Last night before retiring I watched a 2013 discussion from CUNY between two of the World's leading economists moderated by one of the world's leading economics journalists. I left the discussion humbled but slept like I haven't been able to sleep for years.
The late Tony Atkinson was the world's foremost experts on inequality, Paul Krugman needs no introduction and Chrystia Freeland is now Canada's Minister of Global Affairs and head of our NAFTA negotiation team.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAFCaDS4a6Q
Listening to intellectual giants speak or reading the thoughts of intellectual giants is my meat and potatoes and I felt like I was at the Thanksgiving table.
Chrystia Freeland at the NAFTA table leads me to believe that there is hope for the world. The civility of the Socratic discourse between Atkinson , Krugman and Freeland left me humble and optimistic that what we are now seeing is the last gasp of plutocrats as they attempt to control the world. The failing NYT can scarcely keep up with the demand around the world for information that is based in fact.
Chrystia Freeland brings to the NAFTA table an individual of impeccable character, courage, faith, honesty and regard for the human condition. I don't know how the talks with the Trumpsters will turn out but the world's needs are in good hands with Chrystia Freeland.
Our biggest problem is getting great power to allow facts to exist when the entertainment of the narrative is all important.
2
Thinking fairly long term, I wonder if anything Trump puts together here has staying power. Technically, NAFTA is not a treaty as per the Constitution. It is a congressional-executive agreement (CEA). These require a simple majority in both houses of Congress to pass. Note: BOTH houses of Congress. By the time such a 'deal' turns into hard print before Congress, the House will almost certainly have Democratic majority. They are unlikely to pass whatever Trump signs (he can sign before they assent), at least not without significant revisions.
3
Trudeau stated, “no (NAFTA) deal is better than a bad deal for Canadians” That may be a bitter pill to swallow, but as a sovereign nation I would rather suffer an economic setback, than bow to the bully in the White House. Thankfully, the people at the table do not include Trump, but unless he gets to stick it to Trudeau personally he will not be happy. Whatever the outcome, we stand together as a nation, all party affiliations aside, and hope a fair agreement can be made.
11
The Mexican portion of the current agreement will harm not help Americans. By imposing quotas and tariffs on Mexican exports the automobile companies will simply increase the price of the goods we pay for. The blackmail approach that the president was attempting to use on Canada will also backfire. The trump team fails to understand that may of those jobs that left will not be coming back and even if they do the companies will find a way to automate the factories thereby eliminating any new jobs. NAFTA was seen at the time as a way to spur free trade in north America in order to provide ease of transport and cheaper products. It seems the only person who saw this as evil was the new president. He is simply attempting to muck up the existing trade agreement and fix something that isn’t broken. The American consumer will be the victim here!
6
The demagogue Trump in action. I predicted this month ago. Trump is an ego maniac demagogue but also a free trader.
He imposed onerous tariffs on all countries, will get a few bones from them and declare all tariffs off and will declare he is the greatest president since Lincoln.
He will continue to fool some of the people but hopefully not the majority.
6
I favor bad relations with Canada. Every winter Florida and southern Texas are overrun with Canadians clogging every happy hour and all you can eat buffet and throwing nickels around like manhole covers.
2
@Thomas BFlorida's economy would stagger without Canadian tourists and retirees spending "winter" down there.
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Luke, I sense Thomas was being facetious. And to be diplomatic, perhaps he didn’t mean to denigrate our beaver-stamped coinage but was alluding to another strangely unliked export of ours, Nickleback.
1
@Thomas B
We traded our annual winter break - post Trump.
Barbados for Sarasota. Happy to throw my nickels to the gracious Bajans again this winter.
10
Debra Steger is woefully naive if she doesn't understand that the world she knew has been stood on its head. "The law and the rules" are meaningless to Donald Trump, who knows what he wants and will stoop to anything to get it, laws and rules be damned, and there is nobody in the Republican controlled Congress prepared to meaningfully stand in his way. In such conditions, given the uncertainty of the conditions facing Canada without an agreement, Canada has no option but to negotiate for the best it can get now, and sign a deal, some of which will be unpalatable.
But this isn't the end of the world as we know it. Donald Trump and his Republican rump sooner or later will be toast and the countries can go back to the negotiating table to revisit contentious issues that may be embedded in the forthcoming agreement. One thing the Trump experience has taught us is that everything can be renegotiated.
The real lesson for Canada is that the country is far too dependent on one country for its economic well-being. This always has been risky and therefore unhealthy. Canadian economic policy has been woefully inadequate in respect of economic diversification and this must change in the interest of future generations. It simply cannot afford to keep most of its eggs in one basket.
4
Mark, I’m sorry but that’s ridiculous. The worlds largest market, literally a stones throw over the border. Our economic integration will never cease.
Smoke and mirrors. There is no there, there. Threats and bluster are not how you get to an agreement with partners. Trump just wants to be able to say he won, nothing more. Buffoonery at its finest.
10
Gee we Canadians might want to pull out of the Columbia Basin agreement and cut off power and water to California.Does trump know we can shut off power from Quebec and black out power to to New York and the east coast. Trump can't grab our Beaver and get away with it.
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As Prime Minister Trudeau said: "No NAFTA deal is better than a bad NAFTA deal". Hopefully Ottawa will hang tough and refuse to sign a deal unless we get what we want. Trump is in over his head (as usual) and we should use his ignorance and stupidity to push for a better deal even if it takes longer. If NAFTA fails then the original FTA negotiated by Mulroney and Reagan will be the fallback position.
6
It appears that there maybe benefits to this renegotiation. It is a shame that as always Trump's ego refuses to allow all parties of an agreement to feel good about negotiations. It is always " I forced the issues and got a better deal than the others". Even if this turns out to be accurate there is a diplomatic value to being a good winner as opposed to doing an "end zone dance" and spiking the football in the opponents face. At some point, the other team will win and these reactions will be remembered.
8
I know that Canada's business community puts great pressure on Mr Trudeau and Ms Freeland to appease Trump so I do forgive them. Still, I wish Mr Trudeau would grow a larger pair and tell Trump to go stick it.
Yes, I am willing to buy many more Canadian products.
9
As a dual citizen living in Canada, I find Mr. Trump's constant displays of ego and bluster tiresome. His portrayal of 'America as Victim' only plays well with his insular supporters; to the rest of the world he is a sad joke, leading the country deeper into militarism, old technology and backward-looking energy policy. His portrayal of Canada and PM Trudeau is insulting; more a sign of weakness than strength. IMO, Canada needs to stand strong against this fool... And the rest of the world needs to unite under a common cause against the backward, non-life sustaining policies of the current US government.
20
In 19 months this US administration has done little constructive work and a serious amount of damage.
