OTTAWA — Grim scenarios of collateral damage for Canadian consumers and businesses are emerging in response to escalating the U.S.-China trade war.

The Trump administration has taken aim at China by imposing a 25 per cent tariff on goods worth U.S. $34 billion, but the worst is still on the horizon.

The U.S. has announced a further round of tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods that could go into effect towards the end of the summer, after Congress takes a closer look at the implications in a round of hearings in five weeks.

All of that amounts to more economic pain for Canadian consumers and businesses, which are already coping with the effects of their country’s own trade war with the U.S. over President Donald Trump’s imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs on Canadian imports.

Trade experts and analysts say it’s too early to predict which specific products and sectors would be hit the hardest if the next round of U.S. tariffs on China are imposed.

But trade specialists say that with so much of Canada’s manufacturing sector reliant on Chinese products — bits and pieces that wind up in finished items made in Canada — there will be unavoidable consequences.

The pain could start at the Canada-U.S. border, where American customs agents have the broad power to declare anything a Chinese product — even if it was made in Canada.

American customs officials have the discretion to declare any finished product to be of Chinese origin, even if only some of its parts are from China, said Cyndee Todgham Cherniak, a Toronto trade lawyer who has served as an adviser to the Tax Court of Canada.

The onus is on the importer to prove that a product is not Chinese, or “to prove the facts are other than assumed by the customs officials,” she said.

“Even a Canadian-made make-up brush, a Canadian-made power cord — any of these items would be subject to 10 per cent duty going into the United States.”

And Canadian companies shouldn’t expect American border agents to do them any favours, said Todgham Cherniak.

“The whole goal is buy American and hire American,” she said. “So it doesn’t bother the U.S. customs agent that Canadian manufacturers will be collateral damage in the U.S.-China fight.”

If the Trump administration follows through and imposes more tariffs on a broader range of Chinese goods, fewer of them will wind up in the U.S. That means more potentially cheaper Chinese goods headed to other markets, including Canada, which is a disruption the government needs to address, said Lawrence Herman, a veteran trade lawyer who once headed the Canadian government’s treaty law section.

“Chinese products are going to find their way to Canada one way or another. They’re out there. They’re being made,” said Herman.

The government needs to come up with a scheme to enact “safeguard measures” or tariffs on those Chinese goods to counter their influx, he said.

The World Trade Organization allows countries to apply safeguards to prevent an influx of products that hurts domestic industry.

“We’re talking about an unforeseen influx of products because of global developments,” said Herman.

“There is an absolute risk of collateral damage. There is no doubt about that.”

Wenran Jiang, a China expert from the University of Alberta, said there’s no way for Canada to avoid the crossfire of an escalating U.S.-China economic conflict.

“We’re in the same boat as Japan, South Korea and other southeast Asian countries,” said Jiang.

“We’re going to be seeing collateral damage in the short term. In the long term, if the two countries don’t back down, the issue for Canada will be, how do we position our industries?”

Canada also has a more fundamental problem: it dropped the ball on opening up a free trade negotiation with China late last year, said Jiang.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ambitions of closer economic ties with China have largely been rejected by Beijing because of two developments, he said: Beijing rejected Trudeau’s so-called progressive trade agenda, and it is angry at Ottawa for blocking the Chinese takeover of the Canadian construction firm Aecon on national security grounds, said Jiang.

There could be a silver lining for some Canadian companies if China retaliates against the U.S. by making it difficult for American companies to do business, he said.

“If China stops ordering Boeing airplanes, potentially Bombardier might be on line to benefit.”

Also on HuffPost Canada:

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced his government will cancel a program requiring drivers to get regular emissions tests for vehicles that are more than seven years old.

“Drive Clean has outlived its usefulness,” Ford said at a press conference at an auto body shop in Etobicoke.

Drivers will no longer be required to get Drive Clean tests as of April 1, 2019.

The move will save Ontario drivers a collective $40 million a year, the premier said. HuffPost Canada asked the premier’s office, as well as representatives for the ministers of transportation and environment, how the savings was calculated. No one responded in time for publication.

More than two million light-duty vehicles are tested under Drive Clean every year, according to the Auditor General. Tests are free when renewing a vehicle’s registration; otherwise they cost $30.

