20 hours ago
Carney's first big miss: the backdown on the digital services tax
Personally, I prefer 'Over the boards!' to 'Elbows Up' as a catchword for Canadian combativeness and refusal to back down. They're from the same era. I learned it from a hockey-playing pal from Sudbury. It's when everyone on the bench vaults onto the ice to back up their embattled mates, rather than Gordie Howe going into the corner alone, arms flailing, and decimates the other side.
I can see why Mark Carney opted for Elbows UP (EU) — aside from the subtle reference to diversifying our trade partners). He's spent his whole career going mano a mano with other top dogs. Despite that he managed to inspire a national team effort by vocalizing a firm stand. Canadians felt it deeply and hopped over the boards by cancelling long-planned trips to the U.S. or diligently inspecting the shelves for 'Made in Canada' stuff.
