What's NAFTA Got to Do with IT

Canada could export up to 450,000 barrels per day of crude oil to China from northern Alberta's oil sands in the coming six years, Canadian Natural Resources Minister John McCallum said on Saturday.

China's president expressed interest in Canada's oil sands in talks earlier in the day, according to McCallum.

He said he would have been 'energetic' in offering crude under normal circumstances but was 'super energetic' given Canada's trade problems with the United States.

"Wait, Canada Baby! Come back! The U.S.'ll be good to you!

"See? We're already backing off this soft lumber accusation. We would've backed down sooner had we known it meant so much to you. We love our Canada.

"Now, come on: Put down that 450,000 barrel/day export, stop waving it around like a crazy person, and come on home. China can't love you like we can. You know that.

"We've always been your big sugar daddy. That softwood lumber was.... Well, you know how we get when we're all drunk with power.

"But we're all right, now. It's safe to trade with us again. You'll see.

"Let us make it up to you. Go down to the Carribean and pick out a nice country for yourself. We'll get it for you for Christmas. You'd like a resort island, wouldn't you?

"Just come home and say you love us. And don't forget the oil, baby.

"That's a good girl."