Some things in life just make you feel great every day. When my puppy, Yoshi came into my life, feelings I never knew existed encompassed my being.  I never had a dog before and I used to think my cousin who had two dogs, was completely off her rocker for the things she did for them. After all the unconditional love I got from Yoshi, I called her and told her, Cindy, I need to apologize to you, I thought you were nuts but now I understand! 

Today has been dubbed Liberty Day for the Americans according to the Trump Administration. It is the day that tariffs will be applied to products entering the American market. Also, reciprocal tariffs will be applied of equal value to the tariffs imposed on American exports. As an example, if a dairy product imported from the U.S.A.  comes into Canada a 390% tariff rate is set, then a reciprocal 390% tariff will be slapped on Canadian exports entering the American market. 

When a majority of a company’s business is heavily concentrated on a specific market, then protectionist measures can definitely create havoc. Finding alternative markets could be very difficult unless the product is specialized and in high demand. 

In reality, the most successful businesses are based on relationships. Once established the honeymoon can last forever. Like a marriage, disagreements and disputes can pop up on occasion. These unforeseen issues need dialogue to bring about compromises, not retaliatory measures that can cause even more harm. 

Otherwise, the relationship can and will fall apart. The ramifications can be devastating or beneficial. Sometimes another formidable partnership can be established. America is the largest consuming market in the world for all products. Their ingenuity has been their forte since the beginning of their existence. When there is a will, there is a way. It doesn’t mean everyone else needs to lie down and become fodder.  It means we need to find alternatives that will make our businesses viable and less dependent on foreign influences. 

Now it’s up to the rest of the world to open up and let the cream rise to the top. The Canadians, Europeans and the rest of the world complain but what if this becomes a successful endeavour?  We constantly listen to the negative rhetoric rather than the positive implications that could result. It won’t be easy but we are resilient and will survive, with our ingenuity and determination. All we need is the correct leadership and in Canada, it is NOT A LIBERAL! 

The USD Index dips below the 104.0 level while Precious Metals starts its upward momentum once again. Gold inches above the USD$3130/oz level and Silver stands near the USD$34/oz vicinity. On the other hand, Oil maintains the USD$71/B level and the CAD$ hovers below the 0.70 cent mark. 

Lastly, Bitcoin regains a little value as it stands within the USD$87k/coin level. The sky isn’t falling, let’s take a collective breath and deal with the hand we have been dealt. Now, it’s time to get rid of the incompetence that has put us in an uncompetitive position, to begin with, and bring common sense initiatives to the table for our common interests and benefits!  

Click below to watch how real leaders take the Bull by the horns! Take the time to listen, you won’t be disappointed. If you are you need a dog in your life!