At first, it sounded like a joke: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters Wednesday he is “looking forward” to taking on any trade challenges Donald Trump lays down between Canada and the US.
“Looking forward”? (One pundit reacted: “Like ‘looking forward’ to a root canal!” 🙂 )
But maybe Trudeau is on to something.
An Angus Reid poll in September placed Trudeau’s Disapproval rating at 65% among Canadians, his Approval rating stood at only 30%; and, IPSOS placed the PM’s Disapproval rating even higher, 67%, with an Approval score of 33%.
Pierre Poilievre is probably already picking out new furniture and drape colours/pattern for the Prime Minister’s Office.
But not so fast.
What if Trump ignores the USMCA Free Trade Agreement (as he previously ignored NAFTA) and keeps his election promise to impose new and higher tariffs on “ALL GOODS” coming into the US from ANY country … including Canada?
What if Trump tries to tear up the existing Canada-US vehicle manufacturing agreements?
What if Trump puts a high tariff on Canadian pork and beef flowing south and demands Canada abandon its marketing board system and allow American eggs, chicken, milk and dairy products to flow north unhindered?
It would start a trade war with Canada. Our industries, jobs, workers would be under attack.
Trudeau would have no choice but to fight back!
Right?
And as Canadians, wouldn’t it be our national duty to support our country, our Prime Minister and our government in that battle?
“O Canada! We stand on guard for thee…” should mean more than just a song.
Right?
So, what if Trudeau, in the middle of an Canada’s escalating fight against Trump and American trade aggression, sought a public mandate of support for the government’s defence of our own interests?
What a great election issue! The True North’s David versus the Aggressive Americans’ Goliath!
Who would you support? Canada’s stance or the US? Trudeau or Trump?
In fact, Trump’s targeting of Canadian goods and services could be the PM’s “Hail Mary” opportunity to reverse his political fortunes …. just before the clock runs out.
And who would Poilievre support? Surely not Goliath???
Harv Oberfeld
(Lest we forget: this blog posting on Remembrance Day and all the Comments expressed are a testimony to the freedoms we enjoy, thanks to the sacrifices of so many from Canada and other democratic countries’ armed forces over the years, decades … and now too. Remember them … always.)