PODCAST: How an Almost Trade Deal Became a Canada-US Trade War

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll take a closer look at how we went from an apparent Canada-US trade deal last week to now what’s being described as a “trade war.”It’s an ideal opportunity for a conversation with veteran Ottawa political journalist Paul Wells - who, by the way, will be in Calgary on September 28th for the Paul Wells Road Show, featuring - among other guests - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.We’ll get some insight on what happened last week, why Prime Minister Mark Carney decided there was no point in making any further concessions, and what Canada’s strategy will be now that these new U.S. tariffs have come into effect. Wells also questions, though, whether Canadians have received a sufficiently detailed explanation from their own government about why the negotiations broke downWe’ll examine some of the other political calculations at play here, including the upcoming Quebec election, Ontario’s auto sector, and the Doug Ford factor. There’s also the response from the Conservatives, and some of the apparent divisions that exist within the opposition.Wells also has some interesting thoughts on Danielle Smith’s approach to the trade conflict and whether she’s been unfairly criticized for a perceived lack of commitment to a so-called “Team Canada” response. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe