Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

05 Mar

Trudeau Counters U.S. Tariffs with 25% Levies, Labels Trump’s Move “Idiotic”

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaDonald Trump, Justin Trudeau

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unleashed a fierce response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, calling it a “trade war” that will boomerang on American households. Speaking Tuesday from Parliament Hill, Trudeau blasted the decision as “downright idiotic,” insisting that Canada—despite its courteous nature—will stand firm when its livelihood is threatened. Trudeau lambasted Trump for attacking “the U.S.’s nearest ally and partner” while forging ties with Vladimir Putin, whom he called a “killer and tyrant.” In a swift counterstrike, Canada will slap 25% tariffs on $155 billion of U.S. imports—starting with $30…

05 Mar

Donald Trump Targets India with Reciprocal Tariffs, Signals Hard Line on Trade

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsDonald Trump

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): President Donald Trump has put India in the crosshairs of his trade war, unveiling reciprocal tariffs set to begin April 2 and dismissing hopes of a deal that might ease New Delhi’s burden. In a Tuesday address to Congress, Trump highlighted India’s steep tariffs—over 100 percent on autos—as evidence of an uneven playing field. “India’s taxing us at 100 percent, and it’s not right—never has been,” Trump asserted. “Come April 2, we’ll hit them back with the same rates. If they use other barriers to shut us out, we’ll mirror that too.” The announcement undercuts optimism sparked…

05 Mar

Ontario’s Ford Drops Starlink, Blocks U.S. Contracts in Trade War Reprisal

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, Doug Ford, Ontario, United States

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a dramatic escalation of tensions sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade offensive, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has scrapped a Starlink contract with Elon Musk and prohibited all American companies from securing government work in the province. “The contract’s dead—it’s history,” Ford announced decisively. “We won’t do business with anyone aiding or cheering on economic warfare against our province and nation.” He laid the responsibility at Trump’s feet, stating, “This is on their president, plain and simple.” Trump’s trade war has now triggered a backlash that locks U.S. businesses out of Ontario, undermining claims of “winning”…

05 Mar

Justin Trudeau Justifies US Anthem Booing While Ford Calls It Out of Bounds

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaDoug Ford, Justin Trudeau

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): As trade friction with the U.S. heats up, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is urging Canadians and Americans to stop booing each other’s national anthems, a sentiment at odds with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s acceptance of the behavior as a response to new U.S. tariffs. During a Tuesday press briefing, Ford addressed the fallout from a 25 percent tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump that morning, detailing Ontario’s next steps. While he acknowledged the anger sparked by the trade measures, Ford stressed the importance of civility. “Let’s keep the national anthems out of it,” he implored. “Boo…

05 Mar

“If US Wants War, We’re Ready,” China Denounces U.S. Tariffs as “Blackmail” Over Fentanyl

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsChina, Donald Trump, US, US China War

Beijing (National Times)– A spokesperson for the Chinese government has issued a fiery rebuke of U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, labeling them a baseless pretext tied to the fentanyl crisis and vowing to resist what they called American "bullying." In a statement released today, China defended its retaliatory actions as "entirely justified and essential" to protect its interests, while accusing the U.S. of exploiting the drug epidemic to justify economic aggression. The fentanyl crisis, which has ravaged communities across the United States, has long been a point of contention between Washington and Beijing. U.S. officials have claimed that China plays…

05 Mar

U.S. decision to impose tariffs on Canadian imports is “unjustified”: Mark Carney

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, George Chahal, Mark Carney

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Liberal MP George Chahal organized a public address in Calgary to endorse Mark Carney in his bid for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. Carney, who previously served as Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has been actively engaging with Canadians on key issues, including Canada’s economic future and national challenges. During a media interview today, Carney addressed the topic of U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, urging that any retaliatory measures be carefully crafted to prioritize the support of workers affected by these “unjustified” tariffs. He emphasized the need…

04 Mar

Kohli Leads India to Champions Trophy Final with Win Over Australia

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSportsChampions Trophy semifinal, India vs Australia, Steve Smith, Virat Kohli

March 4, 2025 – Virat Kohli’s masterful 84-run knock guided India to a four-wicket victory over Australia, securing a spot in the Champions Trophy final.Batting first, Australia posted 264 before being bowled out in 49.3 overs. Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) led the charge, with contributions from Travis Head (39) and Marnus Labuschagne (29). For India, Mohammed Shami (3/38) was the standout bowler, while Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) also chipped in.Chasing 265, India’s top order held firm. Kohli’s 98-ball 84 anchored the innings, supported by Shreyas Iyer (45), KL Rahul (42), and Hardik Pandya (28).…

04 Mar

AHS third-party investigation: DM McPherson

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCalgary, Canada, McPherson

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Deputy Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Christopher McPherson has issued the following statement on an independent third-party investigation into procurement and contracting processes used by the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services (AHS). “While serving as Acting Deputy Minister of Executive Council, Premier Danielle Smith asked me to establish a credible, independent, third-party investigation into the procurement processes used by the Government of Alberta and AHS and their outcomes. “I have informed Premier Smith that the Honourable Raymond E. Wyant, former Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba, will lead this investigation. I asked…

04 Mar

Alberta Govt investing in cardiac care for central Albertans

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Calgary, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is partnering with the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation to expedite the delivery of life-saving cardiac services to central Alberta residents. Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring that Albertans have access to the health care they need, including life-saving cardiac care and lab services, no matter where they live. For those in central Alberta, the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre plays a critical role in providing that care, which is why the $1.8-billion Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre redevelopment project includes two state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs. While the project is expected to be completed by…

04 Mar

Alberta News: Company acquitted in workplace fatality

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta, Calgary, Canada

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A reforestation company has been acquitted of occupational health and safety (OHS) charges related to a workplace fatality. On Feb. 21, Blue Collar Silviculture Ltd. was found not guilty on eight counts under OHS legislation following a trial in the Peace River Court of Justice. The charges stem from an incident in Mackenzie County that occurred on July 2, 2020. A tree planter was struck and fatally injured by a falling tree. The Crown has up to 30 days to appeal the acquittal. Alberta’s OHS laws set basic health and safety rules for workplaces across the province.…