When a television commercial can prompt the world’s most powerful man to throw a tariff-triggering hissy fit, you know as a country you have a relationship problem.

As any psychologist would say, humiliation is a bad strategy. Ontario’s tariff ad turned a trade dispute into a public shaming. British Columbia looks poised to repeat the mistake.

Sure, in a relationship you can say you don’t feel the same love, tell your friends the partner has changed, even admit your eyes are wandering, yet still be committed to work it out.

But any expert will tell you not to get so complacent about reconciliation that you let a best friend spread an embarrassing message. One that admonishes and demeans your partner to your circle of friends, acquaintances, and even those who never thought much about your long bond. (Like Mark Carney let Doug Ford do.)

Think for a second, will you? Oh, right, we’re past that now. Now, what?

Your bestie can crow the whole world now knows of the mistreatment, that the salvo will pressure your partner to his senses, shake him into recognizing he doesn’t appreciate you, and expose the unjust pain he’s causing, given your history.

In fact, you’ve revealed yourself in making........

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