Persuasion Key to Countering U.S. Protectionism, McGuinty Argues

(Toronto Star – Joanna Smith)

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is encouraging municipal governments to combat “Buy American” policies by reaching out to their neighbours below the border instead of adopting protectionist measures of their own.

“We are kidding ourselves if we think we can be safe by building a lifeboat just for the people in our communities,” McGuinty told the annual conference of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario this afternoon according to an advance copy of his speech. “In an age of globalization, at a time when our jobs depend on strong trade, what's called for is not a lifeboat for a select few. We need an ark, for all of us.”

McGuinty said the best way to recover from the economic downturn is by working together. “I want to thank all of you who have spoken out against 'Buy American' protectionism and reached out to your counterparts across the border,” McGuinty said, adding that he and other premiers have endorsed efforts by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to ask the U.S. to exempt Canada from the protectionist provision in its federal stimulus bill. “I strongly encourage you to do the same,” McGuinty said. Read more here.