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Canadian politics.
One example has been the recent problem in Oka (near Montreal) - where the Mohawk Indians barricaded the main bridge into Montreal to show their grievances ostensibly over the local autnority plans to build a golf course on what they consider to be ancient tribal burial grounds, though there is more to it
than that. The national (and international) coverage of this
incident has served to raise Canadian awareness of indigenous native rights, and to underline the difficulties of constitutional reforms under any post-Meech Lake mechanisms. The problem is not simply a two-dimensional Anglo/French -one.
5.
Other major domestic questions include:
The GST (Goods and Services Tax), a wide ranging 7% Federal consumption tax to be introduced in January 1991 to replace the current 13.5% manufacturing tax levied on selected goods. The objections are that it will be inflationary and discriminatory, as well as difficult to operate in tandem with the existing provincial
sales taxes.
Continuing doubts and debate about benefits to Canada from the
US/Canada Free Trade Agreement concluded on 1 January 1989 ("A device for expansion, and to make a rather conservative Canadian business community aware of opportunities and threats, as well as
new markets" Canadian Foreign Minister).
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Federal budget deficit at 4.7% of GDP (though reduced from 8.6%
of GDP in last year).
Increasing problems with Immigration, particularly in British Columbia, where Hong Kong investors are pushing up the price of real
estate.
ECONOMIC
6. Canada is the eighth largest economy in the world. It is a major exporter of grains, forest products, industrial raw materials and fish products. It manufactures high technology products, cars and textiles. Canada is a net exporter of energy and enjoys
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