Think about it

  • Imagine you are the leader of a country. Would you implement tariffs on imported goods? What might be the impact of your decision, domestically and abroad?
  • If a country places tariffs on another country’s products, should that country retaliate? How should they retaliate? What might be the impact of retaliation, domestically and abroad?
  • How should we weigh other issues – such as biodiversity loss – against economic threats? Should one issue matter more in a time of crisis? Regardless of your answer, what are the possible ramifications of your position?
  • What are some reasons why governments impose tariffs?
  • How do tariffs affect the prices of goods for consumers?
  • In what ways might tariffs help domestic businesses? In what ways might they hurt them?
  • Can you think of any products that are or will be more expensive because of tariffs? How does/might this impact your buying choices?
  • How do tariffs influence international relationships between countries? Can they lead to trade wars? Have they ever led to actual wars?
  • The United States and Canada are currently engaged in a trade war. What do you think are the consequences of these actions for consumers and businesses in both countries? How do you think a trade war will impact the relations between the nations?
  • Do you think tariffs are fair? Why or why not?
  • Should a government prioritize protecting local businesses over offering consumers lower prices through free trade? Should a government be worried about their impact on a neighbouring nation?
  • Do you think this trade war is a threat to Canadian sovereignty? Why or why not? How might a threat to Canadian sovereignty shape our politics and policy decisions?
  • If tariffs were placed on products you buy often (e.g., smartphones, clothing, or food), how would it impact your purchasing decisions? Could tariffs impact the career you plan on pursuing?
  • How could or should global trade agreements (like USMCA) impact tariff policies? Is there value in current or future international agreements?
  • How will a trade war impact national unity? Will it bring us together or pull us apart? And how will Canada’s positions on other pressing issues – social and environmental – be impacted by the trade war?

Define

  • Tariff
  • Retaliatory Tariff
  • Trade War
  • National Unity
  • Sovereignty
  • Import & Export
  • Supply & Demand
  • Free Trade vs. Protectionism
  • NAFTA
  • USMCA
  • GDP

Referenced Resources