Dear Prime Minister Do Not Impose Retaliatory Tariffs: 3 Reasons

Do Not Impose Retaliatory Tariffs: 3 Reasons

First reason; Impose tariffs and do that which you do not want the other to do.

The PM said “The American administration has made a decision today that we deplore and obviously is going to lead to retaliatory measures, as it must, but we regret that. We would much rather move in partnership, understanding, that no two countries have economies as interwoven and mutual beneficial as Canada and the United States”  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=159&v=sLhw-rgF-Q8)

Imagine the proper PR from the American television gambit. Instead of the above, the narrative could have been non-violent in tactic. “No two countries have economies as interwoven and mutual beneficial as Canada and the United States, which is why we will not impose tariffs. It will raise the cost of manufacturing in parts of Canada that rely of American Steel, just as your tariff has done to American producers. For better or for worse (cnd ref) Canadians view Americans as family, as an ally. We deplore the decision. We don’t understand it. We want it resolved. We may need the support of the American people in our effort to understand so what is fair and just may emerge.”

“Chuck Bradford, a U.S.-based metals analyst, said there would be “no effect” on Canadian steel producers. Their U.S. customers, he said, “may not have any choice: there may not be any steel available of the grades they need.” And even if there is, Bradford said, they may be most comfortable sticking with their previous supplier.“If you’re an automaker...you’d like the supplier that you have, because you know your equipment works well with their type of steel,” he said.Jean Simard, president of the Aluminum Association of Canada, said it is “impossible” for American aluminum producers to step in and fill that country’s demand. He said the tariffs would harm the manufacturers that require aluminum.” https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2018/05/31/us-will-hit-canada-with-steel-and-aluminum-tariffs-as-of-midnight-tonight.html)

The second reason, is protectionist policies lead to a deterioration of relation between nation states. In 1929 the Smoot-Hawley act had the Hoover Admin fielding protest from 23 trading partners including Canada who in retaliation imposed extra duties on American goods while lowering UK tariffs. Mac King’s intention was to move Canadian customers away from American products (https://www.economist.com/node/12798595). Real trust is based in symbiosis, not dominance. This requires one to show weakness, to turn ones back because the other will not stab it but guard it. The prime example is the world’s longest unprotected border. This aint 38^th parallel. It’s a beautiful relationship earned through many years.

The third Reason: People have called Trump a bully and said that the only way to deal with a bully is to hit back. But the PM is not hitting Trump, his hopefully hitting Trump’s base with targeted tariffs, like the Chinese did, because bullies have low self esteem and it’s his base that fuels him. However, you can also take his base away with the moral high ground. You don’t need to hit a bully, especially if they are huge, it’s stupid. You can turn their friends against them; you can cut off support from the base with practical threats such as targeted tariffs, but with acceptable timelines and communication. Punishing to quickly a possible ally is ill advised.   

So please don’t enact Tariffs. They will hurt Canadian producers, hurt relations between nations, and remove a possible ally away. Take the high road, walked by the famed lumberjack canoeist of 1929, Mr. Sonny Waze and don’t blow down that cold regretful wind.

South March (SouthMarch) on Twitter

South March (SouthMarch) on Twitter

Follow development of the South March Highland development in Kanata on Twitter.

Or visit the home page in the battle against development of a environment that uniquely, in todays techno savy age, an entire community enjoys and desires to protect and maintain. It is a small wonder that in Canada, we cannot protect environments that we hold dear in the face of exploitation. We cannot deny the rights of the individual land owner. We can buy the land together from the owner. We can then dedicate the park in perpetuity to future generations. I can see no greater gift.

The Kanata community has much money to raise before they can buy the property valued at over $23 million. However, lobbying efforts continue to implore the NCC to buy the land and add it to the Greenbelt. We need your voice. We need your pressure. We need you to take hold of your Canadian freedoms and act. You are Canadian, you are free, you are responsible, remembering that saying nothing says something.

Urgent Action: Support legislation to impose standards on Canadian government support for mining companies operating internationally | MiningWatch

Urgent Action: Support legislation to impose standards on Canadian government support for mining companies operating internationally | MiningWatch

Watch: Bill C-300 Video from Film Varmit


WHY CANADIANS NEED and SOME SAY DESERVE BILL C-300. 


Canadians are generally thought of as polite and patient, thoughtful and kind hearted, trusting and helpful. And why not? How many of you have helped a stranger get their car unstuck in the winter snow? How many lock their doors or apologize when accidentally bumping shoulders on the bus? 

A pledge was used in Smith Falls until 1995 to begin each school day.

Canada: Our Pledge
I am a Canadian, a free Canadian,
Free to speak without fear,
Free to worship God in my own way,
Free to stand for what I think right,
Free to oppose what I believe wrong,
Free to choose those who shall govern my country.
This heritage of freedom, I pledge to uphold
For my self and all mankind.

To read the words written above remind me of my responsibilities, my privileges, and our common humanity. The words are addressed to backbone and heart. They remind me that I am a Canadian with the great responsibility of freedom. There are no excuses, no heavy hand to blame for our own ineptness and lack of action. Our freedom need only be exercised in full to understand how we truly are in command of Canada's destiny. Take note of the great Canadian Tommy Douglas, who fought hard for Medicare. 
  
 Given that Canadian mining companies for the most part are run by Canadians and that they in many ways are Canadian ambassadors abroad, we assume a continuance of moral character. 


That character which has made Canada great we demand mirrored in our Canadian company’s business practices abroad and we therefore have a need for enforcement through legal means.  


