It has already been said, but let’s repeat it: it is easier for a Quebec company to do business with the United States than with a neighboring province like Ontario. Even worse, close your eyes—did you know that it is illegal to buy alcohol from the LCBO (the equivalent of the SAQ in Quebec) in Ontario and bring it back to Gatineau, on the other side of the river in Quebec? These commercial absurdities are just the tip of a much deeper problem: Canada does not have a unified market.
We have built a country, repatriated a constitution, adopted a national anthem, and connected the country from coast to coast with a railway. But have we created a truly integrated and competitive market? The Canadian confederation, by this flaw, carries within itself the seeds of its own destruction. The current trade crisis and threats of tariffs from our American neighbors cruelly reveal our excessive dependence on the United States. This vulnerability, which weakens our economy and discourages investors, is a warning we can no longer ignore.
Thank you, Donald Trump, for the wake-up call. It's time to act.
Canada at a Crossroads
Even if the American tariff threats were to disappear tomorrow, their impact on the risk perception of Canadian investors and businesses will remain long-lasting. For too long, we have taken the easy route, favoring almost exclusive trade with our southern neighbor. Today, this strategy places us in a precarious position. It is time to evolve and adopt a more ambitious and bold approach.
We must, as quickly as possible, break down interprovincial barriers and strengthen trade among ourselves. Canada is first and foremost a market of over 40 million consumers, before being an opportunity for Americans. Canada is companies from Vancouver, Alberta, and Quebec that could thrive together with those from Ontario, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, rather than depending on a single trading partner.
We must also accelerate our opening toward new horizons. The future of Canadian trade depends on diversification. It is imperative to explore new markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa. This is not just an economic necessity but a matter of sovereignty and resilience.
Africa: A Continent Forgotten by Canadian Strategy
Take the example of Africa. With 1.4 billion inhabitants, 30 million square kilometers, rapid urbanization, and economies in full transformation, this continent represents an exceptional opportunity. 1.4 billion individuals to feed, clothe, and care for… 30 million square kilometers to build, equip, and connect… An enormous market for the agri-food, health, infrastructure, and technology industries, among others. Yet, despite all this, Canada is the only G7 country without a clear trade strategy toward Africa, despite having significantly more goodwill than its G7 counterparts.
The Canadian diplomatic network on the continent has been considerably reduced over the years. Our companies, often hesitant, are reluctant to venture into this region, rich in potential. Meanwhile, other nations such as China, France, the United States, Turkey, Russia, and even Italy are strengthening their presence and consolidating durable economic partnerships there.
Far from being a constraint, Africa could allow Canadian SMEs to grow faster than they would on saturated markets. But for that, strong leadership, structured support, and real political will are needed.
Diversify or Suffer
It is time to redraw the map of Canadian trade, broaden the boundaries of success for our businesses, and build a future where Canada is no longer a captive market but a dynamic and influential international player.
Canada has a choice: diversify its exports or continue to suffer the whims of American policies.
We must massively invest in supporting Canadian businesses in accessing new markets, raise awareness among economic actors about opportunities elsewhere, and break the commercial monopolies that hinder our expansion.
Elsewhere, diversifying means prospering. For Canada, it’s diversify or suffer—for centuries to come…
FR
ENG
