COLUMN: On Parliament Hill – The impact of a trade deal

Last week, mainstream news reassured us that a deal between Canada and the United States was almost sealed. Canadians could start breathing easier as negotiators worked collaboratively to finalize the remaining terms. Then, when Canadians woke up Saturday morning and read the news, they learned that Prime Minister Mark Carney had recalled Canada’s negotiators from the U.S. trade talks, just minutes before midnight. The prime minister suspended all ongoing trade discussions with the United States, citing last-minute changes that compromised Canada’s sovereignty, the French language and Canadian culture.

Commentators from the U.S. offered a very different account. U.S. trade representatives suggested that withdrawing from negotiations was potentially related to Mr. Carney’s upcoming by-elections.

Given the conflicting accounts, Canadians deserve to hear the full story.

The prime minister’s recent handling of President Donald Trump and the Gordie Howe International Bridge should raise alarm bells to every Canadian. Canadians were assured by Prime Minister Carney that toll revenues would not be shared until all construction costs were recovered. Without clear explanation, the prime minister changed his story. When a sitting prime minister’s story changes after the fact, Canadians are entitled to ask: What else is Prime Minister Mark Carney misleading us about?

What actually happened on the night of Aug. 21? Unlike the Gordie Howe International Bridge debacle, Canadians deserve a clear explanation.

Prime Minister Carney positioned himself convincing Canadians that he is a master negotiator and was elected on a promise to deliver the best possible trade deal with the U.S. Given those claims, last Friday’s outcome is deeply disappointing, especially since past commitments have been downgraded and missed steadily.

And this is much more than a political disappointment. For many Canadians, this is an economic hardship. Prime Minister Carney’s broken promise is contributing to the difficult reality facing many Canadians. Families, farmers, manufacturers and small-business owners are dealing with uncertainty that directly affects their livelihoods. When trade relationships are disrupted and tariffs increase, the consequences don’t stay in government offices—they reach our farms, factories, stores and kitchen tables.

That’s why Conservatives are calling on the prime minister to reconvene Parliament without delay. Putting the national interest first means putting Canadians first. The Liberal government’s failure to secure a durable, positive, win-win agreement with the United States is a failure to Canadians—and one that now risks inflicting even greater economic pain after 11 years of Liberal government.

Catherine Swift, president of the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers, has expressed serious disappointment in Mr. Carney not meeting his promise to be the right man for the job. He has also challenged the government’s optimistic portrayal of Canada’s economic situation, pointing to indicators that paint a much different picture—including pressure on the Canadian dollar.

Manitobans are not immune to these consequences. The name-calling from certain premiers has not been helpful and does nothing for the Manitoba farmer, manufacturer or business owner who lives with the consequences. What Manitobans need is leadership.

Reports suggest that as many as 87,200 Canadians could be at risk of losing their jobs. This is not a small number. Each job represents a Canadian worker, a family and its community. Manitoba’s business community has likewise expressed their disappointment. Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, is urging both sides back to the table.

He is right.

Conservatives support action to protect Canadians and targeted industries while undertaking economic reforms to restore growth, protect jobs and save industry. This means ending the industrial carbon tax, repealing anti-development laws, greenlighting 500 economic projects awaiting federal approval and finally implementing major tax reforms.

Conservatives are calling on the PM to reconvene Parliament to address three urgent questions:

First, what actually happened to the abandoned trade deal? Second, what will the consequences be for Canadian families and businesses? Third, what is the Liberals’ plan to defend Canada’s jobs and industry

Canada has enormous resources and tremendous economic potential. We can strengthen our position by cutting taxes, getting mines and major projects built, reducing unnecessary regulation and speeding up permitting.

We need government to get out of the way and let Canadians build.

The Liberal government can do better for Canadians. Let’s get Parliament sitting and do better!