Let’s teach Mr. Trump Hockey
One hundred years ago this December, the people of Boston and other parts of New England rushed aid to the survivors of the Halifax explosion. On 6 December, 2017, a munitions ship exploded in Halifax harbour with the destructive force of a nuclear weapon. 2000 Haligonians were killed. 9000 were wounded. Thousands more were made homeless. In the weeks that followed Americans rushed by train and boat tons of food, clothing, blankets and building materials. It was an outpouring of generosity, support and shared community that Nova Scotians have not forgotten.
Eighty four years later it was Canadians that poured out support. In the hours after the destruction of the World Trade Centre, 11 September, 2001, American skies were closed. Hundreds of US bound flights from Europe and the Pacific were diverted to Canada. Thousands of Americans whose planes were grounded in Gander, Halifax, Vancouver and other airports across Canada were welcomed into our homes, schools and churches. Over 6000 travellers found shelter, warmth and hospitality in and around the small town of Gander alone. Many Americans have not forgotten.
It is against this background of mutual support in times of trouble that Donald Trump charges Canada of trading in bad faith. Starting with our dairy and softwood lumber industries and moving on to all goods exported to the US under NAFTA, Mr. Trump has peremptorily threatened to change our practices or lose US market access. His charges seem based more on his perception of our weak negotiating position than on real grievances. On the one hand, Canadian-American trade flows are almost in balance. But, more than two thirds of all Canadian exports head south. Almost all our oil exports head south as well. Interference with the flow of our goods to the US can cripple us. We know it. So does Mr. Trump.
But, even if only commercial ties linked the two countries the charge of unfair trade practice & threat to immediately end NAFTA would still be contemptible. NAFTA came into effect in 1994, based on the bilateral FTA of 1987. That, in turn, was designed to replace the Canada US Auto Pact, signed by Lester Pearson and Lyndon Johnson in 1965. More than half a century of orderly & mutually beneficial trade grew out of these agreements. To threaten the immediate end of these relations by Executive Order, regardless of the consequences to Canada, gives the lie to our faith in the loyalty, friendship and honour of the United States.
Mr. Trump wants to teach us how to negotiate. Let’s teach him hockey. In that game, you don’t check a player into the boards without expecting the same thing right back. Therefore, suggestions for Mr. Trudeau:
1. Announce the immediate reconsideration of our membership in NATO.
2. Withdraw all Canadian military personnel that cooperate with US forces anywhere in the world.
3. Announce that the NORAD treaty, renewed in 2006, will not be renewed again. This agreement is central to the northern defense of North American air space. Ten years ago, with Russia then on it’s knees, a threat from the arctic would have seemed archaic. No longer. A Canadian intent to dismantle NORAD strikes at the heart of American security.
4. Announce the immediate cancellation of all Canadian military equipment purchases from US suppliers. This would include the F-35 fighter jet.
5. Announce that all American military personnel stationed in Canada will return home. Let the videos of American soldiers, airmen & contractors leaving Canada be a testament to the US President who managed to destroy 150 years of good neighbours.
As these moves are hinted at or announced the changes in the Canada US relationship will become clear. If we are no longer friends who treat each with respect and courtesy, then we are merely neighbours who slug it out with whatever tools are available. Let’s not sell ourselves short, we have the tools.
Gary Hendin