Canada's sudden free-trade conversion with Reagan ad betrays decades of protectionist policy

President Donald Trump has called off trade negotiations with Canada — after Canada attempted to use former president Ronald Reagan’s words about tariffs as a swipe against Trump’s tariff policies, and after Canada has championed some protectionist policies of its own.

The government of the Canadian province of Ontario released a campaign ad Oct. 14 quoting a radio address Reagan delivered in April 1987 where he said, "Over the long run such trade barriers hurt every American worker and consumer."

Meanwhile, Canada has backed multiple protectionist policies for decades, and in recent years. These policies attempt to limit international trade to create less competition for domestic industries through the use of tariffs or import quotas.

For example, Canada is known for its rigid supp