‘No time to lose’: Indo-Pacific strategy highly anticipated after absence from budget
Absent from the latest federal budget were commitments to Indo-Pacific priorities as Canadians await the government’s much-anticipated strategy for engagement in the region. In the budget tabled on April 7, the Liberal government pledged an additional $8-billion in defence funding and to complete a defence review. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s (University-Rosedale, […]
Now is Canada’s chance to become the world’s agri-food powerhouse
When Russia’s army invaded Ukraine, it not only caused massive humanitarian and political tragedies, but also destabilized world food systems. Ukraine and Russia are usually in the world’s top five wheat exporters, accounting for about 25 per cent of global wheat trade. Additionally, Russia and Ukraine also contribute enormous amounts of fertilizer (especially phosphate) and […]
Indian envoy hopes to see interim trade deal with Canada finalized in ‘about a year’
India’s envoy to Canada is hoping that an interim trade pact between the two countries can be concluded in “about a year” as Ottawa and Delhi announced earlier this month that they would restart trade talks. Canada and India held 10 negotiating rounds over seven years, starting in 2010 under the Harper government, but those […]
Farmers scramble for alternate fertilizer sources as world looks for Canada’s help in possible global food shortage
Canada cannot afford any further disruptions to its supply chain if the agriculture sector is to contend with a potential shortage of fertilizer as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to agriculture organizations. “We have a window of opportunity where farmers use fertilizer to maximize their crop production and their yields, and if […]
Opportunity ripe for Canada to work on energy security with Indo-Pacific allies, says Japanese envoy
In a world where geopolitics and the geo-economy evolve quickly, it’s necessary for like-minded countries, such as Japan and Canada, to co-operate on energy security, says Japan’s ambassador to Canada. The two countries have been working towards the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific—home to well more than half the world’s population—since April 2019, […]
Transportation to rely on: we need to take bold steps and come together as an industry
The freight transportation industry has collaborated and adapted to minimize supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather events in British Columbia in 2021. The industry needs to continue to adopt the same tenacity and spirit of cooperation to resolve long-standing challenges such as capacity constraints, lack of transparency and limited inter-jurisdictional […]
Canada should follow U.S. lead with supply chain czar, say exporters
A supply chain crisis across a transportation sector as diverse as Canada’s needs a dedicated supply chain commissioner with “the power to convene” sector leaders, according to a representative of a coalition of agriculture organizations and exporters. To address Canada’s supply chain crisis, the federal government announced plans to develop a supply chain task force, […]
MPs yet to take advantage of increased transparency in trade negotiation process
MPs on the House Committee for International Trade have yet to take advantage of a greater oversight role by studying three upcoming trade negotiations. International Trade Minister Mary Ng (Markham-Thornhill, Ont.) has tabled notices of intent to enter trade negotiations with the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Trade objectives […]
Taiwanese accession to CPTPP would be a win for Canada
The Asia-Pacific is a powerhouse of global economic growth, making it a region of critical importance to Canadian trade and investment. Canada has demonstrated a strong commitment to the region by working closely with key organizations there, strengthening its relationship with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and pursuing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the […]
In a NAFTA renegotiation team reunion, Freeland’s Finance Department adds Steve Verheul
The pair that is credited with saving Canada’s North American trade pact are reuniting in the Finance Department, as the chief negotiator of the new NAFTA, Steve Verheul, has joined Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s department. Widely praised across the partisan divide, Verheul has been called the “architect” and “brain” of Canada’s trade agenda. He left […]
