YORKTON - As we near the turning of the calendar we also draw ever nearer to the day the world changes.
The inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the United States in the new year is going to change the world, and probably not in the positive way his supporters are hoping for.
When Trump won his first term you often heard him described as a wild card, and that term is even more appropriate this time as he appears even more entrenched in the view he is the smartest man in the room, and his vision is the only one that matters.
For any leader of a country to look in the mirror each morning believing the person looking back is the only one with the answers to any questions they might face is frankly a scary government head.
The best leaders listen to varied views and work to bring the varied views together in a way which creates the best solutions.
There is little to suggest Trump listens to any voice except his own.
Trump’s arrogance will impact the American people, who at least had the opportunity to choose whatever it is he brings in the next four years.
The rest of the world however has to deal with the splash effect of policies Trump has hinted at – many that are extreme and short-sighted from a world perspective – the potential withdrawal from NATO, ending support for Ukraine’s battle with invading Russian forces, and of course huge tariffs on at least some imports from some countries.
The tariffs are what has to be at the forefront of the minds of Canadian exporters as we head to 2025, and that means many who ship agricultural products south.
And, government too has to be spending a lot of energy in trying to come up with the best way to respond to Trump’s expected moves.
In terms of government the Canadian response needs to be a united effort, one with the federal government, the opposition in Ottawa, and the provincial and territorial governments putting away the often petty squabbling that is party politics, to present a united pro-Canada response to whatever tariff package is finally enacted.
The united response needs to start with a very firm and obvious no to even considering the ridiculous notion that this great nation would subjugate by becoming an American state. That Trump would even suggest that of a sovereign neighbour nation, and long time ally speaks again to the wild card nature that will be his legacy.
How Canada builds a response to tariffs which have a positive effect for this country is unclear, as again Trump does not seem to be willing to listen to reason, or consider compromise.
But, whatever we do, may politics in this country be left at the door, so the voice sending the Canadian message is united.
