Canada's envoy for combatting antisemitism Deborah Lyons leaving post early
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Global News
an hour ago
- Global News
Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu eyes new markets, smaller trade delegations
Ottawa's new trade minister says he's looking to sign deals in South America, Southeast Asia, Africa and beyond — and to convince businesses to actually use the trade agreements Canada has already signed. 'My primary role as Canada's top salesman is to be out there hustling, opening doors for businesses and accessing new markets,' Maninder Sidhu told The Canadian Press. 'My phone has been ringing with opportunities because people want to deal with reliable, stable trading partners.' Prime Minister Mark Carney has tasked Dominic LeBlanc as minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade. Sidhu's job focuses on countries other than the U.S. Export Development Canada says Ottawa has 15 free trade agreements covering 51 countries, offering Canadian exporters preferential access to over 1.5 billion consumers. But Sidhu said Canadian businesses could be doing a lot more to look beyond the U.S., particularly as Washington threatens and imposes a range of tariffs. Story continues below advertisement Sidhu served four years as a parliamentary secretary in roles reflecting all three branches of Global Affairs Canada: aid, trade and diplomacy. The job saw him represent Canada in trade promotion events in Southeast Asia and security forums in the Caribbean. Sidhu worked as a customs broker before politics — a job that focuses on navigating red tape and tariffs to secure the best rate for trading goods. Sidhu said he plans to visit Brazil soon as the South American country seeks to revive trade talks that kicked off in 2018 between the Mercosur trade bloc and Canada. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy His predecessor Mary Ng put an emphasis on large trade missions which took months to plan. The minister would sometimes fill a plane with corporate and business leaders, spending a substantial chunk of time in one or two countries. Sidhu said he is hoping to bring smaller delegations of companies with him on his trips abroad, with a focus on specific sectors, 'whether it's South America, Indo-Pacific to Europe, to Africa.' 'Businesses feel like they're heard, but they're also getting higher-level meetings on the opposite side in the countries that we take them into,' he said. Ottawa is navigating its trade ties with China as the two countries work to revive the decades-old Joint Economic and Trade Commission, a forum to sort out trade irritants. Story continues below advertisement China has been roundly accused of engaging in coercive trade practices and of restricting certain commodities or services like tourism during political disagreements with Ottawa. Sidhu said the goal there is to offer 'stability' to industry, with an emphasis on 'how do we work through those challenges, and how do we make sure that those conversations are facilitated.' Sidhu also downplayed the chances of a bilateral trade deal with the United Kingdom. Trade talks collapsed last year over the U.K.'s desire to sell more cheese in Canada and after Britain blocked Canadian hormone-treated beef. Both countries are using a temporary deal put in place after Britain left the European Union, and the U.K. will soon enter a trade bloc that focuses on the Pacific Rim, Sidhu noted. He said Canada would still be open to a full deal. 'If U.K. and Canadian businesses already have access on 99 per cent of the items that we trade, then if we're looking at trade agreements, we need to make sure that we're getting the best value for our negotiations,' Sidhu said. He also said Canada could consider 'sector-specific agreements' with other countries, instead of comprehensive deals that span most industries. 'We are getting very creative in how we can open up more doors,' he said. Story continues below advertisement Sidhu did not name specific countries where Canada might pursue sector-specific agreements. Canada had been looking at a trade agreement with India that would be limited to certain sectors — before Ottawa suspended talks in 2023 following an assassination the RCMP has linked to New Delhi. Ottawa launched security talks with India this spring and agreed to re-establish high commissioners. Sidhu was circumspect when asked when Canada might re-establish trade talks with India. 'This is a step-by-step approach,' he said, adding that the eventual return of top envoys will help 'to carry out those very important conversations.' Sidhu said Global Affairs Canada is still sorting out how Carney's decision to cut spending in all departments will affect the trade branch. 'It's really going to be a focused approach, of where we can make the best impact,' Sidhu said. The Business Council of Canada has urged Ottawa to expand the number of trade commissioners, who provide the contacts on the ground for Canadian companies looking for export opportunities. While Sidhu did not say whether Ottawa's cuts will mean fewer trade commissioners, he said he's heard a clear message from chambers of commerce that these positions are extremely valuable. 'It comes down to return on investments, what programs are working (and) where can we get the best bang for our buck for Canadian industry and Canadian workers,' he said. Story continues below advertisement 'A lot of the business community doesn't even know that (the Trade Commissioner Service) is there to help. And so my job is to help amplify that.'
