The North needs more infrastructure to unlock its wealth potential
Few industries come to mind that have a stronger connection and reliance on infrastructure than the mining sector. Frequently situated in remote and northern regions, mines are often located in areas without any roads, telecommunications services, or easily accessible transportation, all essential to getting goods to market. Nowhere is Canada’s infrastructure deficit more acute than […]
New NAFTA deal gets it right on digital trade
Canada has quickly become a leader in digital innovations. Our federal government has, in the last few years, launched superclusters across the country, with the goal of transforming our innovation economy. We are leading the world in the development of artificial intelligence, with research hubs in Montreal and Waterloo, among other cities. And we are […]
Growing global population: burden or boon to the environment?
Historical overview As the chemist and geographer Daniel B. Luten observed on the eve of the famous 1980 Julian Simon-Paul Ehrlich wager, since the late 18th century “the question of limits to growth and optimism and pessimism regarding the human prospect [has been] debated without consensus” while interest in the issue has “waxed and waned […]
When making transport policy, don’t forget how it affects company vehicles
From changing environmental and transportation policies to the intense NAFTA renegotiation, the past few years have been a roller-coaster ride for the auto industry and fleet managers. The federal government is in the process of developing some very important policies for the ever-evolving transportation sector. Last year, Transport Canada released its Transportation 2030 strategy, which […]
Trudeau team’s legacy on agriculture will be market access gains, says Minister Bibeau
After four years in government, the Trudeau Liberals’ biggest enduring legacy on Canada’s agricultural sector will be increased market access abroad, says newly appointed Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s (Papineau, Que.) government has ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will open market access in 11 countries. It […]
Agriculture spending in 2019 budget
The 2019 federal budget offers new spending for the agriculture and agri-food sector worth almost $4-billion going forward. The highlights: A Food Policy For Canada The Liberal government is proposing a four-pronged food strategy that will attempt to increase Canadians’ access to healthy foods, promote domestically grown and harvested food, support food security in the […]
Senate Ag Committee to weigh in on how to boost competitiveness of value-added food sector
When I was summoned to the Senate just over a year ago, I brought with me many years of experience in the agriculture and rural sectors. I have been fortunate to be able to use that experience to contribute to the work of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (AGFO). Our committee has […]
Compensation for producers in our supply-managed sectors should be evidence-based
There is no clear policy nor even any clear policy principles in Canada about compensation or transition assistance in the event of economic disruption. Should our dairy producers be compensated for losses they incur due to concessions made by Canada affecting the sector under recent trade agreements? Yes, maybe. If people suffer because of trade-related […]
It’s time for a green new deal down on the farm
The agriculture policy of the 21st century must focus on producing healthy food, providing fair incomes for farm families and creating thriving rural communities while protecting natural ecosystems. It is possible to promote resilience in agriculture so that it addresses climate change and is capable of adapting to the economic and environmental shocks of an […]
Standing up for Canadian farmers and their families
Each and every day across Canada, our farmers and food processors work hard to put safe, high-quality food on our tables, while driving our economy and creating good, middle-class jobs, particularly in our rural communities. All told, our food sector generates sales of more than $114-billion and accounts for seven per cent of Canada’s gross […]
