The decision of the Trump Administration to impose a 25% across the board tariff on the import of Canadian goods, with a lower tariff on oil, has been analysed ad nauseum by economists and policy wonks in Canada. They rightly point out that it will actually increase costs to the American consumer, and that when you net out oil the US actually enjoys a trade surplus with Canada.
They are all missing the point. There have been some who have raised the possibility that this is part of a new economic strategy being adopted by the new administration. Eschewing “free” trade arrangements and using tariffs to create revenue to allow for a commensurate decrease in U.S income tax, both individual and corporate might have some underlying relevance to the imposition of tariffs. Fears of a new age of mercantilism are secondary at best to the analysis, although all of the discourse and analysis has been well meaning and largely helpful. If the voter can understand policy and critical thinking this bodes well for democracy.
One need looks at how President Trump has approached every “challenge” in his life. For him, in many cases it is a zero-sum game, or at least he better be seen as winning in the eyes of the public. Trump approaches policy from a Nixonian perspective, and adds in the dominant criteria, personal relationship, and character as the dominant factor. He speaks of having good or great relationships with many world leaders, many who are considered pariahs by the policy apparatus and mainstream media. There is creditability to his weltanschauung, as evidenced by the capitulation of Hamas and the meaningful progress towards resolution of the war in Ukraine.
I am not saying this is the “right” way to do trade and foreign policy, but the Imperial model is what we have, and for the sake of Canada’s economy we better understand that and implement policies that cater to that. Trump is singularly focused on winning in the wake of a failed Biden administration where appeasement, faux brinksmanship and capitulation were the primary characteristics. He feels the call of history, to save his country, restore it to greatness and to firmly carve his name into history. Donald Trump, love him or hate him (there is no middle) is simply the most consequential President since Ronald Reagan.
In Canada’s case I have written that this is the time for introspection as well. The current government, which stinks like rotten fish, is attempting to use Trump’s tariffs as a new wedge issue and Hail Mary to keep power at all costs and cover up the most despicable record in Canadian history. This has more to due with the once proud Liberal Party of Canada that has transformed into a cult of personality, and redistribution conduit to the donor class. My commentary regarding the current Prime Minister has been called “hate” by some. My unfiltered language does borrow from literature, history, and philosophy, and certainly might be at times vitriolic, but given the damage done to this once great country, which may be irreparable, by Mr. Trudeau and his quisling co-conspirators, I get a pass on that.
Canada needs to first arrest the threat of tariffs by getting on Trump’s good side. Premier Smith has taken the right course, and lower tariffs on oil is the immediate result. Doug Ford, running for re-election, has no choice to adopt some form of bravado, but might consider a pilgrimage to Mar a Lago. Ford and Trump are both personal relationships focused and likely find common ground. The primary issue in all of this dispute, in my opinion is based on one personal relationship alone, not economics, not shared history, not even “common sense.” Justin Trudeau is an effete elitist, the very definition of silver spooned, who is in every measure a zealot on the issues of a perceived climate emergency and gender. He embodies everything that Donald Trump hates. Add to this the fact that Trudeau simply cannot keep his mouth shut, that he has not missed an opportunity to insult Trump now, during the campaign, and throughout his debauched 10-year government.
Canada needs to address structural issues that have prevented it from its true potential. Wide open immigration which has upended our social safety net, made entry level employment impossible for “old stock” Canadians and contributed to a marked increase in crime needs to reverse. (Please note, I do not blame these folks for working hard. I do blame lazy Canadians who since COVID have become addicted to government). Legalization of drugs (beyond cannabis) has not resulted in control of that market, but instead accelerated widespread addiction, urban decay, and crime. Our military has been transformed into a band of out of shape, unarmed social justice warriors due to command structure which is dominated by Soviet style zampolits rather than war fighters. Interprovincial trade, pipelines, supply management are all things that need to be addressed and remedied in short order.
But the central problem remains the continued public presence of Justin Trudeau. He simply will not go away. There is no “conversion on the road to Damascus” coming for President Trump. He demands a very public win. And like the recent 24-hour dispute with Colombia, that win must seen as victory in a clash of personalities. This win is simply defined, Justin Trudeau must leave office immediately. Justin Trudeau must realize or be told; he has no hand to play. It is time to fold and leave the table. Parliament must be recalled and an election called. There is no constitutional provision of fiat that says the Liberal Party of Canada has a God given right to pick a leader before an election. They can go into the campaign and pick their leader after they are dealt the electoral obliteration they so clearly deserve.
In the resolute words of Lord Amery, Depart, I say, and let have done with you. In the name of God, go.
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