Quote:
Originally Posted by PepsiFree
It’s interesting that you are a constant critic of Canada buying Saudi oil but don’t see a problem with America selling them guns.
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I don’t have a problem with Canada buying or selling weapons or oil from Saudi Arabia. I think geopolitics are a complex beast and we have hitched our wagon to the US and it’s probably the best move. The Americans rely heavily on a beneficial relationship with the Saudis so it’s a complex issue.
I don’t take issue with Canada buying oil from Saudi Arabia. Saudi oil has different blends and characteristics that Canada needs. I believe that inter-provincial trade should not be artificially blocked and I believe Alberta needs to compete to get its oil to markets with the likes of international oil producers like Saudi Arabia. We need the oil. Canada props up artificial barriers to free trade (against its own country’s benefit) for what I view as mostly lousy reasons. If Alberta can compete better than Saudi oil for similar grades, so be it. If they can’t, let’s buy Saudi oil.
On the issue of human rights- which is still important to me- I personally don’t think Canada can or should be the worlds moral compass and arbiter. I believe the downside of pretending the world cares about our moral superiority is hugely detrimental to Canadians overall self interest, and I don’t think Canada can fix the worlds problems nor do I think it is even our role.