Boris appeared at the right-wing Canada Strong and Free Network last night, at which he gave an impassioned defence of the need to keep supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russia. Boris succinctly specified the cause that brings freedom-lovers together:

“The difference between us conservatives and our opponents is that every time their instinct are always about control, expropriation, coercion – about taking your money and spending it on your behalf, and regulating your lives. We on the whole are in favour of freedom. It’s that single Anglo-Saxon idea of freedom that should unite conservatives.“

Boris had a few things to say about “absolutely nuts” decisions by so-called Conservatives at home: “We’re banning cigars? What is the point? The party of Winston Churchill wants to ban cigars. Donnez moi un break, as they say in Quebec. It’s just mad.” More than a few Tory MPs are in strong agreement on that one…

Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq was trotted out this morning to tell viewers the news that Starmer is looking to achieve “more of a stronger Brexit deal” in Paris today. Guido was more surprised by the claim that the Brexit deal “is a bit too thin, if you look at countries like New Zealand and Canada, they’ve actually got a stronger Brexit deal … which makes it easier for businesses to cut red tape.” Really?

Last time Guido checked Canada and New Zealand still trade over tariff barriers with the EU and will continue to even when their long-feted individual agreements come into force. The Kiwis will have export duties removed on some food and drink products while Canadian agricultural products, for example dairy and poultry, will still be subject to tariffs even after CETA is ratified by EU member states. The UK has a tariff free Brexit deal. Someone needs to do their trade agreement homework…

Here is Canadian Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre explaining why printing money for the last three years wasn’t such a good idea. If only someone had explained this to Westminster at some point…

Although Justin Trudeau may have just about clung to power last night, having blown $610 million on a pandemic election that still left him with a minority government, he’ll nonetheless have to fill a couple of spots at his cabinet table after two Liberal incumbents managed to lose their seats to Conservative challengers. One unlucky lieutenant to fall on her sword is none other than Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Maryam Monsef, who co-conspirators will remember for her unifying message to the Taliban back in August:

“I want to take this opportunity to speak to our brothers, the Taliban. We call on you to ensure the safe and secure passage of any individual in Afghanistan out of the country.”

Monsef later clarified that it was a “cultural reference“, which her constituents have now acknowledged by showing her the door anyway. She lost to political novice Michelle Ferreri, who’s never held public office before, and yet still beat Monsef 41% to 33% for the Peterborough—Kawartha seat. This is only the second time in 60 years that Peterborough—Kawartha has elected a candidate from the opposition party. Go woke, go broke…

A desperate Justin Trudeau used last night’s first televised Canadian election debate to threaten another snap election within 18 months should he fail to win a majority. It would be the eighth federal vote in 19 years…

As Guido reported earlier in the week, despite calling an election presuming he’d win an easy majority, the Liberal leader is now behind the Canadian Conservatives in almost every poll, some putting him as far as eight points behind.

With just 18 days to go, this may prove to be one of the most interesting Western elections for a while…

Justin Trudeau is on track to do a full-on Theresa May next month, with the latest polling showing his Liberal Party is now trailing the Conservatives by full eight points ahead of September’s snap election. An election which, it’s worth pointing out, Trudeau himself called to secure a majority and – presumably – crush the saboteurs…

Having led most polls for the better part of a year, hemorrhaging this much support so quickly is quite the achievement. Proposing nonsense policies like a national carbon tax mid-pandemic whilst simultaneously botching the vaccine rollout and then taking the electorate’s votes for granted is certainly one way to turn off potential voters. Trotting out your Equality Minister to call the Taliban “Our Brothers” is another…