Toronto News Daily

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor visited the White House on St. Patrick’s Day, where he shared his views on Ireland’s political landscape during a press event alongside White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Dressed in a green pinstriped three-piece suit, McGregor took questions from the press, beginning with an inquiry about undocumented Irish immigrants living in the United States.

Leavitt, with a playful remark, quipped, “Taking over the podium,” as McGregor approached.

“Ireland and America are siblings,” McGregor stated. “We consider America our big sibling, and it’s crucial for Ireland to remain a peaceful, happy, and prosperous country.” He continued, emphasizing the desire for Ireland’s relationship with the U.S. to endure, noting, “We wish to be taken care of by the big bro. The United States should look after its little bro. That’s how we feel.”

Before reporters could delve deeper into McGregor’s thoughts, Leavitt interjected, sharing that McGregor was in Washington to meet with President Biden later that afternoon. “We couldn’t think of a better guest to have with us on St. Patrick’s Day,” Leavitt added, noting that both McGregor and herself were wearing green, making for a festive atmosphere. She also mentioned that McGregor would discuss further details during a later briefing.

McGregor used the platform to express his concerns about the current situation in Ireland, stating that he was there to bring attention to the issues the Irish people face. “It will be music to the people of Ireland’s ears, as the issues affecting them have never been discussed on such a prominent stage,” he said. McGregor criticized the Irish government, accusing it of abandoning the voices of its citizens and failing to take action on critical matters.

“It’s high time America becomes aware of what’s happening in Ireland,” McGregor said, calling the situation a “travesty.” He went on to criticize the Irish government for its lack of accountability and its allocation of resources toward overseas issues that, in his view, had little relevance to the Irish population.

McGregor’s most pointed remarks were aimed at illegal immigration, which he described as “ravaging” Ireland. He spoke of rural towns that had been overwhelmed by an influx of immigrants, leading to a demographic shift where native residents had become a minority in their own communities. “This issue needs to be addressed,” McGregor concluded, urging both Irish and American leaders to take action.

In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade disputes, Toronto has announced a strategic plan consisting of 10 measures aimed at supporting Canadian businesses and workers. This action comes as a response to the economic impact of the trade war, which has raised concerns about job security, rising costs, and the future of Canadian industries.

Mayor Olivia Chow, together with her economic action team, presented the plan at a press conference on Monday. The focus of the initial measures is to provide immediate relief over the next 30 days.

Among the key initiatives outlined, Toronto will prioritize Canadian suppliers in city procurement processes, helping to direct more municipal business to domestic companies. Additionally, industrial properties in the city will be allowed to defer taxes for six months, providing vital cash flow relief to businesses. The city is also launching a “Love Local” campaign, encouraging residents to support Canadian-made products.

“Canada is facing an unnecessary and harmful trade war. People are anxious—worried about their jobs, the rising cost of food, and the increasing cost of living,” Mayor Chow remarked during the announcement.

Toronto is working closely with federal and provincial governments to adopt a coordinated response to mitigate the effects of U.S. protectionism. The city has also partnered with neighboring municipalities and Ontario’s provincial government to reduce dependence on U.S.-based suppliers. Further efforts are being made to support and strengthen Toronto’s manufacturing and industrial sectors.

This response comes in the face of ongoing tensions with U.S. President Trump, who has criticized Canada’s leadership and suggested that Canada would be better off as part of the United States. He has also threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, citing a series of grievances against Canada, including issues related to immigration, fentanyl, and the banking system.

While the threat of tariffs remains, U.S. economic policies have been unpredictable, with Washington offering temporary reprieves and carve-outs for certain countries. Despite these shifting policies, Toronto’s measures are aimed at providing stability and support for local businesses during uncertain times.

Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton is cautioning Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, against mirroring Donald Trump’s rhetoric when negotiating trade and tariffs. According to Bolton, such an approach could further strain relations between the two nations rather than improve them.

In an interview on The West Block with Mercedes Stephenson, Bolton remarked that ties between Trump and Carney “can’t get much worse” than they were under Justin Trudeau. However, he warned Carney to be strategic with his language when engaging with the U.S. president.

“He can take any approach he wants on substance, but he shouldn’t sound like Donald Trump,” Bolton advised. “You’re not going to improve things by trying to match Trump’s rhetoric. Number one, no sane person can do it, and number two, it’s not going to help get a better outcome.”

Bolton referenced a recent remark by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who described Canada as a “neighbour, a partner … perhaps a competitor now” when asked about Canada’s standing as a U.S. ally. This, he said, demonstrates how rhetoric shapes relationships.

