Who Holds the Cards?

by Eduardo del Buey

Who Holds the Cards?

Canada faces the worst existential crisis in its history.

In just a few short weeks, the American government has shifted from being Canada’s closest partner and ally to becoming an enemy that seeks to destroy Canada and annex its territory.

Canadians are shocked, angry, and somewhat afraid. They are astounded that this situation could occur, feel betrayed and insulted, and are concerned that they cannot compete with the giant to the south in terms of economic and military strength.

Seventy-seven percent of Canadian exports go to the U.S., and 90% of Canadians live within 100 kilometers of the U.S. border.

Canada currently lacks the political will to foster strong interprovincial trade, develop pipelines and infrastructure to reach alternative markets for our products, and ease the movement of human resources across the country without the major provincial barriers that obstruct the federal government.

Canada has fourteen leaders: thirteen provincial and territorial premiers and the Prime Minister. Our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a lame duck, and provincial and territorial leaders often seem to prioritize their own constituencies over the country as a whole. While the Prime Minister has effectively provided leadership, he leaves office on March 9^th. He has put his party ahead of the country by closing any debate in parliament during this time of crisis to favor his party as it selects his successor.

A federal election is expected within the next six months, depending on the election of a new Liberal leader who will serve as Prime Minister in the meantime.

Ultimately, facing and overcoming this threat to Canada’s very existence is a chaotic challenge.

The Canadian federation may not be strong enough to meet President Trump’s objectives.

Canadians appear united from coast to coast in their resolve to counter U.S. actions that seek to undermine and ultimately erase the country. Recently, there has been a surge in Canadian nationalism and solidarity.

Even Quebecers are recognizing that they need to remain part of a united Canada to avoid being absorbed into the United States, where minorities encounter attacks and where French Canadians might soon disappear.

But action is required now.

Pipelines must be laid immediately to transport Canadian oil and gas to all parts of Canada and new markets that demand these products.

Without quick progress, a state of emergency must be declared to equip the incoming Prime Minister with the tools to confront the Trump challenge head-on and prevent the federal-provincial bickering that could lead to defeat.

Canadian businesspeople have no choice but to react to the new reality as they begin the difficult task of seeking out new export markets to end their overdependence on the U.S. once and for all.

While Canada now recognizes that the U.S. government represents the greatest threat to our nationhood, the challenge is to respond accordingly.

We may not be a military match for the U.S., but together, Canadians can make Trump’s dream impossible to achieve.

Can our leaders unite and coordinate Canada’s responses? Can we mobilize allies worldwide to support us?

Time is of the essence.

Fighting Trump’s imperialistic dreams is a global affair and vital to our allies' interests.

Opposing Trump goes beyond narrow regional interests in Canada and requires compromise from all parties to succeed.

Who holds the cards?

In Canada, nobody right now.

Will the government and the provinces put aside their narrow interests and do what is required?

Can Canadians sustain the surge in nationalism that has emerged in recent weeks and endure the chaos that lies ahead?

Stay tuned!