Another important point: Red China was not the threat it is now when Reagan was president. Today China pours fentanyl into the USA through Canada and Mexico. Mexico is cooperating with Trump and Canada is not. Ford's ad is thus misleading and out of date. His antics hurt Canada.
One more point is that globalisation was not as prevalent as it is today. Many of the industries/jobs that existed during Reagan's time have moved offshore. MY opinion is that one of the main purposes of Trump's tariffs is to being those industries and jobs back to America. He has stated on many occasions that it is one way to avoid tariffs, invest in building factories in the US.
Many our our elite / media / progressives say that Trump doesn't care about Canada. Well no, he doesn't but not because he hates us but because that's not his job. His job, the one he was elected to do is to look after his country, not ours. His job is to create an environment that supports American industry and American jobs, not ours. It really isn't rocket science.
Right. Trump wants to do what is best for the country he loves and its citizens. I fear our PM is not a man of Trumps thinking. I think Carney is like Trudeau. Doesn't give a rat's ass about us. If he did he would have already moved on creating wealth here as in pipelines.
If we were to honestly remove our barriers to free trade with the US ie supply management, telecommunications & banking I believe we could get free trade between the 2 countries. I saw Republican Senator Kennedy suggest this very thing. Time we removed some of the barriers which I might add mean Canadians are paying more than we should in some areas too.
In fact, that's the name of a book by Trump's former trade advisor. All we have is managed trade and every country has some industries that they protect.
That said, Canada has far more protectionist policies than the U.S.
Go up and down the Eastern coast and TD bank dominates. Go West and BMO is everywhere, but we don't have Chase and Bank of America branches everywhere.
💯- Canadians need to ask why we’re sacrificing our entire economy to protect dairy farmers in Quebec, and the other uncompetitive oligopolies across Canada. Aka large donors $$ to the Liberal Party. Now you know the rest of the story. 🇨🇦
If Canadians would wake the eff up to far more than ‘trade and tariffs’, we could make progress. The Trump administration will NEVER tolerate a next door neighbour with wide open borders and all that brings including communism. Canada has been infiltrated for decades yet we continue to have bogus ‘leaders’ who are minions to their deep-state globalist overlords.
They (meaning our Provincial governments) should finish what they started in the spring when the initial tariffs were announced - break down the inter-provincial trade barriers instead of spending millions on ads.
I guess it has nothing to do with the constant badmouthing, name calling, insults, provocation that Ford has thrown in Trump’s direction.
Trump is certainly not among my favourite persons, but he is the duly elected president of the most powerful country in the world and our most influential neighbour and, like it or not, our protector. Even if we disagree with his methods, we must accept that, as long as he is in charge he will govern the USA the way he considers best for his country.
We don’t have to suck up to him, but we certainly should stop behaving like he is our enemy.
I believe strongly that Ford has done a tremendous amount of damage to our relations with the USA. I also believe that Carney has not and is not sincere in his efforts to make a deal and has/is actively causing Canadians to consider the USA to be our enemy so that he can be seen as our saviour. It is clear that a prosperous Canada is not his true objective notwithstanding his promises for the best economy of the G7.
I sure wonder what benefit carnage will gain from his insane policies. Money probably, it's always about the money! And Ford is a complexity, probably was in grade school too.( check out that meaning from Alberta's teacher strike.)
If our Liberal government including Doug Ford makes peace with the U.S. and Trump - they would then have to run on their own record. 😳
You can see without an enemy to blame, they would be exposed for their failures and mess they have created. Mind you - if our government sponsored media can continue to demonize the leader of the opposition - they may have found their new scapegoat for everything wrong in Canada, and Ford and the Liberals can hold on to power until 2050 at least. 😬
I think a more careful and open-minded listen to Reagan's entire statement will reveal that although Reagan didn't like tariffs and preferred free trade, he indicated that he was being forced to institute tariffs against an unfair trading partner.
I think this is more or less the same argument that Donald Trump is using. The world was a very different place in Reagan's time and international trade was balanced very differently as was the US economy. These days it seems that just about everybody has been gaming so-called free trade.
Since Reagan's time, manufacturing and capital have been stripped out of the US.
