After reading a recent letter to the editor from Keith Hutchings, the PC-Finance Critic (“N.L. Liberals failing on trade,” The Telegram, June 17), I am amazed that a former minister responsible for trade is so ill-informed on a trade-related matter.
I can only assume his leader — Ches Crosbie — also fails to fully appreciate the intricacies of trade, the irrational nature of U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration, and the challenges it is creating around the world.
The Progressive Conservatives seem to be more interested in playing politics than coming up with meaningful solutions and supporting local companies and workers.
Canada-United States relations and ongoing NAFTA negotiations should be a concern to everyone.
When Trump said, “It’s going to be America first from now on. America first,” who knew that it would mean a complete abandonment of America’s global leadership? The president’s nearsighted, inward-looking trade policies are similar to those which had been employed during the Great Depression that only served to hurt working people by prolonging and deepening that crisis.
I am also surprised that at a time when all political parties from provinces across Canada are uniting under a common cause, the local PC Party have decided to throw rocks from the sidelines instead of standing strong with our province and our country as we navigate an issue that impacts people living in the largest cities, to the smallest towns.
Trump appears to have forgotten, or perhaps never learned, that lesson of history and is intent on taking the world down that same path, by systematically denying access to the U.S. market, while expecting others to meekly comply and buy U.S. goods in return.
Trump’s actions run contrary to the actions of our government and governments around the world that are working to create new jobs, new opportunities for businesses and reducing costs for consumers. This is not how friends treat one another and Canada and the United States are historical friends and allies.
So, in light of this new era what is the provincial government to do?
My government is pursuing a three-pronged plan on trade.
First, on NAFTA negotiations, we are working closely with the federal government to pursue reasonable and rational objectives in a calm, collected way. In spite of the unreasonable U.S. demands, Team Canada — with support of all provinces and territories — continues to engage with important American decision makers, such as Congress and interest groups. In the United States, in spite of Trump, strong relationships that have lasted centuries still matter, and President Trump needs congressional support on a new trade deal.
Second, my government has and will continue to support our industries when they are impacted by the unfair American tariffs.
I am surprised I have to remind Hutchings that tariffs placed on Corner Brook Pulp and Paper are not related to NAFTA — they are a decision the United States Department of Commerce to punish Canadian industry. The PCs could have missed this in the briefing that officials provided them, or again, they are using this issue to play petty political games.
My government and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper are fighting for our forestry industry and we have both engaged legal counsel that specializes in United States anti-dumping and countervailing law — and where this is a dispute with the United States’ government are required to have American legal counsel.
As a member of a party that has a lawyer as its leader, I am surprised that Hutchings would not have checked on this important fact. I am also surprised that at a time when all political parties from provinces across Canada are uniting under a common cause, the local PC Party have decided to throw rocks from the sidelines instead of standing strong with our province and our country as we navigate an issue that impacts people living in the largest cities, to the smallest towns.
Finally, through our Way Forward, we have committed to explore and advance business growth options including joint venture opportunities, business diversification, export markets, and start-ups. My government recognizes the vast resources that exist across various industries and most importantly, within our people.
We are working with the federal government to leverage new opportunities attached to the Canada-European Union Trade Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. We are also working with industry to capitalize on new opportunities in emerging markets around the world.
Trade has been and always will be of fundamental importance to Newfoundland and Labrador. My government has a plan in place to help address the current uncertainty and to create new revenue streams to the benefit of our province, our communities and our workers and families.
Hutchings, if you, or your leader Ches Crosbie, would like another briefing on this topic and discuss ways that we can work together, free of political opportunism — my door is always open.
Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
