Referendums are dangerous. So much depends on the wording of the question. An example of a bad referendum that has ended in all kinds of unpredicted disasters for the UK and even reversals of the results of it - the Brexit referendum
Carney was elected to stand up to the Trump administration and protect Canadian sovereignty and, I would add, integrity. Any trade deal should therefore avoid perpetuating or increasing integration with the US economy and complicity with a nation seeks domination rather than respectful relationship with other nations. My "don't know/unsure" vote reflects my view that its premature to call for a referendum that would not be needed if the trade deal protects Canadian sovereignty and integrity by lessening our dependence on the U.S.
There is no subtlety in a referendum, no nuance. And you can't repeal a referendum. Consider Brexit!!! And this is one reason why referenda are so very divisive -- you are either with me or against me. And it's a secret ballot, so most voters don't have to go on the record. Plus, let's consider the dark money that would pour into swaying the vote. I just talked myself into changing my vote to "let Parliament decide."
I think you have listed most every risk illustrating the complexity of negotiation with a demigod. I’m not convinced that your read on Carney’s actual intentions is correct. We’ll see. Canada may improve trade and it will be in nibbling at what’s important to Canadian businesses. But not a grand deal. I don’t think any negotiations with the United States is logical given they no longer operate under rules of law. No signature has any value. We can’t enter into a golden dome or any defence agreement with a partner threatening war against us. We cannot purchase defence equipment where even the possibility exists for the US to disable weapons. Or track them. We just cannot do it. And no Canadian government can successfully make a case to risk it. Democracy has to start functioning in Canada as originally intended. A referendum is a compromise to its failures. A ‘we really mean it’ from citizens. The attitude of Canadians towards these US issues has been articulated with rare clarity and unity. Canadians were the first to move in the embargo of American products. The PM cannot go around this. He has no credible cause to feel Canadians would now accept a compromise. An increase in risk by an increase in defence cooperation. Anything less than an independent policy by Canada would be entirely ignoring the will of Canadians. Can they get away with that? Again?
This endorsment of USA ownership chills my very being. I am deeply disappointed with Mark Carney’s directions . While he takes the spotlight into big polluting procedures our very lives on this planet are being threatened by those very polluters.
Time money and energy needs to be on reducing the global warming effects, NOT supporting them.
Referendums are dangerous. So much depends on the wording of the question. An example of a bad referendum that has ended in all kinds of unpredicted disasters for the UK and even reversals of the results of it - the Brexit referendum
The US is not a functioning democracy. Of course we should opt out, and get a lot more responsive to the people here as well.
Carney was elected to stand up to the Trump administration and protect Canadian sovereignty and, I would add, integrity. Any trade deal should therefore avoid perpetuating or increasing integration with the US economy and complicity with a nation seeks domination rather than respectful relationship with other nations. My "don't know/unsure" vote reflects my view that its premature to call for a referendum that would not be needed if the trade deal protects Canadian sovereignty and integrity by lessening our dependence on the U.S.
There is no subtlety in a referendum, no nuance. And you can't repeal a referendum. Consider Brexit!!! And this is one reason why referenda are so very divisive -- you are either with me or against me. And it's a secret ballot, so most voters don't have to go on the record. Plus, let's consider the dark money that would pour into swaying the vote. I just talked myself into changing my vote to "let Parliament decide."
I think you have listed most every risk illustrating the complexity of negotiation with a demigod. I’m not convinced that your read on Carney’s actual intentions is correct. We’ll see. Canada may improve trade and it will be in nibbling at what’s important to Canadian businesses. But not a grand deal. I don’t think any negotiations with the United States is logical given they no longer operate under rules of law. No signature has any value. We can’t enter into a golden dome or any defence agreement with a partner threatening war against us. We cannot purchase defence equipment where even the possibility exists for the US to disable weapons. Or track them. We just cannot do it. And no Canadian government can successfully make a case to risk it. Democracy has to start functioning in Canada as originally intended. A referendum is a compromise to its failures. A ‘we really mean it’ from citizens. The attitude of Canadians towards these US issues has been articulated with rare clarity and unity. Canadians were the first to move in the embargo of American products. The PM cannot go around this. He has no credible cause to feel Canadians would now accept a compromise. An increase in risk by an increase in defence cooperation. Anything less than an independent policy by Canada would be entirely ignoring the will of Canadians. Can they get away with that? Again?
This endorsment of USA ownership chills my very being. I am deeply disappointed with Mark Carney’s directions . While he takes the spotlight into big polluting procedures our very lives on this planet are being threatened by those very polluters.
Time money and energy needs to be on reducing the global warming effects, NOT supporting them.