International corporations, many nominally US firms, and countries worldwide have been taking advantage of America's good nature.
Trump is saying no more Mr Nice Guy.
Trump sees tarrifs as a multi-tool to halt and reverse America's decline. His goals are to repatriate manufacturing and capital, and to provide conditions to regenerate the middle class and middle America.
The fact that the tariffs raise money which is sorely needed is gravy. National security was at risk due to-stripped out mining and manufacturing capability in the contiguous United States and the country was becoming increasingly dependent on offshore suppliers and unimpeded worldwide shipping.
History has taught over and over that other countries and unimpeded shipping cannot be relied on, and complacency leads to a downfall when conditions change.
Consider China's embargo on rare earth shipments. Was tipping their hand a smart move? A shot over the bow, or an act of desperation?
Canada is not offshore and is therefore the one logical supplier to trust besides Mexico , but Canada has drifted politically in a dangerous direction.
When tested by Trump, Canada proved to be uncooperative and hostile. When asked to renogiate terms that have proven over time to be badly designed, Canada has been intrnsigent.
Consider the 'elbows up' folly and the threats to cut off oil, electricity, and pouring out a bottle, instead of soberly addressing the President's legitimate concerns.
Sorry Douggie (and Brian). the world is not the same world it was when Ronald Reagan was president. Even if his words were twisted in a dishonest attempt to interfere in American politics, they would not apply today.
Even the current President shared Reagan's sentiments today, the US is not in the position it was back then, and has to start looking after its own interests instead of trying to daddy to the world.
If I were in Trump's position, I'd be annoyed too.
Who actually speaks for Canada as a whole? Just when you think it's Prime Minister Mark Carney, suddenly Premier Doug Ford is hogging the mike. Saying something bound to annoy powerful people down there.
Premier Danielle Smith seems to be negotiating for Alberta. By what right exactly?
I certainly understand why she's doing it but that doesn't change the picture: No one appears to speak for Canada as a whole.
Last I heard, Premier (Who?) of Manitoba has his shovel in the hole too. Is he also going to produce a get-yer-goat video to air in the States?
THAT'll show Trump, right?!
Show him what? That we have a thousand clowns here with no ringmaster?
I am beginning to worry that Canada may no longer be a viable proposition and perhaps this situation only illustrates that fact.
Danielle Smith needs to negotiate for Alberta, no one else will. If you can think of a provincial leader other than Moe who cares about the people who live in Saskatchewan or Alberta, let me know what they have done. As far as I am concerned, there is no Canada anymore.
It was my understanding that Reagan liked free trade, so if Canada had negotiated in good faith and not held out on protectionist policies (which are like tariffs), then we would have a free and open trade deal. However, Canada's inability to recognize open free trade as a benefit has led to petty displays such as the ad. I ventured to pull the trade number, and frankly, free trade should technically have import and export values being roughly the same, and yet they are not. This implies that Canada is not implementing true free trade, but rather imposing restrictions to prevent investment and opportunities from the US from entering Canada and fostering economic diversity.
In 2024, Canadian goods exports to the U.S. were about US$419.8 billion.
In 2024, Canadian goods imports from the U.S. were about US$266.3 billion.
Bilateral total goods and services trade between Canada and the U.S. was ~US$909 billion in 2024.
In 2023, about 77.4% of Canadian exports were destined for the U.S. (of total exports), and about 49.5% of Canadian imports came from the U.S. <-- this does not look like it equals open and free trade.
What would be the implications if Canada were to cease trading with the US entirely?
Immediate hit: loss of ~$700B in U.S. export sales (gross), supply-chain chaos, import shortages, and higher costs.
Macro impact: a double-digit GDP contraction (exports to the U.S. ≈ 19% of GDP), a sharp rise in unemployment, a weaker CAD, higher inflation, and lower government revenues.
Actually, some of us are just as outraged. About all of those things and more. We just don't get to air that anger in the MSM, and therefore go mainly unheard.
Lots of us are outraged but we've had 6 days of a cobbled up wire story that was gobbled up by the MSM with few reporters even mentioning that the story wasn't exactly true. Everything that Smith does is negative in the eyes of the MSM. It just goes on and on.