Winnipeg Free Press
4 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu eyes new markets, smaller trade delegations
OTTAWA – Ottawa's new trade minister says he's looking to sign deals in South America, Southeast Asia, Africa and beyond — and to convince businesses to actually use the trade agreements Canada has already signed. 'My primary role as Canada's top salesman is to be out there hustling, opening doors for businesses and accessing new markets,' Maninder Sidhu told The Canadian Press. 'My phone has been ringing with opportunities because people want to deal with reliable, stable trading partners.' Prime Minister Mark Carney has tasked Dominic LeBlanc as minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade. Sidhu's job focuses on countries other than the U.S. Export Development Canada says Ottawa has 15 free trade agreements covering 51 countries, offering Canadian exporters preferential access to over 1.5 billion consumers. But Sidhu said Canadian businesses could be doing a lot more to look beyond the U.S., particularly as Washington threatens and imposes a range of tariffs. Sidhu served four years as a parliamentary secretary in roles reflecting all three branches of Global Affairs Canada: aid, trade and diplomacy. The job saw him represent Canada in trade promotion events in Southeast Asia and security forums in the Caribbean. Sidhu worked as a customs broker before politics — a job that focuses on navigating red tape and tariffs to secure the best rate for trading goods. Sidhu said he plans to visit Brazil soon as the South American country seeks to revive trade talks that kicked off in 2018 between the Mercosur trade bloc and Canada. His predecessor Mary Ng put an emphasis on large trade missions which took months to plan. The minister would sometimes fill a plane with corporate and business leaders, spending a substantial chunk of time in one or two countries. Sidhu said he is hoping to bring smaller delegations of companies with him on his trips abroad, with a focus on specific sectors, 'whether it's South America, Indo-Pacific to Europe, to Africa.' 'Businesses feel like they're heard, but they're also getting higher-level meetings on the opposite side in the countries that we take them into,' he said. Ottawa is navigating its trade ties with China as the two countries work to revive the decades-old Joint Economic and Trade Commission, a forum to sort out trade irritants. China has been roundly accused of engaging in coercive trade practices and of restricting certain commodities or services like tourism during political disagreements with Ottawa. Sidhu said the goal there is to offer 'stability' to industry, with an emphasis on 'how do we work through those challenges, and how do we make sure that those conversations are facilitated.' Sidhu also downplayed the chances of a bilateral trade deal with the United Kingdom. Trade talks collapsed last year over the U.K.'s desire to sell more cheese in Canada and after Britain blocked Canadian hormone-treated beef. Both countries are using a temporary deal put in place after Britain left the European Union, and the U.K. will soon enter a trade bloc that focuses on the Pacific Rim, Sidhu noted. He said Canada would still be open to a full deal. 'If U.K. and Canadian businesses already have access on 99 per cent of the items that we trade, then if we're looking at trade agreements, we need to make sure that we're getting the best value for our negotiations,' Sidhu said. He also said Canada could consider 'sector-specific agreements' with other countries, instead of comprehensive deals that span most industries. 'We are getting very creative in how we can open up more doors,' he said. Sidhu did not name specific countries where Canada might pursue sector-specific agreements. Canada had been looking at a trade agreement with India that would be limited to certain sectors — before Ottawa suspended talks in 2023 following an assassination the RCMP has linked to New Delhi. Ottawa launched security talks with India this spring and agreed to re-establish high commissioners. Sidhu was circumspect when asked when Canada might re-establish trade talks with India. 'This is a step-by-step approach,' he said, adding that the eventual return of top envoys will help 'to carry out those very important conversations.' Sidhu said Global Affairs Canada is still sorting out how Carney's decision to cut spending in all departments will affect the trade branch. 'It's really going to be a focused approach, of where we can make the best impact,' Sidhu said. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. The Business Council of Canada has urged Ottawa to expand the number of trade commissioners, who provide the contacts on the ground for Canadian companies looking for export opportunities. While Sidhu did not say whether Ottawa's cuts will mean fewer trade commissioners, he said he's heard a clear message from chambers of commerce that these positions are extremely valuable. 'It comes down to return on investments, what programs are working (and) where can we get the best bang for our buck for Canadian industry and Canadian workers,' he said. 'A lot of the business community doesn't even know that (the Trade Commissioner Service) is there to help. And so my job is to help amplify that.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 3, 2025.
