Canada’s Finance Minister admitted on Tuesday, some Canadian goods have real consequences for the country’s companies and consumers. Francois-Philippe Champagne said the government’s response to new 50 percent tariffs from the US, that kicked in on Saturday, will be proportionate and targeted. The federal government also announced a 7.5 billion dollar aid package for affected businesses should this trade war drag on. The counter-measures didn’t make mention of energy exports from Alberta and potash shipments from Saskatchewan.
Alberta premier Danielle Smith is urging both sides in the trade dispute to get back to the table. The premier says no one benefits from a trade war with the impact of tariffs and counter-tariffs eventually trickling down to the consumer.
Alberta’s NDP says Smith needs to get onboard the team Canada train. Service Alberta critic Grinder Brar says at the very least, the UCP government should re-impose the ban on American booze. “Reinstating the ban is what Albertans want. We spoke with dozens of liquor store owners and they tell us even after Danielle Smith ordered US booze back on the shelves, Albertans are barely buying it. Before you ask, why ban if Albertans aren’t buying it, let me say this, why not ban it if Albertans are not buying it? Albertans are sending a message to the Premier and she needs to reinstate the ban to prove she is listening to Albertans, and she is actually on Team Canada.”
Both premiers Smith and Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe have said consumers will decide for themselves whether or not to buy American booze.
-With Files From Dean Thorpe-
Comments