Trade Policy

Courtesy Arlene Dickinson: "Donald Trump just called Canada 'a very difficult country to trade with.' He falsely claimed we impose 400% tariffs on U.S. dairy. He accused our Digital Services Tax, a policy used around the world, of being a “blatant attack” on America. And then he threatened to terminate all trade talks and impose a new tariff. All in one breath. 

Frankly, it’s disturbing. And I think it’s because he knows we do not stand alone in the world. Canada has always been a strong, fair trading partner to the United States. We’re their closest ally, their largest customer, and a vital contributor to their economy and national security. Our dairy system is built on supply management, not subsidies. It supports rural communities and food stability just as the U.S. supports its own farmers in different ways. The claim of 400% tariffs is false. Our Digital Services Tax is consistent with global efforts to ensure multinational tech companies, many valued in the trillions, contribute fairly in every country they operate in. This isn’t an attack. It’s tax fairness. Period. As someone who has spent decades building and working with businesses that trade goods and services across this border, I think his take is ridiculous. Canadians don’t take the importance of this relationship lightly. But we won’t be bullied about it either.

We believe in partnership. But real partnership is built on respect, facts, and a shared commitment to prosperity on both sides. I know and trust that our leaders in Canada are acting with fairness, dignity, and good faith and will not be bullied into anything that doesn’t serve our country and our citizens well. Americans cannot say the same and I feel badly for them. Threats are not negotiations. And tweets are not trade policy no matter how much attention people do or don’t pay to them."