“Whaaaaaat are you talking about? Let’s lead, not blame” says Conservative MP John Brassard.
As Canada’s trade relationship with the US deteriorates, Andrew Scheer and the Conservatives are calling on Justin Trudeau to bring Parliament back into session to get the CPTPP trade deal ratified immediately.
Here’s what Scheer tweeted:
“With NAFTA in jeopardy, and a series of failures on other major trade files, Canada needs to diversify its export markets now. There is no time to wait. That’s why today I sent this letter to Justin Trudeau. He should recall Parliament and ratify CPTPP:”
With NAFTA in jeopardy, and a series of failures on other major trade files, Canada needs to diversify its export markets now. There is no time to wait. That’s why today I sent this letter to Justin Trudeau. He should recall Parliament and ratify CPTPP: https://t.co/IJ9PVPQBMR pic.twitter.com/ia8pgpGntE
— Andrew Scheer (@AndrewScheer) July 19, 2018
After Scheer’s tweet, new trade minister Jim Carr released a truly bizarre response:
“We are absolutely on track to be among the crucial first six! 100% #CPTPP The @NDP could easily get on board with prosperity and #diversification. Less games, more trade, better access for Canadians. That’s our strategy.”
We are absolutely on track to be among the crucial first six! 100% #CPTPP The @NDP could easily get on board with prosperity and #diversification. Less games, more trade, better access for Canadians. That's our strategy. https://t.co/0lYDegRutz
— Jim Carr (@jimcarr_wpg) July 19, 2018
It’s a truly strange and bizarre response. First of all, the Trudeau government has a majority, so they can pass it themselves. Second, the Conservatives are willing to vote for it, so there would be an even bigger majority for passage. The NDP has very few seats, and can’t block ratification.
Conservative MP John Brassard’s response summed it up well:
“Whaaaaaat are you talking about? Let’s lead, not blame @jimcarr_wpg.”
Whaaaaaat are you talking about? Let's lead, not blame @jimcarr_wpg. #Barrie #Innisfil #cdnpoli https://t.co/D34TuWi8XZ
— John Brassard (@JohnBrassardCPC) July 19, 2018
Trudeau and Carr would rather complain than lead
The Trudeau Liberals clearly think the trade war with Trump is benefiting them politically, and they want to extend it, and extend the damage from it. Taking clear and swift action to bring Parliament back and ratify a trade deal would actually be doing something, rather than complaining. But if they can’t blame Trump for the problems under their watch, the Trudeau Liberals actually have to take responsibility themselves, something they are terrified to do.
So, the Trudeau Liberals probably won’t listen to the good advice coming from the Conservatives, and they’ll keep casting blame everywhere else in a desperate attempt to salvage their political fortunes.
Spencer Fernando
Photo – YouTube