Working together in a trade war

The United States and Canada are currently engaged in an economic trade war, with tariffs, threats of tariffs, and scrapped trade agreements taking a significant toll. This situation is reminiscent of the political coalitions formed during past global conflicts, which often struggled to maintain unity. The history of Canada's coalitions, led by Prime Minister Mackenzie King, demonstrates how parties with divergent strengths and interests can come together to face a common challenge.

In the past, the federal government's fiscal power kept the provinces afloat during the Depression era, financing research and establishing regional agencies to address the country's diverse conditions. Today, the trade war poses a different kind of existential threat, coming not from a distant foe but from the world's most powerful country.

Canada, with its 10 quasi-independent provinces and constitutionally preeminent national government, must forge a coalition with the provinces to address national issues like climate change and trade.

The federal government, with its fiscal clout and international reach, plays a crucial role in this coalition. The provinces, now exercising their powers under the constitution, view themselves as independent actors, but in reality, they are interdependent. Cooperative federalism, when it works, benefits all parties involved, but when it doesn't, it's often attributed to Ottawa arrogance or provincial selfishness.

Ultimately, the success of this coalition depends on Ottawa's ability to work together with the provinces on issues that affect the entire nation.