I've watched the ad and didn't find it offensive. I've also worked in the US for much of the past 30 years, and suspect that most Americans don't find it offensive either.
But ..... this is the US Government of Donald Trump and his rather slavish Republicans. Neither logic nor propriety are factors in their response. And they are who we must deal with, like it or not.
One question - will the final takedown be done with a hyperinflation of our currency, hostile takeover of resources including resource companies, or an invasion? Expiring minds want to know!
It's surprising that Ronald Reagan who was in favour of free trade, not tariffs, appeared to support Canada's dairy tariffs established in the early 1970's when speaking with Brian Mulroney in 1987. I guess Canadian tariffs are ok, just not Donald Trumps tariffs.
Another point is that Reagan went after Japan because Japan was the China of its day. Trump has also targeted Japan but they made a deal. Canada has no cards to play with Trump. China does. Hence, the meeting this week in Asia. Ford's ad campaign using old Reagan quotes is stupid. Doesn't Canada understand this? If not, Canada will not recover. But maybe you'll win the World Series!
I find it amusing that Doug Ford, Everyman's favourite Liberal Premier, would champion the policies of Ronald Reagan, as rock-ribbed a Conservative Republican as ever existed. Reagan would turn over in his grave if he knew.
Not a big fan of Reagan. He was the first B-grade actor (Anyone remember the classic Bedtime for Bonzo) in US history. Similar acting abilities to our recent PM, Trudeau the Witless.
Hey Brian, on the playoffs, remember what they did to 99 and 4? Tried to force them to publicly disavow Trump. Why don't we apply that same litmus test to the Blue Jays' players before we all climb on the bandwagon. Literally asking for two friends. I bet most of them voted for T.
What they did to 99 and 4 was crazy, and you know my thoughts on that.
I think of the people in the counties surrounding Buffalo who voted strongly for Trump, they aren't anti-Canadian, they wanted a president who tried to protect their jobs, bring them back instead of telling them to learn to code.
I understand. I just don’t think some of these Canadian folks recognize their hypocrisy. I actually pointed it out at Thanksgiving dinner and got an angry reaction. These people remind me of this.
Don't mean to change topic direction, however i am, the interviews I've heard with Bessent and Lutnick suggest that these career investment bankers believe the tariffs are necessary to reduce the USA debt - and there is some indication it is working.
USA and Canada have huge national debt's, and the folks in power in the USA are concerned and believe the debt must be controlled/reduced and their Youtube interviews articulate the reasons quite well.
Most of the Canadian talk about US tariff's ignores this discussion and this objective.
Advisors to Trump and his Secretaries believe it is important - thus tariffs and bringing manufacturing back to USA to get the required robust economy.
Ford made a mistake, and Carney let him. Hard to understand what their trade plan really is. The reality is the only Province's that can help Canada's current account problem are Saskatchewan and Alberta. Neither are allowed to develop the resources which would help us.
Another important point: Red China was not the threat it is now when Reagan was president. Today China pours fentanyl into the USA through Canada and Mexico. Mexico is cooperating with Trump and Canada is not. Ford's ad is thus misleading and out of date. His antics hurt Canada.
One more point is that globalisation was not as prevalent as it is today. Many of the industries/jobs that existed during Reagan's time have moved offshore. MY opinion is that one of the main purposes of Trump's tariffs is to being those industries and jobs back to America. He has stated on many occasions that it is one way to avoid tariffs, invest in building factories in the US.
Many our our elite / media / progressives say that Trump doesn't care about Canada. Well no, he doesn't but not because he hates us but because that's not his job. His job, the one he was elected to do is to look after his country, not ours. His job is to create an environment that supports American industry and American jobs, not ours. It really isn't rocket science.
Thank you for clear thinking and truth in your comment. I hope and pray that our leaders will think of Canada First and act accordingly.
Right. Trump wants to do what is best for the country he loves and its citizens. I fear our PM is not a man of Trumps thinking. I think Carney is like Trudeau. Doesn't give a rat's ass about us. If he did he would have already moved on creating wealth here as in pipelines.
