GD's Political Animal: 2026

Monday, March 30, 2026

Reports of forced labor in China hearsay, Liberal MP Ma suggests

Floor-crossing Liberal MP Michael Ma has cast doubt on reports of forced labor in China, suggesting they are based on hearsay.

Liberal MP Michael Ma downplays reports on China using forced labour | Toronto Sun | Lorrie Goldstein:

March 26, 2026 - "Liberal floor-crosser Michael Ma downplayed well-established reports of forced labour in China’s Xinjiang region on Thursday in an apparent attempt to discredit an expert witness on the topic at a House of Commons industry committee meeting. Ma launched a series of rapid-fire questions at Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, a senior fellow at the University of Ottawa and recognized as one of Canada’s preeminent commentators on Canada-China relations, who was testifying at the committee.

“'Have you witnessed forced labour in Xinjiang? Have you witnessed forced labour? Just a short answer — have you witnessed forced labour in Xinjiang, yes or no?' Ma demanded.... McCuaig-Johnston was clearly taken aback by Ma’s aggressive questioning as she testified that China uses slave labour from its minority Uyghur population in Xinjiang province in the production of Chinese-made vehicles.

"Ma asked her if she was relying on 'hearsay' in giving her testimony, prompting angry responses from Conservative MPs on the committee who accused him of ignoring numerous expert reports on forced labour and other human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Ma countered that he was asking legitimate questions and not expressing any opinion on Chinese labour practices. Asked later by a CBC reporter whether he believed there was forced labour in China, Ma said it goes on all over the world, but without citing China when he was asked about that specifically....

"Ma was elected as a Conservative in the riding of Markham—Unionville in the April 2025 federal election before crossing the floor to the Liberals in December. He accompanied Prime Minister Mark Carney on his trip to China in January to forge a 'new strategic partnership' with China. The Commons industry committee is examining Carney’s deal that eliminated Ottawa’s 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles and initially allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs into the Canadian market, with a “most-favoured-nation” tariff rate of 6.1%....

"UPDATE: Ma later apologized for his remarks, saying he 'inadvertently came across as dismissive of the serious issue of forced labour.' He said he was talking about the Chinese city of Shenzhen, not Xinjiang province, where China has been widely accused of using its minority Uyghur population as forced labour."

China forced labour 'hearsay,' Liberal MP suggests | Canadian Press | March 26, 2026:

Chinese Media Amplify MP Michael Ma’s Dismissal of CCP’s Forced Labour | Epoch Times | Olivia Gomm:

March 27, 2026 - "Media in China are promoting Liberal MP Michael Ma’s skepticism about the existence of forced labour in China following an exchange with a China expert at a parliamentary committee meeting this week.... Chinese media outlet Guancha published an article on March 27 about Ma’s remarks, saying 'Canadian scholars hype "forced labour"' in the article’s headline. The article, which was widely cross-published on multiple Chinese-language platforms, said McCuaig-Johnston’s response to Ma 'caused an uproar'....

"Ma asked McCuaig-Johnston: “Your claim about forced labour in Shenzhen — have you witnessed this yourself? Have you been there ever?'... Responding to Ma’s questioning, McCuaig-Johnston said she has been to China 'many times' over nearly 50 years. Ma cut her response short and asked again whether she has witnessed the forced labour herself, to which she responded that she works 'closely with Human Rights Watch where researchers did witness it'.... The Guancha article said McCuaig-Johnston 'euphemistically admitted that she has not personally witnessed the so-called "forced labor" and is indeed hearsay.' It also said accusations of forced labour in China 'have always been absurd lies' that are 'based on ideological bias” and have been used to “smear China.”

"Conservative MP and industry critic Raquel Dancho ... commented on the Chinese media report, saying that whatever Ma’s intentions were, 'his questions parroted implicitly the CCP-certified position—that controversy around forced labour is manufactured.' 'Chinese state media used those questions to push their propaganda,' Dancho said in a post on X. 'Despite his excuse, this was the outcome'....

"Canada sanctioned Chinese officials in December 2024 for persecuting Uyghurs, Falun Gong practitioners, and Tibetans, noting that these groups are subject to various forms of suppression by the Chinese regime, including arbitrary detention and forced labour. The House of Commons voted unanimously in favour of a motion tabled by the Conservatives in February 2021 that declared Beijing’s persecution against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in China a genocide. All opposition MPs and non-cabinet Liberal MPs supported the motion, while cabinet abstained from the vote."

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

War as the enemy of liberty

War allows governments to increase spending, taxes, and regulations in order to feed the war machine. War also enables the government to violate personal liberty. Wars can justify measures that remain in place long after the wars end.

War Abroad and Authoritarianism at Home | Ron Paul Institute } Ron Paul:

March 23, 2026 - “'War is the health of the state.' That phrase, coined by Randolph Bourne, explains why opposition to war is a priority of many libertarians. War allows governments to increase spending, taxes, and regulations in order to feed the war machine. Wars can justify measures that remain in place long after the wars end. An example of this is income tax withholding that was created to fund World War Two.

"The use of war as a justification for increased interference in the market is reason enough for libertarians to oppose war. However, war also enables the government to violate liberty. During the Civil War, President Lincoln suspended habeas corpus, shut down newspapers, and instituted a military draft. The draft was also used in World Wars One and Two, as well as Korea and Vietnam. During World War One, Congress passed the Sedition Act, outlawing criticism of the government. Widespread violations of liberty are a hallmark of the ongoing 'war on terror.' An infamous example of war being used to justify violations of liberty is the internment of Japanese Americans during World War Two.

