Canada Faces 'Quasi-Wartime Economy' in Wake of US Policy Shift

Canada must reassess its national strategy in light of the changing global landscape under President Donald Trump, according to Globe and Mail columnist Andrew Coyne. Historically, Canada has organized much of its policy around its relationship with the United States as its largest trading partner and closest ally.

Coyne argues that this model can no longer be taken for granted, particularly since Trump's presidency has weakened a central element of American power: credibility. Effective deterrence depends on allies and adversaries believing a country will do what it says, but under Trump, Coyne claims that American promises and threats have become difficult to take seriously.

Coyne warns that Canada must rethink its economic, defence, and foreign-policy relationships in order to reduce dependence on the United States. This includes potential energy infrastructure designed to reach markets without relying on US territory, which may require Canada to accept higher costs in selected cases.