Mr. Speaker, obviously, Canada and the United States have a long, mutually beneficial and important relationship, but it is very important to note that President-elect Trump has the right to make economic policy in the United States; he does not have the right to make economic policy in Canada. If he is going to pursue unfair policies like slapping a 25% tariff on probably his closest and most loyal ally and friend, Canada needs to respond accordingly.
All members will recall that during COVID, this country could not produce a domestic vaccine and had to rely on imports from China to supply health care workers with masks and gowns. We have become dangerously reliant on other countries, and this tariff situation provides an opportunity for Canada to become more self-reliant. Canada should offer incentives to Canadian businesses that create and repatriate jobs here, just as the Americans are doing in the United States, so we can build a strong, resilient Canadian economy.
Does my friend agree that this might be an opportunity for us to become stronger by creating global champions, Canadian champions, in Canada and by diversifying our trade to Europe and Asia? I ask because it is dangerous to rely on only one customer, as every business person ought to know.