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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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Qatar Suspends Gaza Ceasefire Mediation Amid Stalemate

 

 Qatar has decided to suspend its mediation efforts in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, citing a lack of progress and commitment from both Hamas and Israel. This decision marks a significant setback in the ongoing efforts to broker peace in the region.

An official briefed on the matter stated that Qatar will not resume its role until both parties demonstrate a sincere willingness to negotiate in good faith. The official also mentioned that the political office of Hamas in Doha “no longer serves its purpose” under the current circumstances.

Qatar has been a key mediator alongside Egypt and the United States, working tirelessly to facilitate a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, the latest round of talks in mid-October failed to yield any agreement, with Hamas rejecting a short-term ceasefire proposal.

The suspension of Qatar’s mediation efforts underscores the growing frustration with the stalled negotiations and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It remains to be seen whether this move will prompt a renewed commitment from both sides to return to the negotiating table.


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