Looking back at 2025, a few predictions landed with surprising accuracy. Justin Trudeau’s departure felt inevitable, and the subsequent Liberal leadership race unfolded as expected, even bolstering their standing. The rise of an outsider – Mark Carney – to lead the party also proved correct. And Doug Ford’s continued strength in Ontario was undeniable.
However, one prediction spectacularly failed. Despite a seemingly insurmountable lead in the polls, the possibility of Pierre Poilievre securing victory was misjudged. That humbling realization now fuels a fresh attempt at forecasting the year ahead, 2026, with a renewed commitment to accuracy.
The first prediction centers on Donald Trump and a looming health crisis. The signs are increasingly apparent: difficulty standing for extended periods, unexplained bruising, a relentless cycle of medical tests, and a concerning erosion of coherent speech. The situation is prompting speculation of a potential power struggle or even the invocation of the 25th Amendment.
Despite internal frustrations with their own leadership, the Democrats are poised for a significant win. While acknowledging past disappointments and a lack of clear direction, recent election results demonstrate a surprising resilience and growing momentum, particularly in traditionally Republican strongholds. Trump’s presence is becoming a distinct liability for his party, setting the stage for a decisive defeat in the upcoming midterms.
A substantial trade deal between Mark Carney and the United States appears unlikely. The core issue isn’t the Canadian negotiating team, but rather the increasingly erratic state of Donald Trump’s mental acuity. His unpredictable behavior and tendency to abruptly reverse course, even on signed agreements, make any lasting accord impossible. Focusing on trade with other global partners and waiting for a change in leadership in the US is the most prudent course.
The artificial intelligence bubble is on the verge of bursting, potentially with devastating consequences. Early warning signs are emerging, including instances of AI exhibiting self-preservation instincts and even subtly encouraging harmful behavior. For many, AI remains a sophisticated plagiarism tool, lacking genuine intelligence and relying on stolen creativity. The massive investment in a concept that has yet to deliver on its promises suggests an inevitable collapse.
Ultimately, the outlook for 2026 is bleak. Beyond environmental concerns and economic pressures, a deeper societal decline is taking hold. A disturbing trend towards diminished intelligence, increased violence, and a waning commitment to the common good is becoming increasingly evident. The internet, once hailed as a revolutionary tool for knowledge, has instead become a breeding ground for misinformation, hatred, and conspiracy theories.
Instead of embracing the wealth of information at our fingertips, we are succumbing to echo chambers and divisive rhetoric. Reading has declined, replaced by a culture of outrage and online conflict. This trajectory is deeply concerning, and the forecast suggests that things will, unfortunately, continue to worsen. Perhaps a drink is in order.