If we were to honestly remove our barriers to free trade with the US ie supply management, telecommunications & banking I believe we could get free trade between the 2 countries. I saw Republican Senator Kennedy suggest this very thing. Time we removed some of the barriers which I might add mean Canadians are paying more than we should in some areas too.
No trade is free.
In fact, that's the name of a book by Trump's former trade advisor. All we have is managed trade and every country has some industries that they protect.
That said, Canada has far more protectionist policies than the U.S.
Go up and down the Eastern coast and TD bank dominates. Go West and BMO is everywhere, but we don't have Chase and Bank of America branches everywhere.
And we dont have banks going bust Either.
💯- Canadians need to ask why we’re sacrificing our entire economy to protect dairy farmers in Quebec, and the other uncompetitive oligopolies across Canada. Aka large donors $$ to the Liberal Party. Now you know the rest of the story. 🇨🇦
I like the Paul Harvey reference.
Cause it’s Quebec.
If Canadians would wake the eff up to far more than ‘trade and tariffs’, we could make progress. The Trump administration will NEVER tolerate a next door neighbour with wide open borders and all that brings including communism. Canada has been infiltrated for decades yet we continue to have bogus ‘leaders’ who are minions to their deep-state globalist overlords.
They (meaning our Provincial governments) should finish what they started in the spring when the initial tariffs were announced - break down the inter-provincial trade barriers instead of spending millions on ads.
Air travel too!
We pay more then we should in all areas.
😂
I guess it has nothing to do with the constant badmouthing, name calling, insults, provocation that Ford has thrown in Trump’s direction.
Trump is certainly not among my favourite persons, but he is the duly elected president of the most powerful country in the world and our most influential neighbour and, like it or not, our protector. Even if we disagree with his methods, we must accept that, as long as he is in charge he will govern the USA the way he considers best for his country.
We don’t have to suck up to him, but we certainly should stop behaving like he is our enemy.
At the beginning, Ford was very careful to make it about policy and not a personal attack on Trump.
Now, he gets very personal about Trump and I don't think that's a good thing as I have written, said on radio and TV.
Thank you for your reply Brian.
I believe strongly that Ford has done a tremendous amount of damage to our relations with the USA. I also believe that Carney has not and is not sincere in his efforts to make a deal and has/is actively causing Canadians to consider the USA to be our enemy so that he can be seen as our saviour. It is clear that a prosperous Canada is not his true objective notwithstanding his promises for the best economy of the G7.
I sure wonder what benefit carnage will gain from his insane policies. Money probably, it's always about the money! And Ford is a complexity, probably was in grade school too.( check out that meaning from Alberta's teacher strike.)
Carney is busy putting the final nail in Canada’s coffin.
If our Liberal government including Doug Ford makes peace with the U.S. and Trump - they would then have to run on their own record. 😳
You can see without an enemy to blame, they would be exposed for their failures and mess they have created. Mind you - if our government sponsored media can continue to demonize the leader of the opposition - they may have found their new scapegoat for everything wrong in Canada, and Ford and the Liberals can hold on to power until 2050 at least. 😬
Heaven forbid!
I think a more careful and open-minded listen to Reagan's entire statement will reveal that although Reagan didn't like tariffs and preferred free trade, he indicated that he was being forced to institute tariffs against an unfair trading partner.
I think this is more or less the same argument that Donald Trump is using. The world was a very different place in Reagan's time and international trade was balanced very differently as was the US economy. These days it seems that just about everybody has been gaming so-called free trade.
Since Reagan's time, manufacturing and capital have been stripped out of the US.
International corporations, many nominally US firms, and countries worldwide have been taking advantage of America's good nature.
Trump is saying no more Mr Nice Guy.
Trump sees tarrifs as a multi-tool to halt and reverse America's decline. His goals are to repatriate manufacturing and capital, and to provide conditions to regenerate the middle class and middle America.
The fact that the tariffs raise money which is sorely needed is gravy. National security was at risk due to-stripped out mining and manufacturing capability in the contiguous United States and the country was becoming increasingly dependent on offshore suppliers and unimpeded worldwide shipping.
History has taught over and over that other countries and unimpeded shipping cannot be relied on, and complacency leads to a downfall when conditions change.
Consider China's embargo on rare earth shipments. Was tipping their hand a smart move? A shot over the bow, or an act of desperation?
Canada is not offshore and is therefore the one logical supplier to trust besides Mexico , but Canada has drifted politically in a dangerous direction.
When tested by Trump, Canada proved to be uncooperative and hostile. When asked to renogiate terms that have proven over time to be badly designed, Canada has been intrnsigent.
Consider the 'elbows up' folly and the threats to cut off oil, electricity, and pouring out a bottle, instead of soberly addressing the President's legitimate concerns.
Sorry Douggie (and Brian). the world is not the same world it was when Ronald Reagan was president. Even if his words were twisted in a dishonest attempt to interfere in American politics, they would not apply today.
Even the current President shared Reagan's sentiments today, the US is not in the position it was back then, and has to start looking after its own interests instead of trying to daddy to the world.
Spot on.
I hope no one with advanced TDS is reading this.
If I were in Trump's position, I'd be annoyed too.
Who actually speaks for Canada as a whole? Just when you think it's Prime Minister Mark Carney, suddenly Premier Doug Ford is hogging the mike. Saying something bound to annoy powerful people down there.
Premier Danielle Smith seems to be negotiating for Alberta. By what right exactly?
I certainly understand why she's doing it but that doesn't change the picture: No one appears to speak for Canada as a whole.
Last I heard, Premier (Who?) of Manitoba has his shovel in the hole too. Is he also going to produce a get-yer-goat video to air in the States?
THAT'll show Trump, right?!
Show him what? That we have a thousand clowns here with no ringmaster?
I am beginning to worry that Canada may no longer be a viable proposition and perhaps this situation only illustrates that fact.
I just read that our Premier in BC is going produce and air anti-tariff ads. This should be interesting.
https://vancouversun.com/news/bc-launch-anti-tariff-ads-ontario-pauses-controversial-campaign
Danielle Smith needs to negotiate for Alberta, no one else will. If you can think of a provincial leader other than Moe who cares about the people who live in Saskatchewan or Alberta, let me know what they have done. As far as I am concerned, there is no Canada anymore.
It was my understanding that Reagan liked free trade, so if Canada had negotiated in good faith and not held out on protectionist policies (which are like tariffs), then we would have a free and open trade deal. However, Canada's inability to recognize open free trade as a benefit has led to petty displays such as the ad. I ventured to pull the trade number, and frankly, free trade should technically have import and export values being roughly the same, and yet they are not. This implies that Canada is not implementing true free trade, but rather imposing restrictions to prevent investment and opportunities from the US from entering Canada and fostering economic diversity.
In 2024, Canadian goods exports to the U.S. were about US$419.8 billion.
In 2024, Canadian goods imports from the U.S. were about US$266.3 billion.
Bilateral total goods and services trade between Canada and the U.S. was ~US$909 billion in 2024.
In 2023, about 77.4% of Canadian exports were destined for the U.S. (of total exports), and about 49.5% of Canadian imports came from the U.S. <-- this does not look like it equals open and free trade.
What would be the implications if Canada were to cease trading with the US entirely?
Immediate hit: loss of ~$700B in U.S. export sales (gross), supply-chain chaos, import shortages, and higher costs.
Macro impact: a double-digit GDP contraction (exports to the U.S. ≈ 19% of GDP), a sharp rise in unemployment, a weaker CAD, higher inflation, and lower government revenues.
Yup. We are screwed.
Wrt the ad, think about what the outcry would be if the Americans started running ads on CBC, CTV and Global as to how awful our Prime Minister is.
You know, I keep hearing this and I'll answer with this.
President Obama endorsed the Liberals under Trudeau during an election.
Hillary Clinton endorsed the Liberals under Trudeau during an election.
President Trump endorsed the Liberals under Carney during an election.
There was no outrage in the Canadian public or amongst the majority of the Canadian media.
Heck, Canadians aren't all that outraged that China and Russia interfere in our elections.
Actually, some of us are just as outraged. About all of those things and more. We just don't get to air that anger in the MSM, and therefore go mainly unheard.
Lots of us are outraged but we've had 6 days of a cobbled up wire story that was gobbled up by the MSM with few reporters even mentioning that the story wasn't exactly true. Everything that Smith does is negative in the eyes of the MSM. It just goes on and on.
