Amidst the prosperity brought about by global trade, our government must continually examine just how dependent we become on other nations, especially overseas. This is increasingly important when you take into consideration the massive amount of outsourcing that is also being done by our largest trading partner south of the border. Global trade is good; but it's no substitute for national independence especially when it has the potential to jeopardise national security. Also, consumer buying demands mustn't dictate government policy. The government is mandated to protect our country.

Have a look to see where your footwear was made. Was it in Canada? Probably not! Was it the USA? Probably not! In fact, virtually all of Canada's footwear manufacturing plants have now been closed, and most footwear comes from overseas.

Now consider a time of crisis. Our soldiers need footwear and clothing; the military also requires electronics. But we have become increasingly dependent on nations that could become hostile towards us to provide us with these items. Is our diplomatic strength diminishing?

The CHP believes that national self-sufficiency and control of essential commodities such as food, water, energy, medicine and medical technology, construction materials, machine tools, and electronics should be kept in focus when formulating government policy relative to business and industry.

Just as was done in the days of Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada needs to maintain a strong Industrial Policy. There are many industries that ought to be protected against predatory competition. Agriculture is one example: a nation that cannot feed itself is actually a colony of those upon whom it depends for food. Our family farms are our mainstay and must be protected—there's a lot to be said for 'buying local'.

One of the aspects that enabled the Allies to win WWII was North America's industrial capacity; but since the 1980s, we've been diminishing that capacity by 'outsourcing'.

With increasing international instability and the growing strength of potential enemies—Russia, China, and radical Islam—we may find that we no longer have the capability to produce what we need to stand up against threats to our national security.

Industrial policy must be integrated with trade policy, or we could find ourselves sending barefoot soldiers to fight against the sophisticated weaponry of nations from whom we buy our computer parts.

Better Solutions for Canada include protecting our country.