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May 17 2025

The Roundup: Military problems. NB Conservatives. Solomon's choice.

SAT MAY 17 2024
David Akin's Roundup
Military problems. NB Conservatives. Solomon's choice.
Canada
Canadian military’s new recruitment tool faces rollout problems
One applicant trying to re-enlist describes the system as slow and cumbersome, saying: 'Any enthusiasm I had for re-enlisting has completely evaporated.' [Global]
While the speech was, not surprisingly, filled with praise for President Trump and his actions in office, the tone and rhetoric diverged from the president’s when it came to Canada. For starters, there was no “51st state” talk. [NYT]

Three NDP MPs have called out the party’s executive and national council, claiming caucus wasn’t properly consulted in the recent selection of its interim leader.  [CBC]
The margin narrowed from 29 votes to 21 with the recount. [Global]

"I'm used to travelling around for work like that, so it's not something new to me," he said. "I like to be really busy and I really like the contact with the people. When we are in Ottawa, we are in Parliament [mostly], so I think it's important in the riding to stay connected to the people. I like to go to different community activities to connect with the people you're representing." [CBC]
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The Provinces
PC party ponders a new direction — and a new leader — in wake of defeat
"I like talking to people. I'm in the people business. I miss politics a little bit, so I want to be part of the renewal process," he said. Allain acknowledged being part of that renewal may include running for the PC leadership. "We'll see in the future but it's definitely something I'm interested in," he said. Good stock-taking of the state of NB's PC Party from Jacques Poitras here. [CBC]
New Brunswick Progressive Conservatives won’t be tackling thorny changes to their party constitution next weekend after all. [CBC]

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has restructured her government’s cabinet for the first time since winning the election in 2023, adding three new ministers, creating or renaming seven ministries, and moving several veteran members of executive council to new roles. [Edmonton Journal]

Preparations are in full swing as Alberta prepares to host the G7 summit -- featuring leaders from many of the world's top economies -- in Kananaskis from June 15-17. [Global]
Aurora
Elsewhere
Conservatives block Trump's big bill in stunning setback
Conservatives have blocked President Donald Trump’s big tax breaks and spending cuts bill. House Republicans failed Friday to push it out of the Budget Committee. [AP]
The ‘president’s id’ is leaving his mark on domestic and foreign policy with knowledge acquired in Trump’s first term and power delegated in this term. [NBC]
Media

These youth-focused news outlets have succeeded in what traditional media have been attempting to do for years: get young people to read the news. [Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism]

Save Social is a predominantly German-speaking effort to turn away from Big Tech social media platforms and strengthen alternatives. In less than three months, their petition has reached 200,000 signatures.

“We, as a society, have to be part of the solution,” said Staschen. “We want to strengthen alternative platforms. Ensure freedom of expression by creating diversity and transparency. [We Distribute]

Bouncer estimates how much of your audience is real. [Tools for Reporters]
Science and Technology
Solomon’s Choice: Charting the Future of AI Policy in Canada
Michael Geist: Under Mr. Solomon, will the government continue to view its AI role primarily through the prism of funding programs? There are certainly plenty of companies that will urge it to dole out hundreds of millions in support of computing infrastructure or business tech adoption. Yet recent failures involving “investing” billions in electric vehicle manufacturing or supporting e-commerce implementation highlight the risk of betting big on government spending as the solution. [Michael Geist Blog]
Once completed, the sprawling facility would cover 10 square miles and use roughly as much power as five nuclear reactors – far larger than any site the ChatGPT maker or its closest rivals have announced to date. Not all of the 5 gigawatts will go to OpenAI, one person said, but rather be shared by multiple firms. [Yahoo]
The Calendar
  • 0300 : Rome - PM Carney arrives in Rome.
  • 1030 : Rome - PM Carney meets with Italy PM Giorgia Meloni.
Issued this day ...
… in 2012: Sc 2548: Calgary Stampede: Silver and gold belt buckle. Design: Xerxes Irani.  Part of a two-stamp series to mark the centennial of Calgary’s famous Stampede.

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