Trade War and Carney’s First Moves as PM

Canada has been working at all levels of government to address the ongoing trade war with the U.S., which escalated in March. In efforts to negotiate a favorable deal, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal ministers Dominic LeBlanc and François-Philippe Champagne recently met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, emerging with promises of further discussions. Meanwhile, Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products are set to take effect on April 2.

During his first press conference as prime minister, Carney stated he was open to meeting Trump to discuss trade and other bilateral concerns but had no immediate plans to visit Washington. He also dismissed Trump’s ongoing remarks about making Canada the 51st U.S. state as outright “crazy.”

“We will never, ever, in any way, shape or form be part of the United States,” Carney declared.

Trump’s Controversial Take on Canada-U.S. Border

Bolton also pushed back against Trump’s recent remarks calling the Canada-U.S. border an “artificial line” created by “some guy years ago.” Trump’s claim, which disregards the 1818 British-American border agreement, was described by Bolton as a reflection of Trump’s ignorance of history.

With tensions mounting and trade disputes unresolved, Carney’s approach to navigating Trump’s unpredictable style will be crucial in shaping Canada-U.S. relations moving forward.

The owners of a Scarborough bar where a mass shooting left 12 people injured have spoken out, expressing their heartbreak over the tragic events that unfolded during their grand opening.

The Piper Arms, located at Scarborough Town Centre, was celebrating its opening night on Friday, March 7, when three men entered the establishment and opened fire on the crowd.

“We’ve seen a lot of shootings, a lot of videos. But tonight’s shooting—these guys just looked at the crowd and opened fire,” said Toronto Police Supt. Paul MacIntyre at the scene.

Seven people sustained gunshot wounds, while the remaining five were injured by shattered glass. The three suspects remain at large as police continue their investigation.

In a public statement, the owners of Piper Arms extended their sympathies to those affected and gratitude to first responders and law enforcement for their swift action.

“The safety of our guests and staff remains our top priority. We are cooperating fully with authorities as they investigate, and we are relieved that no lives were lost.”

The investigation is ongoing as police search for the suspects.

Canadian immigration experts are urging travelers to double-check their paperwork before attempting to enter the United States, following the detention of a Vancouver woman by U.S. border officials earlier this month.

Canadian Businesswoman Detained at U.S. Border

Jasmine Mooney, a Canadian entrepreneur, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the San Diego border while attempting to re-enter the U.S. from Mexico last Monday.

“I was reapplying for my work visa, and without any warning, I was taken by ICE,” Mooney told ABC News 10 San Diego from the detention center where she is currently being held.

Mooney, the founder of a water health drink brand, was applying for a TN Visa—a nonimmigrant visa that allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in specific professional fields in the U.S. However, she says ICE agents criticized her application, telling her she was “unprofessional” because her documents were not on a proper letterhead.

Work Visa Complications Led to Detention

Mooney originally moved to Los Angeles in summer 2024 with a three-year TN visa. She successfully entered the U.S. from Mexico at that time but was attempting to reapply for a new visa after her original was unexpectedly revoked in November.

Her mother, Alexis Eagles, described her horrifying detention experience, saying Mooney was held for three nights at the border, then transferred in chains to a San Diego detention center, before being moved to a facility in Arizona.

“I climb into my warm bed every evening feeling guilty because I know my daughter is in a concrete cell without even a blanket,” Eagles told Global News from her home in Abbotsford, B.C.

Harsh Detention Conditions Raise Concerns

Mooney said she was placed in a cell without a blanket or pillow, forced to sleep on a thin mat, and surrounded by other detained women who had been held for weeks without clear updates.

“We were up for 24 hours wrapped in chains,” Mooney said, describing the treatment inside the facility.

Legal Experts Weigh In

U.S.-based immigration lawyer Len Saunders, who spoke with Mooney before her detention, said that while he is not her attorney, he believes her case highlights the growing scrutiny of Canadian travelers at U.S. borders.

Mooney’s case serves as a stark warning to Canadians traveling to the U.S. for work—ensuring all documentation is correct and properly formatted is more important than ever.

Ontario’s controversial energy surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. will remain suspended following a high-stakes meeting between Premier Doug Ford and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington.

Ford’s office confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the short-lived surcharge—which had been imposed on electricity sold to New York, Minnesota, and Michigan—will not be reinstated after what Ford described as “the best meeting I’ve ever had” in Washington.

No Tariff Exemptions for Canada or Ontario

Despite Ford’s optimism, the U.S. did not grant any new tariff exemptions or special treatment for Canada or Ontario. The 25% global tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum remains in place.

