We are too dependent on two of our top three customers: the U.S. and China. And both of these are increasingly hostile
Canada relies on exports. In any given year, about 45 per cent of our economy is in foreign trade. For much of the past, our exports have been mainly in the agriculture and resources sectors. These are still important, but services (think international education), manufactured goods (e.g. Lululemon clothing) and technology (e.g. the Canadarm robotic…
A clear road map to make our dairy sector more competitive is urgently needed as it faces more European imports
Canada's cheese processing sector faces some dramatic changes. We’ll soon find out who gets to import tasty, inexpensive European cheese under the newly-ratified Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union. There’s some debate about how farmers and cheesemakers should be compensated under CETA. But what should matter most is to whom Ottawa will grant…
As Canada integrates more and more into the global economy, it will matter to us less and less that the United States withdraws
One of the reasons the new president-elect in the United States is generating so much nervousness around the globe is the fear that he is not connected to the realities of how the global economic system works. For example, there is no such thing as a truly American car. Sure, there are cars with traditional…
The bad news is that the long roller-coaster ride over the trade deal with Europe isn't over – ratification may still hold some surprises
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is the right deal for Canada's economy now – and it's essential for the nation's future prosperity. The near-death experience of CETA, the trade deal between Canada and the European Union (EU), exposed the economic frailties of negotiating multi-boundary free-trade deals. The more countries around the table, the…
The influx of quality, affordable dairy products will force Canada’s dairy industry to redefine itself within a more competitive landscape
After meltdowns and temper tantrums, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) may finally be ratified. It's nothing short of a miracle and will bring about dramatic change in Canada. The path to a Canada-European Union trade deal has faced several roadblocks in recent months. CETA was initially about growth and prosperity, and how to facilitate more…
In an increasingly protectionist world, finding trade partners for agricultural products is difficult, although the benefit can be huge
Canada's new Liberal government is learning the hard way that in multilateral trade agreements, agriculture and food always create a recipe for contentious debates. Farmers in Belgium have stalled the European Union’s ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) by voting against it. Many other factions within France, Poland, Spain, Bulgaria and Austria…
A collection of labour organizations, environmentalists and other groups oppose CETA by ignoring the economic benefits
Riots against Canada – in Germany? Canadians like to think we are an example of how a country should be: peaceful, prosperous, democratic, clean and mainly green. We state proudly that the world needs more Canada, especially when compared to nations like Zimbabwe, Syria, Nigeria and other failed states facing tyranny, war, famine and disease. And if anyone demonstrated…
If CETA is ratified any time soon, and that is becoming more doubtful every day, agricultural issues will likely be left out
The Brexit vote has left Europe in a mess – and dealt a serious blow to Canada's trade prospects. The British pound is dropping, world markets are scrambling and most are wondering how the political establishment will address what appears to be a constitutional vacuum related to exiting member-states of the European Union. It speaks…
Britain's withdrawal from Europe may hurt Canada’s access to the much-larger European markets
Brexit is a game changer but how can one country’s decision to leave an economic union affect that nation, its former partners and the world, including Canada? Any real changes in trade conditions, labour mobility, etc., will take at least two years to define, negotiate and implement. But negative anticipation and uncertainty have already thrown…
Canada relies on exports. In any given year, about 45 per cent of our economy is in foreign trade. For much of the past, our exports have been mainly in the agriculture and resources sectors. These are still important, but services (think international education), manufactured goods (e.g. Lululemon clothing) and technology (e.g. the Canadarm robotic…
