With protectionism rising in the U.S. and NAFTA on the ropes, it makes sense for Canada to turn to China to strengthen economic ties.
But Canadians shouldn't walk in wearing blinders.
China is a mighty nation using both hard and soft power tools to bolster its influence. Canada needs to present a strong and united face to Chinese hosts during trade junkets that appear to be so popular among local and provincial politicians.
To this end, Premier John Horgan should make it clear to Chinese business leaders this week on his tour of Asia that B.C. is open to expand the province’s trading portfolio with investment, tourism and an exchange of goods, but he should also say we don’t want to give away our real estate.
Investors who merely want to park their money in expensive condos and houses and use trusts and schemes for evading Chinese laws and Canadian taxes are not welcome in B.C.
While the premier has said his government has no plans to ban foreigners from buying homes, he should reiterate that Canadians want to see more tourists and investment in clean technology, forestry, energy, mining, tech innovation, agriculture and arts and culture.
We already have a trade deficit when it comes to manufacturing. In 2012, for example, Canada-China merchandise trade totalled $70.1 billion but imports were $50.7 billion compared to just $19.4 billion in Canadian exports.
Chinese business leaders need to know B.C. has much to offer in terms of agricultural products — blueberries are popular — as well clean technology, and our tourism sector is strong and appealing.
At the same time, taxpayers who are footing the bills for these trips or who pay the salaries of politicians who go on them, want an accounting of what was accomplished and who will benefit.
It’s time there was more transparency and less smokescreen when it comes to Canada's dealings with China.
We don’t want the Lower Mainland to become a playground for rich Chinese expats — nor do we want to approve of Chinese human rights abuses — but we do want to grow our exports to China, currently valued at about $6 billion, so that British Columbians come first.
China is a big fish to our small minnow but that is no reason we can’t stick up for ourselves.