Standards and recourses are needed as a precaution against consumptions ambition and cruel hearts. 


I support Bill C-300 and have joined MiningWatch's letter writing campaign (you can too by clicking on this blog's title) in writing my MP and PM. Canadian companies subject to criticism will benefit. They will no longer need to take unprecedented steps to clear their name of any moral wrongdoing. 

Leading the way in demonstrating transparency and a dedication towards Human Rights and the Rights of Indigenous is surprisingly a company that has been admonished for violating both.   

THE BAD

Goldcorp Inc., is a Canadian mining company that allegedly is involved in very serious crimes, to the extent that their own shareholders requested a Human Rights Impact Assessment in Guatemala (HRIA). Goldcorp consented. This is an unprecedented move. By moving forward with the HRIA they lead by example. Creating the hope that Goldcorp's actoins will  become standard practice for mining companies globally. However, Goldcorp Inc wholly-owns Montana Exploradora de Guatemala S.A, which operates the dark cloud covered Marlin Mine. Since 2004 there have been ongoing claims of abuse and violence. Montana S.A. the assessment states failed in many regards.

·         That it fired employees attempting to form a union.

·         The mine fails to have an ``effective internal mechanism for worker to raise concerns and have grievances addressed`` (Pg 18, HRIA Executive Summary).

·         Montana fails to respect the right to a just wage.

·         There is a lack of proper fund or plan for the mines closure.

·         The mine`s operation damages homes and possibly the water supply.

Montana has failed in many more regards not mentioned above, however, the HRIA conducted is a tremendous step forward in moral responsibility. For having the courage to publicly bring to light and addresses these issues Goldcorp must be praised. That assessment was conducted and you can find it here:

·         Executive Summary 

·         Full Report

THE GOOD

Although I have written about what is the ``dark side`` that does not mean that the company is a cruel heartless monster. On the contrary Goldcorp contributes immensely to the society of Guatemala.

·         Financially they are performing spectacularly with a reported record operating cash flow in the second quarter of this year. They employ over 60% of the local community around the controversial mine, injecting $6.9 million in local payroll just last year.

·         Company policies enable significant hiring of local indigenous people through on-the-job training instead of formal qualifications. This not only supports the right to work but educates as well.

·         They funded the hiring of additional teachers, scholarships and improved facilities, supported projects to improve access to potable water.

·         When storm Agatha hit causing mud slides and flooding, Goldcorp`s website states they  provided ``corn, beans, rice, bottled water, protein drinks, 1,000 foam beds, 500 tents, candles and matches were delivered to community members starting on June 3<sup>rd</sup>. Other supplies to assist with infrastructure repairs from landslides and flooding were donated.  In total, Goldcorp contributed approximately US$300,000 to support the victims and communities affected by Agatha.``   

It will be Montana`s future actions after the HRIA that will reveal their nature. Montana and Goldcorp, although invested in realizing profits, are also deeply committed to the Human Rights. 


This bring us back to Bill C-300. We must ensure that Canada has policies and legislation that reflects our moral character. Although we do not live in Guatemalan, if a Canadian mining company is found violating human rights and/or the rights of the indigenous in Guatemalan, it reflects poorly on us. This is because,
as the violating companies are based out of Canada we can exert some measure of influence, that in  many occasions,  is greater than that of the country in which the violation of rights is occurring.

If we do nothing in the face of evidence; if we do not investigate, then we too are guilty, and Canada will be tainted by its idleness.

Would you continue to sit on a bucket by the river while a neighbours house burns? Who would not be ashamed of an individual who sat!? We are Canadians and we are kind hearted and helpful. It is critical that Canadians have some measure to enforce our high moral standards upon Canadian mining companies abroad.

With that in mind, I ask you to visit MiningWatch’s website by clicking on this articles title and add your voice by joining MiningWatch's letter writing campaign.

MiningWatch's sample letter is seen below.

“For individual Canadians: Write to your Member of Parliament

Use this link to find your MP and his/her contact information by entering your postal code:  click here.

Sample letter:

To: (name of your MP)
cc: Honourable Michael Ignatieff at: Ignatieff.M@parl.gc.ca
      Honourable John McKay at: mckayj8@parl.gc.ca

House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0A6
Canada

(Date)

Re: Support for Bill C-300 on Corporate Accountability

Dear (name of your MP),

I am writing to let you know that I strongly support Bill C-300, an Act respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil and Gas Corporations in Developing Countries.

I am appalled by regular reports that Canadian mining, oil and gas companies are involved in human rights, labour, and environmental violations around the world and by the fact that these companies often receive financial and political support from the Canadian Government. Many countries in which our extractive companies operate do not have strong legal or regulatory systems to hold multi-nationals to account for human rights and environmental abuses. Capacity building efforts in these countries have not been able to close what the United Nations has called a "governance gap." And while some companies strive to meet high standards voluntarily, too many do not.

Bill C-300 responds to the urgent need for a stronger regulatory framework to hold Canadian mining, oil and gas companies accountable, in Canada, for human rights, labour, and environmental violations overseas. Bill C-300 has garnered support across the country and internationally. It is supported by the Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability (CNCA), a coalition which includes prominent labour, ecumenical, environmental, social justice, and human rights organizations. Bill C-300 has my support as well.

I urge you, as my Member of Parliament, to support Bill C-300, recognizing that it reflects and responds to the recommendations made to the Government of Canada by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2005.

Yours truly,” 

(The sample letter above is found here: http://www.hria-guatemala.com/en/MarlinHumanRights.htm)