Exporters have faced challenges

In Champagne’s world of identity trade, “it’s time for more ambition and a whole lot more of us in the game”, particularly if you are a hyphenated business owner with an eye for some free government money. That should, of course, have read “with an eye for rapidly growing export markets.”

The move was not greeted by universal acclaim. It was Martha Hall Findlay, the former Liberal MP and current president of the Canada West Foundation, who coined the “identity trade” line. “I worry separating people like this into groups does not connect them but creates divisions and silos,” she tweeted.

Even senior Liberals expressed skepticism.

“There are 50 things I’d do before this. Extending loans to develop markets within Canada is a higher priority,” said one official, on condition of anonymity.

There is nothing wrong with the government facilitating trade. Anyone who has been on a trade mission to a country such as China knows the daunting challenges facing any small or mediumsized enterprise that tries to enter a strange market-place ontheirown.

But the government’s job is to give all Canadian businesses a leg-up — not pick those it favours in its constant dragnet for votes.

The groups that are part of Champagne’s new initiative are clearly eligible for any regular trade mission. Is there a need for this new initiative?

Joseph Pickerill, Champagne’s communications director, said there have been “legitimate barriers” to the