Article contentThis is not bargaining, it is bullying. There are no quid pro quos. The truth about what actually happens with fentanyl at the borders today is ignored.Article contentAt a minimum, there will be more ratcheting up tariffs for all countries during the rest of July. Other countries are receiving abuse. Trump is threatening tariffs on Brazil at a rate as high as 50 per cent. He accuses the country of “attacks” on U.S. tech companies and of conducting a “witch hunt” against the far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro, a longstanding ally who is facing prosecution over his alleged role in a plot to overturn the 2022 Brazilian election. The extraordinary meddling in another country’s judicial system is disgraceful.Article contentMeanwhile, Trump has been ineffective in preventing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu from pursuing ethnic cleansing of 2.2 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Nor has he been effective in deterring Russian aggression in Ukraine, either by pressure or by providing adequate supplies of weapons to Ukraine’s soldiers.Article contentArticle contentSince its founding, the United States has had many periods of elevated tariffs motivated alternatively by the intention to protect American producers and/or by the amount of money collected for the federal treasury.Article contentBut after the Second World War, it championed a global opening up of trade. This involved establishing international institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which later became the World Trade Organization.Article contentThe current tirade is renouncing that good work. But the offensive may cause the opening of new possibilities. Economies such as Vietnam and Indonesia, India and Australia, Brazil and Nigeria might pair up to form profitable new relationships.Article content Mark Carney speaks in Montreal on March 27. Photo by John Mahoney /MONTREAL GAZETTEArticle contentCo-operation within Canada is improving. With leadership from Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, echoed by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, obstacles to the free movements of goods and workers between provinces are being reduced.Article contentArticle contentFord and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have agreed to promote a new pipeline for oil to be shipped eastward, benefiting Alberta oil producers and Ontario steel workers.Article contentCanada needs to reach out to both European and Asian economies. Where economical, Canada should give them preference in oil, gas, and potash sales.Article contentA review in 2026 is supposed to be about considering an extension for 16 more years. But Trump may use the review as an excuse to increase the economic warfare, further adding to Canada’s tariff burden, all in pursuit of the 51st state threat.Article contentCanada must succeed in its efforts to reduce barriers to interprovincial trade. It must also create new relationships in Europe and Asia to absorb goods and services blocked by American tariffs.Article contentCanada will have succeeded in this round of negotiations if they can minimize the impact on jobs. But Trump is not interested in win-win outcomes.Article contentSome industries may be hit hard regardless of those efforts, for example think of steel and aluminum plants, and some of the auto workers.Article contentThose of us not so affected must provide strong supports to the affected workers and their families.Article content
Bill Black: Canadians need to support each other against Trump’s tariffs tirade
