American interference in a referendum could be devastating

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Canada must prepare immediately to protect itself from foreign interference in any upcoming Alberta referendum. While Prime Minister Mark Carney picks fights with Donald Trump, he is leaving our back door wide open to American capital that could bankroll the breakup of our country.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Carney has tapped into the nation’s hunger for competent leadership and our desire to assert Canada’s autonomy. In comparison to his predecessor, he projects the image of a serious statesman. When he first came into office, the chattering classes looked especially kindly on his insistence on proper dress codes for staff: ties mandatory, certainly no sandals.

But speeches in Davos are no substitute for dealing with the reality of our geography.

This newsletter tackles hot topics with boldness, verve and wit. (Subscriber-exclusive edition on Fridays)

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Platformed will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Interested in more newsletters? Browse here.

Carney has concluded that strategic appeasement of the U.S. is not viable. This is a mistake. The options are not only “elbows up” or “on your knees.” We need a pragmatic approach that protects our economic interests without poking the U.S. president in the eye. Instead, Carney said the quiet part out loud: “You cannot ‘live within the lie’ of mutual benefit through integration when integration becomes the source of your subordination.”

We can’t just wish away geography. And if you’re going to move to reduce your dependence, maybe it is wise to skip loudly announcing........

© National Post