A Canadian's random thoughts on personal finance

Mar 10, 2009

Protectionist frenzy over 22 cars?

Is protectionism ok when we do it?

Please, everyone, get a grip. We buy their cars; they buy our lumber, machinery, and energy (and cars!); and everyone wins. That's how international trade works.

It's not the job of Ontario Lottery and Gaming to stimulate the auto industry, and I think Smitherman is way out of line in his criticisms.

Update: The protectionism isn't over yet. Apparently MPs are now supposed to drive Ontaio-made cars only. Given the outrage we all heard over American protectionism so very recently, this hypocrisy is almost unbelievable.

Update 2: I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.

Update 3: Here we go again. They're closing the barn door after the horse has left. They ought to ask themselves why Canada's manufacturing sector can't out-compete China in the first place.