LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 12, 2024-- EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ: EVGO) (“EVgo” or the “Company”) today announced the closing of its $1.25 billion guaranteed loan facility from the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) Loan Programs Office (“LPO”) under its Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program to support EVgo’s forthcoming efforts to build convenient, reliable public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) with the construction of 7,500 new fast charging stalls nationwide. This buildout will bring EVgo’s total owned and operated network to at least 10,000 fast charging stalls, allowing the Company to more than triple its network footprint by 2029. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: EVgo fast charging network to further expand across the United States. (Photo: Business Wire) “As one of the nation’s leading public fast charging providers, we are well-positioned to deploy the infrastructure needed to support both current and future domestic investments in transportation electrification,” said EVgo CEO, Badar Khan. “This public-private partnership will help us continue to scale our operations to serve the influx of vehicle options that will be available to American consumers in the coming years.” Building high-power public charging at scale bolsters range confidence for Americans as they consider the choice to drive an EV. Expanding fast charging infrastructure not only contributes to job creation and local economic benefits, but it is also critical to protecting the investments made by the automotive industry, which is expected to release over 30 new affordable EV models by the end of 2025, 1 in addition to the more than 70 vehicle models already available to American consumers today. 2 EVs now account for roughly 9% of new vehicle sales 3 and increasing consumer confidence in the availability of public charging is key to the success of these investments. EVgo estimates this project buildout will create more than 1,000 jobs in the U.S., over 700 of which will be contracted resources engaged by the Company encompassing roles in construction, engineering, development, and operations and maintenance. Total Guaranteed Loan Facility Amount Interest Rate Collateral Equity Contribution Tenor Deployment Period Principal & Interest Grace Period Loan Structure First Drawdown Additional Key Terms The closing of this DOE guaranteed loan facility follows receipt of a on October 3, 2024, and marks the conclusion of a thorough 18-month process. Through the EVgo Innovation Lab, the Company is fostering American innovation to advance the broader transportation electrification ecosystem, including its extensive interoperability testing and ongoing technical collaboration with leading automakers and technology partners to support a superior customer experience for drivers. This technical innovation extends to the joint development of , for which EVgo will soon secure domestic intellectual property rights. This architecture will leverage EVgo’s learnings from serving over a million customers nationwide to provide EVgo with more control over the full customer experience, streamlining the charging process while driving energy efficiency and cost savings. The Company plans to deploy this new architecture beginning in the second half of 2026. For more information about the EVgo network, visit . A live audio webcast and conference call for EVgo’s DOE Loan Facility will be held today at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT. The webcast will be available at , and the dial-in information for those wishing to access via phone is: : (800) 715-9871 (for U.S. callers) : (646) 307-1963 (for callers outside the U.S.) : 9312273 This press release, along with other investor materials that will be used or referred to during the webcast and conference call, including a slide presentation will also be available on that site. EVgo (Nasdaq: EVGO) is one of the nation’s leading public fast charging providers. With more than 1,000 fast charging stations across 40 states, EVgo strategically deploys localized and accessible charging infrastructure by partnering with leading businesses across the U.S., including retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers, gas stations, rideshare operators, and autonomous vehicle companies. At its dedicated Innovation Lab, EVgo performs extensive interoperability testing and has ongoing technical collaborations with leading automakers and industry partners to advance the EV charging industry and deliver a seamless charging experience. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or the Company’s future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “going to,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern the Company’s expectations, strategy, priorities, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the terms of the DOE loan facility; the anticipated benefits and growth from the DOE loan facility, including project build out plan, use of proceeds, issuance, timing and availability of advances, satisfaction of covenants and the absence of events of default; growth in the demand for EV vehicles and charging infrastructure; the anticipated release of new affordable EV models; anticipated job creation in the US from the project buildout; the Company’s ability to scale; the joint development and deployment of the Company’s next-generation charging infrastructure, and the anticipated IP rights, efficiencies, cost savings and launch plans. