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A pity patriotism won't pay the
bills
The Spectator
Thu 19 Aug 2004

Page: A17
Section: Opinion
Byline: Casey Korstanje
Source: The
Hamilton Spectator

Buy Canadian! Look for the "made in Canada" tag. It's
been drummed into baby boomers since they were born. It's a fine sentiment.
But is it realistic in today's global economy?

Perhaps a better sentiment would be "support your local businesses," even
if their head offices are located in Milwaukee or Zurich.

When American beer giant Coors struck a deal with Canadian-owned Molson's
brewery there was some hand-wringing over the potential loss of Canadian
identity. To hear some talk, it sounded like a subtle conspiracy hatched south
of the border to gain control of Canadian sovereignty.

The murmurs rose again with the rumour of American consumerism icon Target
taking over The Bay. Will they still make those coureur de bois style blankets
and coats?

The trouble with espousing nationalism in business is that Canadians
generally act in opposition to the sentiments we espouse. How many of you have
been amused by the multitude of "Proudly Canadian" signs decorating most
Wal-Mart stores? You've noticed them because you shop there in the full
knowledge that Wal-Mart is an American-owned company. But you still shop
there.

Bill Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford, was fIted and cheered in
Oakville this week by no less a personage than the premier of Ontario. The
chairman of the Ford Motor Company was in town to mark the 100th anniversary
of Ford's presence in Canada and spoke encouragingly about Oakville gaining a
potential billion-dollar investment for the plant which would secure about
4,000 jobs.

There is talk of an American conglomerate buying Stelwire. It's cautiously
seen as good news by the 400 employees facing a very uncertain future. Does
that mean America is taking over Canada -- no. It means Canadians will
continue to work.

In a recent report, the conservative C.D. Howe Institute
suggested foreign investment in Canada should be encouraged. It is good for
the economy. In fact, more Canadian companies are buying up foreign
enterprises than the other way around. The Canadian business identity seems to
be expanding rather than shrinking. In the ever-shifting and maturing global
economy we should teach the next generation to "support their local
businesses," and stop worrying so much about international ownership.

Edition: Final
Story Type: Editorial
Length:
363 words