Re: “Provincial trade still too limited,” editorial, July 27.
Thanks for the simple logic and clear language of the editorial. While there might be debate as to the full cost of interprovincial trade barriers, we are closing in on a number that should frighten anyone concerned about our health care, education and other key features of society.
Half of Canada’s GNP is generated by international trade. The $130 billion mentioned in the Senate report weighs on all of us, except those sectors of the economy that benefit from the distortions and thus make the most political noise to avoid any change.
This cannot continue without major damage to the Canadian economy, especially in these challenging times. (It is interesting that an unelected Senate can produce a thoughtful report that most politicians would run away from rather than risk offending the protected interests in an otherwise open economy.)
For the record, former premier Gordon Campbell broke new ground 14 years ago when he wrote every premier in the country offering a bilateral free-trade agreement. Only Alberta replied in the affirmative. Sad.
John Treleaven
Sidney
