TORONTO—For many decades, Canada attempted to escape restrictive American trade and other economic initiatives designed to advantage the United States by claiming a “special relationship” which, we argued, should mean an exemption for Canada. Reaction to the Donald Trump shock shows the idea isn’t dead.
One can’t help feeling, after watching Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump exchange pleasantries at the White House last week, that Canada is still relying on “special relationship” arguments to win exemptions from American protectionism, even if this means bowing too readily to their demands and offering “rewards” in exchange for special treatment. But when we argue “special relationship,” we are reduced to pleading.
I get the impression that Carney wants the distance between Canada and the US increased as it will create lucrative opportunities for his pals.
