The Trump administration faces scrutiny for tracking user data on federal websites. Meanwhile, a US-Iran ceasefire holds, amidst new revelations about Trump family business dealings.
Author: HTN Editorial
HTN Editorial is the curation desk of Hold The North, an independent Canadian news platform amplifying journalists and voices outside the mainstream. We bring together the stories that matter to real Canadians — politics, world news, and street-level coverage you won't find in corporate media
Saskatchewan Elections: A Century of Political Shifts
Both the Liberals and the Provincial Rights Party adopted similar planks in their platform related to the ownership of public utilities and the building of railroads and schools. But Haultain’s platform also included demands for full provincial autonomy equal to that of other provinces. To do so, Haultain would take the Dominion government to “the highest Court of the Empire.”
Canada’s Petro-Politics: Climate, Pipelines, & Separatism
Charlie Angus dissects the intricate interplay of Canadian petro-politics, climate commitments, and emerging separatist movements, heavily influenced by key figures and external actors. It examines the federal government’s policy shifts amidst provincial resistance and international pressure, highlighting the precarious balance between resource development and environmental stewardship.
Foreign Interference Allegations Ignored by Media
Here’s a draft for HTN:
Angus Demands Inquiry as Foreign Interference Warnings Mount Over Alberta Separatist Movement
Former NDP MP Charlie Angus took to Parliament Hill this week calling for a public inquiry into foreign interference linked to Alberta’s separatist movement — and he’s not alone in sounding the alarm.
Angus has spent the better part of a year warning that outside actors are exploiting Alberta’s independence debate, comparing the tactics to what he calls the “Donbas playbook” — the same pattern of offshore bot farms, fake pages, and disinformation campaigns he says shaped Brexit and the 2016 Trump election. He points directly at the Trump White House, noting that high-level meetings between U.S. officials and a small group of Alberta separatist leaders have been quietly taking place for some time.
Canada’s own intelligence agency appears to share his concern. CSIS director Dan Rogers warned last month that Alberta’s potential secession vote is, in his words, “rife for amplification” from foreign interference — singling out Russia as a particular threat. Researchers presented findings to a Toronto conference this week concluding that foreign adversaries are actively working to erode social cohesion, deepen divisions, and undermine confidence in Canadian democratic institutions.
The federal government’s response has been muted. Alberta’s UCP government is pointing to an RCMP review that found no credible evidence of interference — though critics note the federal government quietly raised the threshold for launching such investigations back in 2025, making that conclusion harder to interpret than it appears.
Angus is calling that out directly and wants answers.
Scrap China EV Deal, Auto Group Urges
Canada’s auto lobby is urging Ottawa to scrap its EV agreement with China — but that’s easier said than done. With over 90 per cent of Canadian vehicle production destined for the U.S., the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association argues diversification simply isn’t realistic. But tearing up a trade arrangement with Beijing doesn’t come without consequences. China has already demonstrated its willingness to use Canadian agricultural exports as leverage — canola farmers know that lesson well. Ottawa is being asked to choose between protecting the auto sector and protecting the farm gate. There may not be a clean answer.
Guilbeault Resigns, Kinew on Smith, Activist Exclusive
Former Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault resigns, citing disagreements on climate policy. Meanwhile, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew pushes back against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s rhetoric on Indigenous rights and separatism. This piece also features an exclusive interview with a Canadian activist who recounts his detention and alleged abuse by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
Russia Labels Rights Group OVD-Info ‘Extremist’
Russian authorities have designated the leading human rights organization OVD-Info as an ‘extremist’ group, significantly escalating the crackdown on civil society. This move, part of a broader targeting of Memorial-affiliated organizations, criminalizes their vital work documenting abuses and providing legal aid.
Canada’s High-Speed Rail Debate: Lessons from the CPR
Leni Spooner draws parallels between Canada’s 1881 CPR debate and today’s high-speed rail proposals, highlighting persistent challenges in nation-building infrastructure. It underscores the profound societal costs of inaction, urging a re-evaluation of long-term vision over short-term fiscal concerns.
