By John Q. Hosedrinker 
As trade talks between the US and Canada remain stalled, the US has clearly articulated its demands for the continuation of free trade under the USMCA. The US is seeking greater access for its dairy farmers in the Canadian market, alleging that the current supply-management system unfairly restricts their products. Additionally, the US wants Canada to revise its Online Streaming Act, which it believes discriminates against American tech and media firms. Lastly, the US is requesting that Canadian provinces reinstate the sale of American liquor, which was pulled in response to tariffs imposed by the US.
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Let’s dive into this, shall we? The situation is this: the US, it seems, has laid down some… well, let’s call them “requests” – maybe even “demands” – to Canada. These are aimed at keeping free trade agreements, specifically the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), intact. But based on the general sentiment, there seems to be a significant level of hesitation, to put it mildly, on the Canadian side.
Specifically, a major point of contention seems to be the dairy industry. The US is reportedly angling to have American liquor back on Canadian shelves and wants to further open up Canada’s dairy market to US farmers. Now, Canada’s dairy industry is protected by supply management, a system designed to stabilize prices and support local producers. This system is seen by many Canadians as a crucial element of their food security, with some even willing to pay more for milk and eggs to maintain it. It’s perceived that the US aims to dismantle this system, potentially driving Canadian producers out of business and allowing US mega-corporations to dominate the market. The fear is that this could lead to higher prices and potentially lower quality products.
It appears the other issues raised by the US are that of an online streaming law that they say “discriminates” against American tech and media firms and a report released in April by the Office of the US Trade Representative, which accuses Alberta’s non-profit electrical grid operator of blocking Montana-based electricity producers from accessing the Alberta market.
The general impression seems to be that a deal with the current US administration is not particularly trustworthy. The feeling is that any agreement made could be easily broken, given past experiences. Many Canadians express a deep distrust of the US government’s motives, viewing these demands as an attempt to make Canada economically dependent on America. The strong sentiments voiced is that Canada shouldn’t negotiate these points. They’re in place for very good reasons and don’t benefit us in any way to back down on.
Another significant element in this discussion is the call for an official apology from the US regarding comments about Canada becoming a “51st state”. Many feel that this kind of language reflects a lack of respect and is indicative of a broader pattern of what some describe as economic bullying. The general feeling appears to be that the US is not negotiating in good faith and that any agreement reached would ultimately benefit the US more than Canada. The tone is highly critical, with many expressing a preference for avoiding deals with the US altogether.
The issue of tariffs, both past and present, is also a key concern. Many Canadians are reporting that they have been paying extra tariffs and fees on goods purchased from the US. This has fueled a sense of resentment and led many to favor buying Canadian products. The perceived instability of US trade policies under the current administration is a major factor driving this sentiment. The fear is that the US could reinstate tariffs at any time, rendering any agreement worthless.
A recurring theme is the desire for Canada to explore alternative trading partners, to reduce its dependence on the US and maintain its sovereignty. There’s a strong undercurrent of national pride and a determination to protect Canadian interests, even if it means weathering some short-term economic challenges. The feeling is, the benefits of maintaining the status quo, even if it means some added costs, outweigh the risks of conceding to US demands.
The tone is very critical of the US demands with the feeling that the US is acting like a bully. There is a strong sentiment that any deal made with the US administration will be broken and any changes to the current situation are not worth it. The feeling is that Canada should stand strong and avoid making any concessions.