The second round of duties inspired a second round of speculation in Ottawa.On economics: Will the payments break the back of some Canadian exporters or do they have enough stamina to withstand the measures until a lasting settlement is negotiated? lowball the duty to show Canada it was ready to negotiate?Conspicuous by its absence was a date for when balance would return to the budget. It has been sending increasingly loud messages that rock-bottom interest rates are nearing an end, and that Canadians carrying large amounts of household debt need to get ready.This week, governor Stephen Poloz said again that low interest rates had done their job in inoculating the economy against an oil price slump, and he pointed to strong growth in the first part of 2017.7 Cups of Tea has been instrumental in creating opportunities for people across the world to talk with one another.

You will walk into the experience two complete strangers, but our hope is that you will walk out of it more optimistic and with a clearer perspective-reaping the many benefits of a meaningful connection with another person.

Our need for connectedness can be fulfilled by a stranger.

Think of a time when you had a verbal exchange with a stranger that left you feeling connected to them in some way.

OTTAWA — There's so much Canada-red and white on Parliament Hill that when the hundreds of thousands of bleary-eyed partygoers finally finish toasting the country's 150th birthday this weekend, they will be seeing Ottawa awash in a pink haze.

Viewing Canada through rose-coloured glasses was the tone of the week, as politicians repeatedly waxed poetic about the wonders of our history and the potential for our future.