"Given this history, it is not surprising that the Iran War may lead to crackdowns on free speech. Following criticisms of the media’s coverage of the Iran War by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr made a post on Twitter telling broadcast networks that the FCC has the power to revoke their broadcast licenses if they do not fulfill their responsibility to act in the 'public interest.' This was clearly a threat to revoke the license of any broadcast network whose coverage of the war displeases the Trump administration.

"Threatening to use the FCC’s power to shut down broadcast networks that the president dislikes is a blatant violation of the First Amendment by Chairman Carr. Chairman Carr may think that he can get a court to approve revoking a broadcaster’s license for its war coverage by claiming it is endangering national security. This would hardly be the first time the government used national security as an excuse to censor its critics.

"Since the US is waging the Iran War in collaboration with Israel and the Trump Administration supports defining criticism of Israel as antisemitism, it is not out of the realm of possibility that opposition to the war will be labeled as antisemitic hate speech and be banned.

"Thousands of American troops are being deployed to the Middle East. With no end to the war in sight and the US military taking on the task of ensuring oil tankers have safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the US military may soon need a major increase in troops. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has refused to rule out the possibility that President Trump may reinstate the draft.

"The Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) makes implementing the draft easer then ever by automatically registering every 18-year-old man with the Selective Service. The draft assumes rights are gifts from government that can be revoked at the whim of government officials. Violations of liberty come along with wars. Therefore, opposition to wars unrelated to the legitimate security needs of the country must be a priority for all who value liberty."

Copyright © 2026 The Ron Paul Institute. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is gladly granted, provided full credit and a live link are given.
https://ronpaulinstitute.org/war-abroad-and-authoritarianism-at-home/

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

US goes to war with Iran

Stuck in Another Disastrous Middle East War | Ron Paul Institute | Ron Paul:

March 2, 2026 - "Unfortunately, President Trump listened to the neocons and Benjamin Netanyahu instead of his MAGA base and other voices of caution as he launched a surprise attack on Iran over the weekend. For the second time in nine months, the US Administration used negotiations ... as a cover to launch a pre-planned attack.

"Last week’s talks produced 'progress' according to all sides, with technical teams set to meet this week to work out the details. President Trump, however, suddenly announced that he was not happy with the talks because the Iranian side refused to say 'the magic words' that they would not pursue nuclear weapons. But Iran has been insisting for decades that they have no interest in producing a nuclear weapon and our own intelligence has confirmed that they are not doing so.

"Shortly after President Trump’s announcement, the US and Israel launched their attack, killing Iran’s religious leader along with some 40 other political and military leaders in a 'decapitation' strike.

"It was supposed to be like the Venezuela operation. Quick and painless for the US. Kill the leadership and the long-suffering people would take to the streets and reclaim their country. It may make a good plot for a Hollywood movie, but in real life these regime change operations have never worked. Millions did take to the streets in Iran, but it was to mourn the slain Ayatollah and to reaffirm support for their government.

"Just like we 'rallied around the flag' after the attacks on 9/11.

"Quickly, Iranian retaliation for the attacks began to take their toll on US assets and Israel. US soldiers have been killed and US fighter jets have been shot down. US bases in the region are either damaged or destroyed. Likewise, US embassies and consulates have come under attack, including by Iraqis likely still furious over the US destruction of their country 20 years ago. And, with the Pentagon warning that the operation may go weeks instead of days, we are quickly running out of missiles.

"Billions of dollars have already been spent on this unprovoked attack, and when the smoke clears – if it does – we may see hundreds of billions or maybe much more having been wasted on yet another Middle East war. Just what President Trump promised he would not do.

"The neocon 'cakewalk' crowd, including (Senator) Lindsey Graham and others, have been proven wrong again. Tragically, more American servicemembers may die while the neocons blame someone else for the fiasco they helped launch.

"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said of the US/Israeli attack that 'this combination of forces enables us to do what I have longed to do for 40 years…' But the purpose of the US military is not to fulfill the decades-old wishes of foreign leaders. There is a good reason we have a Constitution that says only Congress can declare war.

"Launching a military strike during negotiations will have lasting negative effects for the United States. Who would ever trust US diplomacy again if talks are used as a distraction for pre-planned attacks?

"The Administration is doing its best to spin this unfolding disaster as all going according to plan, but what is the plan? No one knows. Do they know?

"Here’s a plan: End this today. Return the destroyed US bases to the countries where they are located. And just come home. That is what a real 'America first' movement looks like."

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

BC man ordered to pay $760K for online posts

Former Chilliwack, British Columbia, school trustee Barry Neufeld, one of the loudest online critics of the provincial government's sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) guidelines, has been ordered by the BC Human rights Tribunal to pay $750,000 in damages to the school board's 2SLGBTQ+ teachers, plus $10,000 in punitive damages.

Former B.C. school trustee ordered to pay $750K for hate speech, discrimination: human rights tribunal | CBC News | Lauren Vanderdeen: ·

February 20, 2026 - "The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal has ordered former Chilliwack school trustee Barry Neufeld to pay $750,000 for violating the Human Rights Code by publishing hate speech and discriminatory content against 2SLGBTQ+ people.... Neufeld was one of the 'loudest critics' against the B.C. government's move in 2017 directing school boards to update codes of conduct to address bullying based on "SOGI,' or sexual orientation and gender identity, according to the tribunal’s decision.... Neufeld did not respond to CBC News's request for comment by publication deadline....

"Neufeld's publications included Facebook posts, a speech at a gathering, a widely-circulated email, and comments at a school board meeting and in the media. The tribunal found six of his publications were likely to expose trans, gay and lesbian people to hatred or contempt based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.... More than 20 of Neufeld's publications indicated discrimination or an intention to discriminate against 2SLGBTQ+ people in the Chilliwack School District....