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of EVgo’s management, and are not predictions of actual performance. The Company’s expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made in this press release, including changes or developments in the broader general market; EVgo’s dependence on the widespread adoption of EVs and growth of the EV and EV charging markets; EVgo's reliance on the DOE loan facility, its ability to fully draw on the DOE loan facility and its ability to comply with the covenants and other terms of the DOE loan facility; competition from existing and new competitors; EVgo’s ability to expand into new service markets, grow its customer base and manage its operations; the risks associated with cyclical demand for EVgo’s services and vulnerability to industry downturns and regional or national downturns; fluctuations in EVgo’s revenue and operating results; EVgo’s ability to satisfy the required conditions, enter into definitive agreements and receive loan funding in connection with, and to realize any anticipated benefits and growth from, the DOE loan facility; unfavorable conditions or disruptions in the capital and credit markets and EVgo’s ability to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms; EVgo’s ability to generate cash, service indebtedness and incur additional indebtedness; any current, pending or future legislation, regulations or policies that could impact EVgo’s business, results of operations and financial condition, including regulations impacting the EV charging market and government programs designed to drive broader adoption of EVs and any reduction, modification or elimination of such programs due to the results of the 2024 Presidential and Congressional elections; EVgo’s ability to adapt its assets and infrastructure to changes in industry and regulatory standards and market demands related to EV charging; impediments to EVgo’s expansion plans, including permitting and utility-related delays; EVgo’s ability to integrate any businesses it acquires; EVgo’s ability to recruit and retain experienced personnel; risks related to legal proceedings or claims, including liability claims; EVgo’s dependence on third parties, including hardware and software vendors and service providers, utilities and permit-granting entities; supply chain disruptions, inflation and other increases in expenses; safety and environmental requirements or regulations that may subject EVgo to unanticipated liabilities or costs; EVgo’s ability to enter into and maintain valuable partnerships with commercial or public-entity property owners, landlords and/or tenants (collectively “Site Hosts”), original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), fleet operators and suppliers; EVgo’s ability to maintain, protect and enhance EVgo’s intellectual property; and general economic or political conditions, including the conflicts in Ukraine, Israel and the broader Middle East region, and elevated rates of inflation and associated changes in monetary policy. The forward-looking statements contained in this report are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described herein and in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and current reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements in this report are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. 1 Source: JD Power’s Future Vehicle Calendar (April 2024) 2 Source: EV Volumes, 2024 US EV sales 3 View source version on : CONTACT: EVgo Contacts For Investors: Media: KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: EV/ELECTRIC VEHICLES AUTOMOTIVE ALTERNATIVE VEHICLES/FUELS SOURCE: EVgo Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/12/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/12/2024 04:04 PMPMI: The future is smoke-freeThe start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.”
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India’s Public Sector Banks (PSBs) achieved their highest-ever aggregate net profit of ₹1.41 lakh crore in fiscal year 2023-24. This historic performance underscores the sector’s strong recovery, which is supported by a major increase in asset quality. The Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio fell dramatically, down to 3.12% in September 2024. In the first half of 2024-25, they had a net profit of ₹ 85,520 crore, indicating continuous growth. In addition to their excellent performance, PSBs have contributed significantly to shareholder returns, paying a total dividend of ₹61,964 crore over the last three years. This tremendous financial increase demonstrates the sector’s operating efficiency, higher asset quality, and stronger capital foundation. How the banking sector suffered as a result of massive non-performing assets generated during the Congress government Let’s go back before 2014 when PM Modi was not in power, many social media experts and politicians were not aware how these NPA’s generated. (Non-Performing Assets), as per RBI report and information given by FM Nirmala Sitharaman, Gross advances of the state owned bank increased from Rs 18.19 lakh crore in FY 2008 to Rs 52.16 lakh crore as on FY 2014 (before PM Modi). She also informed that this aggressive lending practices, wilful default, corruption in some cases and economic slowdown led to spurt in stressed assets. It was easier for PM Modi to come forward after being elected in May 2014 and release a white paper with facts and numbers on how the economy was given over to him, mentioning that he wouldn’t be able to do anything for the next five years. PM Modi is known for dealing with adversity and being a man of action. He decided to tackle this as a challenge and began working with then-FM Late Shri Arun Jaitley. He did the right thing by not hiding NPA but bringing it to the surface for action. Mentioning a few steps to understand the acts accomplished. The IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy code), SARFAESI (Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest) act and stressed asset management verticals... The government has taken comprehensive steps under it’s 4R’s strategy, Recognising NPA’s transparently Resolving and Recovering value from stressed accounts Recapitalising PSB’s