Bell: A fiery Danielle Smith on fighting when Alberta is punched in the face
I really didn't think the premier would use the lingo of street fighting. But there you have it.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
The fight Smith is talking about is the battle with Ottawa.
Article content
Smith insists she wants a better relationship with Ottawa. She has tried but it has not worked out yet.
Article content
'Every time I reach out with an olive branch I get smacked down and they come through with more offensive policies.'
Article content
These are policies such as the No More Pipelines law, the net-zero power regulations, the cap on oil and gas emissions, 'causing so much harm to our economy and fanning separatist intent.'
Article content
Article content
On top of the ugly policies there are those Canadians from outside Alberta who send messages saying Smith and other Albertans should stop whining and shut up.
Article content
'I can tell you what you never hear me say.
Article content
'You know what, the Americans don't want your auto industry so why don't you just shut it down.
Article content
'The Americans don't really want your steel, just shut it down. The Americans don't want your aluminum. Just shut it down. What are you complaining about? What's wrong with you?'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Cision Canada
50 years after it closed, the Government of Canada and Long Plain First Nation honour the national historic significance of the Former Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School
This commemoration is an important part of the Government of Canada's response to Call to Action 79 in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report. PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, MB, Aug. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - The Former Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School was part of a system of residential schools for Indigenous children officially established by the federal government in the 19 th and 20 th centuries. Born of colonial policies in Canadian history, this system removed Indigenous children from their families and communities, not only denying them their traditions, language and culture, but also exposing children to grievous harm and even death. The residential school system is a tragedy that has adversely affected generations of Indigenous people and the Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on a recognition of rights, respect, collaboration, and partnership. Today, Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for St. Boniface—St. Vital, Manitoba, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, and Minister responsible for Official Languages, and Long Plain First Nation commemorated the national historic significance of the Former Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School with a special ceremony to unveil three plaques at the National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada. Built in 1914-1915, the Former Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School is located on Keeshkeemaquah Reserve, part of the reserve lands of Long Plain First Nation. This building was nominated for designation by Long Plain First Nation who worked collaboratively with Parks Canada to identify the historic values of this Former residential school. This large, three-storey brick building is a rare surviving example of residential schools that were established across Canada. The school closed in 1975, and six years later, the building and its surrounding lands were transferred to Long Plain First Nation to fulfill part of their treaty land entitlement. Since that time, the building has been given new meaning by the community as a site of commemoration and resilience that keeps the legacy of the residential school era alive and educates the public. The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians and youth connect with their past. The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,270 designations have been made nationwide. Quotes "Fifty years ago, the Portage la Prairie Residential School closed its doors, ending a painful chapter in our shared history. Yet, the harm caused by the residential school system is still felt today by families in Portage la Prairie and in communities across Canada. As we mark this anniversary, we honour the strength and resilience of Survivors, mourn those who never came home, and recommit ourselves to continuing the journey toward Truth and Reconciliation together." The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "Today, we take time to acknowledge the painful legacy of the Former Portage La Prairie Residential School and the harmful and lasting impact that this institution, and many others like it under the residential school system, had on generations of First Nations, Inuit and Métis families and communities. We hope this commemoration allows Canadians to reflect on this tragic history, acknowledge the past, honour missing children and recognize the extraordinary strength and resilience of the survivors and all Indigenous peoples. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the voices of Indigenous peoples are heard, and that this history is never forgotten." Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for St. Boniface—St. Vital, Manitoba "Today, we pay tribute to Indigenous residential school survivors of the Former Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School that operated from 1915 - 1975. The plaques are symbols of resilience, strength and a place where stories are embedded in truth and the spirits honored. These memorials acknowledge their legacy of pain and injustices endured with courage and dignity. Their lives matter. Their voices matter. Their healing matters. We are still here." Lorraine Daniels, Second generation survivor Executive Director National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada Inc. Quick Facts Children who were sent to the Former Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School came from many First Nations and other Indigenous communities within Manitoba and elsewhere. There, they faced severe discipline and abuse, harsh labour, emotional neglect, the attempted suppression of their language and cultures, and isolation from their families and communities. The Former Portage La Prairie Residential School now houses the National Indigenous Residential School Museum which was created as "a place where people can learn, share, heal and move forward with a greater understanding of the forces that shaped and forever changed multiple generations of First Nations people." Parks Canada and Long Plain First Nation worked collaboratively to identify the historic values of this former residential school, and the report on the building prepared for the Historic Sites and Monuments Board was co-authored by members of the First Nation and Parks Canada. The plaques are written in Anishinaabemowin, Anishinaabemowin syllabics, Cree, Cree syllabics, Dakota, English and French. Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister responsible for Parks Canada regarding the national historic significance of persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada. Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognised, and these important stories are shared with Canadians. The vast majority of nominations brought forward for the consideration of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada originate from members of the public. To nominate a person, place or historical event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Parks Canada Long Plain First Nation National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada Framework for History and Commemoration SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)
Global News
2 hours ago
- Global News
Under Trump, almost 80% of Canadians disapprove of the U.S., data shows
Amid ongoing economic tensions between Canada and the United States, a survey released Thursday shows patience is wearing thin among Canadians, with almost 80 per cent disapproving of the current leadership in that country. The survey, conducted by Gallup in May and June of 2025, shows Canadians have a 15 per cent approval rating for the U.S. leadership — the lowest U.S. President Donald Trump has received, and down from 17 per cent in 2020 and 16 per cent in 2018 during his first term. The Gallup World Poll, which started in 2005, measures the attitudes, behaviour and well-being of people across more than 140 countries. Of the five major global powers in the study, Canadians' disapproval rating of the U.S. (79 per cent) fell roughly in line with that of Russia (82 per cent) and was worse than that of China (64 per cent). Story continues below advertisement Meanwhile, a 54 per cent majority of Canadians approve of Germany's leadership, which was the highest positive rating among major global powers this year. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The survey also shows a longer-term trend since 2017, except for a spike in 2021, that only a minority of Canadians approve of the U.S. administration each year. Gallup says the trend is consistent with changes in U.S. administrations, and cites an average 61 per cent approval rating of Washington by Canadians under former president Barack Obama, 19 per cent in Trump's first term, and 41 per cent under former president Joe Biden. Trump has imposed repeated rounds of steep tariffs on Canada since coming into office in January and has frequently suggested Canada should become the '51st state.' The Gallup survey is the latest of several recent polls, which show Canadians are frustrated amid the trade war uncertainty. 2:11 'Buy Canadian' movement boosts small business across country Another poll conducted in June by Ipsos, exclusively for Global News, found roughly three-quarters of Canadians intend to avoid travel to the U.S., which is up 10 per cent since February. This sentiment has also been demonstrated in data released by Statistics Canada. Story continues below advertisement The Ipsos poll also found nearly three-quarters of Canadians are avoiding buying goods that are made in the U.S., and are buying more Canadian-made goods wherever possible. Meanwhile, Canadians may be feeling more optimistic about their own leadership as of late, according to the Gallup poll, with a 59 per cent approval rating in 2025 — up 19 per cent from the previous year. This follows Mark Carney replacing Justin Trudeau as Canadian prime minister. Carney is still working on a new trade deal with the U.S. as tariffs rise, but said that he will only accept a deal that is 'good for Canada.'
