The problem with Trump is that he has a view of the world that is common to many Americans. He thinks that only the U.S. actually exists and that all other countries aren’t actually real. There is no European history since 1776, etc. I met a lady in Branson Missouri who had no idea where Toronto was but said that she had in fact heard of a place called Canada. We were told at another stop that another couple were also from Canada, implying that we where from the same place. We were from Ontario, they were from, you guest it Alberta. So with this incredible level of national education it’s no wonder Trump thinks he can Tariff the world. We know how good his geography and history is. Like when George Washington attacked the ramparts and the airports. But given that we are working with idiots, how should Canada react in a way that addresses the problem without hurting Canadians.
First, Stupid people will do stupid things, so Canada should not expect rational thought to prevail. That eliminates any kind of negotiation. Canada should also expect Trump to act as if he alone has the power. He’s a bully and will act like one. So we have established factually that Trump is stupid and he’s a bully. Stupid Bullies only recognizes one thing, and that is strength. No point in trying reason or diplomacy. Therefore Canada should:
- Place every non-tariff trade obstacle available in the way of goods destined for U.S. customers. Like:
- Develop and announce increased trade relations with Europe, Japan, S. Korea, India, etc.
- Announce new pipelines, refineries, LNG export facilities, and ports .
- Increased border inspections ( extra effort toward reduction of fentanyl and guns coming from the U.S. into Canada and extra inspection of every Truck leaving Canada to ensure that we aren’t letting any drugs or illegal aliens into their country. Extra efforts take extra time of course.
- Implement very serious penalties( ten years in prison then deportation) for Americans caught bringing guns or drugs into Canada.
- Cancel any and all purchases of American military hardware
- Restrict American companies from any government contract ,Federal, Provincial or Municipal
- Require any Canadian police or service vehicles to be made in Canada. Open these purchases to Asian and European car makers.
- Implement visa requirements on U.S. visitors similar to new U.S. restrictions
- Implement policy to purchase only European military equipment and establish Canadian factories as backup to European defence suppliers. Same role we had in 1939 and 1940.
Longer Term
- Develop increased trade relations with Europe, Japan, S. Korea, India, etc.
- Build pipelines, refineries, LNG export facilities, and ports ASAP. to open new trade routes.
And finally make no moves, or speeches or participate in any discussion suggesting a return to “normal”. If the American administration wants to ‘normalize relations”, they can ask us.