"The BCTF and Chilliwack Teachers' Association sought an award of $750,000 in compensation to teachers' association members who identify as LGBTQ between October 2017 through 2022 for injury to their dignity, feelings and self-respect. The tribunal agreed with the award, saying Neufeld 'poisoned' the workplace with anti-2SLGBTQ+ discrimination. The tribunal said the $750,000 will result in individual awards between around $4,600 to $16,667 per class member, according to the decision. It noted the purpose of the award is to compensate for the harms of discrimination rather than be punitive....

"A second decision from the tribunal, also released Wednesday, ordered Neufeld to pay $10,000 in punitive costs for improper conduct during the complaint. The tribunal said Neufeld 'repeatedly and flagrantly demonstrated his disregard for the Human Rights Tribunal and its process' and deliberately violated the tribunal's rules and orders. The tribunal said he 'surreptitiously' recorded a pre-hearing conference call and posted the recording on YouTube and published privileged information about settlement discussions."

Man FINED $750K for Saying There are 2 Genders SPEAKS OUT | Barry Neufeld | The Bridgehead | February 24, 2026:

Lisa Bildy: Human rights rules on gender ideology are just blasphemy laws | National Post | Lisa Bildy:

Feb 26, 2026 - "Oppressively enforced beliefs are back. But those beliefs don’t emanate from pulpits. It’s no longer Christianity demanding adherence to beliefs, but the secular religion of social justice. Neufeld learned the hard way that gender identity is now an unquestionable tenet of this new faith. Human rights tribunals are its enforcers under the guise of punishing 'discrimination.' The curriculum he criticized, introduced in 2016, roughly coincided with 'gender identity' becoming a protected class under human rights codes across Canada.

"In 2006, publisher Ezra Levant faced a discrimination complaint for reprinting the Danish cartoons of Mohammed. He and Mark Steyn, who faced similar complaints for commentary on Islam published in Maclean’s magazine, drew attention to tribunal overreach, leading to the repeal of section 13 of the Canada Human Rights Act, which had empowered the tribunal to punish 'hate speech'....

"[T]he federal Online Harms Bill, introduced by the previous Liberal government and floated again by the current government ... proposes to restore those hate speech enforcement powers to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.... But that’s obviously already happening, at least in British Columbia. In an interim decision in Neufeld’s case, B.C.’s Human Rights Tribunal decided that, although previous decisions of the tribunal had found otherwise, it actually does have the power to regulate online posts under its existing legislation....

"This case expands limits on freedom of expression in two significant ways.

First, disparaging gender ideology — even when targeting ideas, not people — was found to be discriminatory. B.C.’s human rights commissioner argued that’s the way it should be.... Mark Steyn avoided punishment for his commentary on Islam, also litigated in B.C., because it was considered political commentary within the bounds of free expression. Today’s human rights functionaries won’t abide such limits on their power.
Second, the expanded interpretation was applied to an elected trustee, whose role is to challenge policies and raise concerns about educational changes. Bureaucrats now dictate what elected officials can say on public policy matters....

"The $750,000 fine against Neufeld is unprecedented in the human rights context. While framed as compensation for “harm” to LGBTQ teachers, it was clearly intended to financially ruin him for his speech and refusal to embrace gender identity. It also serves as a warning to anyone considering criticism of the new faith. Blasphemy laws are back.

"Public outrage is growing, and politicians are being pressured to act. Reining in these star chambers is no longer good enough. Legislatures must abolish them, along with the human rights codes that they enforce. That requires political backbone, so don’t hold your breath. Instead, call, write, or sign a petition like ours at the Free Speech Union to let your political leaders know how many Canadians oppose financial ruin for expressing opinions on issues affecting themselves and their children."

Lisa Bildy is a lawyer and executive director of the Free Speech Union of Canada. She can be found on X at @LDBildy.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Epstein Files will increase distrust of governments

"The belief that government agencies used the sexual abuse of children as a means of ensuring rich and powerful people did their bidding will increase distrust of government and the interests that profit from, and often control, the state."

Epstein Files: An Opportunity for Libertarians | Ron Paul Institute | Ron Paul:

February 23, 2026 - "Those who have examined the Epstein files have seen information about how connected Jeffrey Epstein was to members of the political, business, and academic elites. Many of these connections started after Epstein’s 2008 conviction.

"The Epstein files support claims that Epstein worked with intelligence agencies, in particular Israel’s Mossad and the American CIA. Yet the mainstream media and most politicians seem uninterested in whether Epstein used underage girls in a scheme to blackmail powerful individuals on behalf of intelligence agencies.

"Fortunately, the alternative media is not afraid to discuss Epstein’s intelligence connections or any other matters related to Epstein, including suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Geoff Livingstone, Good Trouble Protest in Washington,
DC, July 2025. CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.

"The Epstein files and the Justice Department’s failure to let the people see the full files present an opportunity for libertarians. The belief that government agencies used the sexual abuse of children as a means of ensuring rich and powerful people did their bidding will increase distrust of government and the interests that profit from, and often control, the state. The Trump administration’s failure to release the files until forced to by Congress will further increase the distrust of government.

"This distrust can lead to support for liberty if those of us who know the truth [can] explain that the problem is a government that tries to run the economy, run the world, and run our lives. This type of government will inevitably attract unscrupulous individuals. Therefore, the solution is to limit the government’s power. The first step is to build a critical mass of people committed to restoring liberty and able to see through the propaganda used to convince us government is taking our liberty for our own good.

"Following the Watergate scandal, Murray Rothbard wrote that, “[i]t is Watergate that gives us the greatest single hope for the short-run victory of liberty in America. For Watergate, as politicians have been warning us ever since, destroyed the public’s ‘faith in government’ — and it was high time, too.” Unfortunately, the people’s distrust in government did not last. However, Representative Thomas Massie, who is leading the fight to make the files public, has argued that abusing minors in order to blackmail wealthy and powerful individuals, along with the refusals to expose the full truth about these horrific crimes, is bigger than Watergate.

