Canada is apparently escaping the worst-case-scenario predictions about the U.S.’s trade war. That’s good news! And while Trump avoids dealing with Canada at all, our prime minister is strengthening trade and defence relationships with the EU, and normalizing relations with two other gigantic markets, China and India. Also kinda good, I guess! Or not, depending on which way you look at it.

It’s hard to say for sure how any of this will go, but it is encouraging to see our government actively weaning itself off its dependence on the schizophrenic elephant to the south. And that we may very well be avoiding a recession. Though, apparently we’re facing something worse? 🤷🏻‍♂️

- Stephen Smysnuik

Canada’s fertility rate is at a record low. Experts are investigating why, and influencers are debating the topic as well. Plus, like, the world might be ending – so is there even any point in having children these days?

In today’s story, Alyssa Hirose explores both sides of the argument. On the one hand,  the economy sucks and the cost of living has skyrocketed. The stats indicate misery is baked into the experience, especially for women. So, like, why would you do that to yourself?

Then again, just because times are tough doesn’t mean young folks should give up on procreating altogether. For one, having children does offer a greater sense of meaning for those who choose to have them – and Gen Alpha is shaping up to be the most environmentally conscious yet. Could they save the world?

Ciao for now!