By David Suzuki
The great British economist John Maynard Keynes wrote that there are many things that nations should share – sports, culture, music, art, etc. – but, he warned, “Keep your economy profoundly domestic.” We didn’t pay much attention as governments around the world, and especially in Canada, rushed to benefit from the vaunted claims of the global economy.
Despite his election with a minority of public support, Brian Mulroney entered into a Free Trade agreement with the U.S., and after him, Jean Chrétien signed NAFTA. But I remember watching Prime Minister Mulroney on the Larry King Live Show on CNN. Mulroney was boasting about his record as prime minister when King interjected, “But I understand that Canada’s economy isn’t in good shape right now,” to which Mulroney replied, “But that’s because of the global economy and I can’t be blamed for what happens there.”
But wait – if we elect people to watch out for us and lead us into the future, and if the global economy is beyond our control, why are those people rushing to put us into that system? And look at the present time: Our finance minister is saying the same thing: that Canada’s economy is subject to the forces of the global economy. Doesn’t anyone pay attention to Keynes? What’s going on here? The very people we look to for leadership are abandoning their responsibility by turning us over to global market forces. Can someone please explain this to me?
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Doreen Ojala
Domestic and regional is important, we have to start with food, which travels all over the world. We have to look at why we ignor food production in the big picture of climate change and supporting local economies. Food production and climate change are intricatly linked in so many ways, yet the subject rarely comes up in climate change debates. So, what I am saying is the food security is one way to open those doors of conversation...
Nick
We haven't listened to Keynes yet. Why would we start now? His brilliant ideas about government stimulating the economy and creating jobs during times of recession were never paired with his ideas about what to do in a boom. Rightly or wrongly, Canada is a trading economy. I am positive that would not change under Dion or Layton.
Joline Robichaud
I agree with you. We leave important decisions to people who don't look out for our best interest. I'm from New Brunswick Canada, our government wants to start mining uranium. We need your help. Do you have any documentaries on uranium mining?? If you could either have them diffused on tv or send us a copy of a document, I'm part of a small group who is trying to educate people on uranium to stop the government from destroying our province and planet forever. Any help would be very much appreciated!!
Thanks!
Joline
ps, we are only a group of 5 people working on this huge issue, we need help, I'm from the Conservation Council of New Brunswick.
Joline Robichaud
I agree with you. We leave important decisions to people who don't look out for our best interest. I'm from New Brunswick Canada, our government wants to start mining uranium. We need your help. Do you have any documentaries on uranium mining?? If you could either have them diffused on tv or send us a copy of a document, I'm part of a small group who is trying to educate people on uranium to stop the government from destroying our province and planet forever. Any help would be very much appreciated!!
Thanks!
Joline
ps, we are only a group of 5 people working on this huge issue, we need help, I'm from the Conservation Council of New Brunswick.