Those of which you speak were endorsements; negative attack ads on TV are quite different, IMO.
Have you watched the ad?
Whether you think the ad was a good idea or not, it's not an attack ad.
The ad is a hug, not a punch.
I've watched the ad and didn't find it offensive. I've also worked in the US for much of the past 30 years, and suspect that most Americans don't find it offensive either.
But ..... this is the US Government of Donald Trump and his rather slavish Republicans. Neither logic nor propriety are factors in their response. And they are who we must deal with, like it or not.
Bang on Brian. Are Canadians lazy or brain braindead? Really, can we only get worked up about TDS? We have to wake up and get informed.
Are we awake or fast asleep?
May be they should :-)
Yesavage started this season with the Vancouver Canadians. Remarkable.
Trump's enemies are Communists and Globalists. Who is Komrade Karney in bed with?
One question - will the final takedown be done with a hyperinflation of our currency, hostile takeover of resources including resource companies, or an invasion? Expiring minds want to know!
None of the above, the US will end up protecting us.
It's surprising that Ronald Reagan who was in favour of free trade, not tariffs, appeared to support Canada's dairy tariffs established in the early 1970's when speaking with Brian Mulroney in 1987. I guess Canadian tariffs are ok, just not Donald Trumps tariffs.
Reagan said this at that much quoted address
“It’s incredibly important not to restrict a President's options in such trade dealings with foreign governments “
Usual disclaimers.
I'd agree. I think Trump has the power to impose tariffs and Reagan felt the same way. On the whole though, Reagan didn't like tariffs.
I expect Trump to win at the court, though there are some limitations to Section 232 tariffs that he may be testing.
Another point is that Reagan went after Japan because Japan was the China of its day. Trump has also targeted Japan but they made a deal. Canada has no cards to play with Trump. China does. Hence, the meeting this week in Asia. Ford's ad campaign using old Reagan quotes is stupid. Doesn't Canada understand this? If not, Canada will not recover. But maybe you'll win the World Series!
Another great article! Thank you!
I find it amusing that Doug Ford, Everyman's favourite Liberal Premier, would champion the policies of Ronald Reagan, as rock-ribbed a Conservative Republican as ever existed. Reagan would turn over in his grave if he knew.
Not a big fan of Reagan. He was the first B-grade actor (Anyone remember the classic Bedtime for Bonzo) in US history. Similar acting abilities to our recent PM, Trudeau the Witless.
Hey Brian, on the playoffs, remember what they did to 99 and 4? Tried to force them to publicly disavow Trump. Why don't we apply that same litmus test to the Blue Jays' players before we all climb on the bandwagon. Literally asking for two friends. I bet most of them voted for T.
What they did to 99 and 4 was crazy, and you know my thoughts on that.
I think of the people in the counties surrounding Buffalo who voted strongly for Trump, they aren't anti-Canadian, they wanted a president who tried to protect their jobs, bring them back instead of telling them to learn to code.
I understand. I just don’t think some of these Canadian folks recognize their hypocrisy. I actually pointed it out at Thanksgiving dinner and got an angry reaction. These people remind me of this.
https://youtu.be/w7IMS60IkYA?si=qoY0yC1GEN-oTIr1
Lol!!!!
Don't mean to change topic direction, however i am, the interviews I've heard with Bessent and Lutnick suggest that these career investment bankers believe the tariffs are necessary to reduce the USA debt - and there is some indication it is working.
USA and Canada have huge national debt's, and the folks in power in the USA are concerned and believe the debt must be controlled/reduced and their Youtube interviews articulate the reasons quite well.
Most of the Canadian talk about US tariff's ignores this discussion and this objective.
Advisors to Trump and his Secretaries believe it is important - thus tariffs and bringing manufacturing back to USA to get the required robust economy.
Ford made a mistake, and Carney let him. Hard to understand what their trade plan really is. The reality is the only Province's that can help Canada's current account problem are Saskatchewan and Alberta. Neither are allowed to develop the resources which would help us.
100% Agree with you. We have the weakest group of people STILL running the show in Canada. Bunch of rubes with NO clue. Including Carney.