Trichur makes a neoliberal case for giving on supply management & Crown land softwood lumber management in return for open export oil & other markets.  Canada shouldn’t choose such an ideologically pure vision negotiating position.

First, we are dealing with a US that embraces neo-mercantilist trade policy on steroids & the relationship Canada under such a policy is as a hinterland or satellite economy. Canada needs to be very clear what it wants & prepared for hard bargaining (neoliberal parity & good will aren’t on the agenda).

Supply management has allowed Canada to ensure orderly transformation of rural life since WW II.  The US spends billions in subsidies & indirectly through import restrictions & tariffs to support its agriculture & we shouldn’t be expected to unilaterally dismantle our protections.

The US is a very aggressive mercantilist supporter of its softwood producers & Canada shouldn’t accept holier than thou criticism of Crown land management