The support and partnership our 2 nations have participated in for over a century has been remarkable; not always amicable, but always remarkable
In this era, the administration seems determined to undo anything of value as if that makes America a better place. This includes the best international relationship the US has ever had.
The perpetrators seem to be working on self interest, while followers blindly and feverishly follow thinking that it somehow benefits America.
Everyone needs friends, even America. It has precious few and the list is shrinking. Using Canada as a pawn in a game to inflate the ego of a failing leader, calling canada a security threat, insulting its leaders and population, is damaging.
Personally, we travel to the US at least 4 or 5 times a year, every year. Except now we don’t. We look at labels in stores and buy anything other than MAde in USA where possible. We avoid US stores and restaurants to the extent possible. We are not alone. Tens of thousand are doing the same thing. Damage is already being done.
Tarriffs and content rules (assuming they can be enforced) only make goods more expensive for Americans
Exporting heavily subsidized dairy to Canada means you are paying for our milk via your taxes.
Everything this administration touches is made worse.
Please please please stop them before our historic friendship is further harmed.
21
Trump's Mexico first approach does o appear to be have forced Canada into a box This is in large part Trump's childish retaliation for direct and accurate feedback that Trudeau gave him about steel and aluminum tariffs However, the reality of the Mexico deal is that it is far better for Canada and its auto workers than for the US Increased requirements for "North American" content can be met in Canada for lower cost than the US (ie a favorable exchange rate, lower energy costs, lower health care costs and lower wages) and Canada has many formidable competitive companies (MAGNA) If the price is a concession on dairy (which is economically insignificant)--already agreed to in TPP--Trudeau will give Trump his bragging rights and laugh all the way to the bank
4
Minister Freeland and Canada should walk away from this tragic puppet show of NAFTA that now, to many Canadians, looks like HAFTA (?).
There is no guarantee that your Mr Trump will not win your Electoral College vote again, and yet, again, lose your popular vote beauty contest in 2020. It is not out of the bounds of possibility.
That equates to four plus more years for Canada, your northern neighbours and one-time friends.
Canada has trade agreements with the EU, China, India, plus our traditional trade agreements with our fellow Commonwealth countries (the UK, New Zealand, Australia, etc.).
Those are Canada's friends now.
Sorry, America! Where are your truly announced 2020 Democrats with campaign offices set up that are willing to stand up to this orange-haired bully?
Really and truly, they should be eating lukewarm chicken dinners in Iowa barns right now. A few timid Democratic leaders appear to be dipping their little toes into the waters of America. What many Canadians are looking for is an American Democratic leader that is willing to jump in for a real big swim to help bring sanity back to your country. I know several Canadians that would be willing to provide a bathing costume, if that is all that is required.
8
In a global free trade world it is illogical for national governments to subsidize industries.Canada does it the U S does it and so does everyone else.Perpetual subsidies are good for no one especially the voting public.Its also not good for the industries that receive it because it creates mediocre performance.Oops i mis spoke it is good for politicians that get rich from pay offs
3
NAFTA or no NAFTA, U.S. consumers are footing the bill. This is Trump genius like an arsonist under the cover of being a firefighter
7
Just sign it Canada, you have very little choice in the matter. You're trying to save face but you'll fall in line by the deadline, there is little doubt.
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Hey There - come over here and say that.
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@There
We have little choice, you say? Actually, Canada is a pro choice country on trade. We can choose to trade with India, the UK, China, the EU, Australia, etc. etc.
3
I believe it would be better if they did not reach a deal. Someone has to stand up to Trump's bullying of other countries. And the longer it takes the harder the clash will be.
7
President Trump's lifelong experience is negotiating. What better person to have represent the US to renegotiate a terrible trade deal that sent millions of jobs out of the US.
4
Trump is not a negotiator but an ugly narcistic bully with no ethics. NAFTA has devastated Canada too. But one cannot unbreak the omlette.
6
So Trump is demanding a $16 minimum wage for parts produced in Mexico, while the US minimum wage remains $7.25.
What's up with that?
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To: interested reader
syracuse6h ago
Who writes
Canada's dairy system protects against overproduction, protects price and value and protects the dairy farmer.
Yes.
But are you aware that you are defending import tariffs, some 10 times higher than what Trump wants to put on manufactured products ?
That your arguing exactly like Trump ?
The Canadian system protects farmers from ruin by competition from those willing to work for less
Why should US workers have not the same protection ?
As you are from Syracuse : If the US had had tariffs for workers as Canada has for farmers. the Fisher GM plant in Salina on GM circle that employed thousands would still be there (now its called military circle), New Process Gear would still employ more than 1 500, and Carrier, would more be than just a name on the Carrier Dome.
And Syracuse, instead of falling into poverty, would still be the prosperous City it once was.
As prosperous as Canadian farmers.
Why is what is good for Canadian Farmers not good for Syracuse workers ?
6
Canada has a quota system that is supported by Canadian milk consumers.
The US subsidizes it’s farmers from its tax base.
In both countries the farmers are assisted.
The assistance should be harmonized so that the competition is fair.
Dairy is not part of NAFTA. If it were it’s value would be less than a 0.5% of the Trade.
Let’s keep things in perspective !
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@Angelo C
The current Dairy tariff is so high that products will not come into Canada under that tariff unless they are special, such as some cheeses. I suspect they could be lowered to 100% without having a change in their impact. If that is true, Canada should do so and it will be a big win for Trump.
Recently Canada has been implementing zero Tariff quotas, that allow a certain amount (EU) or a certain percentage of the market (TPP) to come in without tariff. The percentage or amount is low
Everyone outside of Canada and many Canadians oppose the Dairy Supply Management System. What's really steamed up Dairy Producers located near the Canadian border is that the rules have been changed so that the protection become effective again.
Until very recently, a certain milk product was coming into Canada with zero tariff. They were selling hundreds of millions of dollars of this product to Canadian cheese makers and others because this product wasn't covered by the Supply Management system.
It was a product manufactured and sold only to Canadian companies and only because it was crossing the border with a zero tariff. The rules have been changed and now the product hasn't a reason to be sold to Canada.
It is stupid to not take a deal because of DSM, as in the long run, i think Canada will abandon it. But Trump is desperate for a victory -- so lower the tariff to 100% and give the US a tariff free quota of 10% of the market and I think Trump will jump for it.
2
@Woof also, last time I was in Syracuse, the Destiny USA mall was filled with shoppers' cars with Ontario license plates. Many of these cars were luxury vehicles, in contrast to the ones with NY plates. If I lived in Syracuse, I would be thankful for my Canadian neighbors.
