Ford’s Fury Over China Deal: Is This Really About EVs, Or Something Far More Sinister?

While Premier Moe of Saskatchewan seems to see the potential benefits of a trade deal with China, Ford is predictably throwing up roadblocks. He claims the deal is “lopsided,” but what is he really afraid of? Is it the potential for Chinese investment in our burgeoning EV sector, or the simple fact that this deal was brokered by someone not aligned with his own conservative ideology?

Let’s be clear: Conservatives are masters of playing the victim card, constantly railing against perceived threats to Canadian identity and economic security. Ford’s rhetoric echoes a familiar playbook – a playbook that often relies on fear-mongering and the demonization of “the other.”

The reality is that Canada needs to be a player on the global stage. We cannot afford to isolate ourselves behind protectionist walls while the rest of the world embraces the opportunities of international trade. Mark Carney understands this, and it is why I support this agreement.

The world is changing rapidly, and the rise of electric vehicles is inevitable. China is a major player in the EV market, and if Canada wants to be a leader in this industry, we need to engage with them. This isn’t about selling out Canadian values; it’s about securing our economic future and ensuring we have a seat at the table.

Ford’s reaction, however, raises troubling questions about the direction of conservatism in Canada. Are we seeing a deliberate attempt to capitalize on anxieties about globalization and immigration to build a base of support? Is he pandering to a segment of the population that feels threatened by a changing world?

We’ve seen this kind of rhetoric before, and it’s often a precursor to something far more dangerous. The rise of right-wing populism around the globe should serve as a stark warning. We cannot allow fear and division to dictate our policies.

We must call out this kind of divisive rhetoric for what it is: a cynical attempt to consolidate power by exploiting people’s anxieties. We must resist the temptation to retreat into isolationism and embrace the opportunities of a globalized world. The alternative is a path towards a future where fear trumps reason, and where the voices of progress and inclusion are silenced.