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 […]
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 […]