'Deadlines' & threats are always phony. Canada is not in a weak position. Quite the opposite. The US (Trump) is in a weak position. Here's some reasons why ~
Trump has had ZERO success in 'negotiating' anything - trade or geo-politically.
He has saddled the US economy with steel & aluminum tariffs plus the reciprocal tariffs imposed by all other countries, because NOBODY gave him anything in response to his threats.
The internal pressure by US industry, agriculture & States to 'not mess with NAFTA' is now more intense than ever.
To get a quick three party deal the US must now ~
Leave Canadian Dairy out of it. It's a 'no win' for the US & it was never in the current NAFTA anyway.
Take out the 'sunset' clause.
Take out the revised 'trade resolution process' clause.
If Trump does all that quietly, Canada & Mexico will sign on, & Trump will still have enough left in the US\Mexico changes to blow up & claim a big US victory.
All three parties will be able to claim a 'win\win\win' deal, which was the aim in the first place, & everybody goes home happy. Then they have something constructive to present to their respective Parliaments for ratification.
Please pass this on to Pres. Trump - he has only 48 hours left.
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That’s a tall order of demands from the economy 1/10th size of the US.
Can Canadians not be so cocky and angry?
1
Canada has both size and leverage. It’s is the largest trading partner in many key States. Trump should set aside his ego (unlikely) and begin negotiating intelligently (impossible).
5
@Frank Savage be careful....we buy more real estate in NYC than any other nation in the world.....
1
My home state of New Hampshire has lots of business with Canada. According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, New Hampshire exported $559 million dollars /14% of total trade and the biggest trading partner. Trump is ruining a lot of jobs and his trade tweak will ruin the economy.
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Captain Bone Spurs is so desperate for a “win” that our Minister of Foreign Affairs (who is undoubtedly infinitely smarter than Captain Bone Spurs) is going to play his greatest weakness to our advantage. Captain Bone Spurs has already caved on his 5 year sunset clause. He’ll cave on other issues just so he can strut and crow about his brilliance. She’s going to play him better than North Korea did. If you have bothered to follow North Korea, Captain Bone Spurs’ desire for a “win” has now ensured that North Korea is never going to give up developing its nukes and has set the table for trade that has already started with China and Russia.
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@Trento Cloz Quite correct on Ms. Freeland. 100 times smarter than Mr. Trump, & quietly diplomatic about it too. And Trudeau too. Everybody else Trump deals with are only 90 times smarter.
5
Sometimes the irony is simply too overwhelming and my ability to comment is much reduced.
Chrystia Freeland spent 25 years writing for the most prestigious and influential financial journals.
In 2000 she wrote Sale of the Century about how all of Russia's assets were sold to those with the most capital and how democracy was not allowed to evolve in Russia.
Chapter one is titled Every Thing Marx said about Capitalism is True. Chrystia Freeland speaks Russian, Ukrainian and italian and she speaks economics in all of them. Chrystia Freeland is Canadian and her ethics and values are about middle class liberal democracy. She is a real Christian whose Christianity is about what Jesus taught, her economics is about the best balance between economic growth and the well being of most citizens and her understanding about what will bring the best future for mankind.
This week she will meet with Donald Trump's trade representatives and the US media will focus on Trump even as America rejects its very soul and Chrystia Freeland lives the life that Americans like Barrack Obama and John McCain tried to live without her knowledge of how economics really work. How's that for irony.
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@Memphrie et Moi All true - but please don't bring religion into it. Not relevant.
2
It’s shouldn’t be relevant. But when Trump was elected by evangelicals while also being the most morally bankrupt candidate it is relevant (and ironic) to note those who are quietly pious.
@Memphrie et Moi....remember who has the ear of the king...... watch the banks.....
Any Democrat senator should take a page from Tom Cotton's (Iran) playbook and write Canada a letter letting them know that whatever agreements Trump is making they won't be worth the paper they are written on when Trump is gone.
9
Whereas 75% of our exports go to 1 customer (the U.S.) we have a problem. If we don’t diversify our customer base the U.S. will continue to have the whip hand over our economy and our only defence will continue to be taxation by various names which cost the Canadian consumer in favour of ‘protecting’ Canadian business.
11
Let's see - the US-Mexico deal increases auto content from 62.5% sourced within the continent to 75%. I think that benefits all 3 nations and also this rules of origin limits dumping of steel in Mexico by China.. On the wage levels, the United States has pushed for a provision that requires 40% of the content of light trucks and 45% of pickup trucks to be made by workers that earn at least $16 an hour, and Mexico appears to have agreed to this as well.. I think this benefits the Mexican wage earner, raising their earning potential and also limits a race to the bottom on wages. A key point pertinent to the US (for the deal w/Canada)is that of E-commerce: Specifically doing away or reducing import duties on goods bought online, simplifying customs requirements and processing for e-shipments and ensuring open access to the internet. As an example a Canadian (potentially) pays the same for a product from Amazon/EBay as an American. BTW the US has increased the dollar amount at which goods may enter (from Mexico/Canada) US duty-free from $200 to $800.
At the end of the day it is all about getting a better deal for the US and its citizens. Just going through some of the posts here makes me feel that a lot the Canucks are behaving like angry entitled petulant kids whose allowances have been cut in half. What is with the name calling. I personally don't think your PM is a smart guy neither does he have much leverage in this negotiation, but I wouldn't call him names.
Peace. Om.
6
@Baaba Maal As a Canadian I'm shattered by your description of us as petulant kids and name callers. And just when I was just about getting over the fact that Canada is a national security threat to the USA.
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@Baaba Maal
When Trump is calling for the $16 hr wage in Mexico, isn't it more a case of the U.S. car companies doing their manufacturing in Mexico who are going along with it?
Or does the government of Mexico set the hourly wages of workers employed by U.S. companies?
7
I used to live in Toronto and I think there was somewhat hostility toward the US way before Trump got into office. You guys have benefited immensely from being next to the world’s largest economy for years. You wouldn’t have the standard of living you do if not for that. Crossing the Peace Bridge 90% of the trucks coming and going have Ontario plates. Where’s the American trucks? I see a lot of Canadian trucks, even all the way from Quebec, here in Ohio. I don’t see a lot of American trucks in Canada. Most American companies have historically had subsidiaries in Canada making products for local distribution. I think you guys ARE whining all the while benefiting. Don’t like it then close the border.
5
Congress's duty is to the nation, not to any one citizen. This bilateral madness flowing from Navarro Spring at the White House assumes that our diplomats have the time and energy to negotiate separate, yes separate agreements with each of the 195 countries in the world, and that this approach will end up better for the USA than regional trade agreements that have proven effective since WWII.
Yet 3/4ths of a century have proven otherwise. Some deals may be better than others, but overall the group deals have provided stability to markets, industries and regions without sacrificing local sovereignty, despite claims from the Right.