On-road emissions aren’t as big of a problem as they were when Drive Clean launched in 1999, Minister of the Environment Rod Phillips said at the announcement. Cars are made to stricter standards than they were decades ago, he said.

The government will launch a new program to focus on testing transport trucks and other heavy duty vehicles, instead of personal, non-commercial vehicles.

Video: PCs are taking feds to court over carbon tax.

Phillips pointed to a University of Toronto study that found an area’s emissions level depends on the number of large trucks driving through, not the total number of vehicles.

“Researchers found that air pollution levels right beside a major trucking route within a city were close to levels seen beside Highway 401, despite the road carrying less than one-tenth of the vehicle traffic,” the university said in a press release when the study was published.

These emissions can lead to cancer, respiratory problems, cardiac problems and neurodegenerative problems, the university said.

Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said he wants to know what this government’s priorities are when it comes to the environment.

“I can accept that the Drive Clean program is no longer as relevant as it once was. But when you look at the list of things this government has done on the environment file, all you see are cuts,” he said in a statement.

“Everything this Premier has done shows he wants more pollution, not less,” Schreiner said, citing the government’s cancellation of pollution pricing, renewable energy projects and rebates for electric vehicles.

When my engagement was called off, I was the most devastated person walking the earth.

At first I acted like it was no big a deal; after all, I was not the first to have a broken engagement and neither would I be the last. I had forced smiles for most of the first few weeks. I picked up calls from the few friends who knew about it so they wouldn’t think I was as affected by it as I was. Maybe it was because I hadn’t yet come to terms — somewhere in my mind I believed he was coming back to me. This stage is what many refer to as the first stage of grief: denial.

He didn’t come back, thankfully, but in the months that followed, as the reality of it all sank in, life was hellish.

Rejection is a hard and bitter pill to swallow. No one wants to feel not good enough. Sometimes that’s not the case, but we can’t help but feel the enormous blow to our ego, our self-esteem, our worth. I had the grace of knowing a few friends who helped me take baby steps out of that pit. Still, many don’t have the luxury of a few good friends.

It may not sound as serious as it actually is, but the effect of rejection can range from chronic depression to outright suicidal tendencies. I know because I’ve been there a few times myself.

When all you have is yourself to talk you out of the effects of rejection, these steps can help you immensely.

1. Come to terms with the truth

And quickly! This goes without saying. The longer you wallow in denial, the more you’re exposed to the parasites of rejection. Acknowledge that what happened has really happened. Own the emotions that are flooding your mind. These words are easier said than done, but I’m not about to kid you — it is hard and it hurts. But it can be done. Whether you were passed on for a promotion, or you were stood up at the altar, take a moment to let the emotions sink in. Take the time you need to cry if you must, and then leave it there.

2. Know that it doesn’t define you

This pit has the most victims in it. Rejection could be so powerful that it could begin to define you. However, rejection is just as powerful as you allow it. Tell yourself that this one opinion, from this one person, does not and will not define who you are. Counter the thoughts that may try to tell you that you were rejected because you were not good enough. You are good enough. You are whole and you will get through this.

3. Treat yourself with a healthy dose of positivity

If you have to have positive thoughts written on sticky notes and pasted all over your wall, then do it. But by all means, pump yourself with some healthy dose of positivity. Choose the reality that this too will pass. Realistically, no rejection lasts forever, so sit yourself down and look at the big picture. This phase will pass; just keep reminding yourself of that, as well as other positive truths that you deserve to know.

4. Learn from it

There is always a lesson hiding in there to be learnt. You may not have done something wrong to warrant the rejection that was served you, but you can find a lesson in there and make it your silver lining. It could be a chance to rediscover who you are, a chance to handle situations better, or a chance to put yourself out there more often. Whatever the case, use it as a springboard to a better version of yourself, for yourself. You are what matters here.

5. Get really busy

When I was rejected, I kept playing the situation over and over again. I was literally obsessed with my rejection and the circumstances surrounding it that I neglected other things. Don’t do that. Pull yourself out of that zone and get busy.

Luckily, I got a new job during that time so I threw myself into it. I got so busy that I could go two, three days and realize that I hadn’t thought about my rejection. I started to go out more, I made more friends and gave more time to older friends; I exercised more; and then eventually I didn’t remember the hurt. I got to a point where I could talk about it and not feel any hurt whatsoever. You too can get there when you choose to pay your attention to other activities and people that are more deserving of your time.