"The controversy over the Epstein files comes at a time when the US is on the verge of an economic crisis. This crisis is rooted in President Nixon’s 1971 abandonment of the last link between the dollar and gold, giving the United States a purely fiat currency. This fiat money system, combined with the dollar’s reserve currency status, made it possible for the government to run up huge debts. Today the federal debt is almost 39 trillion dollars and is increasing quickly. This exploding debt, along with resentment of America’s hyper-interventionist foreign policy, is leading to increased international support for abandoning the dollar. These factors all suggest that the next crash could end the welfare-warfare-fiat currency system.

"If those of us who know the truth can take advantage of the growing distrust of government to further spread the ideas of liberty, the next crisis may lead to a return to limited constitutional government, liberty, and peace."

Friday, February 20, 2026

Diaspora groups wary of Carney-China MoU

Chinese diaspora groups are expressing concerns about the Carney government's confidential memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Communisyt China on security and law enforcement, and asking for it to be made public to calm fears in their communities. .

Hong Kong Democracy Groups Express Concern About Canada’s Police Cooperation Agreement With China | Epoch Times | Olivia Gomm:

February 13, 2027 - "Ten Hong Kong democracy activist groups are voicing concern about Ottawa’s new deal with Beijing on law enforcement cooperation, saying the federal government’s lack of transparency on the agreement has intensified the fears of Hong Kong diaspora communities. UK-based Hong Kong Watch, [and] nine other Hong Kong diaspora community groups, are expressing 'serious concern' about the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that Ottawa and Beijing have signed to enhance cooperation in crime-fighting efforts between the RCMP and China’s ministry of public security.

"The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Jan. 16 that Canada and China will pursue 'pragmatic and constructive engagement' in public safety and security.... The MOU on police cooperation was one of several agreements Ottawa and Beijing signed during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to China in January. Although Ottawa has made other MOUs public, the agreement on public safety cooperation has been kept confidential so far.

"The diaspora community groups said in their statement that because the government has not explained what safeguards, limitations, or oversight mechanisms are in place regarding the agreement, the lack of transparency 'has intensified fears' that cooperation between Ottawa and Beijing’s law enforcement agencies on crime 'could, intentionally or unintentionally, expose individuals or community networks to harm'....

"The groups noted that these fears could lead diaspora communities to withdraw from public life, undermining the public’s trust and safety. They also said trust between law enforcement and diaspora communities is 'essential,' because without it, communities may be hesitant to engage with authorities or report crimes....

"Hong Kong Watch and the other nine organizations are urging Ottawa to provide 'full transparency' on the MOU, including the scope, safeguards, and limitations of the agreement. The groups are also calling on lawmakers and media organizations 'to recognize the fear experienced by Hong Kong diaspora communities worldwide and to treat transnational repression as a serious and growing global concern requiring vigilance, accountability, and clear protections.'”

"The Conservatives have requested that Ottawa provide the party with a copy of the agreement on police cooperation, saying such agreements should be subject to parliamentary scrutiny if they are being kept confidential.... The Tories have also voiced concern about the MOU itself, saying China poses a security threat to Canada. Carney also expressed concern about China during the 2025 election campaign, calling it the top national security threat."

Canada-China deal contradicts Carney's past security concerns: Chong | Power & Politics | CBC News | January 16, 2026:

Thursday, February 19, 2026

China is primary threat in Arctic, says CSIS official

CSIS Official Says China Tops Russia as ‘Primary Threat’ in the Arctic | Epoch Times | Noé Chartier:

February 13, 2026 - "Although China is not an Arctic country like Russia, its activities in the region are raising greater concern for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, according to a senior official. Paul Lynd, an assistant director with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), told MPs on Feb. 12 that though Russia maintains a “tremendous interest and focus” on the Arctic, China poses the greatest threat in the region.

“'[Russia is] of less concern than say, the activities of China and other hostile state actors at this time,' Lynd said. He specified that Russia does pose a military threat in the Arctic, which falls more under the purview of National Defence, and that the threat from China involves foreign interference and economic security. 'It’s a primary threat,' Lynd said about China in the Arctic.

"Lynd, who holds the rank of an assistant deputy minister, is the CSIS executive in charge of overseeing all of the agency’s collection activities and operations, whether in Canada or abroad. He was appearing before the House of Commons foreign affairs committee, which is currently conducting a study on Canada’s Arctic strategy.

"Lynd said concerns about Chinese activities in Canada’s Arctic relate to the use of underhanded means to acquire assets. The CSIS official specifically noted how China is currently attempting to dominate the critical minerals sector.

“'The concern we have would be with clandestine or deceptive investment practices or economic engagement in certain market sectors in the Arctic,' he said. Lynd also underlined the threat of foreign interference in the economy through the attempted manipulation of Canada’s economic policies.

"CSIS monitors economic security and advises the government when a review under the Investment Canada Act is triggered by a proposed foreign takeover. Ottawa blocked the sale of TMAC Resources’ gold mine in Hope Bay, Nunavut, to Chinese company Shandong Gold Mining in 2020, citing national security concerns."

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Free speech alive on the internet - for now

Media Freedom…if We Can Keep it! | Ron Paul Institute | Ron Paul:

February 16, 2026 - "Last week I had the pleasure to again appear on Tucker Carlson’s popular broadcast. Although the program appears on several different platforms, on X alone the episode has been seen by more than two and a half million people. That does not include the various clips and shorts that people made and posted themselves. It is incredible how the reach and influence of the independent media has grown over the past decade or so.