Trade is better than wars. Free trade is cheaper than tariffs. Tariffs do not prevent globalization of the economy. Patents and copyrights are better handled by group agreements. Breaking up the EU will not help us, it would help Russia and China.
Where have all the Republicans gone, and who are those people on Capitol Hill pretending to be the GOP? Remember the War of 1812 slogan?
Free Trade and Sailors Rights!
10
For many decades, I felt that the hostility many Canadians felt toward the US was overblown. This is the first time I've felt it's actually understated.
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@Phillip Usher
Canadian hostility towards the U.S. has a very long & ingrained history. Until WWI there where many U.S. politicians and business interests that felt it was ‘manifest destiny’ for Canada to devolve into a U.S. state either in its’ entirety or province by province. Needless to say that attitude was and remains hugely unpopular amongst Canadians.
8
@Phillip Usher If Trudeau had boasted about making up lies to Trump, if Trudeau had declared the we are a national security threat to Canada when the world knows that is a bald faced lie. If Trump had objected to that mistreatment and Trudeau had called him weak, how would you feel? It's funny how you have overlooked the tiny detail of how we got to this point.
3
@ Ralph Trudeau comes from a lineage used to US presidential insults. ‘I’ve been called worse by better men,’ his father, Pierre, once quipped after Nixon referred to him impolitely. Justin only looks like a tree hugger with no punch. No worries, he can punch. (This deal eventually gets settled but your country’s reputation is down, snd how, for the count!)
1
This just smacks of manipulations to garner Red votes on Nov 6th.
Trump’s fear is not very subtle as he gets Congress all set up to railroad it thru, aka fast tracking. And arbitrary deadlines for Canada seems more like desperation than any real intent for straightforward negotiation.
It’s a bit scary, and creepy, to begin to realize to just what lengths trump will aspire to save his bacon to prevent the Midterms flipping of the House and/or Senate. A desperate president could prove to be a threat to USA’s national security if Congress and his legal eagles fail to hamper any actions that can harm the country.
Not to fault the NYTimes, whom I respect, but it’s a good idea to get other perspectives on Canadian issues by reading Canadian news. Ditto for other issues, news directly from outside of our country is a good idea.
16
It will be fun to watch Pelosi, Schumer, and the other Corporate Democrats support Canada and existing NAFTA while the UAW and AFL-CIO support the working class and Fair Trade.
6
All the confidence in the world for Canada's chief trade representative Krystia Freeland. An Alberta farmgirl from Peace River she speaks five languages, is a Rhode scholar and successful writer She is not an individual to be frightened by your bombastic president.
Our next prime minister I hope.
57
Ha-ha-ha..."Republican lawmakers are warning the White House that a bilateral agreement will not pass congressional muster." That's rich. Those simpering cowards barely have the spine to get out of bed in the morning, and wouldn't if they weren't so afraid of the base back home. The GOP is a now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trump Companies, and as Stephen Miller has lectured, Mr. Trump's power will not be questioned.
One thing that America needs to think about as we alienate our allies to the north and the "Chinese hoax" desiccates our western states to a crispy crunch: Canada controls a lot of water and it would be better if our relations were cordial.
18
Canadians will not be happy if their government gives in to the blithering idiot, so I expect that they will give some ground, but not a lot. Better to walk away than to hand the so-called president a public relations coup. He obviously thinks he doesn't need allies, and now he doesn't.
20
message to Canada: make a deal with China!
13
I guess this is what happens when you elect a president who promises to run the country like a business. But like a person's life, a country is not just about business, power, deals and money. Sadly, maybe business is all Donald has, and there's no room for friendship — no one he can believe is really his friend. Even more sadly, his country is ending up in that same boat.
9
Correction on Dairy Supply management.
Canada used to have tariffs on almost Dairy.
Recently zero tariffs on EU cheese increased from 1 million kg to 16 million kg or 1.5% of market.
With TPP, zero tariffs on 3.25% of most products.
It appears Canada would give US a higher percentage. But the US appears to want not a percentage that would come in tariff-free, but the dismantling of the dairy supply management system. That won't happen by Friday if Trudeau wants to remain Prime Minister next year.
23
@Sheldon - what is the real reason that Trump and GOP want to dismantle Canada's supply management system? I think the reason is because It helps keep prices stable, gives farmers a steady income and has succeeded in avoiding a milk surplus in Canada. GOP knows that Wisconsin farmers "admire" the Canadian system. Canada is the only industrialized country in the world that has such a system.
When the WH makes statements like "opening up the Canadian market to American producers"; it is not going to solve the overproduction of dairy problems of states like Wisconsin and NY. In fact ,now many Canadians are and will be boycotting more American Dairy products(products from cows that are treated with and the dairy farms labor practices).
It's about this WH administration dismantling Canada's economy.
20
Trump is out to spite Canada by signing a bilateral agreement with Mexico although NAFTA is a threesome. Canada has ben outspoken about the undemocratic tendencies in Trump' s everyday twitter diatribes and now we (yes I'm a Canadian) and now we shall have to pay for such brash behaviour. It's an outrage that Canada is put in a position to answer and sign off on a deal made only very recently. That Mexico went ahead is a sign of the country's weak position, not it's strength. Trudeau is saying (as are all Canadians) that it's got to be a good deal or no deal. Still......Canada is a small country compared to its southern neighbour and our hands are tied.
But Trumps's power may be very limited in 3 months time and I sincerely hope we won't sign if it's not a very good deal. This is a long term agreement after all.
And if the USA doesn't wake up and rid itself of Republican dominance in the Senate and the House in November who in their right mind wants to be connected to the country. I sure hope my own country Canada does not.
20
@ Petras Most of the revised nafta has already been worked out. Mexico had to make some concessions. Regardless of arbitrary deadlines there really isn't any reason for Can to sign on at this point, especially if the political angle is highlighted: If Trudeau caves he's a one term PM; if Trump is rebuffed by team Canada, he loses bigly. Of course, if the later happens they'll have to hide the nuclear football from him!
7
It seems to me that Canada is in the driver's seat since Donnie the Dumb needs their cooperation (even if he won't admit it.)
19
This is ALL about Trump saving face. He has done a great job negotiating with North Korea - Congress on Obamacare He needs a tiny victory.
Little factoid. Congress has to approve the deal. Trying to strong arm our allies it the North is just another example of ego first and friends to the end of the line
8
I don't see a deal with POTUS providing any stability to the business environment. Given the US administration's demonstrated willingness to flout WTOs rules where it suits the political goals of POTUS, any major concession by Canada is short sighted. In the long run, Canada would be better off realizing the US is and will remain an unreliable trading/military partner unless and until the US sorts itself out politically.
