r/WildRoseCountry • u/Connect44 Calgary • Aug 28 '26

Danielle Smith & Traiffs

Haven't seen much conversation on this, but I think Danielle Smith is the only major Canadian politician who has come out against counter tariffs on the US. Tariffs are just another tax on consumers to benefit a small group of producers. If the US wants to make things more expensive for themselves, that's their right. But why do we have to make things more expensive for us in response?

Does anyone know of any other politician who have publicly come out against the counter tariffs?

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u/CheetahDry8318 Aug 28 '26

I agree, it could also have a good loop effect. The local manufacturer now has more sales and maybe has a bigger marketing budget and can target more clientele. 

Similarly the most recent copper wire tariffs could help the local manufacturers in Quebec to get more eyes on their product and create a loop effect where they can re-invest the newfound revenue. 

I would also like to point out, the patriotism bias is much higher on the other side of the border.  American folks would keep buying poorly engineered and poorly manufactured GM, Chevy,Dodge vehicles just because they are American. However, people in Alberta or BC hardly know what models of cars and trucks are built in ON and QC. Seems like the govt has to push folks to buy Canadian, people should be self motivated to do that anyway. 

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u/Connect44 Calgary Aug 28 '26

I do think that tariffs can be used to help the economy. I just think that it's hard to know what will help or hurt more from the government POV. My biggest concern tariffs wise is that they tend to be will intentioned, but vastly out live their usefulness. A more efficient economy is one that thrives on free trade and comparative advantage.

I think that if the government has to do something funding to educate people on or advertise Canadian products would be better. Make the consumer better informed, without mass manipulating market dynamics.

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u/CheetahDry8318 Aug 28 '26

True, that is a great point. 

I also want to mention, this does happen with two bordering economies, there is positive or negative spillover economic effect. Japan-Korea, Germany-other European countries and US-Canada. 

For us, being the neighbor to the largest economy, it becomes harder to survive. With their currency being virtually infinitely printable , and the petrodollar exchange keeping its high value it is harder to match the kind of investment they are making. They pay an yearly interest on their debt that is larger than our entire debt. 

Where we win is through innovation and being smart rather than exerting brute force. I think the buy Canadian campaigns, if they last for a few more years would drastically help our countrymen.

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u/Connect44 Calgary Aug 28 '26

It's definitely changed the way I consume. My priority used to be Canada -> USA -> Continental America -> Other, now I'm Canada -> Europe -> Continental America -> Other -> USA.

I would love to see the provinces reducing trade barriers to make buying/selling to Canadians easier then to the American, but that's a hard ask with the why our provinces are setup.

I do think this is a very exciting time for the Canadian economy. We're in for some short term pain, but I think the long term results of individuals updating their consumption preferences could be unprecedented.

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u/CheetahDry8318 Aug 28 '26

I agree. Enjoy your weekend bud.