"As I have often said, while there are many evil things out there on the Internet, at the same time we have the tools to communicate the unfiltered message of freedom like never before.

"Even though Tucker Carlson’s show on Fox News was enormously popular – number one in the nation – the network still yanked the show from underneath him because they didn’t like some of the things he was saying. Now, Tucker and other independent media figures answer not to studio executives with their own agendas, but rather they answer directly to the American people in the marketplace of ideas. Carlson’s reach as an independent is arguably greater than when he was on Fox.

"And there are many more like him with large – and not so large – audiences who are appealing directly to the 'consumer,' without the middleman to tell them what they can and cannot say. Admittedly, sometimes what people say is ugly, but we do not have free speech to only talk about the weather.

"Big media and big government are in bed together and they hate the fact that we can communicate with each other without their filters and influence. They long for the days when they could shovel down our throats just what they wanted us to hear and believe.

"While we may be winning this battle for free expression, we must not fool ourselves into thinking that we have won the war. We must remember just a few years ago during COVID that all it took to have your platform wiped off the face of the earth was to dare question the “wisdom” of Anthony Fauci. Even today there are forces seeking to use the power of the state to silence opinions they disagree with.

"In Europe, free speech is under attack by totalitarian measures like the Digital Services Act, which creates a police state in the name of 'protecting' citizens from 'disinformation.' Of course, 'disinformation' is simply information that governments or elites don’t want to get out. You can go to jail for an X post in Europe, while violent criminals are set free.

"Make no mistake – many in the US would love to have such a system in place to protect speech they like and punish speech they don’t like. We have already seen attempts to intimidate – or even deport – people who have protested the recent mass killings in Gaza, for example. And the US government forced sale of TikTok was not a victory for free speech.

"The truth is, 'cancel culture' exists in both the left and the right and everywhere in-between. If we want to maintain and expand our ability to communicate freely and grow our voice in the independent media sphere we cannot let our guard down. 'Free speech for me but not for thee' – using government force to shut down unwanted voices – will result in free speech for no one. And once it is gone, it will not be easy to get back."

Copyright © 2026 The Ron Paul Institute. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is gladly granted, provided full credit and a live link are given.
ronpaulinstitute.org/media-freedomif-we-can-keep-it/

Ron Paul’s Warnings Have Come True. His Next Prediction Is Terrifying. | Tucker Carlson and RonPaulLibertyReport | February 11, 2026:

Friday, February 13, 2026

Carney's strategic partnership with the CCP

The Prime Minister's Office released details of PM Mark Carney's new strategic partnership with the Communist government of China.

Canadian PM Mark Carney and Chinese president Xi in Beijing (detail). Photo by Sean Kirkpatrick,

Canadian Press / Radio Canada International (fair use).

Prime Minister Carney forges new strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China focused on energy, agri-food, and trade | Office of the Prime Minister (news release):

January 16, 2026 - "In a more divided and uncertain world, Canada is ... working with urgency and determination to diversify our trade partnerships and catalyse massive new levels of investment. As the world’s second-largest economy, China presents enormous opportunities for Canada in this mission.

"To forge a new Canada-China partnership, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, visited Beijing, the People’s Republic of China ... the first visit to China by a Canadian Prime Minister since [Justin Trudeau in] 2017. In Beijing, Prime Minister Carney met with the President of China, Xi Jinping, the Premier of China, Li Qiang, and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Zhao Leji. After their meeting, Prime Minister Carney and President Xi released a joint statement outlining the pillars of Canada and China’s new strategic partnership.

"Central to this new partnership is an agreement to collaborate in energy, clean technology, and climate competitiveness.... Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EV) into the Canadian market, with the most-favoured-nation tariff rate of 6.1%.... It is expected that within three years, this agreement will drive considerable new Chinese joint-venture investment in Canada with trusted partners to protect and create new auto manufacturing careers for Canadian workers, and ensure a robust build-out of Canada’s EV supply chain. With this agreement, it is also anticipated that, in five years, more than 50% of these vehicles will be affordable EVs with an import price of less than $35,000, creating new lower-cost options for Canadian consumers.

"Agri-food and trade are foundations of the longstanding relationship between Canada and China – and China continues to be our second-largest export market. To renew and strengthen that relationship, Prime Minister Carney and President Xi secured a preliminary agreement-in-principle with landmark measures to remove trade barriers and reduce tariffs:

By March 1, 2026, Canada expects that China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola seed to a combined rate of approximately 15% ... a significant drop from current combined tariff levels of approximately 85%.
Canada expects that Canadian canola meal, lobsters, crabs, and peas will not be subject to relevant anti-discrimination tariffs from March 1, 2026, until at least the end of this year....

"Finally, to build on this momentum, Canada has set an ambitious goal to increase exports to China by 50% by 2030. To achieve this outcome, Prime Minister Carney and President Xi discussed increasing two-way investment in clean energy and technology, agri-food, wood products, and other sectors.

"Canada and China are both strong advocates of multilateralism. As a key pillar of this partnership, we will deepen our engagement on improved global governance. We will collaborate closely in key areas of shared interest, including climate competitiveness and financial and macroeconomic stability. Canada looks forward to contributing to China’s 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Presidency and appreciates China’s support for Canada’s bid to host the 2029 Summit.

"Canada and China will also pursue pragmatic and constructive engagement in public safety and security. Our law enforcement agencies will increase cooperation to better combat narcotics trafficking, transnational and cybercrime, synthetic drugs and money laundering – and create safer communities for people in both of our countries.

"They will also explore further opportunities for cultural exchanges and partnerships, including supporting museums, digital content creators, visual artists – to increase travel exchanges and cultural ties. Prime Minister Carney welcomed the agreement between Destination Canada and China Media Group to facilitate further outbound tourism to Canada, especially as we prepare to co-host the FIFA World Cup 26™. The Prime Minister welcomed President Xi’s commitment to introducing visa-free access for Canadians travelling to China.