30
“Mexico has made some significant concessions which will be really good for Canadian workers,” Freeland said
How about a big "Thank you Mr. President Trump?"
I'm surprised about the liberal backlash to the Mexico agreement which calls for $16/hour pay for auto workers. I guess Democrats are anti-labor, just all talk.
The art of the deal in action...
7
And you *really* think Trump himself did that????
4
Leftists should be happy about the higher minimum wage, but why would liberals? (you're an idiot though, no shock you're not aware of the distinction)
6
This president doesn't think beyond the end of his nose - his actions will mean 1) US cars costing more and his lowering of CAFE standards mean 2) US cars will be inferior and less efficient, all of which means a net loss.
I hope all Trump's supporters get a dose of what they deserve for supporting this 'horrible, horrible' person.
17
My hope would be a good agreement for all, but that is not possible with your current president. I encourage all Canadians to fight the bully south of the border. Yes it will cause economic pain for Canadians, however bullies need to be stood up to. I believe most Americans are reasonable people who are not as selfish and egotistical as Donald Trump. I look forward to his impeachment in 2019.
34
only Trump could be dumb enough to strain relations with our largest partner. What a moron.
44
All the boasting and bloviation over this deal which is really at this point a tweaking of the production percentages....and all for not, if Canada calls this out (like it should) as much ado about nothing
16
"It's just a negotiating tactic that sounds good if you don't understand the law and the rules." This is how the Trump administration handles everything. So hurray for our competent Canadian neighbors who do know the law and the rules and all the relevant facts so they can't be bullied into accepting Trump's version of reality. "Canada's economy can't survive without the US," eh!? Canada is the no.1 trade destination for a mere 36 states. So Canada spends time talking with Congress, which has the final say on trade pacts, and Trump whines, "No fair!" Look who's the real snowflake, buried under a blizzard of Canadian competence! Show us the way, Canada!!
37
Stick to your ethics, Canada.
The fool will be removed.
45
The stable genius can't make real deals. It has been the Art of the Con all along.
16
Canada doesn't need the U.S. There are plenty of countries would love to do business with them. Protecting dairy farmers from slave labor like in the U.S. is stunningly admirable. A truly great country.
I am American and this administration epitomizes that failure of a country and its people.
34
In the end it will NAFTA with Trump's name on it. He is obsessed with himself.
3
Unable to bully stronger adversaries like China, Trump turns his aggression on our neighboring countries because he believes they can more easily be pushed around. Whatever minor concessions he might extort from them, there will be long term negative consequences in the form of loss of trust and goodwill.
40
@B Windrip - China is actually in a much weaker position than Canada. They are heavily dependent on trade, and their economy and currency is tanking.
@B Windrip trust and goodwill fled long ago.
1
Some years back,Mr. Roman Polanski--prominent film maker--was facing charges of statutory rape.
Bad thing to have done! Rather than face the music. . ..
. .. he took off. He has never been back since.
A few years ago, it looked as if he would be extradited. Never happened. He's still over there. In Europe.
This isn't about Mr. Polanski. Dear me, no! No indeed!
It's about something one of those European officials SAID at the time. It stuck in my memory.
There are, he said, TWO Americas. The one--open-minded, liberal, welcoming. The America people like. Respect. Look up to.
The OTHER is--well--Mr. Trump's America. The loud, angry, bullying America. The America that scowls. Pushes people aside as it charges along to. . . .
. .. to. . .well, WHERE exactly?
I don't know.
But THAT seems to be the America Mr. Trump has unleashed on Canada. . . .
. . and the world.
CANADA! Of all places. We've been friends for. .how long? With that long, majestic structure--the Peace Bridge--joining our two countries.
I like Canada. I've been there many times. I've known many Canadians--fine people every one of them.
And this about the trade agreement! All the acrimony and ill feeling as our two countries work it out.
Well, Canada. . . .
. . .I'm ashamed of my country right now.
Hope the bad feeling doesn't last.
Maybe--by January of 2020. . . ..
. .it'll be gone.
Maybe.
25
Susan, Americans are great people. You are not the problem; POTUS is. I'll miss Ann Arbor in the fall as well as my Steelers at Heinz. When he leaves, I'll come back, but not until...like many of my fellow Canadians.
27
This is just going to be NAFTA with a different name.
Trump plays with smoke bombs.
He doesn’t really accomplish anything.
A Nobel peace prize for the North Korean meeting, yeah right.
9
It appears that Mr Trump has negotiated an improvement in the US trade accord with Mexico. Why any politician in the US (apart from one with greater interests for firms wishing to further exploit the loopholes in 'Old NAFTA') is beyond me.
Canada and Mexico are very different and have very different needs and concerns. It doe not strike me that they both need to be wrapped up under a single banner. Yes I understand that there are procedural issues here over the negotiating authority given to Mr Trump. Even so. The question to me is how foolish are we willing to be over dotting the is and double crossing the Ts? ? Is there an answer? Or is the sky the limit?
America first and free trade are entirely compatible.
The irony is that after socialist Canadian political hacks whine for awhile the real winners including American workers will be Canadian consumers who will have access to competitive American goods and services.
4
Trump should start the 90 day process for withdrawing from NAFTA. Canada is 1/10th our size and we already left them off the table in our side deal with Mexico. Trump should turn the screws further and use our leverage and get the best deal possible, including access to their dairy market, which is currently barred. Especially since they have come no where close to the 2% military spending target for NATO.
5
I suggest you put that to your Congress, governors and titans of industry, and see what they say. Then again, they may not dignify it with a response.
10
@Jay Lincoln
What does NATO have to do with NAFTA?
If the US pulls out of NAFTA then trade between Canada and the US will be governed by the 1987 Free Trade Agreement. So go ahead, pull the plug!
12
@John Cameron - just a hint, but Trump doesn't care about "the 1987 Free Trade Agreement." He'll slap tariffs on Canadian cars just the same. What will Canada do? Go to the WTO? Start a war?
I would rather Canada politely said NO to the offer so rudely made by Trump, and simply let the chips fall where they may, even if it costs the Canadian economy and jobs. If America won't stand up to this buffoon and bully, Canada should.
49
I wonder why President Obama never re-negotiated America's lop-sided trade deals that favor everyone except Americans? He just kicked the can down the road just like GW Bush did.
3
@P McGrath The USA does not have a trade deficit with Canada. Stop spreading misinformation put out by Mr. Trump.
23
I remember John Ralston Saul's NYT nonfiction best seller Voltaire's Bastards (The Dictatorship of Reason in the West).
