How Conservative Party of Canada can recover its soul: look to the past
OTTAWA—Since Oct. 21 questions have been flying about the Conservative Party of Canada—what does it stand for, what will be its policies, and, most importantly, will it be relevant to the hopes and dreams of Canadians in the 21st century? These are questions best left to the new leader of the party as she or […]
Conservatives not prepared to ‘buy a pig in the poke,’ want to see economic impact report for new NAFTA
Conservative members of a House of Commons committee want to see the economic impact assessment of the new NAFTA before their study of the bill to implement the updated pact ends, while government officials say the report should be finished in the “near future.” In response to a question from Conservative MP Ed Fast (Abbotsford, […]
Taiwan president’s re-election could signal diplomatic shift in China: analysts
The re-election of Taiwan’s president over her pro-Beijing rival has some China analysts concerned it could cause the superpower to shift gears with the self-ruled island, while Canada’s own diplomatic troubles with China prompt questions about Canada’s approach in the region. With Tsai Ing-wen entering her second term with 57 per cent support in the […]
When it comes to climate policies, Conservative leadership contenders need to move beyond criticism
OTTAWA—It was disappointing, but not surprising, that the leading candidates for the leadership of the Conservative Party came out with the predictable language about tearing up “Justin Trudeau’s carbon tax.” Both Peter MacKay and Erin O’Toole were quick to make this point. Clearly, they are taking the view that in order to win the current […]
While Canada holds course on the trade front, the U.K. sheds a half-century of history for the unknown
OTTAWA—It can’t go unremarked that the United Kingdom ended 47 years of liberalized trade ties to Europe two days after the Canadian Parliament began debating ratification of a new and revised free-trade agreement with the United States. U.K. citizens have cast themselves off into an unknown future that could mean many years of economic decline, […]
Opposition MPs will do ‘due diligence’ on new NAFTA bill as Liberals urge quick passage
Opposition MPs say they will do their “due diligence” on the new Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement implementation bill, while the Liberals are encouraging Parliamentarians to pass the legislation “swiftly” and “without undue delay.” Mexico and the United States have already passed implementing legislation for the agreement. When Canada does so, it will trigger the beginning of […]
Don’t go down ‘rabbit hole’ in Trade Committee’s study of new NAFTA implementation bill, warn trade experts
As the bill to implement the new NATFA moves towards a committee study, trade experts warn against a marathon review of the pact, which they say could lead to greater uncertainty for the Canadian economy. A bill to implement the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—known as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) north of the border—will be […]
Afghan envoy fills two-year Ottawa vacancy with focus on trade, investment
After two years without an ambassador in Canada, Afghanistan’s new envoy, Mohammad Hassan Soroosh Yousufzai, says he plans to pick up efforts on trade and investment, while also changing impressions of his country as one defined by conflict. Cultural diplomacy and public relations are also important pillars of his work, said Mr. Soroosh, noting a […]
Three trends to watch in 2020, and cases of déjà-vu
Canada just entered a new decade in 2020, but there are several unsolved challenges that we’ll have to deal with over the coming years. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change are key concerns; an aging population will pressure health care and labour markets, stresses that have already become evident across Canada; and, […]
Trump, who built U.S. trade policy on a lie, leaves Americans hanging with China
OTTAWA—Caught in the middle of the U.S.-China trade war launched by Donald Trump, a California business owner grew increasingly frustrated by the way the U.S. president portrayed the conflict to Americans. “China is paying for the tariffs like Mexico is paying for the wall,” said bumper stickers the business owner had made up last year. […]
