Subscriber only. |
Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr
Conrad Black: Mark Carney puts it all on the line
If he's proven wrong, his position will become untenable, but if he's right, this will be an opportunity for Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney continues to benefit from the Canadian resentment of overbearing American trade policy and its dislike of President Trump, and Trump has been widely criticized in the United States for escalating this absurd trade war. Canada is rightly seen as a friendly country against which the United States has no significant grievances, now that Canada is addressing its defence budget. But there is a sharp disagreement between the two governments over whether the Carney account of the United States changing the terms of the agreement at the last minute is accurate.
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
Unlimited online access to National Post.
National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
Support local journalism.
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
Unlimited online access to National Post.
National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
Support local journalism.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
Enjoy additional articles per month.
Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
Enjoy additional articles per month
Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
If the United States acted deviously and layered in new material conditions just before the agreement was to be signed, domestic American opinion would condemn that. The Canadian prime minister was, in that event, clearly justified in ending the negotiations and withdrawing his negotiators. If as the Americans claim, no such event occurred, then Carney‘s popularity, based on the righteousness of fair dealing and the naturally refreshing pleasure of punching Uncle Sam on the nose as he apparently deserves, will be severely undermined. As the official Canadian opposition has recognized, it would be dispositive to make public the final offers. It is a clear point and both sides cannot be right: either the Americans tried to pull a fast one at five minutes to midnight, or Carney saw a chance for a........