Why are we treating China the same way the U.S. is treating Canada?
It just does not make any sense! With the new world trade rules that the U.S. is creating with many countries, specializing on protectionism rather than open trade, it gives us a unique opportunity to open up more trade with other countries. For example, we put on extra tariffs on Chinese cars, so they add new tariffs on Canadian seafood. China imports lumber from the U.S. Why not import lumber from Canada? Why not also import oil from Canada?
If there were no tariffs, we could greatly expand our trade with China with their very large population. We wouldn't have to depend so much on the U.S. and thus be more independent. Maybe China would even offer to build some of their cars here, or at least use some Canadian parts, or even open up dealers. Who knows what advantages could be had if we lowered or eliminated tariffs?
What other tariffs do we have with other countries that could be eliminated to expand trade? The Canadian industries that might suffer with lower protective trade barriers, can be subsidized to bring them to a more even competitive stance. It would certainly be cheaper to subsidize affected industries than to lose even more trade and increase Canadian consumer costs.
Let's not create missed opportunities!
Murray Fallen
Victoria, B.C.
