. . . because the US often follows our lead

Gotta admire Jack Mintz's chutzpah -- well, if he were doing what he's suggesting rather than just talking about it. At a conference in Chicago tomorrow (according to this G&M article: Canada urged to take lead in economic block) he'll propose that Canada should give action to the creation of a North American economic block that would be a global "tiger."

Creates greater certainty for Canada: rather than being a remora swimming alongside the American Great White, we would simply be consumed within what would otherwise be an American shark. OK. Just telling it like it is. Despite current currency fluctuation generally resulting from natural resource commodity strength, a relatively stronger Canadian economy vs. U.S. right now, etc., etc., we shouldn't get confused about the relative sizes of our economies and foundations.

Mintz's notion is not new or unique. Sometimes I agree with it. But, it does have certain likely unanticipated political and economic consequences that might best be addressed prior to heading forward on this kind of path.

Posted by Grayson at October 12, 2004 07:47 AM