ionelv | Canadian federation at an impasse re: China trade relations (Reply)

Given the opposing China trade priorities between (Ontario) steel/aluminum/EVs and (Western) agricultural exports, it is obvious that the Western provinces (e.g. Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) and Ontario can't really cohabitate within the federation if they want to both export to China and protect local industry. From FinPost/Bloomberg (with my [] clarifications around "Canada" when it is certain provinces that are favored over others):

Some senior officials in Canada say it’s time to repair trade relations with China, arguing US tariff policy is pushing them to deal with Asia’s largest economy.

Last year, the Canadian government put tariffs of 100% on Chinese-made electric vehicles and 25% on steel and aluminum products, aligning with what the Biden administration had done. The move also protected [Ontario] Canada’s auto industry.

China struck back with retaliatory 100% tariffs on Canadian [Western provinces] canola oil and pea products, and a 25% levy on pork and seafood — a move that underscored the sharp deterioration in ties between Beijing and Ottawa in recent years.