Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Canada has requested consultations with the United States on “unjustified tariffs” at the World Trade Organization, Canada’s ambassador to the WTO in Geneva said on Wednesday. “The U.S. decision leaves us with no choice but to respond to protect Canadian interests,” Ambassador Nadia Theodore said in a statement posted on LinkedIn. A WTO spokesperson confirmed the receipt of Canada’s request for consultations. U.S. President Donald Trump’s new 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico took effect on Tuesday, along with fresh duties on Chinese goods. The moves, which could upend nearly $2.2 trillion in annual trade, came after Trump declared that the top three U.S. trading partners had failed to do enough to stem the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the United States ... CLICK HERE for the full story

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. NAFTA is still in force. Nothing has changed. The agreement has not expired or been altered. Changing the terms of NAFTA, including US withdrawal, requires congressional approval. The USA and Mexico cannot alter NAFTA without Canada’s consent. The alleged bi-lateral deal between the US and Mexico is smoke. If it varies from NAFTA terms, NAFTA terms prevail. Donald Trump has given notice to congress that the US – Mexico terms of agreement will be presented for approval by September 29 th . 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 Trump’s bluster, bullying, deadlines ...