In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1985. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: In 1985, the MacDonald Commission report on the possibility of bilateral free-trade with the United States suggested that Canada should pursue more open trade agreements. This was supported by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and trade negotiations began in the spring of 1986. The Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement came into effect in 1989 and was later replaced by the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994.
Question: Are you for or against free trade with the United States?
Fred Barter – Auto Sales – Emerald Estates
I know it would give Canadian consumers more choice. We’re just as capable of putting out quality work and competing. I think we’re strong enough to hold on to the culture we do have. The Auto Pact is an example of what can be done by negotiators who know what they’re doing. It’s created an awful lot of new jobs for Canadians.
Gary Raymond – Executive – Whistler Cay Heights
I do support free trade. Most people look at it as taking away Canadian business, but I see it as opening up an incredibly large market for Canadian goods. The favourable exchange rate will still be there. We may have higher labour costs than the US but you can discount costs here by 37 per cent.
Diane Eby – Alderman – Whistler Cay Heights
Without having researched it, I would say it’s not a good move for employment in Canada. We can’t keep enough people working as it is. I think we would be cutting our own throats. I don’t there would be any loss of Canadian culture. We can’t be any more Americanized. Culture transcends the border as it is, but economically free trade could be less than hoped for.