SNC-Lavalin affair distracts feds’ attention from China dispute, say analysts
The SNC-Lavalin controversy is reducing the federal government’s bandwidth to respond to the ongoing diplomatic dispute between Canada and China, say two professors who study the Asian country. University of British Columbia professor Paul Evans and Brock University professor Charles Burton debated each other on whether China is Canada’s friend or foe today at the […]
Trudeau team’s legacy on agriculture will be market access gains, says Minister Bibeau
After four years in government, the Trudeau Liberals’ biggest enduring legacy on Canada’s agricultural sector will be increased market access abroad, says newly appointed Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s (Papineau, Que.) government has ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will open market access in 11 countries. It […]
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
