This is a must watch interview.  Most Americans have no idea that Canadian media is controlled by the Canadian government; it’s what they call “cultural protection” where the rules and regulations of permissible speech are controlled by govt regulators and media are subsidized by govt.  The overall objective is to control information and censor viewpoints that might be averse to the interests of the Canadian govt. That’s why most Canadians have no concept of granular details on policy matters; they just don’t get the information.

In this interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), U.S Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is discussing the trade conflict and breakdown with Canada’s version of Baghdad Bob, Rosemary Barton.  I’m a little surprised the CBC would even entertain the discussion. However, as noted in the past few days there is increasing skepticism amid Canadians about who and what actually blew up the trade talks. Canadians are starting to show signs of suspicion; enter Ms. Barton on behalf of the Canadian government to try and control things.

USTR Jamieson Greer answers the questions in a most unfortunate manner; meaning, he told the truth.  Greer outlined exactly why he suspects the trade talks broke down, and it has nothing to do with economics or trade, its all politics on the Canadian side.  As Greer noted, there was no change to the trade agreement between President Trump and Prime Minister Carney’s lengthy phone call on Tuesday, and the Canadian decision to walk away on Friday.  Greer was being very diplomatic, but Barton started getting the vapors. WATCH:

Greer noted the Carney administration had requested “Fortress North America” a synergetic alignment of U.S-Canada trade principles.  Canada wanted a united North American continent against the world on trade.  Therefore, this talk of Canada being upset about joint collaboration and agreement on trade agreements with third countries, a point brought up by Carney in the walk-away just doesn’t make sense.

If you want a united trade policy for North America, then each nation in North America must hold the same baseline on terms and conditions with other nations.  That was the discussion. Those were the agreed principles; until all of a sudden Canada accused the U.S. of dictating terms.

Greer also swatted away the “French language” controversy, saying it wasn’t an issue for the USA at all.  Greer speaks French and no one cares about Canadians speaking French.  That issue has nothing to do with trade at all.  As to embedded programming in U.S. streaming services that allow Canadians to find their favorite television shows in French, Greer said the free market makes those decisions.   If it is important the market will respond to Canadian requests to search their devices using French.

On the subject of tariffs against Autos versus semi-trucks, Greer noted these are two entirely different categories within the trade agreement. The U.S. was willing to eliminate tariffs against Canadian autos, SUVs and light trucks, but Semi Trucks is another sector altogether.  It was Canada who put restrictions and quotas on the import of American autos, we did not limit Canadian exports.

Overall, this is likely the first time any Canadian has the opportunity to see the other side of the discussion.  Jamieson Greer did a great job outlining the situation and as to the memes or statements from President Trump, “that’s politics.”

Greer noted that political stuff is “not his lane,” he is focused only on the business of a trade agreement, the rest is politics.  However, by citing that example, Greer ended up emphasizing how, from the Canadian perspective, everything passes through the “political” prism.

As to next steps, Greer noted the Canadian government has ‘shut down’ all avenues of conversation.  So, we’re done – as is their choice.  The tariffs remain, and if Canada again retaliates, the U.S. will respond accordingly.

Ms. Barton was left in a very befuddled and verklempt state.