Dear Editor:
Watching last week’s leaders’ debates, it became clear on the various differences in the political agenda of the contending parties. Sadly, the one point of agreement of all parties was that Canada is helpless in its struggles against China without the assistance of some other foreign nation.
Militarily, action by any nation is ridiculous; but every bully has his weakness, and that includes Communist China. Without the strength of the world’s most formidable economy where cheap labour is so abundant, the Chinese government would be far less able to flex its economic and political clout. In that regard, every single Canadian can make a difference.
Where possible, simply boycott Chinese products altogether.
Back in the 1960s, Japanese products were flooding the world market with quality low-cost goods. A “buy Canadian” policy, be it formal or informal, made a difference over the long haul. Today, Japanese products such as automobiles, are still high quality but are made by well-paid Canadians right here in Ontario.
Every one of us can make a difference, every time we shop. Simply check for the source of the product, and if it is China, look for an alternative, even if it costs a touch more. For example, my wife asked me last week to get some garlic cloves for supper. The supermarket had five cloves from China for a buck and two cloves from the U.S. for two dollars. I chose the latter, and even though I paid more, I really felt that I made a small contribution to this cause.
I did a similar thing at the dollar store by refusing to purchase a disposable “made in China” paintbrush. Instead, I went to the local hardware store for a more expensive, made in Canada brush that I will simply wash and reuse, instead of throwing the disposable into some landfill site.
May I suggest, if you need to purchase more inexpensive products, look for a non-Chinese source such as Malaysia, the Philipines, or perhaps South America. Anywhere but China! Remember how the Chinese industrials are able to produce products at some a cheap cost … simply by exploiting underpaid workers, supported by a ruthless and dictatorial Communist government.
Leaders of all political stripes in Canada must unite into some kind of economic strategy, lead by everyday Canadians, one small purchase at a time!
Ron Johnson,
Mount Forest