There Goes The Narrative

47 Art Of The Deal Onta-i-owe 96 Comments

@sunlorrie – Only in Ford’s Ontario would Reagan explaining his reasons for imposing tariffs on Japan be transformed into an ad about Reagan defending free trade…

Updates.

Update: To that end, I am pleased to see Ontario’s ad campaign is being suspended…

@LaurieScottPC – See my statement below regarding the announced closure of Holsag’s manufacturing facility in Lindsay, Ontario.

Meanwhile…

96 Replies to “There Goes The Narrative”

  1. Who will be fired for this fiasco? Sorry, silly me … there’s NO accountability if you are a leftist with your elbows up.

  2. Phew!!! Ford almost had me convinced Canada’s 400% tariff on U.S. agricultural products was Reagan’s idea of free trade.

  3. But….but….it’s ok to twist and edit to make it say what you want.
    CTV told me so! It’s just what we do up here.
    All da time!

  4. Watch the entire video. Reagan spends most of his time explaining why tariffs are on the whole a bad thing.

    2. And if you watch the entire video Reagan addresses the need for free and fair trade among all nations, not just a lack of tariffs on the U.S. side.
      In fact, if you watch the clip that Ford used Reagan alludes to this — but you’d have to listen carefully, which you obviously don’t.
      That’s ok; the ad was effective…just not in the way Canada might want it to be. Cheers!

      1. If Trump had used tariffs as a precision instrument to broaden free trade then what you say might make sense. But he didn’t. Trump basically carpet bombed the entire world with his tariffs.

        In regards to Canada, the US was more protectionist than Canada. Yes, Canada has protections on dairy products. I don’t agree with them, but there as relatively minor and in practice almost never collected. And they were agreed to by Trump himself. The US has had long-running tariffs on Canadian lumber and steel that were not part of any agreement, and did real damage to the Canadian companies. The US is not some innocent party in all this.

        1. Well, desperate times call for desperate measures.

          Might I suggest reading Thucydides? It might cure you of some of your…naivete.
          In the meantime, a brief synopsis might be: “All’s fair in love and war.”

          1. If Trump’s tariffs plunge the US into recession, it will indeed be desperate times.

          2. You can piss and moan all day about Trump, but there’s one truth you, and your fellow travellers can not get past.
            The US has all the leverage here. Canada has everything to lose, and is losing badly.

          3. Many these days seem to take glee in the wielding of raw power, whether that power is being used constructively or not. Might makes right seems to be the mantra.

            But no one has absolute power, and Trump faces some internal obstacles. First, the Supreme Court could uphold the illegality of many of his tariffs. Second, the US could enter a serious recession. Should that happen, tariffs will almost certainly be blamed, and Republican Congressmen will face a daunting mid-term election. Many will wonder if Congress’s exclusive constitutional right to levy taxes should be reclaimed.

            God knows how Trump would respond to any challenge to his authority. Not well, I think.

      1. I didn’t actually say that, but whatever rocks your boat.

        Had Trump used tariffs to address specific seriouis problems with specific countries then I doubt there would have been much fuss. But he didn’t. He used tariffs indisciminately, even against countries such as Canada that had very few trade protections.

        1. Not really. Precision bombing worked on Iran (on their nuclear program), but it didn’t work on Germany or Japan (in WWII). Sometimes you have to resort to carpet bombing to get the right level of attention.

          Canada may have very few trade protections but that doesn’t mean we are behaving. Rumor has it that certain car parts manufacturers incorporate Chinese-made components to cut costs and yet still declare the parts Canadian-made (but one example). Add to that our poor level of border security and you can begin to understand that the tariffs are not just reciprocal instruments of trade. They are punishment for bad behavior.

          1. Rumour has it? Did it occur to you that American car parts manufacturers might start such rumours in order to undermine their Canadian competition?

        2. So you can bitch about the U.S. applying tariffs, but you were silent while other countries did the same. You are so far behind you think you are first.

          1. Had Trump targeted only highly protectionist countries then I could see justification.

            But he patently did not. Specifically, Canada is not highly protectionist against US goods. It was keeping to the USMCA treaty which Trump himself insisted on and signed.

        3. “I didn’t actually say that, ”

          Yes, you did.

          ” He used tariffs indisciminately,”

          No, he didn’t…and *every country* he imposed those COUNTER tariffs on came to the table to negotiate. As planned.

          Stop embarrassing yourself here every time Trump’s name is mentioned.

