It’s time to set aside differences and put Canada first.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade war with the rest of the world, Canada included, has not only turned our relationship with our largest trading partner on its ear, but it’s forced us to rethink how we conduct business.
Canadians have rightly railed against Trump’s protectionist policies, but the impacts of those moves wouldn’t be as severe if we weren’t so reliant on trade with our neighbours to the south.
Now, it makes sense to trade with a country that shares the longest border in the world, but too many eggs in one basket can prove problematic, particularly with an America-first agenda at full throttle.
Prime Minister Mark Carney brought premiers together in Saskatoon this week to discuss building a stronger Canadian economy, one that’s less dependent on the U.S. and is more cohesive internally.
Getting everyone on the same page will undoubtedly be a challenge for the new prime minister given disparate provincial interests but surely premiers must recognize that it’s easier to deal with fellow Canadians than to be held hostage by Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ antics.
Carney's push to make Canada an "energy superpower," expand export markets and break down interprovincial trade barriers would provide much-needed diversification, but getting there is going to take cooperation, something that’s been in short supply among the provinces.
It will require concessions, perhaps even retreats from long-held positions, so there’s no doubt the stakes are high for all involved, but an unwillingness to cooperate leaves us vulnerable to the whims of the MAGA movement.
Carney wants to redefine Canada’s relationship with the United States while building a more unified Canadian economy. They’re laudable goals, but we’re not going to get there unless provinces are willing to make some sacrifices for the greater good.