Winnipeg Free Press
6 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Social Security's 90th anniversary is marked by funding threats and privatization talk
WASHINGTON (AP) — When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law 90 years ago this week, he vowed it would provide economic stability to older people while giving the U.S. 'an economic structure of vastly greater soundness.' Today, the program provides benefits to almost 69 million Americans monthly. It's a major source of income for people over 65 and is popular across the country and political lines. It also looks more threatened than ever. Just as it has for decades, Social Security faces a looming shortfall in money to pay full benefits. Since President Donald Trump took office the program has faced more tumult. Agency staffing has been slashed. Unions and advocacy groups concerned about sharing sensitive information have sued. Trump administration officials including the president for months falsely claimed millions of dead people were receiving Social Security benefits. Former top adviser Elon Musk called the program a potential 'Ponzi scheme.' Trump and other Republicans have said they will not cut Social Security benefits. Yet the program remains far from the sound economic system that FDR envisioned 90 years ago, due to changes made — and not made — under both Democratic and Republican presidents. Here's a look at past and current challenges to Social Security, the proposed solutions and what it could take to shore up the program. The go-broke date has been moved up The so-called go-broke date — or the date at which Social Security will no longer have enough funds to pay full benefits — has been moved up to 2034, instead of last year's estimate of 2035. After that point, Social Security would only be able to pay 81% of benefits, according to an annual report released in June. The earlier date came as new legislation affecting Social Security benefits have contributed to earlier projected depletion dates, the report concluded. The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by former President Joe Biden and enacted in January, had an impact. It repealed the Windfall Elimination and Government Pension Offset provisions, increasing Social Security benefit levels for former public workers. Republicans' new tax legislation signed into law in July will accelerate the insolvency of Social Security, said Brendan Duke at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. 'They haven't laid out an idea to fix it yet,' he said. The privatization conversation has been revived The notion of privatizing Social Security surfaced most recently when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this month said new tax-deferred investment accounts dubbed ' Trump accounts ' may serve as a ' backdoor to privatization,' though Treasury has walked back those comments. The public has been widely against the idea of privatizing Social Security since former President George W. Bush embarked on a campaign to pitch privatization of the program in 2005, through voluntary personal retirement accounts. The plan was not well-received by the public. Glenn Hubbard, a Columbia University professor and top economist in Bush's White House, told The Associated Press that Social Security needs to be reduced in size in order to maintain benefits for generations to come. He supports limiting benefits for wealthy retirees. 'We will have to make a choice,' Hubbard said. 'If you want Social Security benefits to look like they are today, we're going to have to raise everyone's taxes a lot. And if that's what people want, that's a menu, and you pay the high price and you move on.' Another option would be to increase minimum benefits and slow down benefit growth for everyone else, which Hubbard said would right the ship without requiring big tax increases, if it's done over time. 'It's really a political choice,' he said, adding 'Neither one of those is pain free.' Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group for the preservation of Social Security benefits, is more worried that the administration of benefits could be privatized under Trump, rather than a move toward privatized accounts. The agency cut more than 7,000 from its workforce this year as part of the Department of Government Efficiency's effort to reduce the size of the government. Martin O'Malley, who was Social Security agency commissioner under Biden, said he thinks the problems go deeper. 'There is no openness and there is no transparency' at the agency, he said. 'And we hear about field offices teetering on the brink of collapse.' A Social Security Administration representative didn't respond to a request for comment. Concerns persist An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted in April found that an increasing share of older Americans — particularly Democrats — support the program but aren't confident the benefit will be available to them when they retire. 'So much of what we hear is that its running out of money,' said Becky Boober, 70, from Rockport, Maine, who recently retired after decades in public service. She relies on Social Security to keep her finances afloat, is grateful for the program and thinks it should be expanded. 'In my mind there are several easy fixes that are not a political stretch,' she said. They include raising the income tax cap on high-income earners and possibly raising the retirement age, which is currently 67 for people born after 1960, though she is less inclined to support that change. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Some call for shrinking the program Rachel Greszler is a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, the group behind the Project 2025 blueprint for Trump's second term. It called for an increase in the retirement age. Greszler says Social Security no longer serves its intended purpose of being a social safety net for low-income seniors and is far too large. She supports pursuing privatization, which includes allowing retirees to put their Social Security taxes into a personal investment account. She also argues for shrinking the program to a point where every retiree would receive the same Social Security benefit so long as they worked the same number of years, which she argues would increase benefits for the bottom one-third of earners. How this would impact middle-class earners is unclear. 'When talking about needing to reform the system, we need to reform it so that we don't have indiscriminate 23% across the board cuts for everybody,' Greszler said. 'We need to reform the system in a more thoughtful way, so that we are protecting those who are most vulnerable and reliant on Social Security.'
