Canada’s chief NAFTA negotiator Steve Verheul most lobbied federal bureaucrat
In the midst of breakneck North American trade talks, Canada’s chief NAFTA negotiator has kept up constant consultations with affected industries, making him the federal government’s most lobbied bureaucrat. Since the year began, lobbyists have logged 120 communication reports with Steve Verheul, according to a list exported from the federal registry on Sept. 29. It […]
Most Canadian farmers thrive without supply management; what’s so special about dairy?
CALGARY—With negotiators butting heads on most major elements of NAFTA, the second round of talks wound down with no real breakthroughs, and we’ve yet to see the results of the ongoing third round. One major sticking point for the Americans remains largely unresolved: Canada’s supply management system. While the Americans have called for action on […]
Unwinding decades of global trade liberalization a recipe for economic turmoil
OTTAWA—More than a year after Britain voted to leave the European Union, the ruling Conservatives have made almost no progress when it comes to defining a practical, realistic post-Brexit relationship with EU countries. In a speech intended to unlock stalled Brexit negotiations, Prime Minister Theresa May admitted in Florence last week that the United Kingdom […]
NAFTA facilitates growth, job creation, enhanced co-operation in chemistry industry
When it comes to trade, there is no denying that governments have to pursue the best-case scenario for their own people. Discussion around boosting the economy, creating more jobs domestically and ensuring access to goods for families, are of vital importance when approaching trading relationships, and the ongoing NAFTA negotiations. What if all of this […]
CETA will be backbone in coming Canada-U.K. trade deal: British envoy
When it comes time to negotiate a trade deal between a post-Brexit United Kingdom and Canada, the U.K. will piggyback off of Canada’s Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement with Europe as it “represents [the] best in class, the most modern [deal] that exists,” says the newly arrived first female U.K. high commissioner to Canada. Susan […]
Why Foreign Affairs Minister Freeland’s the top player on NAFTA talks, and Trade Minister Champagne’s not
It’s “highly unusual” to have a trade minister tasked to manage all files except the relationship with Canada’s largest trading partner, but observers say the tactic is fitting given the major NAFTA talks, general trade shakeup under U.S. President Donald Trump, and an outgoing star minister best suited for the job. The North American Free […]
How reworking NAFTA will affect intellectual property in Canada
Whatever changes made to intellectual property policy through the ongoing reworking of NAFTA will certainly affect biotechnology companies. Some Canadian analysts say Canada should take an offensive approach to the IP chapter because it already complies with global standards. The third round of North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiations is set to take place in […]
How government can spark venture capital for biotech success
As the government looks to shape its venture capital policy, biotechnology industry representatives say it’s important to minimize direct government intervention, instead letting the private sector decide what companies to invest in. The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI), as announced in the 2017 budget, is set to provide $400-million to help ease the way for […]
Fall preview: foreign policy and international trade
From tweaks, to threats of ending a 23-year-old agreement, U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on NAFTA has pushed renegotiations to the forefront of all things international. Trump’s actions in general have dominated Canadian coverage of the talks, as lobbyists and politicians look for ways to strengthen ties with Canada’s largest trading partner and counter the […]
International trade, environment, top lobbying topics over summer
International trade and the environment were the most popular topics for lobbyists communicating with ministers, MPs, Senators, and other federal public office holders this past summer, initial reporting figures show, suggesting ongoing renegotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement loomed heavily on the minds of those attempting to influence public policy in Ottawa. There […]
