If Canada is hit with 25 per cent, across-the-board tariffs this weekend — or on March 1 if a leaked rumour is to be believed — it will be the result of a trade-warmonger with a protectionist axe to grind. Blame for a good part of the pain that will follow, however, will lie with our own country and its utter contempt for economic growth.

Canada can’t just roll over and accept repeated beatings on trade in the months going forward, but it has to be realistic about any response. Proceed with care and caution.