(11-16-2018 11:32 AM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  By the way, the presenter makes a sadly common (among Americans), and wildly inaccurate, postulation about Canada. He assumes that Canadians wish to be, or are even open to becoming, Americans. I think many Canadians would be open to discussing a 'freedom of movement' agreement, but that's about it (that's currently hard to do because of health care issues).

Sure, in an absolute collapse, Canadians would make a rational decision. But having some fiscal issues related to an aging workforce isn't going to get there. Canada can raise taxes (they're higher than the USA, but far lower than the rest of their peers). Canada also has the ability to accept migrants too. Collapses happen when there isn't a readily available solution or if there's some sort of structural issue in their society or political system that prevents an otherwise workable solution to be implemented. I think Canada's problems aren't going to get to that level.

----

GTS, I think that Canada's geopolitical and fiscal concerns, and its relationship with the USA is a fun topic.

He didn't say they wanted to become Americans. "I'm not saying it's going to happen." But I am saying it does solve nearly ALL of Alberta's problems. And if Ottawa continues to aggressively fleece Alberta while simultaneously handicapping their ability to pay via a pipeline ... well ... there's no faster way to change hearts and minds than going after wallets. If things get too out of hand nationalism/patriotism can be thrown overboard in quick order.