"The Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing was the culmination of constructive, pragmatic engagement with the Chinese government over many months by the Prime Minister, members of his cabinet and caucus, and other officials. The Prime Minister looks forward to returning to China for the 2026 APEC Leaders’ Summit."

https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2026/01/16/prime-minister-carney-forges-new-strategic-partnership-peoples

Thursday, February 12, 2026

US Republicans save Department of Education

The Republican-majority Congress has passed an appropriations bill stopping the Trump administration's effort to shut down the Department of Education, something Trump campaigned on in 2024.

Republicans Save the Department of Education | Ron Paul Institute | Ron Paul:

February 9, 2026 - "In his 2024 campaign President Trump said he wanted to shut down the Department of Education. Created in 1979, the Department of Education has spent many billions of dollars and imposed numerous 'reforms' on America’s schools. A result has been a continuing decline in American students’ academic performance.

"In March, President Trump signed an executive order calling for eliminating the Department of Education. Since then, Education Secretary Linda McMahon has worked on transferring some Education Department activities to other agencies. For example, it has been announced that some activities of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, which is involved in federal K-12 education programs, will be moved to the Labor Department. While these changes can reduce the power and reach of the Education Department, they do not ensure a reduction of the federal government’s role in education.

"The appropriations bill that President Trump signed into law last week indicates he has given up on ending the Department of Education. The bill, which was first approved by the Republican-majority House and Senate, contains a provision requiring the Education Department to 'support staffing levels necessary to fulfill its statutory responsibilities including carrying out programs, projects, and activities.' Another provision prohibits the Education Department from transferring funds to other government agencies.

"The bill also increases the Education Department’s budget. Increasing the budget of an unconstitutional Cabinet department is never a good idea, but it is especially bad when the federal debt is increasing by trillions of dollars a year. If President Trump and the other Republicans who have said they want the Education Department shut down are not going to even attempt to shut it down, they could at least reduce its funding.

"It is clear that shutting down the Department of Education will require a sustained effort by Americans fed up with spending billions to produce a subpar educational system. Pressure needs to be put on lawmakers to restore control over education to states, local communities, and parents.

"School choice week was the week before President Trump signed the bill providing funding to the Education Department. Programs giving parents control over their children’s education — such as Education Savings Accounts — continue to grow in popularity as do alternatives to public schools such as private schools and homeschooling. Private schools and homeschooling received a boost from the 'Big Beautiful Bill' providing tax credits for scholarships for private school tuition and home school expenses.

"Parents looking for a homeschooling curriculum incorporating the ideas of liberty should consider my online curriculum. My curriculum provides students with a solid education in history, literature, mathematics, and the sciences. It also gives students the opportunity to create their own websites and internet-based businesses. This provides students with “real world” entrepreneurial experience that will be useful no matter what career paths they choose.

"The curriculum is designed to be self-taught, with students helping, and learning from, each other via online forums. Starting in the fourth grade, students are required to write at least one essay a week. Students also take a course in public speaking.

"The curriculum emphasizes the history, philosophy, and economics of liberty, but it never substitutes indoctrination for education. The goal is to produce students with superior critical thinking skills. If you think my curriculum may meet the needs of your child, please visit www.RonPaulCurriculum.com for more information."

Monday, February 9, 2026

Canada's economy on life support, report warns

Rosenberg Research's recently-released report, "Canadian Economy on Life Support," flags Canada's weak GDP growth and places the country on a recession watch.

Expert warns Canada’s ‘life support’ economy tests Bank of Canada cuts | Benefits and Pensions Monitor | Freschia Gonzales:

February 5, 2026 - "Canada’s economy is 'on life support' even after 275 basis points of rate cuts, with weak growth, soft housing and a sliding currency sharpening questions about the Bank of Canada’s policy path, according to Rosenberg Research via BNN Bloomberg. The report, Canadian Economy on Life Support, says per capita GDP is still falling and the economy is 'growing at only one percent annually' despite the policy rate dropping from a high of five percent in 2024.

"The report projects the economy will shrink in the fourth quarter, with output falling at an annualised rate of 0.5 percent quarter-over-quarter, compared with the Bank of Canada’s forecast of 0.0 percent. Because the economy has already contracted in two of the last three quarters, the report says Canada is on 'recession watch' for 2026.

"David Rosenberg, chief economist and founder of Rosenberg Research, told BNN Bloomberg that 'this is what 275 basis points of Bank Canada rate cuts delivers: the grand total of one percent growth economy'....

"Rosenberg argued the central bank will 'be compelled to cut rates further from its already egregiously low interest rate of 2.25 percent'.... He said the Canadian dollar is likely to face additional downward pressure and ... argued that 'as weak as the Canadian dollar has been up until recently, it’s probably not weak enough.'"

Canada's economy is 'on life support': Rosenberg | BNN Bloomberg | February 3, 2026:

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Poilievre gets record approval in leadership review

Pierre Poilievre sails through leadership review as Conservatives deliver a strong endorsement | CBC news | John Paul Tasker:

January 31, 2026 - "Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pulled in an overwhelming share of the vote in his leadership review held Friday night, a sign that the vast majority of party members are united behind his leadership. Roughly 87 per cent of the delegates on hand in Calgary for the party's convention voted to stick with Poilievre ... higher than what former prime minister Stephen Harper achieved at his own leadership review back in 2005.... A result less than the 84 per cent Harper won at that review [c]ould have prompted questions about Poilievre's viability....

