Managing economic tightrope a make-or-break factor for October
OTTAWA—Embroiled in an uncertain Ontario election campaign back in 2011, then-premier Dalton McGuinty observed: “The polls tell us I’m not the most popular guy in the country. I accept that.” But McGuinty went on to win that election by keeping the focus on the Liberals’ commitment to a moderately activist role in promoting economic growth […]
Canada’s détente with China useful leverage in UN Security Council seat bid
Isn’t it ironic that after close to 50 years of efforts to nurture Canada-China diplomatic relations, Canada can’t arrange meetings and phone calls at the leader’s level to discuss contentious bilateral issues? No, it is not, and it does not deserve any knee-jerk reactions, despite what some folks may be tempted to suggest either in […]
Liberals getting ‘homework’ done on new NAFTA before passage in U.S. and Mexico, but NDP say bill being rushed
Ahead of the looming October election, the NDP is charging the government with rushing passage of the new NAFTA implementation bill, but the Liberal chair of the House Trade Committee counters that “homework” is being done to prepare Canada for potential ratification of the deal by the United States. Bill C-100 was introduced on May […]
The truth about China-U.S. trade consultations
China recently released its position on the China-U.S. economic and trade consultations. The white paper elaborates on China’s perspectives on the impact of the trade frictions between the two countries, noting several occasions of U.S. backtracking, and the principles that China abides by in consultations, responding to the international community’s attention to major issues in […]
Liberal backers want to implement new NAFTA now, but Conservative supporters want to wait until after looming election, poll suggests
Canadians are split over when to implement the renegotiated NAFTA, a new poll suggests. A Forum Research poll suggested that 51 per cent of Canadians think the new NAFTA—formally called the USMCA or CUSMA in Canada—should be implemented now, while 49 per cent say the implementation should wait until after the upcoming federal election. Support […]
Grief is not an easy path, but it doesn’t have to be walked alone
OTTAWA—When I was a teenager, my 80-year-old grandfather told me “the hardest part about growing old is burying your friends.” The most striking loss he faced was the death of a friend who had been an Olympic gold medal winner, whom he thought would outlive him. But I came to believe I would not have […]
Departing Chinese ambassador on career ‘fast-track,’ rhetoric worsened relations, say former diplomats
Lu Shaye’s short stint in Canada suggests the politically connected outgoing Chinese ambassador is on a career fast-track, according to former Canadian diplomats who say Mr. Lu’s departure could be a positive shift in the chilly status quo. But not everyone thinks a vacancy at the Chinese Embassy means it’s a chance to hit the […]
“The renegotiated NAFTA deal still needs to be ratified by Parliament. Is there time left to get it done?”
Cameron Ahmad Liberal strategist “In 2015, Canadians told us they wanted real change. Inherent to this was the understanding that we would take a proactive approach to the economy, and create new opportunities for Canadians at home and abroad. When Canada, the United States, and Mexico signed the new NAFTA agreement this past November, we […]
Increase focus on cultural diplomacy, Senate committee says
Global Affairs Canada should take the lead in improving Canada’s cultural profile in a bid to enhance the country’s soft power, according to a report released Tuesday from the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee. The committee released a report, titled “Cultural Diplomacy at the Front Stage of Canada’s Foreign Policy,” which calls on the government to […]
Liberals prepared to sit on trade bill, recall Parliament in summer if needed; some Senators warn Bill C-100 shouldn’t be rushed in Upper Chamber
The government is prepared to sit on its bill to implement Canada’s trade agreement with the United States and Mexico until those countries are ready to ratify the deal, even if it means letting it stay in the House after Parliament rises for the summer, and recalling federal lawmakers before Parliament is dissolved for the […]
