Of late, Canadian politics has descended into an arms race over who can promise the most extravagant response to the threat of 25 per cent tariffs imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is promising “dollar for dollar” retaliation. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Anthony Furey is demanding “COVID-style” deficit-spending. Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland is calling for Canada to head up the establishment of an anti-American coalition comprising “Mexico, Denmark, Panama and the EU.”