"Steve Outhouse, Poilievre's new campaign manager, told CBC News that the result is better than some Conservatives had expected and that it sends a strong signal about the direction of the party. 'That's a really clear mandate from our membership, and now we can focus on getting ready for the election, whenever that will be,' Outhouse said. "It's a big boost to his leadership. It's very gratifying'....

"'I didn't think anybody would beat Stephen Harper,' former deputy leader Lisa Raitt said of Poilievre's favourable vote share. 'He has an iron grip on the party.'"

Poilievre wins Conservative leadership vote with 87.4% approval | CBC News: The National } Jan 31, 2026

Pierre Poilievre aces leadership review: Why the Conservatives opted to stand by their man | The Conversation | Sam Foutley:

February 1, 2026 - "Much of the criticism levelled against Poilievre by Conservatives proved fleeting, an emotional response to loss rather than a durable movement to replace him. Instead, it reflected a familiar post-election pattern: disappointment amplified by punditry and frustration.... Although the Conservatives failed to form government, they ... increased their vote share [and] expanded their support to new voter constituencies.... With the largest share of the popular vote for any Conservative party in Canada since 1988, the only thing that stood between the party and governing was a few percentage points....

"Replacing Poilievre would have required the party to gamble that a new leader could quickly unify the coalition, define themselves nationally and outperform an already familiar figure in Carney — all without the benefit of incumbency or clear front-runner status. Compounding this, of course, was the absence of a clear successor....

"Carney’s electoral success depended heavily on the collapse of the NDP vote and the broader political disruption caused by Trump’s threats to annex Canada. With a new NDP leader, the New Democrats could recover and cut into Liberal margins. Meanwhile, the government’s more mixed response to issues such as pipeline development, housing and the cost-of-living crisis could push enough voters toward the Conservatives by the next federal election campaign.

"All this said, however, Poilievre’s support cannot be explained solely by institutional inertia or a lack of alternative leadership candidates. His leadership has and continues to generate genuine enthusiasm among some voters — especially those who are young, recently immigrated or working in trades. This support is fuelled by economic frustration, declining living standards and the sense of a lost promise....

"Poilievre’s Conservative Party has remained cohesive and even expanded by organizing around what former communications director Ben Woodfinden calls the 'locked-out:' voters who feel shut out of prosperity amid weak growth and chronic productivity problems. In this context, Poilievre’s orthodox centre-right agenda — cutting regulatory burdens, boosting competition and removing interprovincial trade barriers — continues to attract broad, cross-class support that transcends cultural and regional divides.... By endorsing Poilievre so decisively, Conservatives signalled their belief that he remains on an upward trajectory. The leadership review was less about absolution than affirmation: a collective judgment that the party is closer to power with Poilievre than without him."

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Trump's DOJ investigating Fed chairman

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation of Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell for allegedly lying to Congress,

Trump’s Latest Regime Change Target | Ron Paul Institute | Ron Paul:

January 26, 2026 - "What does the Federal Reserve have in common with Venezuela and Greenland? It has been targeted by President Trump for regime change.

Image generated by Grok (xAI), public domain.

"The Justice Department recently launched a criminal investigation into whether Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell lied to Congress about the costs of renovating the Federal Reserve’s offices.

"Many believe this investigation was launched in order to support President Trump’s effort to replace Powell, who[m] he nominated to be Fed chairman in 2017, with a Fed chairman who will accommodate President Trump’s demands for lower interest rates.

"Almost all observers believe that President Trump’s desire to stack the Federal Reserve board with loyalists who will tailor monetary policy to his liking motivated the investigation of Federal Reserve Board Member Lisa Cook. President Trump is using allegations that Cook lied on a mortgage application as a justification to fire her.

"At a Supreme Court hearing on Lisa Cook’s case, the majority of justices — including some who have been supportive of President Trump’s attempt to exercise greater authority over federal agencies — seemed to oppose his firing of Cook. One reason for this would be viewing the Fed as different from federal agencies like the Federal Trade Commission because private banks play a role in the Fed’s governance. This indicates the Fed is a public-private hybrid.

"The criminal investigation into Chairman Powell and the attempt to fire Lisa Cook have caused investors, stock traders, and others to fear Trump is endangering the economy by compromising the Fed’s independence. This supposed threat to Fed autonomy has also caused some Republicans who are usually defenders of President Trump to criticize him.

"There is a long history of presidential attempts to influence monetary policy. President Richard Nixon, for example, pressured Fed Chairman Arthur Burns to lower rates.... Fed Chairman William Martin may not have liked Ike, but he caved to President Eisenhower’s demands that the Fed increase the money supply. President Bill Clinton persuaded Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan to support Clinton’s economic plans. The most extreme case of presidential pressure (at least until the Justice Department launched its criminal probe into Powell) was when President Lyndon Johnson shoved the Fed chairman against a wall because the Fed raised interest rates, causing trouble for Johnson’s Great Society at home and Vietnam War abroad. President Trump is thus not different from his predecessors; he is just more transparent.

"Opponents of Federal Reserve 'independence' have a point. Allowing a secretive central bank to control interest rates and the money supply is the reason the purchasing power of the dollar has vastly declined since 1971, when President Nixon severed the last link between the dollar and gold. Fed-produced fiat currency is also the cause of rising economic inequality and instability.

"The beneficiaries of this system are the politicians and the corporatist interests living off the welfare-warfare state.

"On the other hand, President Trump’s critics are correct that giving politicians power to set interest rates would be a recipe for disaster.

"Instead of arguing over who should control the money supply and set rates, President Trump and Congress should work to audit and end the Fed."

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Canadian gov't loses Emergencies Act appeal

A Federal Appeals Court has ruled that the Canadian government's use of the Emergencies Act to terminate the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests was unreasonable and violated Charter rights.

