News

Trump terminates Canada trade talks over digital tax

Trump ends trade talks with Canada, citing ‘egregious’ digital-services tax, straining already tense relations further.

Published

8 months ago

June 28, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump ends trade talks with Canada, citing ‘egregious’ digital-services tax, straining already tense relations further.

In Short:
President Trump has terminated trade talks with Canada over its digital-services tax on U.S. tech firms, worsening diplomatic tensions. Despite calls from the U.S. tech industry for action, Canada remains steadfast in retaining the tax while expressing a willingness to continue discussions.

President Trump announced the termination of trade talks with Canada, blaming the country’s digital-services tax on U.S. tech companies. This decision further complicates the already tense relationship between the two nations.

The negotiations aimed at establishing a new trade deal had been ongoing for several months. Last week, Trump and newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had a contentious meeting regarding dairy tariffs and the digital tax at the G-7 summit.

According to a senior U.S. official, Trump was angered by Canada’s refusal to eliminate the digital-services tax, which imposes significant costs on U.S. tech firms. Canada plans to begin collecting these taxes shortly, which could cost American companies billions of dollars.

Tech industry groups have urged action from the Trump administration, fearing that other countries may adopt similar measures. Major companies affected include Google, Meta, and Amazon. Calls for investigations into Canada’s trade practices have emerged in response to the tax.

Despite the pressure, Canada’s government, led by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, remains firm on retaining the tax. This standoff takes place against a backdrop of existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and dairy products affecting trade between the two countries.

Carney has expressed a willingness to continue discussions, while the importance of U.S.-Canada trade to Canada’s economy remains a central concern.

News

Liberal and Nationals reunite after political split

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Published

18 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Australia’s Liberal and National parties have agreed to restore their historic Coalition partnership after a three-week split, marking their second reconciliation in under a year. The deal ensures stability ahead of upcoming political challenges.

Under the agreement, Nationals frontbenchers will return to the shadow cabinet by March 1. This move signals a return to unified leadership as both parties aim to present a stronger front in parliament.

As part of the compromise, three senators who broke party solidarity during a recent vote face a six-week suspension. All shadow ministers will also sign an agreement to uphold cabinet unity and prevent future splits.

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News

Starmer aide resigns after Mandelson appointment questioned over Epstein links

Morgan McSweeney resigned amid scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s US ambassadorship; Keir Starmer claims he was misled about Epstein ties.

Published

18 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Morgan McSweeney resigned amid scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s US ambassadorship; Keir Starmer claims he was misled about Epstein ties.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, has resigned amid scrutiny over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as U.K. ambassador to the U.S. McSweeney accepted responsibility for the controversial decision, calling stepping aside the honourable choice.

Lawmakers raised questions about Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Epstein files indicate Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction, intensifying the controversy surrounding his diplomatic appointment.

Starmer confirmed that Mandelson misled him about the extent of their friendship and pledged to release documents confirming the details. The resignation signals a significant shake-up in Starmer’s team and ongoing political fallout.

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News

Japan election delivers commanding win for ruling LDP

Japan’s ruling party expected to strengthen majority in Lower House election despite heavy snowfall, says local forecasts.

Published

19 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Japan’s ruling party expected to strengthen majority in Lower House election despite heavy snowfall, says local forecasts.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is projected to tighten its grip on power following a decisive Lower House election, according to local media forecasts. Early projections suggest the LDP will secure between 274 and 328 seats in the 465-seat chamber, significantly strengthening its parliamentary position.

Together with coalition partner the Japan Innovation Party, the governing bloc is expected to cross the 300-seat mark, with some estimates putting the total as high as 366 seats. Voter turnout remained resilient despite heavy snow across parts of the country, as citizens braved severe weather to cast their ballots.

The election was called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in January, a move widely viewed as a strategic gamble to capitalise on her strong public approval ratings. The result appears to reinforce her mandate and consolidate political stability in Japan’s national leadership.

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