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Vancouver Sun
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
'The boss has changed': Rookie Calgary Liberal MP says he's ready to fight for Alberta's place in Canada
OTTAWA — Rookie Liberal MP Corey Hogan says he's ready to speak up for the 'No' side, in the event of a referendum on Albertan independence next year. Hogan, who narrowly won the riding of Calgary Confederation in April's federal election, told the National Post that he won't sit on the sidelines in the coming debate over Alberta's future in Canada. 'Try to stop me from being a spokesperson for this country,' said Hogan. 'One of the main reasons I ran is I wanted to be both a strong Alberta voice and a strong pro-Canadian voice.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Hogan didn't shy away from the coming national unity crisis as a candidate, adopting the cheeky slogan 'Confederation is worth fighting for' — a phrase designed to send a clear message to those fanning the flames of Alberta separatism. Hogan believes that the pro-Canada message helped him edge out Conservative opponent, ex-provincial cabinet minister Jeremy Nixon. 'One of the reasons I was elected… is because of this moment we're in,' said Hogan. 'The main thing I heard on the doors was Donald Trump, Canada's existence, all of that… residents said over and over that they wanted someone who would fight for this country, and that's what I'm going to give them.' He also said that Nixon's association with Premier Danielle Smith, whose cabinet he sat in from 2022 to 2023, may have cost him votes. 'Alberta separatism is an issue that divides Conservatives in a way that doesn't divide Liberals,' said Hogan. Hogan said it will be vital in the coming months to confront separatist arguments head on, after Smith dramatically lowered the bar for triggering a referendum on the province's independence. He wrote in a recent blog post that there is little reason to believe that Alberta would have a better go of building pipelines to tidewater as a sovereign state that can enter into international treaties, as Smith herself has claimed in the past . '(Treaties) guarantee rights of access but they do not guarantee the right to build infrastructure across another country's territory,' wrote Hogan. Yuan Yi Zhu, a Canadian-born professor of international law at the University of Leiden, says he agrees with Hogan, pointing to the plain language of the United Nations' law of the sea. 'The relevant section says that landlocked and transit countries may, by agreement, define pipelines as a means of transport to the sea… it doesn't say that they have to,' said Zhu. 'This is one of those rare issues in international law that's actually pretty straightforward.' Hogan fully accepts that the Liberals have a long way to go to build up credibility in Alberta, after failing to grow their seat count in the province. He adds that one silver lining is that Ottawa-Alberta relations have nowhere to go but up from their dismal state under former prime minister Justin Trudeau. 'Anybody who's ever worked at a job where the boss has changed, can see that sometimes what happened was largely driven by the former boss,' said Hogan. Hogan said that he's interested to see how Alberta and the other western provinces are represented in Prime Minister Mark Carney's first post-election cabinet, set to be announced Tuesday. National Post rmohamed@ Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what's really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers. Sign up here . Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Calgary Herald
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
'The boss has changed': Rookie Calgary Liberal MP says he's ready to fight for Alberta's place in Canada
OTTAWA — Rookie Liberal MP Corey Hogan says he's ready to speak up for the 'No' side, in the event of a referendum on Albertan independence next year. Article content Article content Hogan, who narrowly won the riding of Calgary Confederation in April's federal election, told the National Post that he won't sit on the sidelines in the coming debate over Alberta's future in Canada. Article content Article content 'One of the main reasons I ran is I wanted to be both a strong Alberta voice and a strong pro-Canadian voice.' Article content Article content Hogan believes that the pro-Canada message helped him edge out Conservative opponent, ex-provincial cabinet minister Jeremy Nixon. Article content 'One of the reasons I was elected… is because of this moment we're in,' said Hogan. Article content 'The main thing I heard on the doors was Donald Trump, Canada's existence, all of that… residents said over and over that they wanted someone who would fight for this country, and that's what I'm going to give them.' Article content He also said that Nixon's association with Premier Danielle Smith, whose cabinet he sat in from 2022 to 2023, may have cost him votes. Article content 'Alberta separatism is an issue that divides Conservatives in a way that doesn't divide Liberals,' said Hogan. Article content Article content Hogan said it will be vital in the coming months to confront separatist arguments head on, after Smith dramatically lowered the bar for triggering a referendum on the province's independence. Article content He wrote in a recent blog post that there is little reason to believe that Alberta would have a better go of building pipelines to tidewater as a sovereign state that can enter into international treaties, as Smith herself has claimed in the past. Article content '(Treaties) guarantee rights of access but they do not guarantee the right to build infrastructure across another country's territory,' wrote Hogan. Article content Yuan Yi Zhu, a Canadian-born professor of international law at the University of Leiden, says he agrees with Hogan, pointing to the plain language of the United Nations' law of the sea. Article content 'The relevant section says that landlocked and transit countries may, by agreement, define pipelines as a means of transport to the sea… it doesn't say that they have to,' said Zhu.
