Indigenous Struggle for Land Rights in Canada Persists into the 21st Century

Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, known as the Aga Khan and spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims, has died at the age of 88. The Aga Khan Development Network and representatives of the Ismaili community confirmed his passing on February 4, 2025, stating he died peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by family. His historical significance spans decades, having served as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismailis since 1957. The Aga Khan was noted for his efforts in promoting development and improving the quality of life for marginalized communities globally. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences, highlighting the Aga Khan’s impact on community development in Canada and abroad. The Ismaili community has been preparing a series of memorial activities to honor his legacy, which will include tributes to his lifelong dedication to humanitarian efforts. Further details are expected to emerge as the community reflects on his contributions and leadership.

In a significant escalation of trade tensions, Canada announced on February 2, 2025, that it will impose a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of US imports in response to President Donald Trump's recently signed order imposing stringent tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. The Canadian government views these tariffs as a necessary move to protect its economic interests, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump's order includes a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, citing “the major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs” including fentanyl. The tariffs are set to take effect on February 6, prompting concerns about a potential economic standoff that could destabilize relations with key trading partners. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has instructed her economy minister to implement retaliatory measures to safeguard Mexico’s interests. She criticized the US government's narrative regarding drug trafficking, emphasizing that the US should focus on combating drug sales on its own streets. The decision could exacerbate inflationary pressures in the US, potentially affecting millions of American households, as suggested by economic analyses from institutions like the Budget Lab at Yale.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on Monday that he will terminate a $100 million Canadian contract with Elon Musk's Starlink internet services. This decision comes as a direct response to President Donald Trump's implementation of sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, which Ford described as detrimental to the Canadian economy. "Ontario won’t do business with people hellbent on destroying our economy," Ford stated via social media. In addition to canceling the Starlink contract, Ford emphasized that his administration will also restrict American companies from participating in provincial contracts. He warned that U.S. businesses could lose "tens of billions of dollars" in revenue due to these retaliatory actions. Furthermore, Ford and other provincial leaders plan to remove American liquor brands from government shelves, a move expected to impact nearly $1 billion in sales annually of American alcoholic beverages. Ontario's response follows similar trade tensions, where Canada and Mexico have agreed to implement retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. in light of the economic measures initiated by Trump.