Maksim Sokolov Freedom Convoy protesters, Ottawa, Feb. 12, 2022. CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons.

Federal government loses Emergencies Act appeal, court says use during convoy protest was unreasonable | CBC News | Catharine Tunney:

January 16, 2026 - 'The Liberal government unreasonably invoked the Emergencies Act to clear the convoy protests that gridlocked the capital city and border points nearly four years ago,' the Federal Court of Appeal ruled on Friday.

"The court dismissed the government's appeal of a 2024 ruling which deemed former prime minister Justin Trudeau's decision to use the legislation [was] unlawful and infringed on protesters' Charter rights.... The Federal Court was initially asked to review the government's deeply divisive proclamation of a public order emergency by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), the Canadian Constitution Foundation and other groups. In that 2024 decision, Federal Court Justice Richard Mosley, since retired, said the government's decision lacked justification, transparency and intelligibility.

"The government appealed. During a hearing last February, its lawyers argued the court downplayed violence with 'hindsight bias on full display.' The government has long argued the protests posed a security threat and the measures it took under the Emergencies Act were targeted, proportional and temporary.

"But the appeal court's decision agreed with Mosley's finding that cabinet did not have reasonable grounds to believe that a threat to national security existed and fell short of the legal threshold needed to invoke the act."

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Trump embraces regime change in Venezuela

Making Imperialism Great Again? | Ron Paul Institute | Ron Paul:

January 12, 2026 - "It did not take long for President Trump to change the reason for sending the US military to 'arrest' Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The allegation that President Maduro ran a drug cartel was front and center in the months leading up to President Maduro’s 'arrest.' Afterwards, President Trump said the invasion was about Venezuela’s oil and announced plans for the US government to send American oil companies into Venezuela.

"About a week after the invasion, President Trump had a meeting with executives from American oil companies to discuss plans for Venezuela. Some of the companies’ executives at the meeting were less than enthusiastic about developing Venezuelan oil. One reason for this is that, since the Venezuelan government nationalized oil activities twenty years ago, fracking has made the US the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas. Rebuilding the oil industry in Venezuela could cost as much as a billion dollars for an uncertain payoff. Among the complications, Venezuelan oil does not easily flow though pipelines unless it is cut with solvents, making it more expensive to transport.

"In his first press conference after the Venezuelan first couple was seized, President Trump said: 'We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition.' He later stated that Maduro’s successor Vice President Delcy Rodriguez would 'pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,' if she does not adequately fulfill the US government’s demands.

"Following the invasion of Venezuela, there have been suggestions that President Trump will direct the US military to invade other countries as well. For example, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio said, 'if I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I’d be concerned.'

"To no one’ s surprise, Senator Lindsey Graham was delighted by the possibility that Venezuela was just the first of many regime change wars President Trump will wage. Senator Graham even got President Trump to autograph a Make Iran Great Again hat. Many Iranian victims of the Shah of Iran’s secret police might disagree with Senator Graham on whether having the CIA install another puppet government in Iran will make that country great.

"President Trump’s newfound love of regime change wars may be one reason why he is seeking to increase the military budget to 1.5 trillion dollars. President Trump claims that tariff revenue can fund the increase, but that is simply not possible. The majority of the increase in spending would come from other taxes, including the Federal Reserve’s regressive and hidden inflation tax.

"A recent poll by the Pew Research Center found that there is much less support for an 'activist' US foreign policy among Americans under 50 than among older Americans. This is the case among both Democrats and Republicans. In fact, the differing view on foreign policy among younger people was a major factor behind President Trump’s support from younger people in 2024. Continued betrayal by President Trump of his no more regime change wars pledge will cause the president and the Republicans to lose support among younger voters."

Copyright © 2026 The Ron Paul Institute. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is gladly granted, provided full credit and a live link are given.
https://ronpaulinstitute.org/making-imperialism-great-again/

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Crown loses fight to seize Chris Barber's truck

An Ontario judge has dismissed the Crown's attempt to seize Chris Barber's truck, Big Red, for his part in the 2022 Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa.

Judge dismisses Crown’s attempt to forfeit Chris Barber’s truck | Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (news release):

December 19, 2025 - "The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that the Ontario Court of Justice has dismissed the Crown’s application to forfeit the truck of peaceful Freedom Convoy organizer Chris Barber. Mr. Barber’s 2004 Kenworth long-haul truck, known as 'Big Red,' is his primary source of income for his family.

Barber and Big Red. Chris Barber / Justice Centre.

"The forfeiture application arose from Mr. Barber’s peaceful participation in the 2022 Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa.

"Despite evidence that police directed Mr. Barber where to park his truck and later instructed him to move it, the Crown sought to permanently seize the vehicle as alleged offence-related property. The court’s decision brings an end to the forfeiture proceedings for now.

"Chris Barber said, 'This truck is my livelihood. Trying to permanently seize it for peacefully protesting was wrong, and I’m relieved the court refused to allow that to happen.'

"Criminal defence lawyer Marwa Racha Younes welcomed the ruling. 'We find it was the right decision in the circumstances and are happy with the outcome,' she said.

"Mr. Barber continues to pursue appeals related to his criminal conviction and sentence stemming from the Freedom Convoy protest. The Justice Centre has provided funding for Mr. Barber’s legal defence since 2022, including the ongoing proceedings opposing the Crown’s attempt to seize his truck.

“'This decision is good news for all Canadians who cherish their Charter freedom to assemble peacefully,' said John Carpay, president of the Justice Centre. 'Asset forfeiture is an extraordinary power, and it must not be used to punish Canadians for participating in peaceful protest,' he added."

https://www.jccf.ca/judge-dismisses-crowns-attempt-to-forfeit-chris-barbers-truck/

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