Skip to main content

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

FELSTED: Now relax, assured that NAFTA is not dead and is not easy to kill


Let’s try to clear the air a little. In all the press conferences, tweets, media reports, and assessments by various ‘experts’ it’s hard to keep track of reality.

  1. NAFTA is still in force. Nothing has changed. The agreement has not expired or been altered.

  1. Changing the terms of NAFTA, including US withdrawal, requires congressional approval.

  1. The USA and Mexico cannot alter NAFTA without Canada’s consent.

  1. The alleged bi-lateral deal between the US and Mexico is smoke. If it varies from NAFTA terms, NAFTA terms prevail.

  1. Donald Trump has given notice to congress that the US – Mexico terms of agreement will be presented for approval by September 29th.

  1. Congress is unlikely to approve an agreement that does not include Canada. There are too many states that have Canada as their major export market.

US President Donald Trump
  1. Trump’s bluster, bullying, deadlines and threats are tactics to improve the US bargaining position and so far, are not working.

  1. If Trump tries to withdraw from NAFTA, he still has to apply to congress for approval.

  1. Even if Trump secures congressional approval to withdraw from NAFTA he must do so under NAFTA terms.

10.   Norway (June), Russia (July) and China (August) have all applied to the World Trade Organization (WTO) for dispute consultation in respect to US tariffs. It is unlikely that the tariffs will stand.

11.   Current negotiations may or may not result in changes to NAFTA terms. Trump will not make final decisions on NAFTA terms – that is the role of the US congress.  

Now relax and enjoy a wonderful Labour Day long weekend assured that NAFTA is not dead and is not easy to kill.

John Feldsted
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PEATS: I am writing with a critical concern regarding the imminent closure of the Eljen Medical Clinic, a vital healthcare facility in our community

The following is a copy of a letter sent to me, which was sent to BC’s Minister of Health Adrian Dix. It is with regards to the impending closure of the Eljen Medical Clinic in Dawson Creek.   Dear Minister,   I am writing to you today with a critical concern regarding the imminent closure of the Eljen Medical Clinic, a vital healthcare facility in our community. The closure, scheduled for the summer of 2024, is a result of the utterly burdensome terms and conditions imposed by the bureaucratic Northern Health. As a result, Dawson Creek stands to lose four doctors who have made this city their home, and who wish to continue serving the people of our community.   The impending closure of the Eljen Medical Clinic is a significant blow to our city. Not only will it result in the loss of highly qualified and dedicated healthcare professionals, but it will also deprive thousands of Dawson Creek residents of access to their primary physicians. At a time when healthcare se
3 comments
Read more

RCMP gag order comes after BC NDP catch heat for diverted safe supply (Northern Beat)

In the wake of several high-profile police drug seizures of suspected safer supply that put the BC NDP government on the defensive last month, BC RCMP “E” division issued a gag order on detachments, directing them to run all communications on “hot button” public safety issues through headquarters in the lead-up to the provincial election. “It is very clear we are in a pre-election time period and the topic of ‘public safety’ is very much an issue that governments and voters are discussing,” writes a senior RCMP communications official in an email dated Mar. 11 in what appears to have gone out to all BC RCMP detachments . . . . CLICK HERE for the full story
Post a Comment
Read more

KRUGELL: BC NDP turns its attention from BC United to BC Conservatives

The BC NDP turning its attention, from BC United, to BC Conservatives was reported over the weekend from a variety of sources. It is the result of the surge in the BC Conservative's polling numbers and the subsequent collapse of BC United. The NDP has largely ignored the BC Conservatives, instead they opt to talk about issues directly or attack their old foes BC United. Practical politics says that parties closer to the centre tend to ultimately prevail over the long haul. They do wane but often make comebacks. A good example is the federal Liberals going from third party to government in 2015. Centrism has a lot of appeal on voting day. The NDP shifting its fire from United to Conservative is a reflection of reality. BC United did buy advertising online and radio over the last few months. Did that shift the polls back to them? Nope. The reality is today, the BC Conservatives are the party of the Opposition, and day by day the Conservatives are looking like a party not ready to fig
Post a Comment
Read more

Labels

Show more