In March, after a month of deliberation by President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on numerous countries, a 25 percent tax was placed on goods entering the United States from Canada and Mexico. Canadians across the country remained uneasy as the days went on, fearing possible job cuts and even higher inflation.
The first time I met Roveena Jassal, we were both performing at the same showcase, “Conscious Songs 4 Conscious Minds,” in the summer of 2023 at Content Day Studios. I don’t remember how our conversation started—it was probably something like, “I loved your set”—but I definitely remember how it ended.
Canadian journalists have long shouldered the responsibility of reporting on tragedies and distressing events, oftentimes at the expense of their own mental well-being. While many staff writers now have access to employer-funded mental health resources, the situation is different for freelancers, who are often left to navigate these challenges alone.
