Feds have yet to make agreed-upon changes giving Parliament greater oversight over trade deals
Despite saying it would abide by agreed-upon provisions to give Parliamentarians more oversight on trade deals, the Liberal government has yet to amend its official policy on tabling trade bills in Parliament. Those provisions include tabling notice of the government’s intent to enter into free trade negotiations in the House of Commons 90 days before […]
We must curb the wildlife trade to prevent future pandemics
TORONTO—While we look forward to the future and immunity to COVID-19, a vaccine won’t stop a pandemic from happening again. To prevent another global health and economic crisis, we must look back at how this virus emerged. It is widely acknowledged that a wildlife market in Wuhan, China, played a significant role in the outbreak […]
Freeland continues role overseeing Canada-U.S. file as Ng takes reigns of new NAFTA implementation act
While International Trade Minister Mary Ng has gained responsibility for the implementation law of the new NAFTA, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland remains the cabinet minister responsible for overseeing the ever-important Canada-U.S. relationship. Ms. Freeland has carefully stick-handled the new NAFTA through all phases of negotiations and implementation, but now that the trade pact came […]
Trudeau’s position on Meng Wanzhou shifting in the wrong direction
The prime minister is shifting his position on the possible release of Meng Wanzhou in exchange for the release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. The shift occurred when he responded, during his regular morning press conference, to a public appeal by the family of Kovrig and a letter from Canadians experienced in such matters. […]
New NAFTA comes into force after months of testy renegotiations, but ‘disruptions’ will need to be addressed
After months of trade talks, political wrangling, and waiting, the new NAFTA is now a reality, but the coming weeks and months will have “disruptions” as exporters adjust to new trade rules, say trade observers. Dating back to 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to discard the pact that had been influencing North American trade […]
Backroom, Capitol Hill lobbying key to fighting possible return of tariffs, says MP Wayne Easter
As a report suggests that the U.S. is considering reimposing national security tariffs on Canadian aluminum exports, the Canadian co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group said Ottawa should persuade American officials against taking trade action away from the public eye, and should continue its outreach efforts to members of the U.S. House of Representatives and […]
Canada’s future workforce must be truly diverse and highly skilled at problem-solving
Last month, thousands of Canadian students graduated and will have to face quickly changing workforce realities. For policy makers, parents, and teachers, the “new normal” workplace and evolving labour demands should make them question if our current system is geared towards teaching young people the most relevant skills, in the most effective ways. As we contemplate the future of skills development, […]
Politics isn’t as far from extradition cases as politicians say it is
Four years ago, two Canadians were brutally murdered in the jungles of the southern Philippines. John Ridsdel and Robert Hall were captured in late 2015 by the terrorist group, Abu Sayyat and, along with others, held for ransom. They were executed a few months later when it became apparent a ransom would not be paid. Others kidnapped […]
Canada in wait-and-see mode as clock ticks down on trade agreement with the U.K.
With the months ticking away until Canada is without a free trade framework with the United Kingdom, trade experts say Canada will have to wait until its post-Brexit transition period ends before work can move forward on a free trade pact, but one says there needs to be a new bilateral trade agreement in place […]
Threat of tariffs reflect ‘protectionist’ attitudes of Trump administration, says Duclos
The Trump administration’s reported threat to re-introduce tariffs on aluminium imports from Canada is a reflection of “protectionist” approaches that could be more common in a post COVID-19 world, says Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos. Speaking to reporters on June 23 at the government’s daily briefing, Mr. Duclos (Quebec, Que.) would not confirm how realistic […]
