This week, the organization this author represents, the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses Canada (CCMBC), launched a billboard campaign with the message that the vast majority of Canada’s problems arise from our own domestic governments’ policies rather than the U.S. or any other foreign government. Ever since Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, many Canadian politicians have attempted to escape responsibility by blaming the U.S. for Canada’s many woes. Indeed, current Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent election into government was won largely by painting Trump as the guy responsible for Canada’s poor performance and convincing enough Canadians to buy into this fiction.
The truth, however, is that Canada’s current economic and societal problems predated Trump’s election by years. Bad policies implemented by both the federal Liberals and some provinces weakened Canada so that it was poorly equipped to deal with threats from the U.S. or any other country, such as China. Canada’s decline has been constant since former prime minister Justin Trudeau was first elected and has not improved with Carney as prime minister. All Carney’s talk about doing big important projects really, really fast – and “building at speeds not seen in generations,” was another empty promise. In fact, most economists believe that Canada is currently heading into a recession or is already in one. The main thing Carney has done to date is create several new bureaucracies, further expanding a government that is already massively bloated.
Carney made a big deal about blaming the U.S. administration for Canada’s economic problems during the election as it benefitted him politically and tapped into the “anti-American” streak some Canadians possess. More recently, Carney has changed his tune completely by adopting an obsequious approach toward Trump, flattering him and complimenting him for various accomplishments. What a disappointment this must be for the “elbows up” crowd, who were promised something that was never delivered. What is truly ironic is that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith suggested a less combative approach to Trump from the start, favouring negotiation over confrontation. Other premiers and some Canadians shamefully called her a “traitor” to Canada for pursuing that route. Seems that “traitor” was right all along.
The federal Liberals are not the only ones that are at fault. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been the most vocal premier in opposing U.S. tariffs with such melodramatic stunts as pouring out a bottle of Crown Royal whiskey – a Canadian product – because one of their bottling plants was leaving Ontario for greener pastures in the U.S. A better use of Ford’s time would be to ask himself why Ontario is driving businesses away. Businesses have been leaving Ontario for years, and Ford’s government has not stopped that exodus despite their claims to be “open for business.” The Ford government has not followed through on their initial election promises to reduce taxes, cut bureaucratic red tape and bring down energy costs that were driven up by the Green Energy Act of the previous Liberal government. As a result, businesses are voting with their feet as they realize they must leave Ontario if they want to remain in business.
It’s understandable that Canadian politicians would want to deflect any blame for Canada’s current poor economy onto anyone other than themselves, as governments hate to be held accountable. Canadians should, however, realize that if our own governments had pursued policies in past years that supported a stronger Canadian economy, we would not be in this weakened position. We don’t have control over the actions of foreign governments, but we do over our own economy. Yet Canadian governments have continued to pursue policies that are detrimental to Canadian citizens, employees and businesses. Our politicians should be looking in the mirror, not blaming others.
The CCMBC started this billboard campaign to emphasize the important of holding our own governments to account and not letting them off the hook by blaming others for their errors. The best offense is always a good defence. Being proactive and well prepared, and taking advantage of those elements within your control, are the best ways to prevent problems and respond to attacks. It’s time Canadian governments smartened up and started to do the right thing for Canadians and Canadian businesses, before our economy is weakened irreparably.
For further information, please refer to the CCMBC website at www.ccmbc.ca
She has published numerous articles in journals, magazines & other media on issues such as free trade, finance, entrepreneurship & women business owners. Ms. Swift is a past President of the Empire Club of Canada, a former Director of the CD Howe Institute, the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, SOS Children’s Villages, past President of the International Small Business Congress and current Director of the Fraser Institute. She was cited in 2003 & 2012 as one of the most powerful women in Canada by the Women’s Executive Network & is a recipient of the Queen’s Silver & Gold Jubilee medals.
