Canada, Stop Fearing The Free-Trade Bogeyman

While Canadians worry about closer ties with our neighbours, the rest of the world moves on. Anyone who has visited or lived in the European Union has likely marvelled at the ease of travelling through an essentially border-free territory or the advantages of having a common currency. They may also have reflected on the fact that none of this economic integration has had any impact on the rich cultural, social and linguistic diversity that is the hallmark of Europe. Compare that with Canada-U.S. commercial relations, which have become increasingly strained due to delays at the border and to irritants such as the protracted softwood lumber dispute. Even within Canada's own borders, trade is hampered by restrictive regulations and interprovincial rivalries. Canada still has a stock market regulator in every province, and a school teacher certified in Manitoba can't get a teaching job outside the province without going back to school. Canadians may be angst-ridden about opening up our trade, but the socialist government of Chile, as reported recently in this paper, seems to have no trouble with the concept. The country has entered into trade agreements with an astounding list of nations in virtually every region of the globe, making it by far the richest country in South America. I won't go into all the arguments for and against free trade for Canada. This debate is already in the public domain and, sadly, it feels like déjà vu. What I can say, without hesitation, is that the unprecedented expansion of access - to goods, services, ideas and opportunities - is the primary driver that has created profound and positive change for nations, businesses and individuals around the world, and Canada is no exception to this rule. http://www.theglobeandmail.com:80/servlet/story/LAC.20070820.RAGENDABINKS20/TPStory/Business

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