I'm in two minds about this -- yes, a trade war with our largest trading partner is a bad idea.
On the other hand, why shouldn't we encourage the purchase of locally made products especially if it does not violate trade agreements.
Of course the bigger problem is that the US Executive (that is the President) has limited power to ignore legislative acts requiring the purchase of only American made products. Here the reality of Canada's value as an oil exporter and, to a lesser degree, a source of water, might have to be traded on to make sure that Canada is treated fairly.
All that said, I don't think Layton deserves all the attacks he is getting on talk radio. While the idea may not be the right one, at least it is worth considering, and it is reasonable for Canada to stand up for Canadians -- heck, if we don't who will? (Consider “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? ... And if not now, when?” Hillel (Pirkei Avot Chapter 1:14)).
Canada should pursue 'Buy Canadian' strategy: Layton
Canada should adopt a "Buy Canadian" strategy in response to the "Buy American" clause included in the proposed U.S. stimulus package, NDP Leader Jack Layton urged Tuesday.
During question period in the House of Commons, Layton said that there's a "golden opportunity" to boost slumping domestic sales with a "perfectly legal and appropriately designed 'Buy Canadian' strategy."
"The United States has had a 'Buy American' act for 76 years," Layton said. "It's perfectly legal under the World Trade Organization, and, in fact, under NAFTA, governments are allowed to buy at home in order to use taxpayers' money to create jobs for workers and to support communities and their industries.
"Mexico, China, Japan, South Korea, they all have national procurement policies, and it would be a good idea for Canada. Can the prime minister tell us what's wrong with a 'Buy Canadian' policy as permitted under continental and global trade rules?"
6 comments:
Taliban Jack is an idiot
What's odd here is that Canada's right wing talk radio thinks a Buy Canadian policy is left wing nonsense but American right wing talk radio thinks Buy American is natural. Weird.
Wasn't "Buy Canadian" the slogan in the Diefenbaker years? I know you are not old enough to remember, but I think I do. There was also the "why wait for spring, do it now - when there are men who know how" slogan to promote home renovations. Perfect for the Flaherty budget if a trifle risque to the 21st century ear.
"Here the reality of Canada's value as an oil exporter and, to a lesser degree, a source of water, might have to be traded on to make sure that Canada is treated fairly."
The truth, James, is that Canada doesn't export oil. The oil is owned by oil companies & THEY are the ones who export it. It has nothing to do with the Canadian govt. Thought you knew that.
I think "sell Chinese" would get more attention than "buy Canadian."
Penlan, Good point.
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