I was harsh today on America’s approach under Trump to Canada in these trade negotiations, but it is worth hearing the other side. Michael Taube, writing in The Spectator, thinks Mark Carney is being reckless.
Jane Stannus is even more scathing. She writes:
Four relatively small points of contention have emerged, none of which seem like reasons to end talks. For one thing, Canada was insisting on lower tariffs on heavy trucks – surely a negotiable point – and American officials refused, some say because of the use of Chinese parts in the vehicles, which has long been a sore point for the US.
Carney claimed the US wanted to include terms in the deal that would put limits on the trade deals Canada was able to seek with other countries. Was one of those countries perhaps China? In any case, USMCA already includes explicit limitations on trade deals Canada is able to seek with other countries. “Sovereignty!” is Carney’s cry – but has he already sold that sovereignty out to Xi for a few thousand EVs and a mess of pottage?