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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk

@cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social
1.2K followers 338 following 435 posts

Strategic communications professional and former policy analyst. Planting trees whose shade I may never know. I comment on CAF, economics, politics.

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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Whatever. I'd like to propose that anywhere that actually uses this name be forced to change the mnemonic for remembering the Great Lakes from "HOMES" to "SHAME", to reflect how they should feel about their choices in life.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Grounding the Snowbirds until new aircraft arrive is a good decision. But the replacement really should be a jet. I'm reflecting on why over on my Substack: open.substack.com/pub/policyha...
open.substack.com
Snowbirds, Baseball Cards, Islands, and Churches — What Makes a Great Airshow Plane
Why the Snowbird replacement ought to be a jet aircraft...
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Reposted by 🇨🇦 Policy Hawk
🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Are nuclear submarines the best submarines? Canada is just weeks away from selecting its next submarine and isn't even considering the nuclear option. Why not? I'm diving into that, and more, in my latest piece over on Substack. policyhawk.substack.com/p/why-the-nu...
policyhawk.substack.com
Why the Nuclear Option Isn’t on Canada’s Submarine Shopping List
With Canada's submarine selection approaching, it's worth answering why none of the options are nuclear...
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Are nuclear submarines the best submarines? Canada is just weeks away from selecting its next submarine and isn't even considering the nuclear option. Why not? I'm diving into that, and more, in my latest piece over on Substack. policyhawk.substack.com/p/why-the-nu...
policyhawk.substack.com
Why the Nuclear Option Isn’t on Canada’s Submarine Shopping List
With Canada's submarine selection approaching, it's worth answering why none of the options are nuclear...
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
I've just posted my first written material over on Substack! It's a piece taking a deep dive on one specific argument often raised but rarely elaborated on: Personnel. I hope you'll take a few minutes to read it! open.substack.com/pub/policyha...
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
This thread, over on twitter, got 450 likes. Here, it got 3. Use of that place is a moral hazard, and I'd love to make an alternative my default space online. But they deliver the things that make me want to be here.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
Canada’s renewed focus on Arctic security has led to lots of comparisons with Russia’s Arctic posture - usually to Canada’s disadvantage. But these comparisons tend to ignore some key realities. I want to break some of that down. 🧵
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
What happened on July 4 2024?
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
"Canada reconsidering F-35 purchase amid tensions with Washington, says [MND Blair]" Canada questioning its US military purchases isn't surprising, but being this forthright about it is. At least, it is if you expected Trudeau's style to last the day. www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
cbc.ca
Canada reconsidering F-35 purchase amid tensions with Washington, says minister | CBC News
Canada is looking at cancelling a major portion of its purchase of U.S.-built F-35 stealth fighters and plans on opening talks with rival aircraft makers, Defence Minister Bill Blair said.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
"Portugal rules out purchasing F-35 fighter jets and evaluates European alternatives" While I don't believe they had a formal order in place, last year their Air Force Chief said they'd already started transitioning to F-35. This is a real lost sale. www.aereo.jor.br/2025/03/13/p...
aereo.jor.br
Portugal descarta compra de caças F-35 e avalia alternativas europeias - Poder Aéreo – Aviação, Forças Aéreas, Indústria Aeroespacial e de Defesa
O ministro da Defesa Nacional de Portugal, Nuno Melo, anunciou que o país não irá adquirir os caças F-35 aos Estados Unidos, considerando o atual contexto geopolítico e a imprevisibilidade da política...
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Canadians can be cynical and dismissive of our military. This media availability with the CO of HMCS Corner Brook is a good reminder that members of the CAF are not. They are professionals with an understanding of their role and the capacity to do it. youtu.be/BQaAD1zNcUc?...
youtu.be
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
The French nuclear submarine FS Tourville photographed in Halifax Harbour today. This is nearly a brand new boat, just commissioned in November, and this visit is the first by a Suffren class to Halifax.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
"South Korea wants to sell submarines to Canada" Not much new information, except that the SK delegation visited this month. But there have been rumours that we'll get a submarine announcement before there's an election call, so this visit may be telling. ottawacitizen.com/news/nationa...
ottawacitizen.com
South Korea wants to sell submarines to Canada as relations sour with U.S.
South Korea sent a delegation to Canada to pitch itself as a reliable procurement partner for the Department of National Defence.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
"Canadian government orders icebreaker from Helsinki Shipyard" Not seeing Canadian media/press releases on this, but Finnish media is reporting a deal for an icebreaker with initial construction in Finland and final construction in Canada. yle.fi/a/74-20148343
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Sigh. America's traditional allies would probably want to join an effort to achieve these goals, if only they did it slightly less dumb and skipped the threats.
reuters.com
Exclusive: US to levy fees on ships linked to China, push allies to do similar – draft executive order
The United States is planning to charge fees for docking at U.S. ports on any ship that is part of a fleet that includes Chinese-built or Chinese-flagged vessels and will push allies to do similar or face retaliation, according to a draft executive order dated February 27 and seen by Reuters on Thursday.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Fuck cancer.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
"It may provoke Trump, but Canada should cancel the purchase of F-35 fighter jets from the U.S." Point blank, no we shouldn't. This would escalate our dispute into an arena Trump has not publicly taken it, and where we do not have leverage or power. Buying something else too, otoh...
theglobeandmail.com
Opinion: It may provoke Trump, but Canada should cancel the purchase of F-35 fighter jets from the U.S.
