WHATTT?!?

Doha, Greenland, Supreme Court Of Canada

It’s Monday morning — here’s what’s happening.

Prime Minister Mark Carney was in Doha yesterday, where he announced a new strategic partnership between Canada and Qatar, the first-ever visit by a Canadian prime minister to the country. The agreement includes significant Qatari investment in Canada’s nation-building projects, along with cooperation in information technology, defence and security. The two countries also announced a new double-taxation agreement, increased air travel between Canada and Qatar, and plans to establish a Canadian Defence Attaché office in Doha.

Read the full news release here

Greenland remains top of mind for many Canadians as Donald Trump ramps up threats to acquire the Danish territory. On Saturday night, Trump announced plans to impose 10% tariffs on eight countries that sent military personnel to Greenland for joint training exercises, saying the forces are meant to deter U.S. action. Trump warned those tariffs would rise to 25% by June 1 if no deal is reached for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, claiming the territory is needed for national security.

Emergency meetings were held in Brussels by European leaders following the announcement. While no retaliation has been announced yet, reports say the European Union is considering using its so-called “trade bazooka” — a powerful tool that allows the EU to respond quickly to economic pressure by imposing tariffs, restricting services or investments, limiting market access, or targeting sectors like tech, finance, or energy, without waiting years for international court rulings. The EU has never formally used this tool.

Reports also say Prime Minister Carney is considering sending Canadian troops to Greenland alongside other NATO allies, though sources stress no decision has been made. When asked about the situation at his Doha press conference, Carney said he is “very concerned.”

Back in Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada is hearing arguments today in a major case that could change how police conduct traffic stops nationwide. At issue is whether police should be allowed to pull over drivers without any specific reason, known as random traffic stops.

The case was brought by Montrealer Joseph-Christopher Luamba, who was pulled over nearly a dozen times in the 18 months after getting his driver’s licence, none of which resulted in a ticket. Luamba told the Quebec Superior Court in 2022 that he prepares to pull over whenever he sees a police cruiser. Luamba, who is Black, says he believes he was racially profiled.

Lower courts in Quebec ruled that random traffic stops violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, amounting to arbitrary detention and disproportionately impacting racialized drivers. Quebec’s government is now asking the Supreme Court to overturn those rulings, arguing the power is necessary for road safety and crime prevention. The decision could affect other provinces with similar policing powers, potentially reshaping traffic stops across Canada.

Finally, an Alberta judge has ruled that pet custody is not the same as child custody. The case involved a former couple fighting over four cats they adopted while living together. After the breakup, one partner took all four cats, prompting a lawsuit. A trial judge initially ordered the cats be split evenly. On appeal, both parties argued for a more “cat-forward” approach to keep all four together.

The Court of King’s Bench rejected that argument, ruling that while child custody decisions focus on a child’s best interests, pets are legally considered property, and the purpose of pet ownership is companionship, not parental responsibility.

I just returned from the UK, and I’m still getting caught up on everything. I will be back later with more for you all. Cheers.

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