Robert Wolfe
@bobwolfe.bsky.social
Professor Emeritus of Policy Studies, Queen's University, Canada. Most posts on trade policy
personal website: rdwolfe.ca
personal website: rdwolfe.ca
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
It's possible that Erskine-Smith has normalized dissent sufficiently — at least from him — that he can do stuff like this without it becoming a huge deal.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jtC...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jtC...
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - Some thoughts on Budget 2025
YouTube video by Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, M.P., Beaches-East York
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
It's possible that Erskine-Smith has normalized dissent sufficiently — at least from him — that he can do stuff like this without it becoming a huge deal.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jtC...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jtC...
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
Canada has just lost measles elimination status. The U.S. will undoubtedly follow shortly.
Elimination means that there is no continuous spreading of measles within the country for a year or longer.
Canada and the U.S. have blown it, and it’s largely the fault of the anti-vaccination movement.
Elimination means that there is no continuous spreading of measles within the country for a year or longer.
Canada and the U.S. have blown it, and it’s largely the fault of the anti-vaccination movement.
Canada loses measles elimination status after three decades, health agency says
Canada has lost its measles elimination status after nearly three decades due to its failure to curb a year-long outbreak, the country's public health agency said on Monday.
www.reuters.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Canada has just lost measles elimination status. The U.S. will undoubtedly follow shortly.
Elimination means that there is no continuous spreading of measles within the country for a year or longer.
Canada and the U.S. have blown it, and it’s largely the fault of the anti-vaccination movement.
Elimination means that there is no continuous spreading of measles within the country for a year or longer.
Canada and the U.S. have blown it, and it’s largely the fault of the anti-vaccination movement.
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
My Trade Secrets today. If the Supreme Court rules against Trump's emergency tariffs he can replace them. The real impact is political. Tariffs are already unpopular & blamed for high prices; being ruled illegal won't help.
But Trump needs them to raise revenue, so he's put himself in a corner.🍿🍿🍿
But Trump needs them to raise revenue, so he's put himself in a corner.🍿🍿🍿
The political risk to Donald Trump from the Supreme Court ruling
[FREE TO READ] The tariff case threatens his popularity far more than it does the US economy
on.ft.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:47 PM
My Trade Secrets today. If the Supreme Court rules against Trump's emergency tariffs he can replace them. The real impact is political. Tariffs are already unpopular & blamed for high prices; being ruled illegal won't help.
But Trump needs them to raise revenue, so he's put himself in a corner.🍿🍿🍿
But Trump needs them to raise revenue, so he's put himself in a corner.🍿🍿🍿
@simonlester.com will there be a chicken in every pot?
It's gonna be hard to pay down the debt with a budget deficit that is 6% of GDP, as it was this past fiscal year.
BREAKING: Trump falsely claims the U.S. is “taking trillions” from tariffs and promises a $2,000 dividend “for everyone.”
November 9, 2025 at 4:15 PM
@simonlester.com will there be a chicken in every pot?
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
A very readable piece about scholars and the press. I am still not sure whether I agree fully, but I certainly agree enough to have given up on some outlets.
My old pal Pete Coviello — one of the best writers and thinkers I've ever known — wrote the piece of the moment
lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...
lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...
Maybe Don’t Talk to the New York Times About Zohran Mamdani
It’s remarkable, the people you’ll hear from. Teach for even a little while at an expensive institution—the term they tend to prefer is “elite”—and odds are that eventually someone who was a studen…
lithub.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:54 AM
A very readable piece about scholars and the press. I am still not sure whether I agree fully, but I certainly agree enough to have given up on some outlets.
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
Two panels commemorating the contribution of Black American soldiers towards the liberation of the Netherlands in World War Two have been quietly removed from a cemetery in Limburg. It follows a complaint by right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Op Margraten zijn twee panelen over zwarte Amerikaanse bevrijders van Nederland opeens weg. ‘Past bij beleid van de regering-Trump’
Op Margraten zijn twee panelen over zwarte Amerikaanse bevrijders van Nederland opeens weg. ‘Past bij beleid van de regering-Trump’
Op de Amerikaanse begraafplaats in Margraten is het opeens stil geworden rond de zwarte Amerikanen die hielpen Nederland bevrijden. Twee panelen die hun bijdrage herdachten – én wezen op hun strijd tegen racisme binnen het leger – werden zonder toelichting verwijderd.
www.nrc.nl
November 8, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Two panels commemorating the contribution of Black American soldiers towards the liberation of the Netherlands in World War Two have been quietly removed from a cemetery in Limburg. It follows a complaint by right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
Remember "WTO reform"? Norway Ambassador Petter Ølberg on his latest consultations. Full text ⬇️ contains details of what's been discussed, eg subsidies and voting in the absence of consensus. Short preface co-authored with @bobwolfe.bsky.social
tradebetablog.wordpress.com/text-olbergs...
tradebetablog.wordpress.com/text-olbergs...
