It didn’t. As I suggested, the actions taken by the US president and his trade negotiators haven’t been swayed, changed or at all affected by “elbows up” or pretty much any of the decisions taken so far by Canada. They were, and still are, bound and determined to hammer out a new trade deal that is entirely favourable to the US right from the start. Sure, Doug Fords brilliant add featuring Ronal Regan speaking about the dangers of tariffs, the removal of US liquor and spirits by different provinces and the counter tariffs Canada imposed, but have since removed, ruffled some feathers south of the border, but they did not in the slightest change the course of the trade negotiations. The only result of the “elbows up” campaign has been to focus the attention of Canadian consumers to consider the country of origin of their purchases and wherever possible buy Canadian. The impact, if there even is one, of the “elbows up” movement, is pretty much confined within the borders of this country.
Well, not according to most US business leaders and trade associations, who all recognize the importance of tariff free trade between Canada and the US. Ask the aluminum industry, the users of our potash, the states who depend on our electricity , the oil and refining industry, and most importantly the large automakers, if the US needs Canada’s trade. I would be more inclined to put my faith in their opinions as opposed to those of a failed and criminally indicted huckster. Trying to make a link between the “elbows up” campaign and the slow pace and as of yet, unresolved differences in the ongoing trade talks is rather simplistic and not at all factual. Like maple syrup, beavers, polar bears and pictures of Mounties, its impact is really intended for the domestic market. Let’s face it, other than in Michigan, who in the US even knows who Gordie Howe was?
