Pete Hoekstra’s bluntness is seen as undiplomatic by Canadian officials and interpreted as a way for the Trump administration to turn up the heat as trade talks drag on.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney won a vote on his budget in Parliament that could have triggered a possible election.

A state visit to Canada by top Swedish officials, including Defense Minister Pal Jonson, Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch and the Swedish monarch added to speculation that a deal over the Gripens could be in the offing, as Saab tries to seal the deal with an offer of building a new assembly line in Canada.

The roster debates for Canada are always both contentious and tricky to build out, with many options playing in the NHL.

Instead of the usual sea of red, Team Canada emerged in an avalanche of winter white. Fur headbands emblazoned with the Maple Leaf were paired with Jupa Sports ski jackets and pants. Flag-bearer Sylvie Daigle later won gold in the women’s 3,000-metre short-track speed-skating relay –– the first year for the event.

The US ambassador in Ottawa said Canada and the US have a chance to reach an agreement to reduce tariffs despite last month’s diplomatic blowup when President Donald Trump angrily halted negotiations.

"Sea Wolves, which are gray wolves (Canis Lupus), are a unique group of coastal wolves who have a behaviour based on seafood consumption," explains @patagonianthylacine. "While not yet a subspecies, they could be considered the first step in specialization that forms new species."

Preview Venezuela vs Canada in today's international friendly with TV info, start time, and key storylines ahead of kickoff.