Dear Editor,
All of a sudden our American counterparts are seriously eyeing Canadian politics and our unique banking system. In the past, we Canadians were subjected to the brunt of their politics. Negotiations were subject to their demands and when a scapegoat was needed to cover their political scandals, they would point to the Alberta tar sands. The halting of the Keystone pipeline was just the last insult. We must remember the Keystone legislation was in place three years ago at the commencement of construction. This means all agreements were signed and agreed to by both parties at that time. Bowing to debt pressure is never the solution. Against dire warnings that Canada would seek alternative markets, once again we were ignored and insulted with the label of ‘dirty oil,’ when in point of fact, Canadian oil is the cleanest and safest in the world.
Congratulations must go out to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his foreign affairs minister John Baird for opening trade negotiations with China. The Foreign Investment Protection Act paves the way for open investment between both countries. This will allow our banks to invest in mainland China. Engineering and construction will gain greatly. Energy and mineral resources will massively gain, which includes our uranium. A boost to our cattle industry is on the table. Science, medical and technology will also see major gains. Canadian technology is a world leader.
Since these sought-after commodities are solely owned by Canadians and not accepted as North American resources, maybe those envious Americans will now negotiate in earnest. With a seriously failing economy you do not shoot your neighbours in good faith in the foot and then expect them to shake your hand. I hope Baird is reading this because an about-face in his negotiation tactics is needed when dealing with Americans and NAFTA. Stop giving our commodities away cheaper than what we Canadians must pay. The onus is now on the other foot; there is an even larger market in play.
It is time for Canada to take our rightful place at the top of the world. I am happy that Canada now has a prime minister that believes in the value of our resources and has the will to make it happen.
Maybe as a sign of our Canadian good faith and as a reciprocation to the honour of receiving pandas we should return this grace with a gift of the mighty moose. Just a thought.
W. Krechuniak
