Reach out and talk to your U.S. friends about tariffs, says ex-PM Joe Clark
Former Prime Minister Joe Clark is urging Canadians to take action in response to President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada, specifically his proposed tariffs on Canadian goods. Clark believes that reaching out to friends in the U.S. is crucial, as many Americans may not share Trump’s animosity towards Canada.
In a recent interview with The Current’s Matt Galloway, Clark emphasized the importance of citizen-to-citizen communication in order to showcase the value that Canada holds in the eyes of Americans. He pointed out that while Trump’s aggressive stance towards Canada may be concerning, it is essential to remember the longstanding bond of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Last week, Trump announced plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods, sparking outrage and concern among Canadians. While the move was temporarily delayed following increased border security measures agreed upon by Canada, Trump proceeded to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada’s steel and aluminum industry on Monday.
Despite these threats, Clark remains optimistic about the outpouring of Canadian pride and unity in response to Trump’s actions. Alongside all of Canada’s living former prime ministers, including Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin, and Stephen Harper, Clark has signed an open letter calling on Canadians to proudly display the maple leaf flag on Flag Day as a symbol of national solidarity.
Clark’s call to action highlights the need for Canadians to stand together in the face of Trump’s threats, and to actively engage with their American counterparts to convey the true value and importance of the Canada-U.S. relationship. By emphasizing the positive aspects of this longstanding bond, Canadians can work towards fostering understanding and goodwill between the two nations.
As tensions continue to escalate between Canada and the U.S., Clark’s message serves as a reminder of the strength of Canadian patriotism in times of adversity. While patriotism may not always be at the forefront of Canadian identity, the current challenges posed by Trump’s aggressive stance have prompted a renewed sense of national pride and unity among Canadians.
In conclusion, Clark’s advocacy for citizen-to-citizen communication and solidarity reflects a broader effort to defend and uphold the values that define Canada as a nation. By reaching out to friends in the U.S. and showcasing the positive aspects of the Canada-U.S. relationship, Canadians can work towards fostering mutual respect and understanding in the face of external threats.
