22 Comments
User's avatar
Judy's avatar

Thanks Fred for breaking this all down. Canada has been in this unjust tariff war Trump keeps coming up with for too long. Prime minister Carney has managed to keep our economy from going into recession. But as a Canadian senior citizen, it is difficult to understand how any "Supposed Ally" can expect cooperation from us but continues to try to bring us to our knees. It's not going to happen Trump! We will keep our elbows up and stay united to resist the worst you can dig up. Canadians may be kind and friendly, but we have had enough!!!!!😡 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

Fred Ferguson (GeezerWise)'s avatar

That frustration is exactly what many Canadians are feeling, Judy.

Allies aren’t supposed to feel like economic opponents.

Canadians are patient… but patience does have a shelf life.

Judy's avatar

Thanks Fred. I have family in the U.S. and want them to understand why we are becoming impatient resistors. They don't get it. 🇨🇦❤️🙏🏻Happy Canada Day, Fred!

Patsy Rideout's avatar

Well said & I agree!

Grant Rowson's avatar

Fred, good commentary, as always.

I have a further thought -- maybe the same thought -- on your "USA/Trump doesn't like it when somebody becomes a rival and 'the buddies' then deal with that rival." Notice that it is totally okay if USA/Trump trades with the rival!

So in this case, he gets mad at Canada because we DARE to bring in any amount of foreign/Chinese EVs -- rather than buy Teslas (of which most are made in China anyway).

You're also correct -- Trump is playing grade-school economics against Carney (with Ph.D in the subject, and loads of macroeconomic experience). Carney just looks at him and thinks "you're kidding me!" and then goes off and makes more deals with other countries to bypass Trump.

Anyway, don't know if Trump noticed, but both of our sub vendors -- Korea in particular -- are looking at making battery factories in Canada. And many of those will be targeted at consumer vehicles (not made by Big 3 auto).

Fred Ferguson (GeezerWise)'s avatar

Good point, Grant.

Funny how “free trade” gets complicated the moment allies stop relying on one customer.

And those battery plants?

Quietly important for where Canada goes next.

SouthRockOcean's avatar

What happens when “national security” becomes a catch-all excuse for economic protectionism? It appears Canada is proof that the horse has left that barn. Excellent Reporting Fred, do trust Carney and other registered smart people like you are reviewing all the "what if-s" before things get worse.

Fred Ferguson (GeezerWise)'s avatar

Thank you, SouthRockOcean.

I think many Canadians are hoping the adults are still in the room planning three moves ahead.

The old assumptions about trade and allies clearly don’t apply the same way anymore.

Patsy Rideout's avatar

Thanks Fred! Very informative, but also, we bristle & our claws come out!!!! When will this blubbering idiot stop??? How can Americans stomach to be in the same country he is in? Grrrr Ewwww I'd like to sic a rabid dog on him!

Fred Ferguson (GeezerWise)'s avatar

Haha… I think a lot of Canadians are running on equal parts frustration and caffeine these days, Patsy 😄

One thing this whole mess has done: it woke up Canadian unity fast.

Patsy Rideout's avatar

Yes, I agree, we have become more united & that's a great thing!

Susan's avatar

Poor dog!!

Patsy Rideout's avatar

Haha, indeed!

Deirdre Mooney's avatar

Wriggling out of the “National Security” trap is going to be v difficult - make sure all of Canada is on the Canadian side!

Fred Ferguson (GeezerWise)'s avatar

Good point, Deirdre.

Hard to navigate external pressure if we’re busy fighting each other at home.

StrongHeart's avatar

The biggest threat to America is the Republican Party.

Eddie's avatar

National security, unfortunately, isn't a new cover for American political policy. The People's Advocate by Danny Sheehan documents his extraordinary legal response and findings over decades.

Fred Ferguson (GeezerWise)'s avatar

You’re right, Eddie...

“national security” has been a political lever for a very long time.

The question now is how often it gets used to reshape economics and trade.

Mands's avatar

It’s about time for the rest of the world to start ignoring the USA’s sanctioned companies & countries list

Fred Ferguson (GeezerWise)'s avatar

Feels like more countries are quietly asking: “Is relying on one rule-maker still a safe bet?”

That conversation is definitely growing.

Penny Frost's avatar

Not only will they use this BYD as a ‘security threat’, but just wait until the mid terms! They will go all out to fix the elections.

Fred Ferguson (GeezerWise)'s avatar

Trust in elections matters... no matter which country or party we’re talking about, Penny.