The end of NAFTA may very well be an economic and political disaster for Canada and a reasoned approach may very well be conceding to the demands of our much bigger and stronger brother. We are however no longer reasonable and our ethics and values are what make us Canadian In 1964 reason dictated we all wanted to be American since then too many of have visited or lived in the USA and those who opened their eyes and as enticing as a few weeks in Florida during the winter 12 months a year in an ever more alien culture will destroy our souls.
I am sure I am not alone in saying that Florida where relatives who were always the most enjoyable but who now live in Florida have become people from an alien and hostile culture.
6
A country does not have friends it has "interests"; the time changes and so does the "interests".It is a good lesson for Canadians;we have to diversify our customers, products and providers.At the end of the day it will be good for Canada to move away from his big neighbourg; we are no more following the same path.
24
@yves rochette Yes. And with transportation revolution over the past few decades, transport prices are much lower, so the fact that the US is beside us and China is not is no longer so compelling.
8
@Peeking through the fence The Artic seaway,look over the top of the globe,we are real close!
1
The average size of Canadian dairy farms are 65 - 85 head of cattle. These provide hormone free dairy products for 35 million Canadians. This is pretty small compared to US farms feeding a population of 325 million. I cannot understand why Trump would want to put our farmers out of business. Even if the US could flood our markets with cheaper US dairy products, we wouldn't buy it anyway because we don't want hormone laden milk and cheese.
57
@Susan Dz
Susan - are you sure your fellow-Canucks don't want hormone laden milk? Stop by Blaine and/or Bellingham (WA) any day after 7 pm. You'll be hard pressed to find any milk in stores/gas stations. They're all gone, taken away by the BC folks who cross the border in their expensive cars to gas up and buy milk/dairy/eggs. Ha!
2
Trump is trying to strongarm Canada here. Essentially, they are saying: "Give us everything we want, or else we are going ahead with Mexico without you." That isn't how these negotiations are supposed to work. And Congress knows it, but if they prove too sheepish to check the President on trade law it won't matter much anyway - and the trade relationship, along with negative economic impact, will be damaged for years.
American automakers manufacture a significant number of vehicles in Canada which are then freely brought back in to the US to sell under the current NAFTA. But if the US leaves Canada out, and imposes auto tarrifs, it only means that vehicles will become more expensive in both the US as well as Canada, hurting consumers, businesses, and the economies of BOTH countries.
Excluding Canada from months of private negotiating with Mexico, and then giving Canada just one or two weeks to "come on board" - and if they can't strike a deal in such a short time, to say they "didn't want to join" is absolutely not fair nor does it meet the statute requirements because Canada DOES want to join, they were just excluded from talks and then were given a measly week to try and negotiate in a farce of pfnan excuse for "trade talks" in a strongarm attempt by the US to force them to concede.
We can only hope Congress holds the administration to account here and enforces the actual law and that sheepish Republicans aren't afraid of the Administration.
17
@ Adam Those vehicles you wrote of are NA vehicles. I've only ever owned Japanese British or German. The US can find itself truly isolated, if that's what y'all want.
4
The desperation to get a deal, any deal by the Trump administration before the midterm elections is palpable.
It was actually embarrassing watching the flop sweat pour off of Trump during his televised phone call with the outgoing Mexican government.
The Canadian government can't get here fast enough to sign this deal that's how good a deal they got.
Apparently the way to get a good deal with the US is to allow Trump to negotiate with himself.
10
@HL,there is no deal signed...
1
There have been lots of complaints about NAFTA in Canada since its inception, but over two decades we've become used to it. As noted in the article, it needs US Congressional approval to alter or scrap the deal, as well as sign-off from Canada. Also, dairy and softwood lumber aren't part of NAFTA. To the extent the current US-Mexico deal is being used to pressure Canada into a deal that might not be in its best interests, Canada should just wait and see how things go after the US mid-terms.
What is interesting in Canada is how partisan this issue has become, with the right clamouring for a deal with the US at any cost to preserve jobs and the status quo, and those on the left urging the government not to be bullied into concessions from a US administration and president that have made a point of denigrating and belittling Canadians and their domestic industries.
The view is that the US heavily subsidizes its own agricultural and industrial sectors through its own programs, and that it over-produces lower quality standards for food (eg. GMO, growth hormones etc.) designed to be dumped into foreign markets. Being pressured into a side-deal to soothe US and Mexican political optics at the expense of sustainable industries in a country that is a fraction of the size of those two doesn't make sense.
Despite our dependence on US trade, if there isn't a clear net-positive for Canadians in the current talks, Canada should just say thanks but no thanks, and make its own deal.
29
Trump has a talent for manufacturing, that is, manufacturing a crisis and then pretending to solve it, while ignoring one real crisis after another.
During the Obama Administration, US auto production rose from 5 to 12 million vehicles, something that would not have happened if two US automakers had gone bankrupt, as the GOP wanted, so that worker wages and pensions could be cut. Domestic share of sales remained steady during the Obama era. Most of the rest of sales came from NAFTA trade partners Canada and Mexico.
But Trump reverts to "carnage" mode because it plays well with his base and has to "save America" from NAFTA. His current proposed changes are modest adjustments that will increase US car prices to consumers.
Meanwhile real crisis continues unabated. Thousands die in Puerto Rico because of FEMA ineptitude. US infrastructure problems remain unaddressed at the Federal level, the Federal budget deficit soars to $1 trillion, student loan debt defaults are growing, white collar and international crime grows unchecked because Federal law enforcement resources are diverted to illegal immigration, which is at a historic low, and oh yeah, hostile foreign governments are actively interfering in our politics and elections.
What we need now is a President who wakes up thinking about the best interests of the country, instead of a celebrity tabloid star, who wakes up tweeting about himself.
20
@Look Ahead
Make it so.
There is no doubt Trump believes he has Canada over a barrel by first negotiating with Mexico, but Canada has something he needs badly (no not bigly). Namely, he needs to reach an agreement with Canada prior to the mid-terms otherwise how can he claim he is the "master" negotiator? Does he really want to go forward with the mid-terms and a negotiating fiasco on his hands. My guess is ego would suffer too much. Let's hope.
9
@Maurice A Green Nah, Trump will just use his 'smoke n' mirrors' claim that Canada refused to join in. No matter if they weren't invited or the deal would be abysmal for them. Trump's Kool-Aid base will believe it, they believe all his lies without any fact-checking.
6
Take your time Canada. There is no need to work under a non-existent deadline.
Please relax and take it slow.
We'll all just lean back on our porch swings and enjoy the wait.
48
It's amusing that some folks seem to think Canadian representatives were off the grid, vacationing at the cottage while the US and Mexico negotiated in isolation. Rest assured, the Canadians were very well informed over these past few weeks and have the advantage of already knowing both Mexico's and the US's positions.
