Export taxes on goods to US

It is time to say enough is enough.

Don’t get me wrong, Prime Minister Carney is probably smart to play the patient diplomatic game. It is usually our way. However, I think more than a few Canadians are ready to drop the gloves.

While we support Carney, he needs to know we are ready for a fight and it is coming down to that. As we approach Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement negotiations, the U.S. is courting Belarus potash and Venezuelan oil to strengthen it’s bargaining position. It makes sense for Canada to not support an easy transition to other suppliers for the Americans. In fact, we should consider an immediate export tax of up to 20% on all resources leaving Canada for the U.S., including, but not limited to, lumber, oil, electricity, potash and maple syrup.

Why should (the U.S.) government collect tariffs on our goods going into the U.S.? Why don’t we help them and collect the money ourselves. The U.S. can collect its tariffs after our export taxes are paid.

Yes, this will be painful but my dad always said if you have to deal with a bully by yourself, you better to make sure you hurt them as much as you can so they think twice before hurting you again.

What’s more, maybe others will chose to stand behind you if you lead the way. The alternative is giving away your hard-earned lunch money and self-respect.

Recent (MP floor) crossings in Parliament are encouraging. We need a united Canada behind Carney. Many left-leaning Canadians supported a right-leaning Liberal candidate. We need a few more Conservatives to support a centre-right government and stop obstructing Parliament at every opportunity. We need our government to dance on a tightrope, balancing the environment, social safety net support, Indigenous rights, economic survival and political independence. In these trying times we must find that balance to the best of our abilities.

Canadian visits to the USA are down 30%. It should be 95%. Life-threatening and really important reasons are certainly justified but let’s just stop going there. Invite friends and family here. Travel to other destinations.

Sell off American stocks. Buy Canadian or international stocks, not at a great loss but judicially. Stop buying American and not just at the grocery store. If it is American, look for an alternative.

Lastly, we need to take care of each other. What can we do to help other Canadians? How can we make better use of the resources we have? How can we reduce the stress on our health systems and social programs? How can we improve our efficiency and reduce our waste?

Let’s rediscover Canada at school, at home and at work. Let’s encourage and support each other. Let us show the world what it is to be Canadian and stand together against the looming economic and political threat from the south.

Kirk Mallette, Vernon