Reforms in banks and financial ecosystem to ensure a responsible and clean system. These numerous approaches enabled the government recover Rs 3.59 lakh crore from PSBs by April 2019 and the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio fell dramatically, down to 3.12% in September 2024. Decline in GNPA: Strengthening PSB Resilience The Gross NPA ratio of Public Sector Banks has undergone a significant turnaround, decreasing to 3.12% in September 2024 from a peak of 14.58% in March 2018. This large drop indicates the success of focused actions to relieve stress in the banking sector. The Asset Quality Review (AQR), undertaken by the Reserve Bank of India in 2015, marked a watershed moment. This initiative sought to uncover and resolve latent stress in banks by requiring the transparent identification of NPAs. It also reclassified previously restructured loans as NPAs, causing a significant increase in reported NPAs. During this period, banks faced increased provisioning requirements that limited their ability to lend and assist productive industries.These were written off but ultimately recovered. As a result, do not confuse waive-off with written-off. The process is ongoing, and no one will be spared by PM Modi within the confines of the law of the land, which is why fear mongering and the creation of false news with distorted data are being distributed on many platforms to harm his reputation. Finally, this allows social media warriors to go extensively into the claims against PM Modi in order to uncover true evidence about prior corruption or malpractices committed by the bosses of false news providers. We are witnessing lot of mis-information being spread in social media about loan written off for big industrialists or people shown close to PM Modi by main stream media. The ultimate purpose is to show PM Modi is corrupt and dancing to the tunes of these biggies. Let’s understand the difference between written off and waive off in simple terms. If someone borrows Rs 100 from you this month but is unable to repay you during the fiscal year as promised, you will write off this amount from your balance sheet as per long-standing accounting practice (not discovered by PM Modi), but you will still pursue him to recover your money, and you may use legal action against him if he does not follow the agreement/contract. When you waive off a debt, you are entirely releasing him from the need to pay a specific sum, and there will be no legal penalties for the debtor. A loan waiver for farmers is an appropriate example. Beyond their financial accomplishments, these banks have played an important role in promoting financial inclusion. They have implemented critical government schemes, such as the Atal Pension Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, to name a few. These efforts have guaranteed that critical benefits reach underrepresented areas of society. The government of India has actively supported the sector with reforms, welfare initiatives, and strong policies. This has enhanced the banking system by promoting greater openness, stability, and inclusivity. PSBs continue to expand their presence across the country, hence increasing financial inclusion. Their stronger financial base and improved asset quality have allowed them to enter markets freely, lessening their need on government recapitalization. Here’s how PSBs and SCBs are promoting financial inclusion: Various key financial inclusion projects (PM Mudra, Stand-Up India, PM-SVANidhi, and PM Vishwakarma) have sanctioned. 54 crore Jan Dhan accounts and over 52 crore collateral-free loans. The number of bank branches has expanded from 1,17,990 in March 2014 to 1,60,501 in September 2024, with 1,00,686 located in Rural and Semi-Urban (RUSU) areas. The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme attempts to offer farmers short-term agricultural financing. As of September 2024, the total number of operative KCC accounts was 7.71 crore, with a total outstanding of Rs. 9.88 lakh crore. The Government of India (GoI) has continually provided affordable loans to the MSME sector through a variety of initiatives. MSME advances have grown at a CAGR of 15 per cent over the last three years, with total advances as of March 31, 2024 standing at Rs. 28.04 lakh crore, or a 17.2 per cent annual growth rate. Scheduled Commercial Banks’ gross advances climbed from Rs. 8.5 lakh crore to Rs. 61 lakh crore between 2004 and 2014, and have since expanded significantly to Rs. 175 lakh crore by March 2024. In recent years, India’s public sector banks have made amazing progress, reaching new financial milestones and considerably contributing to the country’s economic stability and growth. The decrease in Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) and the improvement in Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR) demonstrate the sector’s resilience and good risk management methods. The EASE framework has been critical in implementing changes, encouraging cautious lending, and leveraging technology to improve banking services. The focus on financial inclusion has increased access to banks, providing millions with affordable credit and insurance. PSBs, with a stronger financial foundation and enhanced asset quality, are well-positioned to contribute to India’s development agenda and drive inclusive growth.has rapidly ascended to superstardom in women's basketball, cementing her legacy with an extraordinary college career and earning the . Her popularity is reflected in record-breaking jersey sales, which surged by 500% this season. However, despite her $28 million endorsement deal with Nike, one glaring omission remains: the absence of her promised signature shoe. recently revealed during a Q2 earnings call that 's signature shoe is not expected to launch until 2026. This revelation has sparked an uproar among fans, who took to social media to voice their frustrations. On X, user @nosyone4 shared a clip from the earnings call, igniting debate. "It's crazy that they are waiting until 2026 to release Caitlin's shoe," wrote @kenswift. "The fact it takes three years to put it out makes zero sense to me." Fans Question Nike's Strategy as Paige Bueckers Takes the Lead The delay is particularly puzzling when compared to Nike's treatment of another basketball star, . The college athlete debuted her custom Nike GT Hustle 3 sneaker on December 7, 2024, complete with personalized details and cutting-edge technology. Fans quickly drew comparisons, with some questioning Nike's priorities. " arrives in the WNBA in 2024 and the shoes will be released in 2026. While is in college, she already has her personalized shoes," noted @LMadridista__. "It is clear who is the priority and who is not." 