Makers and fakers

On Friday the feds are expected to announce the economy grew about 2% in the last quarter.

So what?

It’s good, that’s what. A year ago we were supposed to be a smoky hole by now, what with Trump’s tariff assault on cars, steel, lumber and more. During that time, the real estate business – which accounts for at least a tenth of GDP these days – has been moribund. And since the end of February we’ve also had an energy shock, with erratic oil prices.

So, yeah, it’s okay. Relax. The worst of the American mistake may already be over. Thus far we have survived a lot. Look at GM Canada, for example. The workforce in the massive Oshawa complex has fallen by 90% from its peak years ago. Increasingly it’s been Asian-based automakers building factories here, although they’re also being shacked by US protectionism.

Playing defence, the Carney government has fast-tracked infrastructure project approvals, brought a pipeline to the BC coast closer, spent big on defense, inked trade deals and pacts around the world, repaired damage Justin did in Beijing, become a beacon of hope on then international stage at Davos and secured majority government in the meantime as Poilievre MPs defected.

Now, a quick word on airplanes, and the gulf between our fair nation and the grifty heathens south of the 49th.

This month Carney announced the biggest commercial aircraft deal in Canadian history. Airbus will be making 150 craft worth $19 billion in Mirabel, supporting thousands of aerospace jobs there and across the country. There’s also an option for another 150 planes, doubling the worth of this agreement.

It’s done. Signed.

A few days later in China Donald Trump announced that country would be buying 200 Boeing aircraft. Maybe. Neither the company nor Chinese officials confirmed timing, financing or eventual deployment of the aircraft. In response, Boeing stock declined since Trump had been hyping a far larger deal. Also concerning were financial reports that Trump bought at least $1 million in Boeing stock shortly before the deal was cooked.

In fact, the US president did 3,711 equity trades in the first three months of this year alone – about 50 a day (roughly equal to his social media output). The value of these trades is between $220 and $750 million, largely concentrated in the tech and AI sectors, as well as defense industries. Estimates are that the Trump family business has gained $720 billion in net worth since his presidency started, with heavy exposure to the crypto and prediction markets, which the president has deregulated or facilitated.

The point of this should not be lost on us. Be grateful you are Canadian.

Which brings us, sadly, to Danielle Smith.

Canada’s western premiers and territorial leaders are conferencing this week, as they do once a year. Trade should be high on the agenda, but will likely be knocked off by the Alberta separatist/lunatic movement that Smith has actively enabled.

If you missed it, last week Smith announced she will hold a province-wide referendum on whether to hold a province-wide referendum on separating from Canada. Seriously. Thus she is giving everyone with a beef about anything a chance to vote ‘yes’ without legal consequence. While a lot of these people would doubtlessly think twice before agreeing to give up their passport, citizenship, social benefits. heritage and identity, this teaser referendum may produce a shocking affirmative number – perhaps 30%.

That’s enough to destabilize the national economy, spike bond yields, drive investment dollars out of the province, hit the currency and do more to hasten a recession than Donald Trump ever could. Ironically, rebel spokesguy and lawyer Jeffrey Rath has lobbied White House officials and American media for Alberta to become a US territory or 51st state.

Smith is a traitor by deed rather than word. She says she will vote “to remain” in a referendum she has designed to weaken the nation so it may strengthen her.

Let’s hope Wab Kinew straightens her out.

About the picture: “Hi Garth. The brothers were living their best life,” writes Deborah, “after we moved them away from freezing cold Ontario to the beautiful warm Vancouver Island, what fun they had.”

To be in touch or send a picture of your beast, email to ‘garth@garth.ca’.

Source: https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/05/25/makers-and-fakers/