          1. On April 2nd, Trump announced a minimum 10% tariff on almost every product and on every country in the world except Canada and Mexico. Many of these countries didn’t even run a trade surplus with the US.

            That’s indiscriminate.

        4. Har! “even against countries such as Canada that had very few trade protections.”. Excuse me,
          What are effective tariffs in Canada’s supply management?

    4. Reagan’s tariff speech was in 1987. Smoot Hawley was passed in 1930. The idea that tariffs are ALWAYS and forever bad … EXCEPT when committed against the USA … is simply not accurate. The times have changed. The trade landscape has changed. American corporations hadn’t yet outsourced all their manufacturing to dirt poor, communist dictatorships where workers have no political voice or protections. Where countries impose no environmental controls. Where nations deliberately devalue their currency.

      Selectively dredging up old speeches as if the sound byte is relevant to today’s trade landscape is intellectually weak. But I would expect nothing less from Ontario. However, I hold SDA readers in higher regard.

      1. You mean you expect SDA readers to support Trump no matter what.

        If Trump had used tariffs as a precision instrument to broaden trade then you might have a point. Trump didn’t. He carpet bombed the entire world indiscriminately.

        And while times have changed, the economic arguments against trade protectionism have not.

        1. Darling, if you want ‘free and fair trade” then you have to engage in it, and you haven’t really done that, so…tariffs it is! I submit my previous response to you as well…Thucydides darling, check him out!

          (fyi, tariffs being something which I was never inclined to be as absolutist about as Reagan, or his admirers, although perhaps more his admirers and not truly what Reagan was all about…American history paints a far more nuanced view on the matter of tariffs, so yeah).

          1. In what way has Canada not engaged in free trade with the US?

            There’s dairy products, but that’s very small potatoes (the tariffs are rarely collected), and at any rate was agreed to by Trump.

        2. I don’t support Trump no matter what. But I am disappointed that both Carney and Ford seem to be using Trump to bump their popularity. Ford is far worse. But still, Carney was advertised as the sober one, yet he doesn’t seem to get it. You don’t screw around with your largest trading partner. You seek a compromise and work in the background to reduce the problem so the next time it happens you aren’t so strongly affected. Do you believe that both Carney and Ford are doing the right thing?

          1. “I don’t support Trump no matter what.”

            Nor do I. I disagree with some of the the Israel and Ukraine decisions he has made, with his handling of the Epstein thing and the fact that he has not addressed the January 6th scam/2020 election fraud issues yet. That said, I do like everything else he has done (if not stuff like the “51st state” trolling, which was amusing but unnecessary) and would vote for him in a heartbeat if I were American. As in most things, actions speak louder than words…I try not to pay too much attention to what Donald Trump says, and focus more on what he actually does.

            “You don’t screw around with your largest trading partner. You seek a compromise and work in the background to reduce the problem ”

            Yes. Too bad Poilievre fell into the *very obvious* trap the Liberals set for him. He could have done the intelligent thing (and won the election), but didn’t. Typical Liberal Lite ‘progressive’ conservative thinking.

          3. “You don’t screw around with your largest trading partner. You seek a compromise and work in the background to reduce the problem ”

            I agree. Now someone tell Trump.

        3. TBF … America has shunned tariffs forever. As a result, we have been barred from trading “equally” with many other nations. We’ve done this as part of the post WWII world order, where America graciously allowed other countries to recover after war … then after Cold War. But times have changed. Americas manufacturing sector has been hollowed out by essentially being undercut by slave-ish labor in communist countries.

          Trump announced the carpet bombing tariff sorties to get the attention of nations. Then, he invited negotiations. Those who refuse to negotiate in good faith will pay the consequences (Canada). Elbows out. RESIST Trump. Wait for Pres. AOC or Newsom. Good luck.

          1. No, we have not “shunned tariffs forever”.

            Tariffs of 1789, 1816, 1828, 1861, 1890, 1909, 1922, and 1930. And of course the tariffs imposed by Trump 1st term (which in some instances the Biden administration kept and increased — fun fact). The history of those tariffs as well as acts by Congress to lower them (1894, 1913 and 1934) and is well worth a study. Quite fascinating stuff really.

            We’ve not been averse to tariffs at all even though many would like to convince Americans otherwise.

          2. ” As a result, we have been barred from trading “equally” with many other nations. We’ve done this as part of the post WWII world order, where America graciously allowed other countries to recover after war ”

            Exactly, Kenji. Everyone either forgets all about that or never even knew about it in the first place. I blame the teachers for not teaching kids the relevant history.

