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Premiers Split on Using Potash as a Trade Weapon — What It Means for Your Grocery Bill

  Published August 31, 2026 Canada's premiers can't agree on how far to take the trade war with the United States — and this week, the fight is over a grey mineral mined almost 2,000 kilometres from Ottawa: potash. The disagreement matters well beyond provincial politics. Potash is the "P" and "K" of fertilizer economics — a key ingredient in the blends that grow the wheat, canola, and corn that eventually show up as bread, canola oil, and everything fed to livestock. Canada supplies about 85% of the potash the U.S. uses, which is exactly why some premiers see it as leverage — and why others are warning that pulling that lever could backfire on the very provinces pushing for it. Ford wants to pull the lever. Moe and Smith are warning not to. Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pushing for the toughest response available, including resource-based leverage. Saskatchewan's Scott Moe and Alberta's Danielle Smith are pumping the brakes, warning that squeezing po...

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Netanyahu Cancels Israeli Delegation to U.S. After U.N. Ceasefire Vote

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled an Israeli delegation’s planned visit to Washington, D.C., scheduled for this week. The decision came after the United States refrained from vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The U.N. Security Council’s resolution marks the first time it has demanded an immediate ceasefire since the war began. Fourteen out of fifteen countries voted in favor of the resolution, which specifically called for a halt to fighting in Gaza during the month of Ramadan. Notably, the resolution did not impose any preconditions, such as the release of hostages.

The United States’ abstention from voting was a significant shift. Just last week, the U.S. submitted a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire without linking it to the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The change in position reflects a departure from decades of stalwart support for Israel.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasized the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to secure an immediate and sustainable ceasefire. She stressed the need to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, who are in dire need of protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance.

Netanyahu’s decision to cancel the delegation’s trip underscores the tension surrounding the UN vote and highlights the delicate balance between international diplomacy and regional conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches closely for any signs of progress toward peace in the troubled region.

Last October, President Biden met with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, but recent events have strained the traditionally strong U.S.-Israel relationship.

As the conflict persists, the international community remains hopeful for a resolution that brings an end to the violence and paves the way for lasting peace in the Middle East.

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