70 replies to this topic

[Signals.Cpl]

And so we'd find new markets. Canada would continue to exist without the US...just not to the standard that it currently does. Like I said though, it's because of our good work that we've managed to capitalize on that market so well. We're not their only neighbour, after all.

Thats a big IF. The government already tried to spread in to other markets and discovered that its better to stick with the Americans.

[Smallc]

Thats a big IF. The government already tried to spread in to other markets and discovered that its better to stick with the Americans.

Governments don't spread to other markets, businesses do. Because of logistical reasons, the US market is the most convenient. That said, the trend over the last decade has been a smaller reliance on the US market. It's still somewhere between 60 - 70%, but it isn't the 75 - 90% that it once was.

Edited by Smallc, 11 May 2012 - 03:44 PM.

[Signals.Cpl]

Governments don't spread to other markets, businesses do. Because of logistical reasons, the US market is the most convenient. That said, the trend over the last decade has been a smaller reliance on the US market. It's still somewhere between 60 - 70%, but it isn't the 75 - 90% that it once was.

They spread in to other markets if they pave the way for the business community.

[Smallc]

They spread in to other markets if they pave the way for the business community.

It can happen either way. Governments don't create business. They can facilitate it, but often, real agreements and interest don't come on the part of government until there's already a great deal of two way economic activity.

[CPCFTW]

Good news is good news and I will take it. Although I do not think this can be attributed to anything other then good news in America. Our tide rises and falls with theirs.

US jobs numbers were far below expectations last month. They barely created twice as many jobs as Canada in an economy that is ten times larger and has yet to recover to pre-recession levels of employment. Nice try Debbie Downer.

[Signals.Cpl]

It can happen either way. Governments don't create business. They can facilitate it, but often, real agreements and interest don't come on the part of government until there's already a great deal of two way economic activity.

In the 1970's Ottawa attempted to break in to the European and Japanese markets which ultimately failed to yield desired results.

[punked]

US jobs numbers were far below expectations last month. They barely created twice as many jobs as Canada in an economy that is ten times larger and has yet to recover to pre-recession levels of employment. Nice try Debbie Downer.

No one care if the US is hiring people. It is all about if they are buying stuff. Guess what? They are buying stuff.

[Smallc]

In the 1970's Ottawa attempted to break in to the European and Japanese markets which ultimately failed to yield desired results.

Yes...because as I said, governments don't spread business on their own. It has to be worthwhile for businesses.

[bush_cheney2004]

No, you're confusing numbers. The US is about 70% of our export market, not our eveonomy.

True, but the American and other multinationals aren't going to just stay put in Canada under such an economic calamity. The impact would be far greater than $600 billion. Example: Is Canada still manufacturing diesel locomotives in Ontario?

[fellowtraveller]

No, I said there was no evidence to show either way. Which is why one cannot assume whether or not the loss of jobs would be good news.

It was no secret the Government has been doing a program review, as we would expect from responsible keepers of the public purse.
Job cuts are the result.
Neither the review or the result are assumptions.

[fellowtraveller]

Is Canada still manufacturing diesel locomotives in Ontario?

as far as I know, Canada has never built locomotives anywhere. The govt always left it to the private sector.

[Signals.Cpl]

Yes...because as I said, governments don't spread business on their own. It has to be worthwhile for businesses.

I understand, but the American markets provide Canadian businesses with things that few other nations can provide.
-distance
-no language barrier
-friendly markets
-similar standards and requirements


How many business would abandon the lucrative American markets in favour for markets that in most cases are in no way better then the American markets and in fact could be worse?

[CPCFTW]

No one care if the US is hiring people. It is all about if they are buying stuff. Guess what? They are buying stuff.

Really? I'm sure you have proof to back this claim?

With the CAD still near historical highs and above par with the USD, surely our exports are not particularly attractive.

US personal spending has missed expectations in 3 of the last 4 months. Doesn't sound like they're buying that much.

US vehicle sales fell short of expectations. Factory orders decreased by 1.5%. The S&P500 is falling. Yes everything is just peachy in the US right now. Let's all thank Obama for helping us create these jobs!

Edited by CPCFTW, 11 May 2012 - 05:16 PM.

[bush_cheney2004]

as far as I know, Canada has never built locomotives anywhere. The govt always left it to the private sector.

Maybe...the Canadian government has directly influenced manufacturing of locomotives and rolling stock through crown corporations for many years.

[CPCFTW]

No one care if the US is hiring people. It is all about if they are buying stuff. Guess what? They are buying stuff.

Btw this is one of the most ignorant statements I have ever read. US nonfarm payrolls is the most traded economic indicator in the world. If it is bad then capital markets around the world plunge.