's loyal supporters believe Nike is underestimating her value, with many expressing that the delay undermines her growing influence. " is worth bars of gold to Nike," wrote @scottde07820838. Others warned that the postponement could backfire, with @5tephenRN stating, "If they wait that long, they're fools." Fans also pointed out the inherent risks of delay, such as unforeseen injuries, which could impact the shoe's launch and marketing. Criticism of Nike's overall strategy has also gained momentum. "They should fast-track 's sneaker. It's disrespectful to ice out the hottest new athlete's kicks," commented @FLimaxxx. With Nike's market cap down 32% this year, alienating 's fanbase could further damage its standing. Calls for Accountability and Potential Rival Opportunities The contrast between and has reignited debates among fans. Many see ' prioritized shoe release as an unfair advantage. " is in college and already has her shoes. 's fans? Still waiting," noted one commenter. Rival brands have also taken notice, with whispers that Adidas, which previously courted , may seize the opportunity to make a renewed offer. "Go Adidas," declared one user, reflecting growing discontent with Nike's approach. 's supporters are not staying silent. Many have called for Nike to address the delay and deliver on their promise. Some fans have even proposed boycotting the brand until action is taken. Beyond the issue of footwear, this outcry is about honoring 's contributions to the sport and her role as a trailblazing figure for women in athletics. The pressure is on Nike to act swiftly. For and her fans, the stakes are much higher than just a sneaker-they represent recognition of her impact on the game and her significance as a role model in women's sports.Today I'm thinking about President Trump and the idea of running our country like a profitable business. You know, if I achieved great wealth by the sweat of my brow, I wouldn't want big government demanding money and giving no accounting as to how it is spent. My thoughts regarding taxing the wealthy is this: How about coming up with sever or eight complete projects that need doing in each state. From mission statement, man-hours, materials and on to completion. Have a solid dollar total. Instead of an outright tax, ask them to choose any two. Like fixing roads or bridges near them or reclaiming a waterway or whatever. Let these wealthy individuals monitor this money. They didn't become successful because they are bad at math. You want my money? Then I get a say in how it is spent. I once worked for a man who said "if you can't write your idea on a napkin over lunch, you don't have a clear idea." Let freedom ring! Liz Stock Buffalo Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!
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NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with President-elect Donald Trump's incoming “border czar” on Thursday, with the Democratic mayor expressing an enthusiasm to work with the incoming administration to pursue violent criminals in the city while Trump promises a mass deportation strategy. The mayor's meeting with Tom Homan, who will oversee the southern and northern borders and be responsible for deportation efforts in the Trump administration, came as Adams has welcomed parts of the president-elect's hardline immigration platform. Adams told reporters at a brief news conference that he and Homan agreed on pursuing people who commit violent crimes in the city but did not disclose additional details or future plans. “We’re not going to be a safe haven for those who commit repeated violent crimes against innocent migrants, immigrants and longstanding New Yorkers. That was my conversation today with the border czar, to figure out how to go after those individuals who are repeatedly committing crimes in our city,” Adams told reporters. In the weeks since Trump's election win, Adams has mused about potentially scaling back the city’s so-called sanctuary policies and coordinating with the incoming Trump administration on immigration. He has also said migrants accused of crimes shouldn't have due process rights under the Constitution, though he later walked back those comments. The mayor further stunned Democrats in the city when he sidestepped questions in two televised interviews last week on whether he would consider changing parties to become a Republican, telling journalists that he was part of the “American party.” Adams later clarified that he would remain a Democrat. For Adams, a centrist Democrat known for quarreling with the city's progressive left, the recent comments on immigration follow frustration with the Biden Administration over its immigration policies and a surge of international migrants in the city. He has maintained that his positions have not changed and argues he is trying to protect New Yorkers, pointing to the law-and-order platform he has staked out throughout his political career and during his successful campaign for mayor. At his news conference Thursday, Adams reiterated his commitment to New York’s