Canada warns U.S. over protectionism

[Joanne98]

OTTAWA, Feb 3, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A letter was sent to U.S. Senate leaders by Canada's ambassador to the country, warning of another great depression if the "Buy American" program progresses.
The diplomatic protest was written by Ambassador Michael Wilson to Democratic leader, Sen. Harry Reid and his Republic counterpart Mitch McConnell, and was seen by the Globe and Mail newspaper.

"A negative precedent set here in the United States can have repercussions around the globe and could provoke debilitating beggar-thy-neighbor policies," Wilson wrote. "We are concerned about contagion, that is, other countries also following protectionist policies. ... A rush of protectionist actions could create a downward spiral like the world experienced in the 1930s."

At issue is a bill the House passed last week that bans all foreign iron and steel as part of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus package. The bill is now in the Senate, where there are moves to amend it to include all non-U.S. products needed for economic recovery, the Globe said.

Debra Steger, a professor at the University of Ottawa and the first head of the appellate body at the World Trade Organization, told the Globe the U.S. bill in its current form violates both WTO rules and those of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/canada-warns-us-over-protectionism/story.aspx?guid=%7B9F66EC41-EBA1-4F1F-9CC6-7B91CD0234F2%7D&dist=msr_4

[HereSince1628]

1. Get your head back above your ARSE Debby!

International agreements are always abandoned when circumstances change.

Remember that peace treaty between Germany and Russia?

WHAT PART OF STIMULATING AMERICAN JOBS WITH AMERICAN DOLLARS does Debra not get?

Get your head back up above your arse! You are seeing reality upside down!

[bunnies]

2. Canada warns US...

:spray:

[Hello_Kitty]

3. Why should we be surprised that other countries feel entitled to our stimulus dollars?

We've been bending over for years.

As for the supposed downward spiral caused by protectionism in the 30s, that is utter bullshit. Foreign trade was a small part of our economy back then.

[SergeyDovlatov]

5. Not a cause, but a factor. I like your avatar, btw. Who is she?

[Better Believe It]

4. The Canadians are 100% Correct

But protectionism is an easy sell along with xenophobia combined with super nationalism.

[Hello_Kitty]

6. So you think US tax dollars should be used to create jobs in other countries?

Really?

[Joe Steel]

7. Sure it's an easy sell...

But protectionism is an easy sell along with xenophobia combined with super nationalism.

Sure it's an easy sell...because it's the right thing to do.

In fact, we shouldn't just close the borders we should slam the gates...now!

Americans should produce the things Americans use.

I'd make an exception for Canada, though. Canada is enough like the US and so close that I don't think we would degrade American lifestyles by recognizing the similarity and common interests in US economic policy.