Good morning. The Democratic win in the U.S. midterms was surprisingly decisive. More on that below, along with tariff news from China and Airbnb ratings on review.
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U.S. President Donald Trump at the site of the White House ballroom on Nov. 4.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
TOP STORIES
America’s thundering rebuke
In an era of divided politics and tight electoral margins, Democrats ousted Republicans from coast to coast. As the dust settles after the landslide victories, reasons for the pushback on the ballot, including the surprising outcomes, continue to come into focus.
Canada connection: Michigan, Maine, Ohio, Texas and Kansas became major battlegrounds in the lead-up to election day. Here is a look at how tariffs are affecting some of the states that are most vulnerable to trade relations with Canada.
Opinion and analysis:
- The Trump administration is contemplating its post-election strategy. So are the Democrats, who face important challenges ahead.
- Earlier elections in Hungary and Serbia, and now the U.S. midterms, acted as referendums on out-of-touch leaders.
- With Democrats taking Congress, the trade war will continue and could even be worse.
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Trucks line up at an inspection station in Oakville, Ont.Keito Newman/The Globe and Mail
Manitoba shuts down trucking company, again
The Manitoba government says it has shut down, for the second time, the operators of a trucking company linked to a deadly accident earlier this year.
The details: Conquer Transport was first decertified in Manitoba over chronic safety issues in 2021. The company appeared under a slightly different name in Alberta, where the province also revoked its safety credentials. Now, a new probe found a third carrier was “operating under the direct control” of individuals connected to Conquer.
The context: The original fatal accident in Brandon, Man., prompted calls for a national trucking registry to better share safety data and crack down on companies that move jurisdictions or change names to dodge safety regulation.
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Deer leap through a canola field in Fort St. John, B.C.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
China extends some tariff reductions to 2028
Canada’s agriculture and seafood sectors got a bit of relief after China extended big tariff reductions for lobster, crabs, peas and canola meal for another two years. The suspended tariffs include 100-per-cent levies on peas and canola meal, which were set to expire on Dec. 31.
The details: In return, Canada has agreed to extend remission measures for some Chinese steel and aluminum products until the end of 2028. Last year, Ottawa began offering refunds on Canadian tariffs for a number of types of Chinese steel that Canada doesn’t produce domestically.
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François-Philippe Champagne chooses a new pair of shoes in Montreal on Wednesday, as part of a tradition observed the day before the federal budget.Roger Lemoyne/Reuters
What to expect from today’s federal budget
The federal budget will focus on affordability and cultural sovereignty while continuing the government’s push to make Canada’s economy more independent, said Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne.
What we know: Many of the budget’s big-ticket items have already been announced in recent weeks, including a Productivity Mega Deduction that expands the ability of businesses to immediately write off investments in eligible capital assets, worth $36-billion over five years.
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Online reviews are critical for travellers to make quick, informed decisions.Getty Images
Are Airbnb reviews truthful?
After an Airbnb stay on a cross-Canada road trip, Alicia Simms Breland discovered that some five-star ratings might be corrupted by a relentless pursuit of glowing reviews, after hosts asked her to delete a positive four-star review.
Tell us: How much do you rely on online reviews when booking travel? Have you ever been asked to change a review? Share your experience and tips with The Globe for a future story.
The Take
Using our control of hockey as a lever, Carney is setting Canada against the international sporting establishment. Ignoring the [Court of Arbitration for Sport] is the first step. Forcing the International Ice Hockey Federation to fall in line goes along with it.
— Cathal Kelly
In banning Russia from attending the world juniors, Canada flexes its supreme power in hockey, writes Cathal Kelly.
The Shot
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Janice Smella and her daughter Katie, 17, prepare dinner outside their home on Oct. 27.LEAH HENNEL/The Globe and Mail
Meet the Calgary family that became World Champions in the highly competitive culinary sport of slow, southern barbecue.
The Wrap
What else we’re following
At home: Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he’s “very open” to discussions with the new Quebec Premier on whether to keep up seasonal time changes.
Abroad: Israeli President Isaac Herzog will begin consultations with party representatives on the formation of a new government.
In court: The Cornell University sexual assault investigation will be led by the former prosecutor in the cases of music mogul Sean (Diddy) Combs and fashion executive Peter Nygard.
On the road: Police say 20 people were hurt when a bus chartered by a contractor for a data centre company went off the highway near Mackenzie, B.C.
For owners: As year-end approaches, business owners should consider these ideas to save on taxes.
For fun: The new owner of Toys “R” Us Canada will revive the brand by opening dedicated shopping areas within 300 Staples stores by end of 2027