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 […]
‘We should respect each other’: South Africa says notification not given before travel ban imposed
It’s not just the decision to implement a controversial travel ban on southern African nations, which since has been revoked, but the way in which Canada went about announcing the plan, that irked South Africa’s envoy in Ottawa. Outgoing South African High Commissioner Sibongiseni Dlamini-Mntambo said she learned that Ottawa was imposing the ban not […]
Shifting trade away from the U.S. never more urgent
OTTAWA—Reducing Canada’s economic dependence on the United States by diversifying trade away from the U.S. to what the federal government now calls “overseas” markets has been an on-and-off response to American protectionism going back as far as you want to look. Promoting such a shift in sales focus among would-be Canadian exporters, for example, was […]
Expect continuity in Canada’s foreign policy and national security corridors after DM shuffle: analysts
While two new principal national security and foreign policy advisers to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are starting in the Privy Council Office as part of an immense shuffle in the senior civil service, no sharp policy turns are expected. The shuffle of 18 senior public servants announced on Jan. 5—coupled with the retirement of 10 […]
Canada rolls the dice and engages Congress on subsidies for zero-emission vehicles
In early December, Canada mounted a “diplomatic blitz” on Capitol Hill, asking Congress to reject provisions of the Biden Build Back Better (BBB) legislation that violate provisions of the new NAFTA. There’s ample precedent for Canada engaging Congress when administrations—Democratic or Republican—disregard U.S. legal obligations or ignore the reality of our heavily integrated economies. This […]
Forthcoming Indo-Pacific strategy will be a ‘great vehicle’ for Canada-South Korea co-operation, says envoy
One of the country’s key Pacific regional partners is looking forward to seeing Canada’s highly anticipated Indo-Pacific strategy. South Korean Ambassador Chang Keung Ryong said he is “certain” that there will be “considerable room for co-operation” between Canada and South Korea on “many fronts” as part of the strategy. “Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, once it is […]
With mounting trade irritants and looming negotiations, the House Trade Committee faces a ‘time crunch’
A multitude of trade irritants and soon-to-start trade negotiations has left the House Committee on International Trade, which has had one meeting in the six months, with much on its docket while it breaks for Parliament’s winter break. The committee met for the first time in the 44th Parliament on Dec. 13—the first meeting since […]
Feds dive deeper into NAFTA playbook with retaliatory trade threats over looming EV tax credit
With Canada threatening the U.S. with retaliatory tariffs and the suspension of some concessions agreed to in the new NAFTA, it’s back to the old playbook for the federal government. On Dec. 10, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland (University-Rosedale, Ont.) and International Trade Minister Mary Ng (Markham-Thornhill, Ont.) sent a letter to […]