6. Take care of yourself

It’s easy to wallow in self pity and forget to love yourself. Many times people get angry and beat themselves up over the said rejection. They wonder if there’s even a point to it all. However, there is a point. Self-love and care shows that you value yourself, that you believe in who you are and deserve another chance at the beauties of life. Eat well, sleep well, exercise, listen to music, travel if you can afford it and take good care of yourself.

7. Talk to someone

Though it was hard for me to eventually talk about my plight with a few trusted friends, I was glad I did. And I wish I had done it sooner.

I’m not one to expose my vulnerability and I know I don’t stand alone. However, talking to someone who cares helps give you a fresh perspective which is often times, the true perspective. It doesn’t mean you’re weak — it just means you’re strong enough to accept when you need help. If you’re a believer, praying about it makes a great difference!

It’s often said that no one is an islands. You don’t have to go through the mess alone. Open up and let the healing come along faster.

More than two in three Metro Vancouver residents want to see housing prices fall, and some of them are people who actually own homes, according to a new poll from the Angus Reid Institute.

Greater Vancouver’s housing market has been ranked North America’s least affordable, with the median home price being 11 times the median household income.

According to a poll from the Angus Reid Institute, just over a quarter (26 per cent) of residents say prices should fall by about 10 per cent, while more than two-thirds (36 per cent) would like to see a decline around 30 per cent.

Metro Vancouver residents by and large cite speculators as the top causes of high housing prices: 59 per cent blame investments by foreign buyers, while 43 per cent say it’s wealthy people in general who are driving up prices.

Nearly four in five residents (79 per cent) support more government involvement in order to regulate the housing market, and agree on a wide variety of policies to do so. An overwhelming majority support speculation taxes for homeowners who don’t pay taxes in B.C. (88 per cent), an extra property transfer tax on buyers from outside of Canada (85 per cent) or on anyone who doesn’t pay taxes in B.C. (83 per cent), and a vacancy tax on investor-owned properties that are not occupied (83 per cent)

Homeowners equally likely to be on opposite ends of spectrum

Homeowners are somewhat divided on what they’d like to see in the next few years, though nearly half would like prices to fall. About three in 10 (31 per cent) would like to see prices stay the same, but an almost equal number would like to see them drop by about 10 per cent (29 per cent). Vancouver homeowners are also equally as likely to be on opposite ends of the spectrum — 20 per cent would like prices to keep going up, while the same number would like to see prices to fall significantly, by 30 per cent or more.

A recent ban on foreign homebuyers in New Zealand has gotten attention in British Columbia, with the province’s Green Party leader, Andrew Weaver, calling on the government to follow the Kiwis’ lead.

TD Bank chief economist Beata Caranci said a foreign buyer ban “would create an initial knee-jerk reaction with a drop in sales.” But “because we’re in a strong demand market, sales would subsequently level off and recover.”

However, foreign buyer taxes implemented in Toronto and Vancouver have reduced foreign demand, according to senior Canada economist Stephen Brown at Capital Economics in London.

Of those who currently own a home in Metro Vancouver, 28 per cent say current housing prices are hurting them, while 30 per cent say it’s a benefit. Renters have much more consensus, with 75 per cent saying prices are having a negative impact.

The Angus Reid Institute also released a companion poll about housing in the Greater Toronto Area, which showed more than half of area’s renters are considering relocating due to high housing prices.

The Metro Vancouver poll was based on an online survey conducted from May 25-29 among a representative randomized sample of 719 Canadian adults who are members of Maru Voice Canada. A probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 3.7 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

With files from Daniel Tencer

HUMBOLDT, Sask. — A tragic bus crash that has sunk a Saskatchewan community into deep sorrow has also released an incredible display of human kindness as residents struggle to deal with their grief.

Sixteen people died, including 10 players, and another 13 were injured after a transport truck and the bus taking the Humboldt Broncos to a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoff game on April 6 collided at a rural intersection. The driver of the truck was uninjured.

People across Canada and from around the world have opened their hearts and wallets. A GoFundMe campaign for the victims and their families has surpassed $11 million — one of the largest drives ever.

Humboldt’s only florist has received hundreds of orders from as far away as Australia to send flowers to anyone and everyone affected by the crash.

