Without intending to, Donald Trump has made Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s life easier. And delivered a multi-billion dollar hit to the American economy at the same time.

Canada needs new fighter jets. Our current fleet of CF-18 combat planes should have been replaced a couple of decades ago, but defence procurement is a political hot potato. (Nothing new there; the decision to replace the CF-104 with the CF-18 in 1995 was also a protracted affair.)

Whether expensive fighter jets are relevant in today’s drone age is something I’ll leave for another day. I can see their usefulness, but oh, the cost!

The Canadian military says the preferred plane to purchase is the American F-35. Canada was part of the development team from the outset (1997), investing in the plane in return for a lower price for the eventual purchase. It seemed a smart move: sped a few million to save even more if the F-35 became the plane of choice.

Which it did. Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government accepted the military’s recommendation. His successor, Liberal PM Justin Trudeau axed the purchase, then backtracked and decided to go forward with it. With a caveat.

While Canada planned to buy 88 jets, the only firm commitment was for the first 16. The original price was around $9 billion. plus another $7 billion extra for parts and a service contract. Since then the cost has risen to about $28 billion. A nice boost for the American aerospace industry.

Except it isn’t going to happen, thanks to Donald Trump.

Canada will follow through with the planes it has made a firm commitment for. Unlike some people, we stand by our agreements.

But beyond that? Lockheed martin, the manufacturer, can kiss the rest of that order goodbye.

The president has started a trade war with Canada. He has threatened to annex our nation. Mark Carney would not survive politically if his government goes ahead with the purchase.

It makes no sense to give billions to someone who has clearly indicated they are an enemy. The Canadian people would revolt. Even his own MPs might turn against him. His approval rating, currently at 76%, would sink to Trumpian levels. (If you missed it, Trump is pretty close to being the most unpopular president in American history.)

The Swedish Gripen jet is a much cheaper alternative. Is it as good a plane as the F-35? The experts say no, but it will do. And it comes without the reputed kill switch installed in the F-35 to allow remote control by the American military.

If the goal is to get from point A to point B, a Toyota will get you there at the same time as a Cadillac. The ride may not be as luxurious, but if it gets the job done…

So thank you Donald Trump. You have saved the Canadian taxpayers a lot of money with your attitude towards our country. Canceling the F-35 purchase won’t completely offset your tariffs, but it is a big help.

I’ll let you explain to Lockheed Martin why you killed their deal.