After he pre-emptively stepped out of the leadership race, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc is being pressured by his fellow M-Ps to get back in.

At least a dozen party members are encouraging LeBlanc to reconsider his earlier decision.

LeBlanc has been at the front of recent tariff talks with Canada’s U-S counterparts.  Several cabinet ministers are mulling whether they want to run to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal party leader.  Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly says she’s receiving a lot of support from across the country but has to also factor in her family.  Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon is considering a run and says it’s essential the next party leader is fluent in both official languages.

 

 

Several cabinet ministers are saying we shouldn’t overreact to U-S president-elect Donald Trump’s comments about annexing Canada.  Foreign Affairs minister Melanie Joly says Canada should not take Trump’s “bait” but should not back down in efforts to counter the threats he is making.  On her way to a Liberal caucus meeting on Parliament Hill Joly said the government needs to listen to Trump and “take him very seriously.”  Trump amped up comments about making Canada the 51st state on Tuesday and said he will follow through with his plan to impose 25 per cent tariffs when sworn into office.

 

 

The Town of New Glasgow is advising that there will be traffic disruptions on Friday at the intersection of George Street and Archimedes Street.  The intersection will be partially dismantled as new flashing red lights and stop signs are to be erected. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the day.  Traffic control crews will be on site.

 

 

In sports,

The Pictou County Weeks Crushers will host the Grand Falls Rapids tonight at 7:00pm in Maritime Hockey League action.