Text: ‘facilitator’ Ølberg’s November 2025 report on WTO reform talks
Any notion that these will be resolved by the next Ministerial Conference has disappeared. Instead, Ølberg speaks of scoping issues and identifying options to present to ministers
tradebetablog.wordpress.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Remember "WTO reform"? Norway Ambassador Petter Ølberg on his latest consultations. Full text ⬇️ contains details of what's been discussed, eg subsidies and voting in the absence of consensus. Short preface co-authored with @bobwolfe.bsky.social
tradebetablog.wordpress.com/text-olbergs...
tradebetablog.wordpress.com/text-olbergs...
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
So the government would give money to people so they can pay for their healthcare. Did Trump just accidentally propose Medicare for All?
November 8, 2025 at 2:23 PM
So the government would give money to people so they can pay for their healthcare. Did Trump just accidentally propose Medicare for All?
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
Thinking only of Rosalind Franklin today, and what was stolen from her (and so many other female scientists alongside her).
Rosalind Franklin and the damage of gender harassment
Spurred by a recent report on sexual harassment in academia, our columnist revisits a historical case and reflects on what has changed—and what hasn’t
www.science.org
November 7, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Thinking only of Rosalind Franklin today, and what was stolen from her (and so many other female scientists alongside her).
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
The Soviet Union never de-Stalinized.
That's why it never changed its fundamentally imperialist, genocidal and oppressive nature.
Unless Russia de-Putinizes, it will meet the same fate - it will be stuck in a vicious cycle of imperialist aggression followed by economic collapse.
That's why it never changed its fundamentally imperialist, genocidal and oppressive nature.
Unless Russia de-Putinizes, it will meet the same fate - it will be stuck in a vicious cycle of imperialist aggression followed by economic collapse.
If Russia is going to experience a lasting process of change that enables peaceful and friendly relations with its neighbours, then societal debate will have to honestly look at why 10s of millions of people willingly, even gladly, followed Putin's orders.
Just blaming the Führer won't cut it.
Just blaming the Führer won't cut it.
November 8, 2025 at 12:53 PM
The Soviet Union never de-Stalinized.
That's why it never changed its fundamentally imperialist, genocidal and oppressive nature.
Unless Russia de-Putinizes, it will meet the same fate - it will be stuck in a vicious cycle of imperialist aggression followed by economic collapse.
That's why it never changed its fundamentally imperialist, genocidal and oppressive nature.
Unless Russia de-Putinizes, it will meet the same fate - it will be stuck in a vicious cycle of imperialist aggression followed by economic collapse.
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
By "affordable housing" Mamdani clearly meant "establish a caliphate." You may hate it, but this is top tier analysis from the ol' ball coach.
Tuberville: “We just saw what happened in NY. We lost NY. It will be completely Muslim in 3-4 years. That’s what they want. And it’s going to spread throughout the country.”
November 7, 2025 at 9:52 PM
By "affordable housing" Mamdani clearly meant "establish a caliphate." You may hate it, but this is top tier analysis from the ol' ball coach.
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
The Conservative MP benches were EMPTY for today’s budget vote. If they can’t even be bothered to show up for critical House votes, how can they expect to be taken seriously as a political party?!
November 7, 2025 at 11:51 PM
The Conservative MP benches were EMPTY for today’s budget vote. If they can’t even be bothered to show up for critical House votes, how can they expect to be taken seriously as a political party?!
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
My latest: What if many countries adopt border carbon adjustment? How to prevent the nightmare scenario of many different requirements for measurement, reporting and verification of GHG emissions - a burden that would fall most heavily on SME exporters and those from developing countries?
🌍 As more countries explore #BCAs, how can we prevent #Trade frictions, especially for #SMEs & developing nations?
@aaroncosbey.bsky.social explains that success hinges on the interoperability of these systems.
🔗: www.iisd.org/articles/pol...
#CBAM #CarbonPricing #ClimatePolicy #NetZero
@aaroncosbey.bsky.social explains that success hinges on the interoperability of these systems.
🔗: www.iisd.org/articles/pol...
#CBAM #CarbonPricing #ClimatePolicy #NetZero
November 8, 2025 at 12:18 AM
My latest: What if many countries adopt border carbon adjustment? How to prevent the nightmare scenario of many different requirements for measurement, reporting and verification of GHG emissions - a burden that would fall most heavily on SME exporters and those from developing countries?
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
"For the first time in a while, Democrats now think they can see a pathway out of the gloom. Big victory margins are by far the best guardrail against midterm skullduggery." My column. on.ft.com/3LphRkt
Has Trump passed his peak?
[FREE TO READ] One thing is for sure: the opening act of the US president’s second term is over
on.ft.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:05 PM
"For the first time in a while, Democrats now think they can see a pathway out of the gloom. Big victory margins are by far the best guardrail against midterm skullduggery." My column. on.ft.com/3LphRkt
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
Good morning from Brussels, where an EU struggling internally and with its global position is trying to respond as it knows best, by punching down on smaller partners. For opening paragraphs suggest it is trying to renege on the common understanding with the UK. www.ft.com/content/8963...
