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I was not shocked yesterday to read that CAW is opposing a trade agreement with the European Union. CAW claims that the agreement will mean 28 000 fewer manufacturing jobs. Even if I accept that number, it completely ignores the jobs that will be created by more open trade. The history of the 20th century is the history of how open trade makes jobs and restricted trade kills jobs.
I guess I can forgive CAW for its willful economic ignorance. The trade pact that is being negotiated will likely work against the union’s interests. It will increase competition and the whole goal of unions like CAW is to eliminate as much competition as possible.
Yet if CAW wants to claim that it cares about the poorer members of society it should be supporting this trade agreement. It means cheaper goods for consumers and new customers for business. It means that, though some may lose, we will all benefit from greater freedom in trade.
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"It means cheaper goods for consumers and new customers for business. It means that, though some may lose, we will all benefit from greater freedom in trade."
I don't see how you can blithely say this without at least indicating where all those 'benefits' will be coming from ? Who precisely WILL benefit ?
Canada needs INDUSTRIES that MAKE THINGS, not new customers for raw materials. Europe(apart from Germany) also happens to require the same thing. What exactly is Europe going to buy from Canada that it does not buy now ?
Inquiring minds really do want to know. I'm not 'opposed' per se, but I am really, really, really, skeptical of all these 'benefits' of which you speak.
Number of customers each market:
Canada: 33 000 000
EU: 501 000 000
In exchange for a few concessions we get access to a market more than 10 times our size. Who's getting a bad deal here?
Free markets make free people.
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