among the 60 largest Canadian-based firms. I won't worry about bringing down union wages until I see some responsibility on the part of management. G West Hardly a surprise Hardly a surprise that some Canadians think free trade is great - 39% of voters actually cast ballots for Pee Wee and his gang of cheaters. You can't go wrong by betting on the stupidity of the Canadian voter - they've been casting ballots against their own best interests for years. In fact, much of the short term 'advantage' from free trade with the US corresponds more or less exactly with low exchange rates. As energy and commodity exports began to form an ever larger proportion of this country's trade and as the value of the dollar rose against the greenback it is clear that much of what was seen as a positive 'result' of free trade agreements with the US and Mexico has been illusory. If the US begins to attain energy self-sufficiency (which many predictions now expect) Canada will begin to suffer even more..and, as the Ontario Liberals learned today - we may more and more find our hands tied with respect to find ways to stimulate our own industry. Skywalker So Cool Hand.. ..if those figures are true, why then are the Harperites unwilling to have a debate in the House or do any consultations with the public? I know the answer to that question but do you? What are they afraid of? What are you afraid of?