potate

Big Bill makes a lot of their stuff in Canada and has a 'Made in Canada' section to their website. It trends towards the industrial end of the spectrum rather than 'contractor-chic'.

Link to the Canadian made stuff

I'm okay as long as I don't doom scroll too much.

I'm Canadian and middle aged. I was braced for a rough Trump 2.0, but the last month has truly exceeded expectations for suck. Our country is under economic attack by our biggest trading partner. Human rights and trying to help and support each other are suddenly considered bad things. Our window to address climate change is snapping shut as our leaders around the world move in the wrong direction. I'm feeling really good about my decision to not have kids at least.

On the plus side, my sick cat is responding to treatment, and my partner and I have just set up a nursery - we're going to start fostering wee kiddos whose families are going through rough spots. I've got some financial flexibility so I'm treating myself to a stack of coffee gift cards each week that I hand out to folks who look like they could use it. Sorta makes my day to be able to make sure someone unhoused gets a warm drink and some food.

Just checked and sure enough, nearby provincial parks are labelled 'State Park'

The metal band on my grandfather's old watch bit the dust and I put a Popov band on it. I think it looks great.

I got the A5 cover in English tan. I paired it with an Autmog pen (made in Vancouver)

I've gotten stuff from Popov and it's great.

I've got a couple of belts, a journal cover and some watch straps. My only complaint is that the watch straps use crappy metal hardware that only lasts a couple of years before it starts to corrode from my battery acid sweat. I've asked a couple of times for a stainless steel hardware option, but no dice. The flip side is that customer service is fantastic.

It isn't a zero sum game. A trade agreement didn't work out in the previous geopolitical/economic environment. Things have changed. Canada is feeling vulnerable and that potentially leads to a better deal for the UK. Simultaneously, the UK can cozy up to Trump as much as they want.

Trump is engaged in brinksmanship and we need US trade more than vice versa. I think the correct move is to publicly back down - but also remind Canadians that a one month reprieve is nothing.

Once you play a card, you lose it. Right now Ford can still play that card. Manitoba can't (and that makes the national level impact weaker).

I think Ford actually did a good job on this one. He's Trumpian in terms of his appeal and I think did a good job of rallying Canadians of various stripes and working WITH other premiers.

Daniel Smith was the opposite. She was a Trump apologist, and was divisive instead of being a team player.

Don't get me wrong - I think Ford is a complete tool 98% of the time, but I think he did a good job this once.

The article has some factual errors. The Hyundai and KIA EVs being sold in Canada are still made in Korea and therefore not subject to the tarrif. Production out of the Georgia plant is prioritized for the US market due to the US federal incentive (for however long that lasts).

Source - my 3 week old 2025 Ioniq 5 that was made in Korea.

I waited until I could get my hands on a Hyundai EV because I couldn't stomach Musk. A buddy is currently considering a used Tesla because prices have cratered - but is factoring in the cost of several large 'Musk Sucks' stickers to plaster all over it.

My (large) fridge hasn't even pulled 1kWh today. Modern fridges are impressively efficient.

I'm steadily electrifying my life - and adding solar panels as I go.

Solar is already super modular and if you package the panels, then you rob the consumer of the ability to pick a panel that works for them (physical size for example, but where you live will also have a big impact on capacity requirements). Also, solar panels have a lifespan that exceeds most consumer appliances. I just replaced a ten year old stove but my solar panels have a 25 year warranty. The replacement cadence is very different.

This is a FANTASTIC time for folks to start supporting Canadian made brands and avoid giving money to US companies - and that includes US companies doing business in Canada. We send a TON of money to the US via Amazon, Netflix, etc.

I've been really enjoying CBC Gem lately. North of North is a fun sitcom about life in the far north with a fantastic cast. Son of a Critch is also gold.