American academic blasts fear-mongers for blocking NA integration

OTTAWA — Canada and the U.S. should remove conflicting trade regulations and dovetail security rules, but “fear mongers” on both sides of the border are committed to stop all that from happening, says a prominent economist in the U.S.

According to Canadian Press, Robert Pastor, director of the Center for North American Studies at American University in Washington, says it’s time for both countries to go beyond NAFTA by integrating regulations in many fields, including trucking.

However, he blames “extremists” in both countries for heading off North American integration efforts, like additional free trade and a new superhighway from Ontario through to Mexico.

He cited American TV commentators such as Lou Dobbs and Canadian activist Maude Barlow as examples of “fear-mongers” and “conspiracy theorists” who resist proposals for close ties between the trade partners.

He said NAFTA was also strongly opposed by anti-trade and protectionist groups, but has since benefited all three nations — especially Canada, which has grown direct investment in the U.S. faster than the Americans have here.

— with files from Canadian Press