EU demands UK pay into budget as part of relationship ‘reset’
Growing tension between London and Brussels just six months after summit set out to build stronger ties
www.ft.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Good morning from Brussels, where an EU struggling internally and with its global position is trying to respond as it knows best, by punching down on smaller partners. For opening paragraphs suggest it is trying to renege on the common understanding with the UK. www.ft.com/content/8963...
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
Just in time for #COP30: my analysis is of what's wrong with global climate policy and what to do about it.
Global Climate Policy Is Broken
Fixating on emissions won’t decarbonize the world’s economy.
www.foreignaffairs.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Just in time for #COP30: my analysis is of what's wrong with global climate policy and what to do about it.
😂
“China edging toward membership of Trans-Pacific Partnership framework” 🤔 www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202511/06/...
China edging toward membership of Trans-Pacific Partnership framework
www.chinadaily.com.cn
November 7, 2025 at 1:13 PM
😂
global Britain on the march
😉😂
UK trade deal with US state Oregon 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
“explicit support for the Paris agreement on climate change (…) and for its support for clean energy and green technology.”
writes @chrishorseman.bsky.social
“explicit support for the Paris agreement on climate change (…) and for its support for clean energy and green technology.”
writes @chrishorseman.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 1:10 PM
global Britain on the march
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
“Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the exchanges were carrying Trump wines in a statement to Forbes, saying, ‘The brave men and women of the USCG are pleased to be able to buy Trump wine and cider tax free.’”
November 7, 2025 at 12:09 PM
“Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the exchanges were carrying Trump wines in a statement to Forbes, saying, ‘The brave men and women of the USCG are pleased to be able to buy Trump wine and cider tax free.’”
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
Upon taking office, the Doug Ford gov't introduced a law to cut the "carbon tax" which also obliged the government to create a climate plan & emissions targets. Now, they’ve repealed that duty—Ontario’s government no longer has to consider climate action.
thenarwhal.ca/ford-repeals...
thenarwhal.ca/ford-repeals...
Doug Ford’s government is abandoning climate targets | The Narwhal
Ontario is moving to repeal aspects of a law that require the government to create a climate plan and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets
thenarwhal.ca
November 6, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Upon taking office, the Doug Ford gov't introduced a law to cut the "carbon tax" which also obliged the government to create a climate plan & emissions targets. Now, they’ve repealed that duty—Ontario’s government no longer has to consider climate action.
thenarwhal.ca/ford-repeals...
thenarwhal.ca/ford-repeals...
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
In September I organized a panel at the WTO Public Forum on subsidies and industrial policy. Many thanks to my fantastic panelists for giving me so much to reflect on! Here’s what I took away —>
Part of the challenge facing WTO members today is that the world has fundamentally changed since the institution’s founding, while the rules and tools to address those changes have not kept up, writes @inumanak.bsky.social.
Repositioning the Debate on Subsidies and Industrial Policy
At the World Trade Organization's annual Public Forum, which brings together researchers, civil society, practitioners, and businesses, CFR Senior Fellow for International Trade Inu Manak sat down wi...
www.cfr.org
November 6, 2025 at 6:04 PM
In September I organized a panel at the WTO Public Forum on subsidies and industrial policy. Many thanks to my fantastic panelists for giving me so much to reflect on! Here’s what I took away —>
this is an own goal by the Ford government. Bad move
The City of Kingston has announced that it will discontinue its Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) #pilot program, due to recent provincial #legislation that removes municipal authority to operate ASE programs. #YGK
Learn more: www.kingstonist.com/news/city-of...
Learn more: www.kingstonist.com/news/city-of...
City of Kingston announces end of Automated Speed Enforcement pilot
(Kingston, Ontario) The City of Kingston has announced that it will discontinue its Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) pilot program, due to recent provincial legislation that removes municipal authori...
www.kingstonist.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:29 PM
this is an own goal by the Ford government. Bad move
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
Please enjoy my cartoon for Friday's Toronto Star
November 6, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Please enjoy my cartoon for Friday's Toronto Star
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
Anne in typically excellent form.
Talking with @gideonrachman.bsky.social: Donald Trump and Autocracy in America: Pushing the boundaries of presidential power.
Listen here:
on.ft.com/43igLNv
Listen here:
on.ft.com/43igLNv
Donald Trump and autocracy in America
Pushing the boundaries of presidential power
on.ft.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Anne in typically excellent form.
Reposted by Robert Wolfe
This is both discouraging, and also should be a warning of how easily infectious disease can come roaring back – Canada has far less vax skepticism than its southern neighbour ... www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/w...
Canada Is About to Lose Its Status as Having Eliminated Measles
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM
This is both discouraging, and also should be a warning of how easily infectious disease can come roaring back – Canada has far less vax skepticism than its southern neighbour ... www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/w...