Good morning. We’re so back – to trade negotiations, this time without a USMCA exemption. More on that below, along with ‘cockroach’ protests and ‘skillcation’ vacations.
Prime Minister Mark Carney takes questions in Ottawa on Tuesday.Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
TOP STORIES
Carney and Trump to ‘intensify’ trade talks
Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he and Donald Trump have agreed to intensify trade talks after the U.S. President announced a suite of new tariffs on Canadian goods. Unlike past American tariffs, the new 50-per-cent tariffs will not include an exemption for goods trading under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
The context: Trump invoked the tariffs using Section 338 of the Depression-era Tariff Act, which would directly override USMCA exemptions. The reasons? He has cited “discriminatory practices” around the trade of cheese, Canadian tariffs on U.S. cars, and a widespread ban on U.S. alcohol. Canada’s premiers will meet this week, but many have agreed to lift interprovincial barriers on alcohol sales already.
The strategy: When Washington opted not to extend USMCA on July 1, many trade experts suggested this was the opening move for trade negotiations – not an end-point, writes Mark Rendell. But U.S. officials have been clear: They want to change the rules to privilege American companies.
The industries: Although the broader impact on Canada’s economy should be limited, the new tariffs will deliver a serious blow to companies caught in the crosshairs. From wine to whey to wigs, here are the Canadian goods targeted by Trump’s new 50-per-cent tariffs.
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House, on Tuesday.Mark Schiefelbein/The Associated Press
Saudi reroutes in Red Sea, Lebanon seeks support
Two oil tankers carrying Saudi Arabian crude to Asia reversed course in the Red Sea yesterday after threats from Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis disrupted shipping throughone of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Trump says he has little interest in talks with Iran’s leader to end the war – at least for now.
On the ground: U.S. forces bombed targets in the south and west of Iran, while Tehran targeted U.S. sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan and a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz.
About Lebanon: Trump pledged to help Lebanon “a lot” during a White House meeting with the country’s leader, Joseph Aoun, who visited after months of war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. Trump also announced that American carriers can resume direct flights to Lebanon for the first time in 40-plus years.
Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi is detained by police during a sit-in protest in New Delhi on Tuesday.Adnan Abidi/Reuters
India’s youth-led ‘cockroach’ protests
Supporters of the Indian youth-led “cockroach” movement refused to leave their New Delhi protest site a day after their thousands-strong march toward Parliament drew police tear gas, beatings and a new wave of sympathy from across the country.
The demands: The movement, now attracting professionals and families beyond students, is demanding educational reforms and government accountability. It represents a rare public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
An afternoon workshop with artists at NimbleFingers old-time and bluegrass camp in Sorrento, B.C. this July.NimbleFingers/Supplied
Why Canadians are taking ‘skillcations’
For many of us, being handed a class syllabus on vacation is not our dream for rest or relaxation. But more travellers are taking part in a larger trend, dubbed the “skillcation” or “hobbycation” in which they join organizations and artisans across Canada for immersive, multiday experiences for a different luxury: extended periods of creative, deep focus.
The benefits: The options are endless. From skate training camps to cultural learning intensives, or woodworking classes to digital detox escapes. But skillcations aren’t just for those looking for self-made souvenirs. You also get an opportunity to create deeper friendships.
The Take
Demand may be high now, but much of AI development is moving the other way – toward models that are smaller, cheaper and closer to the user. This should give governments pause.
— Robert Diab, law professor at Thompson Rivers University
Canada’s new AI data centres could be obsolete before they open, writes law professor Robert Diab.
The Shot
Ryan Bester, shown taking part in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, will be Canada's baton-bearer at this year's Games.Dan Galbraith/Supplied
Lawn bowls legend Ryan Bester is going for an elusive gold at his seventh Commonwealth Games.
The callout
On Thursday, July 23 at 11 a.m. ET, Dr. Vett Lloyd and health science reporter Jennifer Yang will answer reader questions about tick season, how you can stay safe and take the right precautions if you spot a bug. Tune back in here for the Q\&A, and send us your questions at audience@globeandmail.com.
The Wrap
What else we’re following
At home: First Nations chiefs from northern Ontario call for the resignation of leadership at the Ministry of Natural Resources and a public inquiry into the provincial response to the wildfires.
Abroad: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fired Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of the armed forces after days of protests demanding his removal.
Missing: The search for Parker, an 11-year-old boy from Calgary, is entering its sixth day as police continue to use a lot of resources to find him.
Charged: A former veteran Toronto Police officer, who was charged in the Project South corruption probe, pleaded guilty to breach of trust and one count of theft under $5,000.
At the border: Given this week’s trade disputes, Ottawa says Canada will not be celebrating the Gordie Howe Bridge opening with the U.S. A Canada-only celebration is expected to take place Friday.
On the screen: TheFIFA World Cup final scored record TV ratings in Canada with a peak audience of 9.05 million watching about five minutes before the final whistle.