TRUMP TARIFFS & MARITAL DISCORD: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE

International relations. Domestic relations. Family relations. Marital relations.?

All relationships are fragile.?

We Canadians took for granted the fragility of our international relationship with the USA, much like many married spouses do.?

When a spouse does not get what they want from the relationship, they sometimes jump to divorce, much like President Trump did but with his tariffs.?

After over 30 years as a divorce lawyer and mediator, I can honestly say that not all marriages that are in trouble need to end in divorce, and actually can survive...and even thrive.?

We will soon learn that the USA/Canada relationship will also survive.?

What turns unhealthy marriages around??There is no one answer.? But all relationships in flux can stir up a great deal of instability, stress and debate - akin to the current turbulence experienced in the USA/Canada relationship.?

At the heart of both scenarios lies the challenge of navigating short-term uncertainty while fostering long-term harmony and identifying mutual benefit.?Just as spouses facing marital discord need to re-evaluate what they agree to give to the relationship, as well as what they gain from it, IMO Canada and the USA are poised to transcend their current state of conflict over tariffs. The short-term will regrettably cause upset, discord and tension but with new leadership, Canada will return to its foundation of mutual respect and shared interests with the USA.?

I believe that Pierre Poilievre as our new leader will turn a page and commence collaborative dialogue and strategic compromises with President Trump to achieve short-term resolution, and sustained long-term prosperity, for both nations.?

As a mediator, I aim to first begin by identifying what makes us alike, and what mutual values we share, before taking polar positions. Great leaders know how to communicate, listen and compromise to bridge their differences. Like in divorce, diplomatic efforts between nations play a crucial role in mitigating tensions.

Ultimately, the analogy between the Trump tariffs and marital challenges underscores a fundamental truth: adversity, when met with resilience and commitment, can strengthen rather than sever bonds. By embracing dialogue and collaboration, both couples and nations alike can navigate through turbulent times towards a future of stability, trust and shared prosperity.?

PS. The photo is me and a billboard of Donald Trump last week in Florida.

PPS. IMO the solution to our current hardship is political and not economic. That is why we need a leader with the political skills needed to navigate Canada to a soft landing and that person is Pierre Poilievre.

Steve Benmor, B.Sc., LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law), C.S., is the founder and principal lawyer of Benmor Family Law Group, a boutique matrimonial law firm in downtown Toronto.?He is a Certified?Specialist?in Family Law and was admitted as a Fellow to the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers. Steve is regularly retained as a Divorce Mediator, Arbitrator and Parenting Coordinator. As a?Divorce Mediator, Steve uses his 30 years of in-depth knowledge of family law,?court-room experience?and expert problem-solving skills in Divorce Mediation to help spouses reach fair, fast and cooperative divorce settlements without the financial losses, emotional costs and lengthy delays from divorce court.?You can find his CV at https://benmor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Steve_CV_Nov23.pdf.?He can be reached at steve@benmor.com