The problem is that Canada will never have full control over the heavily computerized planes
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
It's amazing to me that this type of response wasn't universal from the first day of DOGE. How is it that so few leaders, or even workers, in America have even this modest amount of spinal fortitude?
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
"'Canada wants the tariffs removed,' Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc says as U.S. officials talk compromise" Honestly, I think that *just* removing tariffs is already the compromise position from Canada's Point of View. What we *want* is some kind of assurance that this won't be repeated.
cbc.ca
Trudeau and Trump speak for first time since launch of the trade war | CBC News
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrapped up a call with his U.S. counterpart midday Wednesday, a senior government official told CBC News.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
I wonder if there's a way we can recognize (read: encourage) actions that help secure Canadian sovereignty through our Honours system. I'm thinking in terms of economically substantive things - but that initial thought might be too narrow.
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Reposted by 🇨🇦 Policy Hawk
Tim Ellis, TDSB Ward 2 candidate 🍁 @djdynamic.ca · 05/03/2025
If you're wondering about the vibe in Canada right now, I just got served this ad for a brewhouse that is just a portrait of the White House being burned down. No text, just a bigass picture of the White House burning and a link directly to their menu lolol
A gorgeous portrait of the White House entirely aflame, the smoke billowing and the flames lighting up the night sky. It sparks deep patriotic ferver. This is what democracy looks like.

Also there's a white button with blue text below the portrait. The text reads "Learn more" and if clicked it takes you to the menu of a local brewhouse.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
I'm much more bearish on the future of the Churchill port than many... but I'd happily be proven wrong! This is a positive development in that direction. Though, I notice that the article seems to say part of the intent is to store minerals at the port that will be transported out by train.
cbc.ca
Port of Churchill to double its critical mineral shipment capacity this year | CBC News
Manitoba’s northern port will ship double the amount of critical minerals it shipped last year, its ownership says.
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Reposted by 🇨🇦 Policy Hawk
Justin Ling @justinling.ca · 05/03/2025
A reminder that, prior to today, that only 0.6% of American manufactured goods exported to Canada were tariffed at all.
Table showing that 97% of the value of American exports to Canada were duty-free, 99.4% excluding agricultural goods
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
I tuned into Trump's speech because I saw some posts saying the Democrats were shouting him down. But all I've seen from them, so far is silence and lame signs. Did the three Democrats with any fight get kicked out, or something? @aoc.bsky.social, where is your party?
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Microcosm of how trade wars can't be undone: I'm renovating my living room. We're using the same colour paint we used elsewhere in the house, which is a Behr (Home Depot) colour. Just found the matching colour in a Product of Canada paint from a Canadian store for less. Never going back.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
As awful, incomprehensible, and unjust as Trump's trade war with Canada is (and it is): Let's remember that Trump's attacks on Ukraine and global public health is also awful and incomprehensible. We're still among the world's most privileged people with a duty to help redress those injustices too.
media.tenor.com
a red white and blue canadian flag with a maple leaf
ALT: a red white and blue canadian flag with a maple leaf
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Hell, yes. I've been talking about this option for a while, and I'm glad it's the first option the Province reached for. Extremely difficult to substitute for, places the cost on the US, and adds significant cost to industries in the US which they're trying to steal from Canada (ie. Aluminum).
wsj.com
Ontario to Slap Export Tax on Electricity to U.S.
Ontario will slap a 25% export tax on electricity it sends to 1.5 million homes in Minnesota, Michigan and New York in retaliation for U.S. tariffs, said Doug Ford, leader of the Canadian province. Fo...
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
This is pretty good. Given the setting, I wish it was less focused on framing what he's done as PM (in contrast to the "other guys"). And I have no idea what "lying with statistics" is being done to claim we've tripled defence spending (2x is supportable.. but still misleading). Still pretty good.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
At least some Canadian defence discussion, policy & planning should be focused on how Canada protects its citizens and sovereignty in the event of a dissolution (and possible civil war) in the United States.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
This palace statement is an abdication of the King's duties and responsibilities to Canada. The King not commenting, absent a request from the PM, is good and proper. But stating that Canada's Head of State will not comment on this matter at all neuters one of Canada's tools of statecraft.
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Reposted by 🇨🇦 Policy Hawk
Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 @reshetz.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
"And I want everyone to remember that I said this, as I continue to vote for everything Trump wants in the Senate".