        4. “You don’t screw around with your largest trading partner. You seek a compromise and work in the background to reduce the problem ”

          I agree. Now someone tell Trump.”

          We will, as soon as Canada becomes America’s largest trading partner.

  5. Canadians have to face up to the fact that Canada does not exist anymore. The Crown and it’s globalist minions ruined it with the obedient acquiescence of the Canadian Subject. The good news is that the time for revolution is here and conditions have never been better. Not since the Revolutionary War have the chess board been arranged in such an advantageous fashion for rank and file Canadians to emerge victorious. Do not let the cowardly Loyalist minions ruin this chance for freedom like the last time in the 1700’s. Stake your claim, fight to the end, and claim your prize. America and its highly armed and capable citizenry have got your back. Now get busy.

    1. There has to be something in it for us, a whole lot of something — no freebies!
      By all means, the Canadian people are at an inflection point. What they do in the coming months will determine their lives and the lives of their children/grandchildren, but they would do well to remember that things aren’t going back to the way they were — no matter how much they might wish it to be so.

    2. BC Fred. exactmundo. the 51st state thing troll from the start like clockwork.
      and Poilievre? increasingly disappointed, he keeps blurring the lines.
      we’re [going to be] sunk [very soon].

  7. Oh Canada! Never silence Doug Ford; he’s such a gift to us!

    Don’t worry, you’ve got a bilateral trade agreement with China. I’m sure it will work out wonderfully.

      1. Expect it to go much higher. You will more than likely become a resource colony for the CCP on par with the African countries in the near future; you just don’t know it yet. The elites of your country will no doubt live well, just as they do in Africa — not such a great life for the peasants though I would assume.

        Still sure you don’t want to become the 51st state?

  8. Progressive Conservative is an oxymoron for morons.

    They’re no better than their southern collectivist cousins who must oppose Trump at every turn because if he is successful, even if the country is too, they are failures at the only thing that matters to them – power over people.

    Now Ford’s conservative bastardization and Trudeau 2.0’s “let’s control the things we can,” aka nothing, is inflicted on us by these plutocrats with their plans to make plans, pontifications and now trade propaganda.

    Unreported by our bribed mediocracy, of course, with no Fox North to expose these mendactic schemers.

  9. The marxists have lost their touch.

    Danielle Smith should troll Alberta’s Plan to Study Auto Manufacturing.

  10. Reagan signed the Free Trade Agreement with Canada. It’s a considerable stretch to turn him into a poster child for tariffs.

      1. The number of people -willfully- misunderstanding this event indicates a psy-op to me.

        Imagine if the Russians bought $75 million dollars worth of advertising time on Canadian television to talk sh1t about #CarkMarney. Would we call that foreign interference? I think so.

      2. “Did you read the post and not understand it or something?”

        Exactly that. Like KM, TDS supercedes all his rational thinking.

    2. He wasn’t. But the speech that your Ford clipped from was Reagan addressing the American people about the necessity of keeping the power to tariff in the hands of the executive branch, not Congress.
      And Reagan used the example of applying tariffs to Japan due to unfair trade practices by the Japanese as a corrective, even though he was as a general rule against tariffs (the irony isn’t as obviously lost on me as it is on you).

      1. The power of imposing tariffs lies with Congress according to Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the US constitution.

        Congress has agreed to share some of that power with the president in limited circumstances through various bills. They may not legislate that the president has unlimited powers to impose tariffs, as that would likely be considered overriding the constitution.

        Reagan imposed tariffs against Japan, but you can see how careful he was to say that it’s limited and temporary, and in response to a very specific problem. He knew that he could not overplay his hand, or the courts would overrule him.

        The question now before the Supreme Court is whether Trump has the right to impose broad indiscriminate tariffs that do not appear to be in response to a true emergency.

        1. I realize that you are not American, but nonetheless: Congress relinquished much of its powers over tariffs in the Trade Act of 1974 (section 301 to be precise).
          This is the basis of Reagan’s argument (at the time Congress was wanting to re-establish its control over tariffs; yes, it was political rather than practical on their part, consider Reagan’s two terms and how the Democrats, and some Republicans, behaved towards him), and it is also the basis for Trump’s tariff actions.
          So, while you are technically correct, you are also incorrect — Congress willingly decided to give up their tariff powers to the President when certain conditions are met (and that is what will likely be the deciding factor during the SCOTUS hearing, if those conditions are met).
          Unless SCOTUS absolutely flubs it, my President has a good case…and Canada’s behavior is only helping (thank you Canada; maybe you are our bestest buddy after all).

