By John Q. Hosedrinker 
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The subject of the US-Canada trade tensions immediately brings to mind a sense of unease, a sentiment that’s echoed by the former foreign minister’s warning. “This is bad news,” indeed. It’s a simple statement, but it carries a weight of understanding, the implication being that we’re not just dealing with a temporary bump in the road, but a potentially damaging shift in a vital relationship. The fact that someone with firsthand experience is expressing this concern is a clear indicator that the situation needs to be taken seriously.
The supposed cause for the trade tensions, which seems to be the flow of fentanyl across the border, feels like a poorly constructed excuse. It is very strange when less than 1% of all US Fentanyl came across the US/Canadian border… and this was the excuse for this trade war? It raises the question: how can you negotiate with someone when their demands seem divorced from reality? The way the US seems to be handling the situation raises concerns of bad faith.
We have to acknowledge that trade wars are, by their very nature, detrimental to both sides. No one wants this, but sometimes, we are forced to play the cards that are dealt. Simply giving in to unyielding demands won’t solve anything. It feels like being pushed into a corner with no good options available.
A key strategy in navigating these tough waters is to build other alliances. Fast. This gives Canada more leverage. It’s also essential to knock down those provincial trade barriers within Canada itself. It’s self-defeating to create internal trade conflicts while facing external pressures.
Honest criticism of how things are being handled is fair game. And in the midst of all of this, it’s hard not to feel that the situation is being handled relatively well, all things considered. However, this doesn’t mean that missteps shouldn’t be called out when they occur.
The way the US is behaving is reminiscent of someone who is unwilling to negotiate in good faith. It’s like a chess game with an opponent who keeps eating the pieces. It’s like dealing with someone who is unwell. In the long run, such a stance only leads to more difficulties.
The future holds challenges for the Canadian dollar, but it is sometimes tempting to hope for the US to make a major blunder and crumble. The world continues to treat the US administration as if it is not in the throes of something they cannot control. It’s a difficult, often frustrating, time.
The reason for the trade war felt like a hollow excuse, a fabricated lie designed to extort money from a friend. The sentiment here is one of deep disappointment in the US and the direction it’s going. The feeling is that of betrayal.
The instinct to counter these actions with hardball tactics, like shutting down exports, is understandable but potentially unwise. But sometimes, you just want to hurt them.
The fundamental problem seems to be that the US administration needs to create revenue, and tariffs and downsizing are the ways to make that happen. However, they are harming the middle class by imposing taxes. The tariffs are also likely being used to fund other projects.
The fentanyl excuse is the fuel that is driving this, and even if it is fake, it’s a useful excuse for them. A presidential executive order for tariffs, can only be issued without Congress approval when national security is at risk, or threatened. As such I believe that there’s a time limit of maybe 6 months. Trump needs to impose a national sales tax to raise revenue to pay for his tax cuts to billionaires.
It’s frustrating to watch and impossible to see a positive outcome. There is a sense of hopelessness that comes from this.
The constant flip-flopping from the US side is what frustrates people. It shows a complete lack of respect and demonstrates that they don’t want a good working relationship with Canada. The boycotts in response make sense.
Perhaps the best course of action now is to move on. Don’t take the calls and don’t try to deal with them. This isn’t just a trade negotiation; it’s a test of will.
It’s time to stop trying to fix a problem that the US president created, and that is a sentiment that many can relate to. He will keep throwing the toys on the floor until he’s made to pick them up himself.
It’s valuable to hear from someone who knows the field, who isn’t part of the current government, and who can see things differently. One possible solution is to impose an equal export tariff instead of any import duties.
On a personal level, the suggestion is to stop supporting the US, even if it’s tough.