For years, visiting our differently brained neighbours to the south, I always remember how Yanks cringed about Canadian currency. Border town stores never wanted to accept it. Vending machines were actually programmed to respond to the slight differences between Canadian and American coins as to stop tourists (such as myself) trying to use a Canadian coin or two to make up the difference to buy a Coke.
Now, the shoe is on the other foot. American currency is weaker than Canadian for the first time in around thirty years. The irony of it all is that in my industry of choice (read NOT the day job) thrives on a weak Canadian dollar. To cut to the chase, American productions get more bang for the buck on the exchange. Well, no longer. Not surprising that it’s been right slow for us film techies this year.
On top of my obvious career concerns (though I harbour desires to foster more indigenous productions to eliminate our dependency on Hollywood’s northern productions … and who needs yet ANOTHER remake of King Kong anyway?), I do find these interesting points to be raised:
Will the NHLPA re-negotiate so that players can now be payed in stronger, Canadian currency? And will more Canadian born players be lured back to Canadian clubs? And most importantly, will the USA relinquish their enslavement of les Nordiques and the Jets?
When will Chapters start honouring the US listed prices as they soon realize that all their customers are making a run for the border to buy the same products at a great discount?
When will the Peso overtake the US dollar in terms of exchange strength?
Will the big three move permanently to Windsor while suppliers like Magna head south?
But most importantly… and scary because he’s dumb enough…
When will Dubya consider this strength a Canadian act of terrorism against the American way of life?
But until them, put all American currency where it belongs. In the bin. No better than cheap rubbish.
That is all.
