LETTER

Buy local response (editorial)

 

I was disappointed that Fred Ryan’s objections to the TPP were the same tired arguments we’ve heard over the years that have been deflated (see: NAFTA).

The TPP has enormous problems, from intellectual property to its own twisted protectionism, but the buy local argument is a terrible reason to reject it.

He implicitly says that our exporters should butt out of their hard-won market shares and that each of these countries should buy local. Has he ever heard of competitive advantages? Why shouldn't the Maritimes be able to bid on a shipbuilding contract from the USA or Japan, or to buy books from a Quebec supplier? The flip side of his prescription practically leaps off the pages.

We don't even have free trade among our provinces, many of which are as large as entire countries. either by population or geography. So let's ask ourselves if Canadian provinces should abolish inter-provincial trade as well? Surely this would benefit everyone if we apply this logic?

Eric Russell
Aylmer