Opinion. The views expressed are the author’s own.
America’s old idea of Manifest Destiny has been, and remains today, a clear and present danger to Canada.
Polls over the past year have suggested that a large share of Canadians now see the United States less as a friend and more as a threat to our country and our way of life. That is a remarkable shift in how we view our closest neighbour.
If the United States were threatened the way Canada has been this past year, it would have raised its security threat levels and prepared to defend its national interests. Is Canada preparing to defend itself against economic and social pressure from the south, or worse? It should be.
As long as President Donald Trump and the Republicans hold power, Canada will remain in America’s political and diplomatic crosshairs, a target of opportunity, but a target nonetheless. So what can Canadians do about this threatening neighbour, this former ally and former friend?
The Liberal government is trying to keep the economy from stumbling by making major investments in infrastructure projects once considered too costly but now seen as necessary.
Alliances are being rethought and new ones started around the world. America may come to its senses eventually, but Canada needs reliable markets, so off to Asia and Europe we go. Closer ties with the European Union, whatever form they take, will put Canada in a difficult but promising position. Washington may be displeased, but opening the EU market wider to Canadian products is a sound venture.
The EU’s policies are stable and slow to change, which lets a country like Canada plan for the future. America’s see-saw economic and financial policies put roadblocks in the way of sound planning and growth. Perhaps, once the United States moves past what I call its chaotic Trump-era policies at the next election, it will return to sound, friendly and prosperous trade with Canada. Canadians can hope for a better tomorrow, but we should prepare for real independence from America’s influence and economic grip.
Canada must be ready for tariffs that never expire, and it must avoid an economy that depends on a single buyer. Canadians who have chosen to stop travelling to the United States and buying American goods should keep at it. Buy Canadian, support your neighbours, and stop pinning hopes on trade talks with Washington that go nowhere.
Winston Churchill once said, “There are no limits to the majestic future which lies before the mighty expanse of Canada with its virile, aspiring, cultured and generous-hearted people.” Take that to heart, Canada.
Steven Kaszab lives in Bradford, Ont.
