Canada should expect ‘chaos,’ ‘uncertainty’ in long term after Boris Johnson’s leadership victory, say experts
Boris John’s victory in the contest to lead the United Kingdom is likely to lead to rising uncertainty and instability for Canada’s long-term relationship with the country, according to experts. “I think there will be a different tone and the level of uncertainty will rise,” Janice Stein, a professor at the Munk School of Global […]
With Canada’s election looming, sense of urgency growing over passage of new NAFTA, say Republican aides
As Canada inches closer to the upcoming federal election, some Republican staffers say there’s a growing impatience with the Democrats over their refusal to bring the new NAFTA to a vote in the House. “In my district, among farmers, there certainly is a sense of urgency,” said Republican staffer Debra Fansler, who works for Representative […]
This just in: U.S. Congressional district staffers coming to Canada to talk trade, immigration, Indigenous issues
Eight senior staffers from Democratic and Republican Congressional district offices will be in Ottawa on July 22 to discuss matters impacting the Canada-U.S. relationship. The staffers are district directors who represent members of Congress within the Congressional district in interactions with constituents, acting as intermediators between local interests and national policy. The district director study […]
Unemployment rate may be at a record low, but confidence in the future far short of a record high
TORONTO—It’s natural enough that in an election year when the unemployment rate is at a record low that the Trudeau government should feel a little boastful—and hope voters will reward them. But boasting wears thin and while the headline numbers look good, many Canadians nonetheless worry about their economic circumstances and fear future risks in […]
How robust are Canada, U.S. relations?
Senior Ottawa policymakers were undoubtedly shocked in the first months after the U.S. presidential election. Indeed, the Trudeau government has seen many of its global aspirations upset by Trump, from the Trans-Pacific Partnership to the Paris climate accord to the Iran nuclear deal, to say nothing about hopes for better relations with Washington. NAFTA renegotiations […]
No sign Canada ‘making inroads’ with China, strategy not working as Trudeau claims, say former diplomats
Canada should be taking more direct action against China instead of “turning the other cheek” and touting its record of getting other countries to advocate on its behalf with the superpower as the diplomatic row escalates, say former diplomats and experts. Charles Burton, former counsellor at the Canadian embassy in Beijing, said he’s “very concerned” […]
Renewed Canada-Israel trade deal cause for celebration
The recently concluded parliamentary session was packed with legislation. Amid the myriad of bills, one is worth highlighting as a case study in successful Canadian foreign policy: Bill C-85, which renewed and modernized the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. Many would be surprised to learn that Israel was the first country outside North America with which […]
In break with tradition, U.S. embassy to host Fourth of July party at NAC, as ambassador eyes new role
In a departure from years past, the U.S. embassy will be hosting its Fourth of July celebrations at the National Arts Centre, instead of its ambassador’s official residence on Thursday as it prepares to say farewell to Kelly Craft. Thursday’s bash at the NAC is themed Cajun Bayou Country and will feature southern cuisine—gumbo, Creole […]
G20 summit a chance for Canada to fiddle a new global tune while Trump continues to burn
This has been a particularly bad year for global harmony. We knew President Donald Trump was an inveterate gambler—a character flaw that led him into personal financial crises. However, now with his enhanced powers he seems to feel entitled to take on any and all supposed U.S. economic foes across the international community. A first […]
The misconception of Canada’s foreign aid generosity
Earlier this year, Statistics Canada reported that in 2017 there were 278,000 fewer children living below the poverty line, compared to 2015 when the Liberals took office. Through policy measures, including the introduction of the Canada Child Benefit, the Liberal government has done some admirable work in reducing poverty in this country. For this, credit […]