National Post
4 hours ago
- National Post
Letters: Mark Carney 'on wrong side of history' with Palestine declaration
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Readers fume over the PM's Palestine statement, have more to say about the hockey trial, and wish for less news about Justin Trudeau Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand listens as Prime Minister Mark Carney announces that Canada will recognize a State of Palestine in September, providing the Palestinian Authority makes significant reforms and holds an election in 2026. Photo by Dave Chan / AFP THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events. Unlimited online access to National Post. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events. Unlimited online access to National Post. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Prime Minister Mark Carney's recognizing a Palestinian state has nothing to do with supporting the people of Gaza. It has everything to do with destroying Canada's relationship with Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East and a long-time ally. His overriding bias against Israel seems to determine all his decisions regarding the war initiated by Hamas. Carney claiming that he will recognize a Palestinian state is simply shameful posturing for political gain. It is a gesture without real meaning since there has been no discussion re borders or leadership or governance. Without any structure in place, what is there to recognize? This newsletter tackles hot topics with boldness, verve and wit. (Subscriber-exclusive edition on Fridays) By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again Carney may think the world will view his posturing in front of the UN as a demonstration of strong leadership. He is mistaken. To abandon an ally that is fighting the threat of total destruction is not leadership, it is cowardice. To ignore the horrors perpetuated by Hamas and its followers is unforgivable. To blame all the suffering in Gaza on Israel is immoral and irresponsible. Future Canadians will judge Carney as being 'on the wrong side of history.' Mark Carney and his illiberal liberal government are displaying an appalling lack of understanding of history in their rush to recognize Palestinian statehood, and in so doing are destroying the values that have served Canada well throughout much of our history. The reality is that the Palestinians have been offered a two-state solution on multiple occasions, and on each and every occasion, they have declined the offer. This is because Hamas and their predecessors have no interest in peace. They seek the total eradication of Israel. Thousands of Canadian soldiers paid the ultimate price in two world wars, the Korean War and Afghanistan to protect democracy from totalitarianism. They must be spinning in their graves with a Canadian government destroying our values of peace, order, good government and respect by kowtowing to murderers and terrorists. There is no indication that Canada's willingness to reward terrorists with statehood will bring peace in our time. Gordon S. Clarry, Etobicoke, Ont. The criminal justice system employed in Canada has evolved rules and principles over centuries. The process has been tested countless times by educated and specialized individuals. The result is the most just system in the world for generating the truth of a situation or circumstances. Is it perfect? No, but within the confines of the human experience it is as close to being perfect as we can achieve. It is trusted by millions of people in western democracies around the world. This advertisement has not loaded yet. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Why then do NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the league take the position that they will now conduct their own review of the case and the players' acquittals? These five hockey players, like others in the professional ranks, likely became serious about being athletes at a young age. They will have put in more than a decade of discipline and dedication to rigorous physical conditioning and good nutritional habits, and most of all they will have forgone the fun of growing up unfettered with their non-athlete friends. The NHL does not deserve to play by its own rules in this case and should accept the exoneration by the justice system as final, and allow these young men to continue to compete for inclusion on NHL hockey teams. Robert Garrett, Chemainus, B.C. What can't be ignored by any analysis of this case, is that the five men accused and then acquitted, all admitted to participating in the degradation of another human being, regardless of whether that person was a willing participant or not. By admitting their participation to this obscenity, they've debased themselves to the point where any redemption must be hard earned. In my opinion, resuming a multimillion-dollar career doesn't count. Paul Baumberg, Dead Man's Flats, Alta. Writing about the unusual rules for the Battle River-Crowfoot byelection — where instead of marking an 'X' beside a candidate's name, the elector must write the candidate's name — Chris Selley may have inadvertently left the incorrect impression that some sort of literacy test has been introduced when he wrote, 'If you can read the candidate's name, you ought to be able to write it down as well.' In fact, if you can't read the name, or you can't write the name, you can bring along somebody who can to help you with either task, who will be sworn to secrecy to