Jack Layton Wants a Trade War

Talking tough and mocking Paul Martin in Vancouver, Jack Layton says Canada should impose tariffs on oil and gas against the United States –clearly not having read the NAFTA text– unless the softwood question is solved. Layton, in other words, would prefer to get into a trade war with the United States.

Layton favoured talking to Saddam Hussein rather than to see an invasion of Iraq. But when it comes to the United States, Canada should stop talking, he hinted. Beside the obvious inconsistency of the position that Canada should negotiate with murderous dictators but stop negotiation with friends and allies, Layton’s policy would have the added nasty consequence of plunging Alberta’s oil and gas industry right in the middle of it. An American retaliation, in addition, would likely also hurt Ontario and Quebec. How precisely would that help BC and the rest of the country?, Layton does not say.

Layton is out of touch with reality, as usual. Canada could not win a trade war against the United States. The fact that he has suggested it is reckless. His real motivation, of course, is purely electoral, hoping to attract more votes in British Columbia’s tight race.

Crossposted from Civitatensis.ca