Tariff Reprieve and Negotiating With Mobsters
In his latest blog, Craig MacMullin, our CEO, takes a hard look at the true impact of Trump’s tariffs and what they really mean for Canada. The brief reprieve may seem like a relief, but Craig warns it’s just a temporary break from a much bigger issue: negotiating with a leader who operates like a mobster. He dives into the unpredictability and risks of dealing with Trump’s tactics and urges Canadians to prepare for what’s ahead by reducing dependence on the US and focusing on innovation and energy independence.
Here’s Craig’s full take:
The Trump Tariffs: Don’t Let the 30-Day Stay Fool You
So, Canada, we have a 30-day stay from the Trump Tariffs! Big sigh of relief? If you’re feeling relieved, you might not be reading the situation correctly. This is not the time to take a deep breath and assume the worst is over.
This attack on Canada’s economic interests was unprovoked. If you’re still using the word “friend” to describe our relationship with the US, it’s time to reconsider. A national emergency over fentanyl—a tiny fraction of the issue—was used as an excuse to impose crippling tariffs. Why not find a more appropriate way to address this instead of leveraging tariffs as a bargaining chip?
The United States that Canadians once respected is not the same, and the current administration’s behavior proves that.
The ‘Useful Idiot’ in Canadian Politics
I’ve heard Canadians say, “Why didn’t we just give him what he wanted in the first place?” or “Why did we need to retaliate?” These opinions make my stomach turn. Take, for example, Danielle Smith and Scott Moe, who saw an opportunity for political grandstanding against the federal government.
In negotiations, there’s something called a “useful idiot”—someone who lacks the courage and ethics to stand firm. Premier Smith took the bait from Trump, carving out an exception for Alberta oil. Trump didn’t give her a win—he merely manipulated her into undermining a united Canadian position. This was never about her “success”; it was about ensuring disunity.
A Strong Canadian Response: A Call to Bluff
I applaud the federal government and the provinces that took a firm stand in the face of this unjustified attack. The strong response from Canada, no doubt, made Trump pause and consider the wider consequences, with demands coming in from businesses, unions, and Wall Street.
However, let’s not mistake this temporary pause as a victory. It’s just a reprieve. Trump sees himself as a “strong man” and will continue to make demands. We are not out of the woods yet, and Canadians shouldn’t think this is over.
Trump’s Negotiation Tactics: The Mobster Approach
Trump’s tactics resemble that of a mob boss—demanding loyalty, using force, and breaking the law when needed to get what he wants. If you’ve watched The Godfather, Goodfellas, or The Sopranos, you’ll recognize this behavior.
Here’s how it plays out: “You can’t pay the loan? I’m a fair man, so I’ll give you more time—but I’m doubling the interest rate, and it will keep increasing until you pay. Oh, and if you don’t meet my demands, my friend Vito will handle things.”
Trump isn’t interested in keeping agreements. He wants to win, and he’ll never honor the deals he makes—because any “win,” no matter how Pyrrhic, reinforces his power.
Trust Is The Casualty: The 'Special Friend' No More
The real casualty of the last week has been trust. Canadians are rightfully shaken by the violation of what was once seen as a “special friendship.” The quick reprieve may feel like a victory, but it’s dangerous. Trump will decide if we’ve done enough, and no one should expect him to stop at this. His tactics will likely continue, potentially creating more division within Canada.
Lessons From This Crisis: Canada’s Path Forward
Despite the challenges, there’s a silver lining to this crisis: It brought Canada together. While the response could have been stronger, it sparked conversations on reducing dependence on the US. It’s time to seriously think about energy independence, breaking down interprovincial trade barriers, and investing in Canadian productivity and innovation.
Canada needs to modernize its infrastructure and tax system to encourage domestic investment. We must also ensure that our education system is preparing the next generation for the challenges ahead. This is an opportunity to create a more self-sufficient and forward-looking Canada.
Avoiding the Mobster’s Trap: A Call for Action
We may have dodged a bullet for now, but we can’t ignore the lessons learned from this crisis. Canada must act now to control its destiny and avoid falling into the trap of being dependent on the US. This reprieve is just a temporary pause—and we can’t be fooled into thinking that the situation has changed. It’s time for Canada to grow up, diversify its trade relationships, and focus on its own future.