Canada Holds Fast Against US Trade Aggression

When trade talks between Canada and the US collapsed, imposing $28 billion worth of new tariffs on Canadian exports, Erin O'Toole posted a message that has become a rallying cry for his country: 'Hold fast.' Inspired by an old naval term from the age of sail, 'hold fast' is a phrase of hard resolve, grit, and good fortune. It's a message that resonates in these tumultuous times as Canada faces a trade war with its biggest trading partner.

O'Toole draws on his love of history and film to illustrate the challenges ahead. In Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World, Captain Jack Aubrey rallies his crew by saying, 'The Acheron is a tough nut to crack... Their greed will be their downfall.' Similarly, O'Toole argues that Canada must stand firm against the US's aggressive trade tactics.

The Trump administration wants to take advantage of Canadian industries like auto manufacturing and agriculture, while protecting its own interests. But this approach ignores the reality of modern food security, where every country supports its farmers in different ways. The OECD ranks both Canada and the US at similar support levels, below the global average.

O'Toole also takes issue with Trump officials who claim that only China and Canada have imposed retaliatory tariffs. This is misleading, as Canada has had free trade deals with the US for decades, starting with the Auto Pact in 1965. The current administration wants to ignore these agreements and impose tariffs on integrated North American supply chains.

The consequences of this trade war are far-reaching, from inflationary pressures to a soaring national debt. As the US economy turns stagnant, voters will weigh in later this year. O'Toole urges Canadians to 'hold fast' until smoother seas appear on the horizon.