NAFTA - Free Trade

Canada

U.S. investment in automotive production,Increases in oil exports to the U.S. Increases in shipment of beef, agricultural, wood and paper products to the U.S. Canada has lost manufacturing jobs initially to USA There were immediate losses as factories in Canada were moved to U.S.A. Or Mexico.Some were already American owned. Some were bought by American companies and moved.

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USA

While NAFTA's overall financial impact has been generally positive, it has not lived up to the high expectations of its proponents. It has made many U.S. companies and investors rich - and their managements richer.

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Mexico

The NAFTA bill created economic benefit for corporations, but has created a host of problems for everyday citizens. Mexican citizens have suffered the closure of family farms and smaller enterprises. The negative effect on the Mexican economy has been a contributing factor in the rise of drug cartels in Mexico. These factors have had a negative impact on both countries to the benefit of a few corporations.

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I can give you one personal example where free trade has no significance at all. Recently in Florida I installed (2) new water saving toilets. Cost including delivery $470 for (2). These toilets are Japanese design,made in a Mexican Plant and sold in the USA and marginally in Canada.We were so impressed with this thunder mug that we decided to install one in our Canadian Home. None were avaiable in North Bay. Closest distributor 380 km. return trip.Cost $779 for (1) toilet and about $60 for gas.That's a difference of $604.Free Trade???not in the Canadian consumer's favour that's for sure. 

Supplier advised high price due to tariffs. It will take a long time to pay off this purchase in reduced water meter bills in North Bay. In Florida not so much.