Previously, Ford had vowed to keep Ontario’s retaliatory measures—including the energy surcharge—in place until U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods were completely lifted. However, the meeting resulted in no changes to the U.S. stance.

A Tense Week of U.S.-Ontario Trade Friction

The meeting followed a dramatic week of escalating tensions between Ontario and the White House. Ford’s 25% surcharge on electricity exports had caught the attention of President Donald Trump, prompting the U.S. to threaten economic retaliation.

Trump quickly responded by doubling tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50%, escalating the trade dispute. However, within hours of that announcement, Ford paused the energy surcharge, citing an agreement to meet with Lutnick in Washington.

Ford later described the meeting and prior phone discussions with Lutnick as an “olive branch” from the White House. While Trump withdrew his retaliatory tariff hike, he did not grant any exemptions for Canada or Ontario from the broader 25% steel and aluminum tariffs.

U.S. Calls Ford’s Move a Climbdown

Trump and Lutnick characterized Ford’s decision to suspend the surcharge as an embarrassing reversal for Ontario.

“He knows he made a mistake and he withdrew it,” Lutnick told the media, dismissing the surcharge as Ontario’s “little threat.”

Ford’s advisors acknowledged that traveling to Washington D.C. at a time when Trump was publicly attacking Canada and Ontario was a risk, but Ford insisted that negotiating was the right move.

Ford Calls Meeting a ‘Success’

Speaking after the meeting, Ford hailed the discussions as productive, even though they did not lead to any tariff concessions from the U.S.

“We shared a tremendous amount of views back and forth, and I’m feeling very positive,” Ford said. “This, I can honestly say, was the best meeting I’ve ever had coming down here.”

While the energy surcharge remains on hold, Ford did not indicate whether Ontario would reintroduce the measure in the future if tariffs on Canadian goods persist.

As Ontario Premier Doug Ford prepares for a crucial meeting in Washington, the looming threat of imposing tariffs or cutting off U.S. energy exports continues to hang over the negotiations. Ford’s team is heading to Washington on Thursday for talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a meeting that could either calm the tensions or escalate them further.

The meeting follows a turbulent week during which Ontario imposed a 25% surcharge on the energy it exports to the U.S. In retaliation, President Donald Trump responded with a threat of his own: a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. Trump’s team labeled Ford’s energy move as “egregious and insulting,” vowing to retaliate with significant economic measures.

In a dramatic twist, Lutnick called Ford and invited him to the White House for a discussion, which Ford described as an “olive branch.” This prompted Ford to pause the energy surcharge to facilitate the meeting, while Trump scaled back his tariff threat from 50% to 25%—the same rate applied to the rest of the world.

Since then, Trump has shifted between praising Ford as a “strong man” and belittling the surcharge as Ontario’s “little threat.” Lutnick has been vocal, asserting that Ford “knows he made a mistake and he withdrew it.”

Despite these back-and-forth comments, one senior Ontario government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that Ford was “taking a chance” by pausing the surcharge and attending the White House meeting. However, they noted that the risks could be worth it if the meeting helps remove economic sanctions, which threaten vital Ontario industries, especially the automotive sector.

Ford himself emphasized that rejecting the meeting was the “worst thing” he could do. The government source echoed this, explaining that if the talks yield no results, Ontario would simply return to its original position. However, the energy surcharge and the threat to cut off power remain options on the table, contingent on the outcome of the meeting.

Should the talks go well, Ford’s team is hopeful that a closer trade relationship with the U.S. could be forged, and the energy surcharge could remain suspended. But if the discussions falter, Ontario could very well reinstate the surcharge.

In the event of reintroducing the 25% surcharge on energy exports to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York, the Ontario government would need to instruct the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to add the fee once again. The surcharge would bring in an estimated $400,000 per day, according to government estimates. While the funds would theoretically be directed towards helping Ontario families and businesses, the exact usage of the revenue is still under discussion.

A source within the Ministry of Energy mentioned that civil servants and political staff are still deliberating whether new legislation will be needed to allocate the funds raised by the surcharge. Although this is not seen as urgent—since the surcharge is only collected monthly, with the next settlement date in mid-April—decisions on how to manage the funds are still in the works.

In Ontario’s electricity grid system, the surcharge would be applied by individual power generators who sell energy to the U.S. The added fee would remain until the IESO finalizes its monthly market settlements. Once that happens, the collected surcharge funds would be held in an account until the Ford government determines how to allocate them and whether new legislation is needed.

As Ford heads to Washington, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Ontario’s energy surcharge, along with the threat to cut off power, could either be a diplomatic tool or a weapon in an ongoing trade war. The coming days will reveal whether Ford’s gamble pays off or if the dispute takes a more combative turn.