NowMedia video host Jim Csek welcomed Kelowna businesswoman and former MLA Renee Merrifield back into the studio for another episode of Beyond the Ballot.
In a recent KelownaNow live stream, the duo discussed a range of topics, including economic decline, US-Canada trade tensions, a weak Canadian dollar, Carney’ recent trip to Japan and much more.
Merrifield accused Canadian leaders, particularly Prime Minister Mark Carney, of "self-sabotaging our economy" through bungled US trade negotiations and misguided policies.
“I think that we're definitely shooting ourselves in the foot when it comes to the negotiations with the US that is definitely hurting us economically,” she said.
Merrifield highlighted how retaliatory tariffs from President Trump have plunged business confidence to "unprecedented" lows, surpassing even COVID-era levels.
"Business uncertainty is at an unprecedented peak… business investment has plummeted," Merrifield said, pointing to two quarters of economic decline and a plummeting loonie.
She warned that even Bank of Canada rate cuts won't help without restored confidence.
Merrifield criticized British Columbia's lack of competitiveness, citing a lack of modernization or modifications or innovation.
"We know we're not competitive. That's why we're buying ferries from China,” she said.
Merrifield was very critical of Carney's recent Asia trip, where he returned empty-handed on deals while Trump secured billions.
"Carney's basically going around talking about green tech and green energy, with absolutely no deals coming from any of the countries he's visiting," Merrifield said.
“And on the other hand, you know, Trump's announcing deals left, right, and center, and also doing deals with Carney's company, which just irks me to no end. I get very annoyed whenever I see Brookfield because it just seems so disingenuous that that leader is the leader of our country right now as our country is imploding economically.”
When speaking about a potential deal with China to end the tariffs on canola, Merrifield urged pragmatism for struggling Prairie farmers.
"I welcome the EVs from China... let the market dictate where it's gonna go," she said, arguing it would ease canola tariffs, lower prices, and challenge Tesla's dominance under EV mandates.
"I'm very disappointed in his promises and what he's been able to accomplish in these last six months," Merrifield concluded, as she claimed Canada risks further isolation.
You can watch the full discussion in the video above.