          1. Except that Trump did not invoke the Trade Act of 1974 for many of his tariffs, and specifically for those tariffs against Canada. Rather he invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977.

            And probably for good reason. The Trade Act is restricted to situations where a nation is not living up to the conditions of a trade agreement, or that overly and unfairly burdens US commerce. No such case can be made against Canada. The only real protection is in dairy products, and that was agreed to in the USMCA treaty by Trump himself.

            Unfortunately for Trump, the IEEPA might not work either. Two courts have ruled that he misused the act. The Supreme Court will review those decisions on November 5th.

        2. “that do not appear to be in response to a true emergency”.

          The United States is de-industrializing. When does such an emergency become urgent enough to invoke tariffs?

          2. The purpose of the IEEPA is to allow the US to respond quickly to an imminent threat. The deindustrialization of the US (and many other countries) has been happening over many decades. It’s of a time scale that Congress has had plenty of time to take action on. That doesn’t mean it’s not important, but it’s just not an emergency.

          3. I will use a statement from the W Bush administration: “Security is more important than trade to the United States.”

  11. Is Doug Ford a proud graduate of the Elizabeth May School of International Diplomacy?

    Ironically, Trump is treating central Canada the same way central Canada has treated Alberta and Saskatchewan for decades. How does it feel Ontario and Quebec?

    Tip to central Canadian politicians and media: you can’t use the same bullish arrogant and obnoxious behavior with US presidents, and especially Trump, like you “negotiate” with Alberta and Saskatchewan. The go-to move of propaganda and insults won’t work either. You might have to learn how diplomacy works.

  12. Lying about President Reagan is a bad faith approach to negotiations.
    Did Premier Ford really think that was the way forward?

  14. In my opinion, Fair trade is implied with Free trade.

    Fat Fck Ford is as dumb as a bag of hammers.

  15. Trump’s reaction to the ad, and his willingness to torpedo trade talks over it, are indicative of someone who is too thin skinned to be President. He can’t take every policy pushback as some sort of personal affront which requires “getting even”. In what respect is the advertisement “illegal”? Reagan’s remarks are in the public domain, so good luck trying to take that to court. Why label the expression of an opinion “interference” in the first place? Trying to influence public opinion is not illegal the last time I checked. If Americans really want an imperial Presidency, with no checks or curbs on the power of the President, they’d better be careful what they wish for. What argument will they have to oppose such powers when Democrats inevitably exercise them?

    1. Nice try, Dennis…

      ———————————-

      Contrary to the suggestion by Ford’s spokesperson, the excerpt of the speech that appears in the 60-second ad has been substantially edited with the apparent intent to drive Ford’s anti-tariff theme. For example:

      multiple sentences were cut;

      one sentence was lifted from its original spot at the outset of the speech and inserted midway through the ad with a “that” apparently swapped out for a “but”;

      another portion, which originally appeared just before the opening remarks heard in the speech, now appears toward the end of the voice-over;

      and the second-last last line of the original speech — “America’s jobs and growth are at stake” — has been moved to serve as a conclusion for the ad.

      —————————————

    2. “…someone who is too thin skinned to be President.”

      Couple of things here, “Dennis.”

      First, this “thin skin” thing is a #Lieberal talking point stolen from the US DemocRats. “By their lies ye shall know them.” Try harder, dewd.

      Second, a foreign nation bought a pretty big advertising campaign in the USA to influence trade negotiations. That alone deserves this reaction. This is like France buying ads during the Quebec Separation vote.

      That the ad is a lie adds insult to injury.

    3. I address those who might have some wit with this response:
      You are in ‘earnest’ trade talks with my country and yet just announced the reopening of bilateral trade with China. Let us not forget that USMCA deal, which while an improvement is still not quite to our liking. Plus a whole host of other things that are rather a problem (foreign interference in our affairs being one of them, national security another).
      But of course, we have to at least give the semblance of diplomacy with our ‘greatest friend and trading partner and totally innocent, peace loving neighbor’; after all, who wants to pick on poor little Canada? (not quite the nice thing to do). What to do?

      And your Ontario premier just delivered a gift to us on multiple levels (again, thank you Doug, don’t ever stop being you!).

    4. I’m not sure if he’s being thin skinned or carrying out a deliberative negotiating tactic.

    5. Trump’s reaction to the ad was something entirely expected if you weren’t born yesterday. What did Ford expect? Has he been asleep for 10 years? I agree that Trump is overstepping it when he states that he does not want to see any car sold in the US to be made elsewhere, while expecting others to buy Chevy’s. That’s the start of a negotiating tactic. Ford’s response could not have been more stupid if he tried.

