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www.insidehalton.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, November 24, 2017 | 6 EDITORIAL | OPINION Canada has matured since NAFTA was born Auto parts manufacturing is expected to take centrestage in the coming weeks as negotiators on both sides of the border work to retool NAFTA -- but if they do fail the demise of the 23-year-old trade pact won't spell economic ruin. As one observes what is happening at the negotiating table, it's important to remember that Canada has changed a lot since 1994. Stephen Beatty, vice president and corporate secretary of Toyota Canada Inc., recently met with Metroland Media for an enlightening discussion regarding trade and the Canadian auto industry. Beatty is quick to point out that if the U.S. pulls out of NAFTA, it won't be the end of the economic world. "No tariff in the world can hold people back from their (buying) choices," Beatty surmised. He added that in the wake of NAFTA, any tariffs slapped on Canadian goods would remain competitive, as our dollar would be discounted in world markets to re ect tariffs. Also, unlike in 1994, economies of scale have developed in Asia and India where huge middle classes have a big appetite for consumer goods. As such, Canada is still hammering out a trade deal with 11 nations under the Trans-Paci c Partnership (TPP), a partnership from which the U.S. withdrew. Why? Because we are a trading nation and will continue to be so, even if the Trump administration in the U.S. pulls the plug on NAFTA. While he doesn't predict a nancial apocalypse in Canada if NAFTA is scuttled, Beatty does say however that such a move will change our stature on the world stage, rather than creating the catalyst for a stock exchange collapse. In a post-NAFTA world, North America would appear fractured to the titan countries of Russia, China and India. To date, we are impressed with how the Trudeau government has conducted itself at the trade talks, and so is Beatty. Canadian negotiators have kept their cool, stayed focused, and most importantly, haven't taken the bait when dealing with the constantly changing rhetoric from the Trump administration. It behooves us to be the voice of reason at the negotiating table. After all, we're con dent the sky won't fall in a postNAFTA world, but let's hope common sense wins the day on both sides of the border. It may not be perfect, but NAFTA has been pretty good to Canada. ABOUT US The Oakville Beaver, published every Thursday and Friday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 100 community publications across Ontario. View our digital edition online at: Insidehalton.com under Print Editions found in the footer. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the newspaper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca editor@oakvillebeaver.com @OakvilleBeav @oakvillebeaver insidehalton.com Help keep women and children safe this holiday The holidays are quickly approaching as is the excitement in children to get their wish lists in, mail their letters to Santa, and count down school days. For most parents, the holidays signify much needed family time, good (and lots of) food, lots of holiday parties and good cheer. But, at Halton Women's Place, we see a different side to the holidays. We see stressed moms, worried about providing for their children, we see kids that are still excited but hesitant as they know this holiday season will be a different one ­ be it in the shelter or recently moved into a new home... life more peaceful, yes, but still... different than Christmases past. Our Holiday Hamper Program is one that this community rushes to participate in. Sponsoring families, that have used our services within the last year, with gifts is an incredible way to give back to those who need it most. We are proud of our program and we want everyone to know that every child living in our shelters over the holidays receives a full holiday hamper. Families who have used our services within the last year and are on their own for their rst Christmas receive a full hamper, as well. No child at Halton Women's Place goes without toys under their tree. We have you to thank on their behalf. However, what women need, not only during the holidays, but beyond, as they see Shelter on p.7 Letter to the Editor Pud by Steve Nease WHO WE ARE Delivery Vice-President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Neil Oliver see Let's on p.17 CONTACT US The Oakville Beaver 5046 Mainway, Unit 2, Burlington ON L7L 5Z1 Phone 905-845-3824 / Fax 905-337-5568 Classified 1-800-263-6480 Digital/Flyers/Retail Advertising 289-293-0624 Real Estate/Homefinder.ca Advertising Suzanne Trickey / 289-293-0677 / strickey@oakvillebeaver.com Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 200 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. 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