24
@Cam -- I wonder, are there telephone lines between Canada and Mexico?
3
I live in Ottawa and will be waiting to see whether we can manage to keep a dispute resolution process that is fair to everyone involved. Without one, NAFTA is not worth a lot - though I'm sure Trump would prefer to be the sole arbiter of what is right and what is wrong. Today, the U.S. struck down Trump's tariff on Canadian newsprint which should tell us something. There was a compromise on our dairy issue during our negotiations for an EU agreement, so I suspect that there may be some wiggle room there. The idea of clearing up everything by Friday seems unrealistic.
19
It's disconcerting that Canada has been placed in a _reactive_ position to a month-long exchange conducted exclusively between the US and Mexico to the exclusion of Canadian representatives. To ask that within 72 hours, the commercial trading future affecting companies should be concluded with a final document produced, is off-putting. There have been diplomatic gaffs by various parties, but NAFTA and trade agreements affect the lives of real working people and families. I hope those in Congress will remember the supposed strong community bonds (economic, cultural ) forged between the US and Canada.
19
The US deliberately excused Canada - my guess is Kushner had a hand in this. Trump’s policies are pushing allies towards China. I expect Kushner had a hand in the Saudi/Canada incident.
17
@Barbarra
Kushner/Saudi incident - yes.
Those 2 are rich pals.
So indeed.
9
Exports of vehicles under a current agreement are now to be declared a national security concern and therefore the President can put tariffs on vehicles from Canada.
The reason, much more than raw steel and aluminum, is a fraud.
Court's don't like intervening in cases like this, where Congress gave the power to the President and could just take it away. In the NC voter case just decided, this issue was gone in in detail.
But as some point when the fraud and fakery is so obvious, can't the courts intervene? I don't know. It appears they can't or won't.
I believe Obama used this power to temporarily restrict tires from Korea.
4
The Republicans love their fraudulent president, and they're in power and they're stacking the courts. Besides the fraudulence, this is a transparently cynical and aggressive ploy to abrogate NAFTA and squeeze Canada for everything the U.S. can get via divide-and-rule, and unfortunately Mexico has been playing right along. America has lost a very longstanding ally. And personally I've run out of places I can stomach to visit on vacations without a very long flight.
14
Finally, some "blowback from Congress". As a result, some of the abuse of our northern there neighbor may be repaired.
Anyone who cannot get along with Canadians, of all people, has a real problem.
52
Trump put tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada to protect the American aluminum and steel industry, why should Canada not be allowed to do the same thing with dairy products to protect the small scale farmer in Canada? Trade negotiations are not about I win you lose. It's about what's best for both countries.
64
Canadian dairy supply management irritates Trump to no end.
Ironically, here is a strong grassroots movement among US dairy producers to ESTABLISH a supply management system to replace the ruinous free for all they currently have to contend with.
38
Is Trump, in exchange, willing to end the colossal taxpayer subsidies paid to US dairy farmers (70% of farm gate, I've heard)? Are Americans even aware of how ruinous their dairy system is? Overproduction is terrible for climate change (methane) and massive amounts of milk are dumped in fields. Many farmers are driven to bankruptcy and they whine to their elected representatives (and Schumer listens!) that Canada is somehow to blame for the overproduction that their own system encourages. Your country 'tis of thee, sweet land of subsidy. Let's make Canada great again, too!
18
Delusional Donald is looking for a "deal", ANY deal, so that he can claim a win.
He will try to claim a win even if there is no deal.
It would be better for him to be able to say "I negotiated such a good deal" whether that is true or not.
After all, we have an election coming on November 6, 2018.
15
Canada's dairy system protects against overproduction, protects price and value and protects the dairy farmer.
The number and size of dairy herds is legislated. We are not talking free enterprise for dairy farmers but we're also not talking mass auctions, masses of debt, masses of milk dumped on the ground. We are talking of the ability of Canadian dairy farmers to pass on the farm and to retire decently. What dairy farmers in the U.S. can say that? They should keep their system and we should adopt something similar.
72
@interested reader: Canada is a small country compared to the US. The Canadian dairy industry is major industry, why put so many family farms out of business just because Trump wants to sell milk in Canada? Trump put tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada to protect the American aluminum and steel industry, why should Canada not be allowed to do the same thing with dairy products. Trade negotiations are not about I win you lose. It's about what's best for both.
28
@DSS I believe Interested Reader is arguing that the Supply Management program is better than what they currently have in the USA -- 'They should keep their system' (i.e. Canada should keep Supply Management)... 'and we should adopt something similar' (i.e. USA should remove subsidies and adopt a SM system as well).
10
@interested reader
I've read that the usa permits hormones to increase a cow's production by 20% and Canada doesn't allow them.
also, what is classified as cheese in some forms in the usa, doesn't pass mustard--so to speak--in Canada.
finally, most of the cheese in Canada is produced in Quebec which is very predominately French speaking.
their mother country was france which is, as you may know, pretty serious about that product. it's been passed down from their ancestors to present day.
4
"Canada and U.S. Meet as Pressure Builds to Reach Trade Accord"
But there really isn't any pressure for Canada to do anything more quickly than is required to get a good agreement.
Rather, the time pressure is all on Mexico and the US. The Mexican government is a lame duck, soon to be replaced by a much more nationalistic crew. Trump needs a long lead time to get anything passed in Congress before the midterm elections.
In the meantime, Canada, the US and Mexico are bound by NAFTA until Congress or one of the other two governments pass legislation to end it. In fact, it might be the best strategy for the Canadian negotiators to be enthusiastic and attentive, but in the end wait for the midterm elections before signing anything.
58
As usual with Trump's foreign policy breakthroughs with North Korea and Russia, this is mostly posture for his base. The US (and Trump) don't really have meet a convoluted time table linked to the transition of the Mexican government, that supposedly creates the deadline of Friday this week for a deal. Trump wants something -- anything -- that he can take to his base in November, as one more promised ticked off.
On substance, an increase in Mexican autoworkers wages would be good for America and Canada, but will have little real effect since autoworkers are not minimum wage workers in any event.
In the end, there will be a "deal" that is mostly a gloss on the existing deal, but Trump will trumpet (or kazoo) as the biggest deal ever. Canada and Mexico will snicker, albeit nervously.
The big losers in this enterprise will be the American public, as this fake new deal will be one more promise that Trump has "kept", which will allow his base to overlook Trump's baser conduct.
17
@Peeking through the fence
Trump wants "something, anything" suddenly THIS WEEK to distract from the world-wide outpouring of genuine, well-earned respect for the loss a true American patriot, John McCain.
10
Let's negotiate and sign a complicated trade deal in a few days.