‘Don’t worry about a credit card’

The Canalta Hotel offered free rooms to family members travelling to the small Saskatchewan city after the crash, and provided food and support.

“People were phoning and making reservations and they’re just crying and they can hardly get the words out,” said hotel general manager Mary-Jane Wilkinson.

“We’d say don’t worry about a credit card. Don’t worry about anything. We’d just get their name and get them booked in so they have a place to put their heads down.”

For Wilkinson the accident hit close to home. Her son Richard played hockey in Humboldt from the age of six.

“I’ve taken him to the hockey bus so many times to go on road trips, and put his equipment on buses and dropped him off,” she said.

“That was really hard for me because the reality was it could have been my kid.”

Restaurants have handed out free food. In one instance, an individual driving through a Tim Hortons bought coffee for the next 50 people in line.

Boston Pizza, a popular hangout for the team, immediately gave time off to staff who were friends with the players. Servers from other restaurants in the chain came to Humboldt to cover things off.

One of the managers, Rino Ferreras, said he wasn’t surprised at the community support.

“Everybody knows each other, so everybody is giving their helping hands right away without thinking about getting anything in return,” he said. “That’s what they want to do — give love and give help.”

The food manager for the City of Humboldt said he has watched semi-trailers full of water, soda and edibles come into the Humboldt Uniplex every day.

“We want for nothing,” said Alex Wilson.

Myles Shumlanski, whose son Nick survived the crash, said the public support has been unbelievable.

“Everywhere you go, everybody wants to help you out. Nick’s keys for his vehicle got lost. One of his bosses just phoned (and said) ‘We’re going to drop him off a truck and a card key so tell him he’s good.’

“Everybody just wants to help. They just wish they could do more. It’s everywhere.”

Former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy, who was with the Western Hockey League Swift Current Broncos and on the team bus when it crashed in 1986, said hockey is beyond important for small towns.

“You knew people were going to feel that they needed to help and give and show their support. In those communities the only way they can operate a hockey team is by everybody pulling on the rope.”

Wilkinson agrees.

“Even if you’re not involved in hockey here … it’s all about the Broncos in this community.”

Also On HuffPost:

Kanye West’s recent Twitter spree has led his wife, Kim Kardashian West, to fiercely defend him, and inspired President Donald Trump to express his gratitude.

The rapper tweeted on Wednesday that his wife had instructed him to make it “clear to everyone” that he doesn’t “agree with everything Trump does.”

He also said he doesn’t “agree 100%” with anyone but himself.

West said shortly before, “You don’t have to agree with trump but the mob can’t make me not love him. We are both dragon energy. He is my brother. I love everyone.”

To that, Trump quote-tweeted his gratitude, calling the praise “very cool”:

West’s tweets came amid a series of stream-of-consciousness thoughts he shared on social media Wednesday.

Last week, the “Famous” singer came back to Twitter after a long hiatus to announce new music with Kid Cudi, Nas and his G.O.O.D. Music labelmates. Since then, he’s been sporadically sharing wisdom, snapshots of his upcoming Yeezy season, snapshots of his home, and his thoughts on Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Arguably the most alarming thing West has shared in the last few days has included recommendations to listen to right-wing activist Candace Owens and snippets of a 22-minute video by Scott Adams, the cartoonist behind “Dilbert” and an “alt-right hero” who has previously shared dismissive views about women.

This last behavior by West even prompted a tweet of support from InfoWars’ Alex Jones.

Kardashian West has responded playfully to many of her huband’s tweets, but hasn’t commented on anything said about alt-right-affiliated figures. She also hasn’t indicated whether or not she found her husband’s effort to clarify his views sufficient.

However, she did respond to the media’s reactions to West’s tweets and fiercely defended his expressiveness:

As Kardashian West notes, there has been speculation that mental health issues were behind her husband’s recent tweets. West was hospitalized in November 2016, reportedly for exhaustion and dehydration. According to TMZ, he was also battling depression and paranoia.

Fans and Twitter users alike have long tried to deduce what West’s odd Twitter habits really mean. Some have even wondered if the musician is preparing to set his sights on the presidency. Thus far, there is no clear-cut reason, but perhaps The New Yorker summed it up the best:

This story has been updated to include Trump and Kardashian West’s tweets.