Ongoing chaos in Washington could actually work in Canada’s favour
OTTAWA—It was Canada’s hour in the European Parliament last week. Even those parties who voted against the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement were compelled to proclaim their affection for our country with hand-held signs that said, “Yes to Canada. No to CETA.” In the end, the vote was not even close, even though parties on […]
Canada-U.S. relationship unfolding as it should: we should let government do its job
OTTAWA—Since Donald Trump’s election to the U.S. presidency, nothing has been more pressing on our minds than the relationship with our neighbours to the south. The view can be especially daunting for businesses worried about the U.S. president’s “America First” policy, if not his pressing need to target partners across the globe. If there’s one […]
Trudeau visit with Trump went swimmingly, but it may not mean a whole lot
OTTAWA—Let’s face it: Donald Trump doesn’t need any more problems just now. North Korea’s warlike craziness is just the latest convulsion in a region where the United States president’s high-stakes relations with China have been veering out of control. Europe is at a loss as to what the U.S. role in world affairs will look […]
MPs, Senators should be briefed on trade deals before they’re inked: Senate committee
On the eve of an expected NAFTA renegotiation, the Senate committee responsible for international trade is calling on the government to brief Parliamentarians regularly on how it’s faring in ongoing trade negotiations. The government should report to the Senate and House trade committees every quarter of the year, keeping them updated on their negotiating mandate and […]
Look who’s going to Washington: MPs planning blitz to meet and greet new Congress
Dozens of MPs will descend upon Washington over the next few months to get face time with members of Congress and be briefed by government and non-government institutions, as Canada’s federal politicians try to build ties with the new American government. The House defence, foreign affairs, trade, agriculture, industry, and environment committees, a House Subcommittee […]
Dion’s curious dual diplomatic appointment
Stéphane Dion is set to become Canada’s next ambassador to both the European Union and Germany. Mr. Dion is a smart man and will surely be a wonderful ambassador for Canada abroad. But one has to question the logic of cross-appointing him to both Germany and the EU. Though the business of the EU is […]
How a NAFTA rethink may affect Canada’s rail network
Brian Mulroney not only wrought havoc on Canadian railway passenger service with cuts in 1989-90, but he negotiated a very major trade deal, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). He will be remembered for both, but the former “accomplishment” now seems to be more durable than the latter. As a result of the loss of […]
Trump’s bouquet may be hiding thorns
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Donald Trump handed Justin Trudeau the rose he coveted on Monday in Washington. Like all roses, it comes with thorns. Only time will tell whether those thorns matter more than the flower itself. The first face-to-face meeting between the prime minister and his new counterpart in the White House […]
Canadian exports at risk when America is first to free trade agreements
OTTAWA—News that the U.S. is poised to launch a bilateral trade deal with Japan after bowing out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership should be a wake-up call for Canada to implement trade agreements with Asia-Pacific economies or we’ll be left behind. The Trump administration is working at breakneck speed on a number of files, and trade […]
NAFTA renegotiation gives Canada chance to improve deal, say politicos and business reps
While U.S. President Donald Trump’s determination to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement is causing concern in certain quarters, opposition MPs and business representatives say it’s an opportunity for Canada to improve and modernize the decades-old trade agreement. “I think that we have an opportunity to push for things that we weren’t able to […]
