JT, March 23, 2002
In theory, you are correct. However, when you're talking about protectionism from a trading partner with which you have a free trade agreement, you have to learn how to live up to your commitments. Canada opened its markets to more US products and services than ever before with free trade. A little reciprocation would be nice, especially when the softwood issue has been decided in court (in Canada's favour) multiple times already.
The day is coming when the US must depend more and more on Canada's resources, so getting out of NAFTA and the new FTAA is not an option that can be seriously considered. Once the hemispheric treaty is in place, the possibility that all of the smaller countries that the USA has used strong-arm tactics on before will be able to provide a united front against blatantly illegal US protectionism. Trying to play it both ways won't work for long.