Daily Archives: December 19, 2024

Politics

Will he resign

As of December 19, 2024, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing significant pressure to resign following the unexpected departure of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Freeland resigned on December 16, citing disagreements over fiscal policies and concerns about impending U.S. tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump.

Financial Times

Freeland’s resignation has intensified calls from both opposition parties and members within Trudeau’s Liberal Party for him to step down. Notably, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet have urged Trudeau to resign, with Poilievre stating that Trudeau has “lost control” and is “clinging to power.”

New York Post

Within the Liberal Party, several Members of Parliament have expressed a desire for new leadership. Reports indicate that approximately one-third of Liberal MPs have called for Trudeau’s resignation, suggesting that a leadership change could improve the party’s prospects in the upcoming election.

The Australian

Despite the mounting pressure, Trudeau has not publicly indicated any immediate plans to resign before Christmas. He has acknowledged the challenges facing his government but has not committed to stepping down. Political analysts suggest that if Trudeau chooses to remain in office, he may face a no-confidence vote when Parliament reconvenes after the winter break, potentially leading to an early federal election.

Reuters

In summary, while there is substantial pressure on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign before Christmas, as of December 19, 2024, he has not announced any intention to do so. The situation remains fluid, and developments are expected as the holiday season progresses.

 
 
 
History

On This Day December 19

December 19 in Canada often marks the final run-up to Christmas festivities, and historically, the day has been significant for various newsworthy holiday-related events. Here are a few notable examples tied to Christmas or the holiday season that have occurred around this date:

1. Christmas Cheer Campaigns

By mid-December, charitable organizations across Canada ramp up their efforts to support vulnerable populations. For example:

  • On December 19, 1914, The Toronto Star’s Christmas Fund, one of the country’s longest-running holiday charities, reported record donations to provide food and toys for struggling families during World War I.
  • Similar campaigns often dominate the news in modern times, with communities coming together for food drives, toy distributions, or holiday hampers.

2. Holiday Weather Drama

This time of year frequently brings snowstorms that disrupt holiday travel or bring joy to winter sports enthusiasts:

  • December 19, 2013: Toronto and parts of Ontario were digging out from a severe pre-Christmas snowstorm. This storm was part of a series of harsh weather events leading to the infamous Christmas ice storm that caused power outages for hundreds of thousands over the holidays.
  • December 19, 2022: Travel warnings were issued across Canada as major storms approached the West and East Coasts, causing flight cancellations and delays ahead of Christmas.

3. Christmas-Themed Cultural Moments

  • On December 19, 1949, the CBC aired one of its first radio broadcasts entirely focused on Christmas music and storytelling, bringing holiday cheer into Canadian homes.
  • Holiday markets and light displays in cities like Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto often receive media attention around this date as families celebrate the festive season.

4. Historical Events Tied to the Holiday Spirit

  • In 1867, Canada’s first post-Confederation Christmas season was highlighted by news articles around this time detailing how Canadians were adopting Victorian holiday traditions like tree decorating and carol singing.
History

The week before Christmas notable historical events

 

Pre-20th Century Events

  • December 16, 1773: Boston Tea Party
    American colonists protested British taxation by dumping tea into Boston Harbor, an event that escalated tensions leading to the American Revolution.
  • December 17, 1903: First Flight by the Wright Brothers
    Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
  • December 18, 1865: Thirteenth Amendment Ratified
    The U.S. officially abolished slavery when the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution was declared ratified.
  • December 24, 1814: Treaty of Ghent Signed
    This treaty ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain.

20th Century Events

  • December 20, 1957: Elvis Presley Drafted into the U.S. Army
    The “King of Rock and Roll” received his draft notice, marking a turning point in his career.
  • December 21, 1988: Lockerbie Bombing
    Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, due to a terrorist bombing, killing 270 people.
  • December 24, 1968: Apollo 8 orbits the Moon
    NASA’s Apollo 8 crew became the first humans to orbit the Moon, giving a Christmas Eve broadcast that included the famous reading from the Book of Genesis.

Cultural Events

  • December 19, 1843: Publication of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
    This beloved Christmas story was first published in London, shaping modern holiday traditions.
  • December 22, 1942: Release of “White Christmas”
    Bing Crosby’s iconic song was first performed in the film Holiday Inn. It became one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Recent Events

  • December 23, 2001: Invention of Wikipedia Announced
    Larry Sanger and Jimmy Wales announced the creation of Wikipedia, which would revolutionize how information is shared.
  • December 19, 2011: Kim Jong-il’s Death
    The North Korean leader passed away, leading to the rise of his son, Kim Jong-un.

These events highlight the diverse and impactful happenings that occurred during the days leading up to Christmas throughout history. Let me know if you’d like more details on any of these!