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U.S., Canada, and the China in between
Dean Baxendale
Exigent Witness Fellow
Columnist | CEO, Optimum Publishing
Source
date
FORMAT
The Sunday Guardian
Aug 30, 2026
Article
topics
National Security & Geopolitics
Western Values & Democratic Norms
Context
In this Sunday Guardian column, Dean Baxendale places Canada–U.S. trade negotiations within the wider struggle over China’s dominance of global manufacturing and North American supply chains. He argues that Canada must protect its access to the U.S. market while preserving the freedom to trade independently. Canada’s oil, gas, minerals, and other strategic resources provide leverage, but Baxendale warns that Chinese state-backed interests may use Canada to circumvent American trade barriers, weakening North American industries and trust between the two countries. The choice, he argues, will shape Canada’s economic sovereignty.
Key Insight
Baxendale’s central argument is that Canada cannot manage its relationships with the United States and China as separate economic files. Canada needs a coherent strategy that protects North American industries, enforces trade rules, and uses its resources to negotiate from strength without becoming economically subordinate to either power.
Implications For Canadians
For Canadians, these decisions affect jobs, wages, prices, investment, and the future of automotive manufacturing, energy, mining, technology, and agriculture. A weak agreement could expose Canadian industries to unfair competition or American tariffs, while excessive concessions could limit Canada’s independence. The costs will ultimately be felt by workers, businesses, consumers, and communities.
Related Topics
U.S., Canada, and the China in between
Dean Baxendale
Aug 30, 2026
The Sunday Guardian
National Security & Geopolitics
Western Values & Democratic Norms
In this Sunday Guardian column, Dean Baxendale places Canada–U.S. trade negotiations within the wider struggle over China’s dominance of global manufacturing and North American supply chains.
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