San Francisco Chronicle
11-05-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
California tourism from Canada and Mexico declines amid Trump tension
California tourist arrivals fell in February and March, particularly from Canada and Mexico, amid tensions related to President Donald Trump. In March, Canadian tourists arriving to California by air fell 15.5% from the prior year to 81,225, which is still the most of any country. Arrivals from Mexico were down 24.2% to 36,279, compared to the prior year. Canadian arrivals were also down 12% in February, according to a Visit California report last week, using data from the federal National Travel and Tourism Office. Total nonresident arrivals in California were down by 11% in March compared to the prior year. Visit California, the state tourism board, cited fears around cross-border travel, the Trump administration's tariffs and other political tensions, and the relative strength of the dollar compared to foreign currencies as obstacles. Although international visitors made up only 6% of tourists to California last year, they accounted for 17% of spending. In 2024, 1.8 million Canadians arrived in California and spent $3.72 billion. In San Francisco, tourism officials expect a more robust 2025 compared to last year thanks to a stronger convention bookings calendar. But there remains much uncertainty around tourism from Canada and Mexico, as well as far less travel from China compared to pre-pandemic. San Francisco International Airport reported that deplanements from Canada in February were virtually unchanged from a year ago, though the figure does not distinguish between tourists and Bay Area residents. Deplanements from Latin America were down 3.7% compared to the prior year. Gov. Gavin Newsom recorded a message earlier this month welcoming Canadians to the state, coinciding with a marketing campaign. Visit California spends $5.2 million annually to market to Canadians, funded by private tourism industry sources. 'Sure, you-know-who is trying to stir things up back in D.C., but don't let that ruin your beach plans. California is the ultimate playground — over 2,000 miles from Washington and a world away in mindset, from our iconic beaches and national parks to world-class wine, food and outdoor adventure. There's something here for everyone,' Newsom said. Earlier this month, Palm Springs — a warm-weather destination during harsh winters — placed pro-Canada signs around the city in hopes of attracting tourists as well.
