Canada must engage with China to resolve canola impasse, say trade observers
It’s time the Canadian government find a way to engage with China to protect its canola industry, say a former diplomat and stakeholder group, after the Asian country scrapped the export permit for one of Canada’s largest canola processors in the midst of a broader diplomatic spat. China is blocking Winnipeg-based Richardson International’s oilseed after […]
Senate Ag Committee to weigh in on how to boost competitiveness of value-added food sector
When I was summoned to the Senate just over a year ago, I brought with me many years of experience in the agriculture and rural sectors. I have been fortunate to be able to use that experience to contribute to the work of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (AGFO). Our committee has […]
How Canada can cope with Chinese market access roadblocks to agriculture
China’s recent cancellation of Winnipeg-based Richardson International’s canola seed registration reminds Canadian businesses, once again, of the unique risks and unpredictability of the Chinese market. As the Canadian Food Inspection Agency deals with the specifics of this latest issue, it is important for Canada to focus on longer-term policy solutions to address the periodic agricultural […]
Let’s not forget what sparked the SNC-Lavalin affair
OTTAWA—Almost lost in the media storm surrounding the resignation of former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould, sparked by allegations that she faced political pressure from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office, is the timeline of events surrounding the alleged infractions that sparked the controversy. Yes, we are all aware that Quebec-based engineering giant SNC-Lavalin was lobbying Trudeau’s […]
It’s time for a green new deal down on the farm
The agriculture policy of the 21st century must focus on producing healthy food, providing fair incomes for farm families and creating thriving rural communities while protecting natural ecosystems. It is possible to promote resilience in agriculture so that it addresses climate change and is capable of adapting to the economic and environmental shocks of an […]
Bibeau a ‘surprise’ in ag role, but presents chance to ‘go to bat’ for sector, say observers
Marie-Claude Bibeau’s appointment as the new agriculture and agri-food minister came as a surprise to the agriculture community, stakeholders say, but they note that as an MP hailing from a riding full of dairy farmers, she has been a “good voice” for supply-managed industries. Ms. Bibeau was unexpectedly shuffled to the file on March 1, […]
Liberal response to Chinese canola dispute another example of agriculture file failure
Canadian-grown canola is an essential part of Canada’s agriculture sector. According to the Canola Council of Canada, 90 per cent of canola grown in Canada is exported as seed, oil, or meal to 50 markets around the world. Approximately 40 per cent of those exports go to China, a market valued at more than $3.5-billion […]
Agriculture
Brexit continuously shows us international laws are not as stable as we thought
WATERLOO, ONT.—As the world watches Brexit unfold from afar, they must shudder in recognition of potential issues closer to home. Brexit shows us that the web of international treaties that binds nations together is more complex and less stable than we might ever have imagined. North Americans need only recall the uncertainty generated by candidate […]
Tensions with China highlight need to work with Indo-Pacific states with shared values: analyst
Canada can seize on great economic opportunity in the fast-growing Indo-Pacific region, but by boosting partnerships there the country also risks alienating China, according to academics and diplomats with interests in the region speaking at a panel discussion this week in Ottawa. “It is a fair risk that we have to look at and manage […]
