Do assumptions behind trade deals reflect our Canadian values?
There is an expectation of economic growth. Is growth good? There are economists who warn that there must be limits to growth.
We hear over and over that competition is good. Schools teach competition in having students trying to outdo others by getting higher marks. Competition does not lead to a saner, safer, better world. We should learn co-operation, to meet the needs of this hurting world.
A facet of competition is survival of the fittest. Companies are survivors that are tough, can exploit the advantages of their environment, can effectively manipulate the market, and can get the most out of their labour force at the least cost.
Read Also
Agriculture needs to prepare for government spending cuts
As government makes necessary cuts to spending, what can be reduced or restructured in the budgets for agriculture?
I suggest people who agree with this idea are not Christians who have read the Gospel portion of their Bible. It stands for supporting those who are weak, giving power to those who are powerless. It is not about the survival of the strong but rather the support of the weak, both individuals and institutions.
When we spend money we tell others what we value most at that time. It is not possible to separate trade and economics from our value system.
When we allow Canadian factories to turn out war materials to be sold to various battlefields around the world, we tell others that we Canadians condone wars. Although there is the related human suffering, do we need more wars to keep our factories operating, our citizens employed?
With free trade deals our government gives up power to make economic decisions on our behalf. As Canadians, are we willing to let the market have the ultimate power to decide what values our economy will promote? Keep this in mind when you hear politicians talking about trade deals.
Lorne Jackson,Riverhurst, Sask.
