I am no slouch in China, but I wonder if you have spoken to the leaders of Western provinces that are almost certainly going to get walloped by further sanctions on the meat and agricultural industries about the real impact of this? Because they may have a different view.
If it is true that HK leaders have investments in Canada, this could really pinch in a rare way. Canada is typically not strong on the ability to leverage it’s economic “might”. But this is different.
And it is not likely that many Canadian leaders have investments in HK, although their supporters might. And they could be targeted. Fair enough, you might say.
But what if the retaliation hits the provinces already reeling from economic problems. We just got pork and beef back. I can definitely see them being hit, bringing further pain to Alberta and Saskatchewan. Has anyone from CPC spoken to the Premiers?
And then there are the hostages. They might face a lot worse. Maybe the Senator does not care, but I confess I do. And I think the PM has to care too.
So I am not saying this is not worth it, but we should think very carefully about the consequences at a time the West is already feeling isolated.
In my view, all of this stems from a major error that Trudeau has not spoken enough on the issue or with enough force. They statement about the hostages this week was milquetoast at best. Canadians are anxious and want to know what is happening. And here we are.