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
And, congratulations to the good people of Vermont! You've earned a free pass (should you choose to use it - we're not fucking imperialists) to join Greater Canadia when the United States dissolves.
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Reposted by 🇨🇦 Policy Hawk
The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
Brutal.
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Reposted by 🇨🇦 Policy Hawk
Charlie Angus @charlieangus104.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
Here is my latest reflection. The attack on President Zelenskyy shattered the last of our wishful thinking. Many countries hoped that if they fawned over him, he would pick on someone else. Now we know: that we either stand up or get dragged into the abyss. charlieangus.substack.com/p/the-washin...
charlieangus.substack.com
THE MOST DEPLORABLE MOMENT IN AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY
Who Will Stand Up to the Traitor Regime?
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
If Carney ever gets to form a cabinet, Anand would be the best choice available for whatever the most high profile position ends up being. Conceivably, that could be a few different posts (depending on his priorities and what he takes himself), but she's capable and reasonably untainted by Trudeau.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
The Taurus is a very capable modern missile, but it's been purchased in small-ish numbers, which means it's about twice as expensive as the AGM-158 - as well as being less versatile. It'd be cool if they could get enough long-term order commitments to get the price down.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Frum is wrong about this. Maybe if Trump's pro-Putin leanings had been hidden until now, he'd have a point. But everything that meeting showed about Trump was already clear. Even if this had exposed something new about Trump, that doesn't necessarily mean it was somehow positive for Ukraine.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
There's a reason public comments from national leaders engaged in diplomacy are scripted. It's to ensure neither side says something the other can't let pass without correction. This is diplomacy 101. Failing to adhere to this while arguing the merits of diplomacy is delicious irony.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Sigh. Populism can be popular... that doesn't mean it's wise. Taking away Musk's citizenship provides nothing but a fleeting catharsis. But it creates a permanent precedent that lowers the threshold for taking citizenship from others. The marginalized, not the wealthy, will be harmed by this.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Does Carney have an active security clearance?
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
The "in limbo" claim in the title appears to be bad editorializing. All the article supports is that no opening date has been announced. Some decision about this facility does need to be made, though. If it's useful, get it open. If not, cancel the project.
ottawacitizen.com
Opening of Arctic naval refuelling facility in limbo, DND acknowledges
The Nanisivik Naval Facility was initially announced in 2007, with a targeted opening of 2012, but that has been continually delayed.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Very dumb take. Imagine a neighbour who's envied your car and wanted to steal it for ages. One day, he sees you at the store buying a steering wheel lock - so he quickly runs out to the parking lot and steals your car before you can install it. That's what Putin did.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
No one should expect a major commitment from Canada. A few dozen individuals? Maybe. But no formation, or even unit, sized contribution. Latvia basically has us maxed out for a sustainable deployment. Anything else will have a time limit on how long it can be there.
ctvnews.ca
Sending Canadian troops to Ukraine ‘on the table’ under possible peace deal: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not rule out sending Canadian troops to Ukraine as part of a possible ceasefire deal, when asked about the prospect during a peace and security summit Monday in Kyiv.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
Not a huge contract, but it still demonstrates that this is an area of defence procurement where Canadian industry offers a world class product.
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Reposted by 🇨🇦 Policy Hawk
Brent Bellamy @brentbellamy.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
With all this noise about Canada’s sovereignty, we should take a step back and appreciate the special country we have built. Here’s a list of 20 things that highlight Canada’s place in the world, with a particular comparison to our southern neighbours. Feel free to add more. 🇨🇦
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
It's easy to treat the 14 years in this headline as a demonstration of how weak Canadian Defence is today. But I think a better take is to understand that things have changed a lot in the last 14 years. And the fact that we can get Corner Brook to sea now is a sign those changes have been positive.
ctvnews.ca
Canadian submarine returns to sea 14 years after collision
A Canadian military submarine that was heavily damaged when it ran aground off British Columbia in 2011 is back at sea for the first time since the collision, now undergoing mechanical trials near Vic...
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Has anyone ever had the experience of being sick, reading a book, and momentarily confusing the book & reality? I started reading Shirer's Rise and Fall of the Third Reich a few days ago. Currently in a section discussing how the German military was subverted and Nazified. Thing is: I'm not sick.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
As was inevitable.
cbc.ca
Ruby Dhalla kicked out of Liberal leadership race: source | CBC News
A Liberal Party of Canada committee has voted unanimously to disqualify former MP Ruby Dhalla from the race to be the next leader, according to a source.
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🇨🇦 Policy Hawk @cdnpolicyhawk.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Oof. A larger earthquake in this area would be absolutely devastating. Hopefully this one is isolated, and not the first of a longer series of them. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
Magnitude 4.7 earthquake shakes homes in Vancouver area
An earthquake on the B.C. coast caused shaking at homes throughout the Vancouver area Friday afternoon.
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