Canada must help Colombia crack down on illicit gold trade
In the last decade, there has been a strong push by non-governmental organizations and civil society groups in Canada and abroad asking Canadian policy-makers to make Canadian businesses, particularly mining companies, accountable at the national and international level for human rights and environmental violations committed abroad. Canadian mining practices in Latin America have sparked a […]
‘I think 2017 will be her true test as a minister,’ Freeland moves into the spotlight
PARLIAMENT HILL—You can expect to see a lot more Chrystia Freeland in 2017. Barring a cabinet shuffle, the 48-year-old trade minister and MP for University-Rosedale will lead Canada’s defence against the onslaught of trade reforms promised by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in the coming year. Mr. Trump campaigned on promises to renegotiate the North American […]
Canada shaped China’s new domestic abuse law: feds
Canada’s federal government helped to guide China through the drafting of its first national domestic abuse law passed late last year, even fielding a visit from top Chinese lawmakers working on the project. Chinese officials “turned to Canada for inspiration” in the early stages of drafting the legislation, which explicitly outlaws physical and psychological abuse […]
Pacific trade deal study extended past Trump inauguration
The House Trade Committee has postponed the end of its prolonged study of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal until at least late January, past the date on which TPP-opponent and United States president-elect Donald Trump takes office. The committee has for months been studying the benefits and drawbacks of Canada ratifying the TPP, spending more […]
Hot issues to watch in 2017
A highly anticipated federal budget. The legalization of recreational marijuana. Lingering debate over electoral reform. A controversial new American president. The end of several major reviews and consultations, including on defence policy and foreign aid. The year of the 150th anniversary of Confederation is expected to produce some tantalizing political story lines in Ottawa and across Canada. […]
2017: the year of living unpredictably
OTTAWA—Not since 1995, when Quebec separatists were close to breaking up the country, have Canadians faced a year of such seismic unknowns. Canada’s modern economy is for all practical purposes part of the United States economy, with nearly one in five jobs in this country dependent on trade with the Americans. Donald Trump not only […]
Immigration security vital for open border
OTTAWA—While U.S. president-elect Donald Trump maintains his laser focus on Mexico when it comes to railing against the ills of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canada has to be careful that it does not become collateral damage. The incoming U.S. administration has promised to torpedo the nascent Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), after which NAFTA […]
Too early for Mexico-Canada Trump strategy: ambassador
It’s too soon for Mexico and Canada to begin planning together to fend off potential U.S. demands for better trading terms in North America, says Mexico’s envoy to Canada. Canada and Mexico are talking about the NAFTA and the incoming U.S. president, of that there’s little doubt. How far those conversations go, however, is something […]
Creation of a mining ombudsman on horizon, says Liberal MP championing the cause
Canada may soon have an extractive resources ombudsman who would ensure that Canada’s mining companies act ethically, according to the Liberal MP who has been championing the cause. In an interview with The Hill Times, Liberal MP John McKay (Scarborough – Guildwood, Ont.) said he expects to see a clear plan in place by March […]
Preparing for President Trump
Many Canadians and Americans alike were shocked by the outcome of the U.S. election. The election of Donald Trump as president marks a substantial change for U.S. foreign policy that will directly impact the Canadian-American relationship. Trump is often caricatured as someone who is incoherent on foreign policy, but that is neither fair nor constructive. […]
