[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by SebC

If McDonalds were to start sourcing from the US, one might assume that our producers were not cost-competitive, and therefore accept McDonald's choice as economically valid.

Earl's is changing their sourcing to a (presumably) more expensive source, which they are likely to pass on to the consumer, and then increase their own profits on top of that.

It's very much different. I don't care for the Canadian dairy industry ripping off Canadian consumers through the quota system, but Alberta beef is competitive, and as such, I have no interest in paying a premium for beef sourced from the USA.

Protectionism/jingoism/nationalism/mercantilism/whatever is economically detrimental (given that other jurisdictions can reciprocate if we do not adopt free trade with them) but I object when we kneecap our own competitive sectors for political reasons.

Oh okay, I get that.