      1. “Has he been asleep for 10 years?”
        By the look of him, he goes into a few carb comas every day.

  17. Ironic that the liberals have so few notable figures to argue against tariffs that of all people they needed to use clips from a speech from Ronaldus Magnus. Someone that during his time in office was vilified by the same group now claiming his (edited) words as their own.

  18. Mama says stupid is as stupid does. Dougie has been a loose cannon all along.
    Anyhow, if people are wondering about the US tariffs and why they’re considered necessary if the US wants to rebuild its manufacturing base which it needs to do for national security in an uncertain world, this article explains it well.
    https://internationalman.com/articles/david-stockman-on-how-the-feds-money-printing-broke-american-industry-and-what-comes-next/
    and table shows very clearly that the worker is at a disadvantage.
    Average Fully Loaded Manufacturing Wages Per Hour in 2024:
    Vietnam: $3.50
    India: $4.50
    Mexico: $5.00
    China: $6.00
    S. Korea: $20.50
    Canada: $22.00
    Japan: $28.00
    UK: $30.00
    EU-27: $32.50
    USA: $44.25

    1. What does David Stockman know about Reagan’s economic policies? (sarc) What are you trying to do here? Call into question the Trump Sycophant Syndrome that permeates this site? Fat Bastard had the temerity to quote Reagan (whether accurately or not) pointing out that tariffs will increase costs to US consumers and manufacturers which is the only strategy that he actually can use effectively. If this is political interference, what was Trump’s endorsement of Carney over PP in our federal election. Not much of a challenge in bullying Canada.

          1. Ah, that timeline is really an issue….

            Tell me: who can withstand 6 months better? I guess we’ll find out, huh?

  20. All of Canada should continue following the lead of someone who pours whiskey on the ground.

  23. My country, Canada, has been cheating and stealing from the USA for decades. Canada has facilitated back door imports from other countries,into the U.S., pretending to be “Canadian” products.
    I know of two personally. Steel and beef. In fact the “offshore”beef was picked up at a US port by a Canadian trucker, who ran the load to Canada, there it was all stamped with a Canadian company logo. He then drove the same load back into the US for final delivery.
    We have been caught doing the same with Chinese steel. We have had tariffs and duties on US products even when there is no Canadian made equivalent.
    No, Trump is justified in his position and is done with treating us like an arrogant little brother living in mom and dad’s basement.
    Tribalism is a trap, try to avoid it.
    The sanctimonious attitude of Kanadian liberals will only hurt us.

    1. “The sanctimonious attitude of Kanadian liberals will only hurt us.”
      And thee CUCKservatives aren’t any better.

  24. Non-tariff barriers are often more important. Here’s how we treat the Yanks:

    Supply management quotas. Strict import quotas on dairy, eggs, poultry. U.S. exporters face limits even under CUSMA.

    Provincial liquor control systems: Each province regulates alcohol sales separately, often favouring local producers. Difficult for U.S. wineries and distilleries to get shelf space.

    Technical standards and labeling: Canada’s bilingual labeling (English/French) and product standards differ from U.S. norms. Food and consumer products often require new packaging.

    Pesticide and food regulations: Health Canada and CFIA set unique residue and ingredient limits. Adds testing and compliance costs.

    Buy-Canada or local content rules: In government procurement and some infrastructure projects. Can limit U.S. firm participation.

    Environmental and safety certifications: Electrical, automotive, or building materials standards differ. U.S. firms may need CSA certification even if UL-approved.

    Cultural protection policies: Restrictions on foreign media and broadcasting ownership. Limits U.S. streaming and media companies’ reach.

    Transportation restrictions: Cabotage laws prevent U.S. carriers from domestic Canadian routes. Applies to trucking, shipping, and aviation.

    I have some personal experience with this. CSA standards were regularly used to keep Am,erican products out – nothing to do with safety.

  26. Trump’s just doing Foghorn Leghorn – ‘Go away, you bother me boy.’ And he’s right, Canada is being a bother, contributing nothing.

  27. “I’m headed to Malaysia today”

    When Donald said “these talks are dead”
    He bravely turned his tail and fled,
    Brave Sir Bobblehead.

    1. Ahh the prescience of Monty Python.

      “How do you know he’s a king?”
      “He hasn’t got shit all over him.”

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