The U.S. has grown into a hostile place where special interest groups and protectionism rule. Financial Post
Once the housing market recovers in the US, they may want to think twice about challenging Canadian lumber industry practices and attempting to place duties on imports. By then, it is possible the industry won’t care because China will be the primary customer.
If the progress made by B.C.’s lumber industry in China is an indication of things to come — the energy sector can only be a few years behind in spreading its wings there — Western Canada’s Pacific trade is here to stay and multiply.
If we can replicate the 300 to 400 fold growth (30,000% to 40,000%) over ten years in energy exports to China, the impact of protectionist US tactics in the energy market may also be moot. The challenge for Canadian policy makers is to figure out how to satisfy those transportation needs so the export sector is not held hostage to a few vested interests seeking excess economic rents.
Hopefully our livestock industry gets on the agenda and achieves comparable diversification of its export markets as well. I for one, and tired of hearing about R-CALF and other special interests repeated attempting to close the US border to our exports. It is time for us to move on to better opportunities.
