Putting New Life in an Old Friendship

(Gordon D. Giffin — Toronto Star)

Fears of American protectionism are overblown and Canada can count on a willing partner when Obama enters the White House

The level of energy, enthusiasm and optimism created by the U.S. presidential election is stunning. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this phenomenon is that it extends far beyond the borders of the United States, through North America and throughout the globe.

While some degree of this anticipation and emotion is generated by the impending departure of a relatively unpopular administration, in substantial part it is a product of excitement and wonder at the prospect of an articulate, young, bright African American leading the world’s sole superpower. In fact, it is what the election outcome says about Americans to the rest of the world (and to ourselves) as much as what it portends about U.S. government policy that is so uplifting.

When the euphoria subsides – and it will – what does the election of Barack Obama actually mean for the future of the Canada-U.S. relationship? Pessimists hearken back to his comments about NAFTA in March during the Ohio primary or point to the historic canard that Democrats are by genetic makeup protectionist to predict that upper North America is in for a rocky patch.

I couldn’t disagree more. The leadership team being assembled by the new president is composed entirely of market-oriented, free trading global pragmatists. When the economic context permits, I predict the Obama team will be open to a 21st-century evolution of our trade relationship, rather than being diverted by a pointless renegotiation of a 20-year-old agreement. Think customs union, labour mobility and regulatory harmonization – not tinkering with NAFTA. Read the rest here.