Newsweek
06-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
California Issues Tourism Warning
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. California Governor Gavin Newsom has warned that federal policies under President Donald Trump are threatening the state's tourism economy, even as 2024 saw record-high visitor spending. "California dominates as a premier destination for travelers throughout the nation, and around the globe. With diverse landscapes, top-rate attractions, and welcoming communities, California welcomes millions of visitors every year," Newsom said in a statement on Monday. "We also recognize that our state's progress is threatened by the economic impacts of this federal administration, and are committed to working to protect jobs and ensure all Californians benefit from a thriving tourism industry." Why It Matters The tourism sector supports more than one million jobs and generates billions in revenue in California. A projected decline could harm employment, public services funded by tourism taxes, and businesses dependent on domestic and international visitors. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking in Ceres, California, last month. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking in Ceres, California, last month. Noah Berger/AP What To Know Tourism spending in California hit $157.3 billion in 2024, up three percent from the previous year, according to a statement from Newsom's office. That spending supported 1.2 million jobs, created 24,000 new jobs and generated $12.6 billion in state and local taxes. Despite the strong performance last year, California saw a year-on-year decline in visitors in March this year, raising concerns ahead of the summer travel season. Visit California's revised forecast shows a one percent drop in overall visitation and a 9.2 percent decrease in international arrivals this year. The organization attributed the expected drop to federal economic policies and the "Trump Slump" — a downturn in international travel due to the actions of President Donald Trump's administration. According to Visit California data, air arrivals from Canada decreased 15.5 percent in March compared to the same month last year. Visitors also fell 12 percent year-on-year in February — the steepest decline since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Despite the drop, Canada remains California's top international source of visitors. In 2024, 1.8 million Canadians visited California, spending an estimated $3.72 billion. Earlier this month, Newsom unveiled a tourism campaign urging Canadians to visit California, while distancing the state from the Trump administration amid its global trade war. "The Golden State and Canada have always had so much in common," Newsom said in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter. "Sure, you-know-who is trying to stir things up back in D.C., but don't let that ruin your beach plans." Palm Springs also placed pro-Canada signs around the city to attract tourists earlier this month. Meanwhile, concerns over Trump's border policies and tariff program have also affected tourism from Mexico. According to Visit California, arrivals from Mexico were down 24.2 percent in March compared to last year. What Happens Next California is expanding its domestic and international tourism campaigns in anticipation of a 2025 downturn. State officials are urging residents to travel locally to help offset expected losses from fewer international visitors. Visit California now predicts a $6 billion drop in tourism revenue this year, primarily due to a decline in international travel. Overall, international tourists make up six percent of California visitors, but 17 percent of spending. The state has said it will continue to monitor travel trends and prepare additional measures to protect jobs tied to the tourism sector.
Irish Examiner
25-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
California's economy overtakes Japan's to become fourth largest in world
California's economy has surpassed Japan's, making the US state the fourth-largest economy in the world, Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday. The state's nominal GDP reached €3.61 trillion, according to data from the International Monetary Fund and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, edging out Japan's €3.54tn nominal GDP. California now ranks behind the US at €25.7tn, China €16.5tn and Germany €4.1tn. Along with the tech and entertainment industry capitals, the state, which has a population of nearly 40 million people, is the centre for US manufacturing output and is the country's largest agricultural producer. 'California isn't just keeping pace with the world – we're setting the pace. Our economy is thriving because we invest in people, prioritise sustainability, and believe in the power of innovation,' Newsom said in a statement. The state has outperformed the world's top economies with a growth rate in 2024 of 6% compared with the US's 5.3%, China's 2.6% and Germany's 2.9%. This week's new rankings come six years after California surpassed the United Kingdom and became the world's fifth-largest economy. Tariff peril Newsom noted, however, that the Trump administration's agenda endangers California's economic interests. 'And, while we celebrate this success, we recognise that our progress is threatened by the reckless tariff policies of the current federal administration. California's economy powers the nation, and it must be protected.' California last week became the first state to sue the federal government over Donald Trump's tariff policies, and has argued that the president's actions are unlawful and that the constitution explicitly grants Congress the power to impose tariffs. 'No state is poised to lose more than the state of California,' Newsom said during a press conference announcing the lawsuit. 'It's a serious and sober moment, and I'd be … lying to you if I said it can be quickly undone.' California is a major contributor to economic growth nationally, with the money it sends to the federal government outpacing what it receives in federal funding by $83bn, according to a statement from Newsom's office. Tourism sector Despite an enormous shortage of affordable housing that has fueled a homelessness crisis in the state, the population has grown in recent years. Meanwhile, last year the state reported its tourism spending had hit an all-time high – though California has seen a drop in some areas. Canadian tourism in California was down 12% in February compared with the same month last year amid Trump's tariff war. In response, the state has announced a new campaign to draw Canadians back, while one city has put up pro-Canada signs across its downtown. Read More EU exports to US surged over 20% ahead of tariffs The Guardian