generous social safety net. “We’re going to tell those who are here, who are law-abiding, to continue to utilize the services that are open to the city, the services that they have a right to utilize, educating their children, health care, public protection,” he said. “But we will not be the safe haven for those who commit violent acts.” While the education of all children present in the U.S. is already guaranteed by a Supreme Court ruling, New York also offers social services like healthcare and emergency shelter to low-income residents, including those in the country illegally. City and state grants also provide significant access to lawyers, which is not guaranteed in the immigration court as they are in the criminal court. Still, Adams’ recent rhetoric has been seen by some critics as an attempt to cozy up to Trump, who could potentially offer a presidential pardon in his federal corruption case. Adams has been charged with accepting luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals looking to buy his influence. He has pleaded not guilty. Homan, who was Trump’s former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, also met this week with Republicans in Illinois, where he called on Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, both Democrats, to start negotiations over how Trump's mass deportation plans, according to local media. Separately, New York City officials this week announced continued efforts to shrink a huge emergency shelter system for migrants because of a steady decline in new arrivals. Among the planned shelter closures is a massive tent complex built on a federally owned former airport in Brooklyn, which advocates have warned could be a prime target for Trump's mass deportation plan. Elsewhere, Republican governors and lawmakers in some states are already rolling out proposals that could help him carry out his pledge to deport millions of people living in the U.S. illegally. Izaguirre reported from Albany, N.Y.
OTTAWA — Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new border plan with Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Both Trudeau and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, who Trudeau has been courting to become Canada's next finance minister, shared posts on X Thursday, a day after Trump's latest jab at Canada in his Christmas Day message. It isn't clear if Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who has repeatedly insisted Trump's 51st state references are a joke, will raise the issue with Trump's team when he and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly meet with them in Palm Beach. The two are there to discuss Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with just under four weeks left before Trump is sworn in again as president. He has threatened to impose a new 25 per cent import tariff on Canada and Mexico the same day over concerns about a trade imbalance, as well as illegal drugs and migration issues at the borders. The broad strokes of Canada's plan were made public Dec. 17, including a new aerial intelligence task force to provide round-the-clock surveillance of the border, and improved efforts using technology and canine teams to seek out drugs in shipments leaving Canada LeBlanc's spokesman, Jean-Sébastien Comeau, said the ministers will also emphasize the negative impacts of Trump's threatened tariffs on both Canada and the U.S. Comeau said the ministers will build on the discussions that took place last month when Trudeau and LeBlanc met Trump at Mar-a-Lago just days after Trump first made his tariff threat. It was at that dinner on Nov. 29 when Trump first raised the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state, a comment LeBlanc has repeatedly since insisted was just a joke. But Trump has continued the quip repeatedly in various social media posts, including in his Christmas Day message when he said Canadians would pay lower taxes and have better military protection if they became Americans. He has taken to calling Trudeau "governor" instead of prime minister. Trudeau had not directly responded to any of the jabs, but on Thursday posted a link to a six-minute long video on YouTube from 2010 in which American journalist Tom Brokaw "explains Canada to Americans." The video, which originally aired during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, explains similarities between the two countries, including their founding based on immigration, their trading relationship and the actions of the Canadian Army in World War 2 and other modern conflicts. "In the long history of sovereign neighbours there has never been a relationship as close, productive and peaceful as the U.S. and Canada," Brokaw says in the video. Trudeau did not expand about why he posted a link to the video, posting it only with the words "some information about Canada for Americans." Carney, who is at the centre of some of Trudeau's recent domestic political troubles, also called out Trump's antics on X Thursday, calling it "casual disrespect" and "carrying the 'joke' too far." "Time to call it out, stand up for Canada, and build a true North American partnership," said Carney, who Trudeau was courting to join his cabinet before Chrystia Freeland resigned as finance minister last week. Freeland's sudden departure, three days after Trudeau informed her he would be firing her as finance minister in favour of Carney, left Trudeau's leadership even more bruised than it already was. Despite the expectation Carney would assume the role, he did not and has not made any statements about it. LeBlanc was sworn in as finance minister instead the same day Freeland quit. More than two dozen Liberal MPs have publicly called on Trudeau to resign as leader, and Trudeau is said to be taking the holidays to think about his next steps. He is currently vacationing in British Columbia. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press