! I have attended my fair share of protests, town hall meetings, and have contacted our government officials to fight against our fascist government, but more Americans need to become outraged at what’s happening in our country. Americans have not gotten “uncomfortable enough” yet, and until they do, these travesties will sadly continue. God willing, we will see some major upheaval and changes at our midterms in the Fall (if Trump doesn’t figure out how to rig the elections).
I just wanted to write this to let Canadians know there are many of us here in the U.S. who support you and who are proud of how Canada has shown up to this never ending shit show our government has hoisted on to you. As a country and as a people, you have truly shown “relentless decency”, but also have shown great resolve to stand up for yourselves. We support you Canada!
Gandering
Illuminating read: A Paradise Built in Hell by Rebecca Solnit. Doesn't mention Gander, but does cite 9/11 as a case study, among others, in a litany of effective self-organizing crisis management by ordinary folk in times of dire circumstances. Perhaps we should have Broadway musicals about each of these cases...no! I hate musicals. And Gander may be full of ordinary folk, but they showed to what extent they can be extraordinary when the need arises.
Canadians, let’s “pull a Gander”!
Just watching PM Carney’s presser re: breakdown of US trade negotiations. One thing that hit home for me was his comment on Canadians being resilient and how we take care of each other. The people of Gander came immediately to mind.
Help your struggling neighbour, family , and even strangers where you can, while Canada builds its economy and fights the most important fight of our lives in more than 80 years.
Canada, let’s pull a Gander, for Canadians this time.
Canadian alternative to Ensure and Boost - Sperri for the win
My elderly mother has digestive issues with the meal replacement drinks made with soy products. She has had no problem with Sperri Original (https://www.sperri.ca/ ) and has been drinking a container a day for 6+ months.
Sperri products are low FODMAP, plant-based, and free of most allergens. I haven’t found Sperri in stores (I am in Ontario) but have them delivered on a subscription basis. I’m thrilled to have found a Canadian-made alternative that is well tolerated by those with IBS.
Plane accidents on Canadian soil
I hope you plan to come to Nova Scotia before heading back home to visit the memorial of Swiss Air Flight 111. It is something to behold. This will be the 28th anniversary.
Trade deal
And as of today Saturday Aug. 22, guess what no deal because the US changed the deal at the last minute! Elbows up!
Update to last weeks post Locally grown produce YES! Taylor Farm Market.
All of this produce was locally grown. In many cases the name of the grower is listed on the signs. Support local! Say no to USA produce!
Discuss this week's newsletter issue:

When You Need a Place to Land
How Gander and its neighbours became one town
via From Far and Wide by Tod MaffinElbows Up Canada - No “Deal”
I lost my mic in Gander...
...so naturally I invited the entire town out to help me find it.
✅ WATCH THE VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KlQov9_moMM
(Or watch the livestream tomorrow at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRNBq4yPJQ4)
Interference
USian foreign interference.
It’s not like they haven’t consistently interfered with us all these years past!
Today in Canada: Chief Superintendent Brenda Butterworth-Carr
TODAY IN CANADA: In 2013, Chief Superintendent Brenda Butterworth-Carr from the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Hän Nation in Yukon became the first Indigenous woman commanding officer to lead an RCMP division.
🪶YOUR SAY: Does Canada adequately recognize the achievements of Indigenous people?
Medical Professionals for Chatham-Kent Ontario
I don't have a Health Infusion page up for my area (the closest one appears to be in Sarnia) but I saw this posted at my post office today. I realize that the ad itself is looking for recruiters, not candidates, but the event that it references is to recruit healthcare professionals. I know that Chatham-Kent is desperately low on GPs as it took several years for me to find one and my doctor is an hour away.
Discuss: “When You Need a Place to Land”
Every small town is a lighthouse waiting for a ship.
My thanks to Gander Social for helping me get to Gander to commemorate the area’s role on 9/11.
Grandma Lorna's Art
On display at Tidemark Theatre in Campbell River, BC. She's 95 and very into her art
Trade Deal
Announcement today that we have agreed to return us booze to the shelves as part of a Tentative trade deal. PFTTTTT, why should we trust the orange turd not to change his mind again. Sign the the deal and let’s get on with it for crying out loud!
G7 in Muskokas
I am on vacation in Huntsville, and it reminded me of when. The G7 has their big conference at Deerhurst Resort.
This is one of the most beautiful places (one of many!) in Canada, renowned for its waterfront and scenery.
And yes, the G7 used a fake backdrop for their photos.
Still one of the most pointless and dumb things I have heard. Ever.
Today in Canada: Quebec Separatists
TODAY IN CANADA: In 1998, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Quebec cannot legally secede from Canada without federal government approval.
🍁YOUR SAY: First, Quebec, now Alberta, what do you think is leading to the rise in separatism in Canada?
Cannections Thursday,August 20
Put your thinking toque on! It's time for another Cannections. Play now to see how quickly you can solve today's puzzle.
https://games.hey.cafe/cannections/thursday

Steel and Aluminum
Not long ago I read a report that US companies were shipping by rail across Canada as it was quicker and more reliable. With that in mind, plus recognizing the dismal on time performance of VIA because of the busy cargo dominant carriers, would it not be worth while to twin the existing coast to coast rail system?
Passenger travel would become truly dependable while cargo will have their own system. Canada could build the new requisite carriages and engines with steel and aluminum keeping workers employed! Oh! How about subways to get people out of cars? .. sorry, exuberance comes unannounced…. Have a good day Canada!
Picky
Am I being somewhat petty or overly obsessed with details when I say the following. Canada, as a country, did NOT officially exist prior to 1867. How then can anyone say (as Peter Armstrong just did) that CANADA burned down the US White House during the War of 1812?
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