How can Canada stand up to Trump?

Re Stand up to these threats, editorial, March 6 Canada has very few options in dealing with an irrational and unstable U.S. president who seems to love punishing his northern neighbour with punitive trade measures, whether that be softwood lumber, aerospace or steel — the list seems endless.

But here’s a radical and novel idea: disinvite President Donald Trump from the G-7 meeting in Quebec. Canada is the host this year and probably has the power to do so. That would get America’s attention. If it sours Canada-U.S. relations, so be it. The U.S. clearly doesn’t care if it offends Canada and NAFTA is all but dead.

A few years ago, Russia was kicked out of what was then the G8 for bad behaviour on the global stage. Now, Trump is turning the U.S. into the world’s main rogue nation. Maybe it’s time to send him a message.

Andrew van Velzen, Toronto

All anyone is talking about now is the steel tariffs. What they are no longer talking about is guns. I believe that is exactly what U.S. President Donald Trump wanted to achieve. It was never about steel.

Michael Liotta, Toronto

U.S. President Donald Trump suggests that trade wars are easy to win. He now wants to impose punitive tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, following other salvoes against Canadian softwood, aerospace and other industries.

It all flies against the facts. For example, we export about $5.9 billion in steel products, but import $6 billion of the same from the United States.

While it’s true that Canada has a trade surplus in goods with the United States, it is more than offset by a multi-billion deficit in services such as tourism. Canadians continually leave more money in the U.S. than Americans send here.

How should the average Canadian respond? What can one person do? When shopping, check the country of origin. Look for vacation alternatives. Fly from Canadian airports with Canadian airlines. Pick Yoho over Yosemite, Mexico over Maui, Newfoundland over New England, Saguenay over Sedona, Madrid over Miami. Forego that Blue Jays’ away game. Stay clear of anywhere near Mar a Lago.

Only then can we show the meaning of that $10-billion tourism deficit with our American friends.

Mike Brown, Burlington