The National Post reports in its Wednesday edition that blinkered partisanship often obscures the truth that two things can be true simultaneously. The Post's John Ivison writes that one can criticize the Liberal government's drug and immigration policies while still viewing president-elect Donald Trump's threat of 25-per-cent tariffs on Canada as shameful. The stakes are high for Canada. Economist Trevor Tombe warns that such tariffs could lead to a recession.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre rightly labelled Mr. Trump's statement as "unjustified" and "unfair." This response is politically astute. In 2018, when Mr. Trump imposed tariffs on steel, a significant majority of Canadians supported the Trudeau government's countermeasures. Many Canadians remain proud of their historical alliances with the U.S. and dislike being threatened. The best approach to a protectionist Mr. Trump is to remain civil, positive, and clear that Canada will defend itself if necessary. As well, Ottawa has to acknowledge the U.S. has legitimate concerns on the drugs and migration crises that Mr. Trump was elected on -- issues four out of five Americans believe are significant problems the current administration is handling badly.
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