Canadian Mayors Get Tough Policy- A Good Move
By Ben Meisner
The community of Halton Hills, Ontario, got the ball rolling which ended up in a call by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to rap the Yanks on the hands over their protectionist market moves, while leaving their companies free to take what you can from the other markets of the world.
The move could potentially block US companies from bidding on city contracts across Canada. It all started when a Canadian company was outbid by a US firm in a Canadian bid, but a Canadian company was not able to bid in the US for its goods.
The vote may have been close, 189-175 with our Mayor Dan Rogers supporting the no side, it never the less sends a message. The free trade on lumber has been free trade only in name and aims to protect US producers. We are seeing American pulp mills being subsidized, while Canadian companies who dare do the same would be hit hard with duties.
Yes we do have a trade component going on with the USA, but we should keep in mind that the bulk of this trade is made up of natural resources, gas, oil, hydro electric power and minerals required for the production of finished goods. The US needs our products, and we, with a secure supply and a friendly border, are able to deliver it to them.
What we don’t need is a US government that says we will do what we want when it comes to trade and you will gladly follow us. The move by Canada’s Mayors sends a message that we are not all Yes men, we are prepared to stand up and be counted, and that time came long ago .
We did not cause the fall of the US economy, that came from within. If anything, it has cost the Canadian economy deeply and so if we feel the need to stand up and say treat us the same or face the consequences, then why not?
I’m Meisner and that’s one man’s opinion.
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Posted by: Nowicki on June 8 2009 4:13 PM
IMO the lower levels of government should have a greater say in what foreign jurisdictions can sell into the local market or procure government contracts from the local market.
Ideally I would like to see a new trade body set up with jurisdictions from the provincial/state level of government as its members. Members get free trade and non members get what federal governments allow for trade. Membership would require minimum standards in production, environment, safety, employment standards, and democratic rights. Ideally this body would shove aside the IMF (banksters) and the UN (tin pot dictator talk shop)in global legitimacy as the voice of the free people and the organization with the legitimacy to set international standards from the grass roots level. One vote per member prov/state in setting the policy standards. Canada would have 13 members.