13
So far the “revisions” to NAFTA have been very minimal. They have focused on car manufacturing a very minor component of the total trade within NAFTA. The changes are mostly to reduce outside (of NAFTA) components and a bone to the unions by demanding certain wages for about 40% of the work. Nothing there for Canada to object to as long as everything else stay the same. In the end it may be like with North Korea – a big nothing burger that Trump can declare victory on, and his base will accept as such.
17
Since the American government subsidies dairy farmers in the U.S. which causes an over supply of milk, why couldn't Canada claim that Americans were dumping milk into Canada. The American does that with Canada's softwood lumber even though the Canadian government doesn't support the Canadian lumber industry.
43
@Alan Brown
Here in the South we can see on Route 55 tanker truck after tanker truck filled with milk headed to Montreal's South Shore. The Quebec/Vermont dairy deal has helped Vermont's dairy farmers and has allowed Quebec's family farms to prosper.
This is what free trade is all about and let us stop playing the American game of winners and losers.
The softwood lumber dispute was pre-ordined when Koch Indusries bought Georgia Pacific and Koch industries became the big winner as most Americans and Canadians became the big losers.
5
Canada’s dairy supply management program is nothing more than a cartel to protect select dairy farmers from competitors both inside and outside of Canada, similar to oil with OPEC. Also, very similar to the maple sugar cartel in Quebec that establishes quotas and controls how much maple syrup is allowed on the market, thereby, controlling the price the consumer must pay, which also forces up maple syrup prices in the U.S. and worldwide. I am no Trump supporter to say the least, but are Trump’s strong arm tactics any more egregious than the strong arm tactics of several of Canada’s industry cartels that over inflate consumer prices and keep U.S. workers from competing on a level playing field?
8
@Sparky
Part of the issue from Canada's perspective is that the USA subsidizes its dairy -- if it wasn't for the SM program, the USA subsidized dairy would be so much cheaper than our own product, and our own dairy operations would dry up.
So in this case, an 'equal playing field' wouldn't be Canada simply abolishing the SM program -- it would be a) Canada abolishing the program, and the USA abolishing subsidies to its dairy farms, or b) Canada abolishing the program, and introducing its own subsidies, in order to match what the USA does (i.e. which is just a long way of getting back to the same outcome of SM, which is, controlled dairy prices).
52
@SparkyWhy is it smart for the U.S. government to subsidize the dairy farmers so they can produce milk below the cost of production. This causes the farmers to produce an oversupply of milk. Canada doesn't subsidizes its dairy farmers and prevents the farmers from over production of milk. I think that if the Canadian tariff were reduced the American milk should still be prevent from being imported into Canada by the apply anti-dumping strategy the American use on Canada's softwood lumber.
32
@Sparky You are correct: supply management is a cartel and it should be eliminated. However, even if it was - it won't be because no Prime Minister would dare risk the wrath of the dairy farmers and hope to get his gov't re-elected - Canada would not open the floodgates and allow unfettered U.S. dairy access to the Canadian market. We know the U.S. is oversupplying dairy to the U.S. market and an open market would allow it to dump dairy onto the Canadian market. I think a compromise would be a lower tariff on American dairy to equate the dairy
Why any country tries to reach agreements with the United States, as it is today, is beyond me: Mr. Trump has proven repeatedly his word is only as good as his next audience.
84
@PEH I miswrote: Mr. Trump has proven repeatedly the word of the United States is only as good as the next administration, at best.
2
Trump is running the globe right now.
Countries will follow his lead or get left behind.
Chrystia used to be a regular with Chris Matthews bashing Bush so we know where her bias is.
She is right now in the Trump frying pan.
6
@Joe Paper
Yeah, right.
"Trump’s Tariffs on Canadian Newsprint Are Overturned"
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/29/business/trump-tariffs-newsprint.html...
Big win for Trump at the International Trade Commission ... Oh, wait ... "The International Trade Commission on Wednesday overturned a Trump administration decision to impose tariffs on Canadian newsprint, saying that American paper producers are not harmed by newsprint imports."
That decision came out TODAY.
20
@Joe Paper, your comment divulges extreme ignorance. Trump has called NAFTA the worst trade deal ever. This deal with Mexican, if adopted by Canada, would completely keep NAFTA not get rid of it as he repeatedly promised. All it does is tweak a few provisions concerning percentage of parts which must come from the 3 countries involved for autos and force Mexico to pay its auto workers at least $16/hour, a good provision for American workers similar to many provisions in the TPP which Trump ran away from. This is hardly running the world. Instead what it is forcing these two countries to make a few changes - none of which hurt Canada - is the decision by Mexico and Canada to give Trump some few concessions so he can falsely tell his supporters he just cut the greatest deal ever. In fact, that assertion, if made, will be no less hollow than his claim that we can sleep well after the N. Korean summit. To be fair there are some additional provisions relating to the internet and technology that were not in the original NAFTA deal. I have no idea whether they are good or bad and I am sure Trump doesn't either. For any Trump voter who wanted the US to get out of NAFTA, if they are sincere, they should be irate.
3
indeed.
If Canada would issue a list of all Canadian consumer products sold in the U.S., I would make an extra effort to buy them. If Trump doesn't respect our democratic ally to the north, give American consumers a way to show ours.
86
@abigail49
Interesting idea - I know there are a couple of such lists popping up online in Canada to encourage people to buy products made in Canada. I'm not sure too many things would be on a Canadian product list - most of the products Canada sells to the US are raw materials or sub-assemblies, like wood, ore, and auto-parts. The actual amount of retail products is pretty small. We do appreciate the sentiment and support though from our US neighbors. Things are rough now, but hopefully it will take more than one administration to muck-up a long friendly and mutually beneficial economic and social relationship.
4
@abigail49 - Agreed. Higher prices won't deter me from buying Canadian products.
4
@abigail49
I like the flip side, too.
Canadians should boycott USA.
1
Considering the fact that Donald is putting a gun to our head,i therefore declare that province of Quebec is annexing the states of Maine,New Hampshire,Vermont and New York to our territory.For the better.Of our territory.
6
@Siegfried Better yet, get Hydro Québec to just turn off the power flowing across the border. Pretty sure that would get their attention. We could then use all that electricity to power greenhouses and completely eliminate produce imports from the US. Sounds like tit-for-tat, but when dealing with bullies....
77
HQ wants more customers south of the border, not less. Even if they flood a few thousand more First Nations folks out of their homes and ancestral lands.
1
@Macchiato - Hydro Quebec states otherwise -- their continued success depends on exporting to the Northeast U.S. Eric Martel said so earlier this year:
https://business.financialpost.com/commodities/energy/without-exports-ou...
1