Today we studied Canada's foreign trade. We discussed Canada as a nation which largely exports natural resources and imports manufactured products. We examined the history of the Nation Policy and protectionism under John A. Macdonald. The Canadian consumer paid more for manufactured goods because we placed tariffs on such incoming goods to protect Canadian jobs and allow us to have our own industry.
The Free Trade agreement with the United States changed our protectionist model in an increasingly competitive world. In light of our new realities and such changes like the European Union, you were asked to consider the following:
Does Canada need to be more protectionist or more free trade oriented in the future? Pick a side and list your reasons from the information you find in the textbook.
You will have class time to work on this problem next day.