assist you, or a sworn elections official can assist you, confidentially. Justice was done In the case of the man sentenced to 60 days house arrest for threatening 'to kill as many Jews as possible' to a car salesman in private. What your article did not say about Waisuddin Akbari's sentence is that Justice Edward Prutschi, a devoted Jew, supporter of Israel and respected judge, also sentenced Akbari to the maximum of three years probation allowed for a summary offence. Akbari, moreover, must undertake antisemitism counselling; he is not to go within 200 metres of a place where Jews knowingly congregate; he is prohibited from possessing any weapons; and he is now in a DNA data bank. Akbari, furthermore, now has a criminal record that will mark him for years to come, not to mention the internet trail of his crime. Justice Prutschi, in his decision, quoted from community impact statements submitted by Jewish community organizations writing eloquently regarding the scourge of Jew-hatred in Canada. Is Akbari's sentence justice? Justice isn't decided by those aggrieved of the crime. That is vengeance. Would I, as a Jew, have liked to see the proverbial book thrown at Akbari? Yes. But it wasn't my decision. If the Crown thinks Justice Prutschi was too soft, then the sentence can be appealed. But the Crown won't because the sentence, in all the circumstances, was just. Justin Trudeau's dating life and vacations are newsworthy? The clownish and vacuous Trudeau resigned from politics after wearing out his welcome with pretty well everyone. Despite his craving for attention, he merits taking a quiet retirement. So do we. Charles Mackay, Saint Eustache, Que. For what it's worth, I have absolutely no desire to be kept up to date regarding what pop star our former prime minister has been seen with or where he chose to vacation with his children. I have even less desire to be confronted with his sanctimonious, grinning visage leering back at me from my newspaper first thing in the morning. Ten years of being regularly subjected to this vacuous idiot was more than enough! Canada — including all its political parties — has made a golden calf to worship out of dairy cows. In his column, Andrew Richter points out that approximately 10,000 dairy farmers with relatively high incomes are the sole beneficiaries of dairy supply management at significant cost to all Canadian families of about $600 per year — which hits disadvantaged families the hardest. This bizarre pampering of a farming elite concentrated in Quebec and Ontario seems like wilful ignorance. Leftist voters suddenly prioritize wealthy dairy farmers over those with much lower incomes? Conservative voters suddenly find government control of an essential foodstuff, which hikes prices, a good thing? 'Elbows up' Canadians show hypocrisy and shortsightedness bewailing threatened tariffs while supporting barring competition from America and Europe that would lower dairy prices for consumers (and maybe get us less waxy butter). Indeed, our supply management for dairy is a heavy anchor presently hampering Canada's negotiators for fair trade agreements. Continued favouritism to a farming elite in central Canada should not be a hill to die on, unlike what our unthinking Parliament has just signed into law. Jamie Sarkonak demands adult punishment for a minor to protect society, appealing to tough-on-crime sensibilities. Punishing the guilty feels like a clear fix to serve and protect society from bad people. But this narrow focus on heinous youth crimes misses the law's spirit: safeguarding everyone's rights. Public outrage shouldn't dictate sentences. The law's brilliance lies in its remarkable fact-checker — reasonable doubt. Historically, treating youth differently in criminal justice marks moral progress. Those who call to bend the rule of law to public anger or politicians' whims risk regressing to mob justice. If legislators swayed by outrage prevailed, Canada might still have capital punishment. It doesn't. The Canadian Paediatric Society (2016) confirms youth are more likely to be rehabilitated than adults, supporting distinct sentencing. Remember that the rule of law serves your self-interest when it treats everyone fairly. Protecting the rights of others — especially young offenders whose minds are still forming —protects you. One sentencing error, fixable through parole, is better than sweeping injustice condemning all youth. Revenge isn't justice. In 1988, our first son was born, and I returned to university. He had severe asthma. No daycare would accept him. No Canadians wanted this nanny job. We hired a fantastic Filipina Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW). She has held steady employment ever since and is now a Canadian citizen. Our next child had asthma and required a colostomy at age Day 1. No daycare would accept her. So another TFW was hired as no Canadian carers could be found. Children of elderly parents often choose to have a carer in their parents' home rather than placement in a long-term care (LTC) facility. They are familiar with their own home and can keep a companion animal. This also avoids contact with other sick residents at an LTC home. Hiring a licensed carer from an agency (as opposed to a TFW) is expensive, the staff often change, and in my 95-year-old mother-in-law's home, someone stole her silverware set. As you know, caring for small children, the sick or infirm is not an easy job. Most Canadians don't want this kind of work. TFWs provide necessary manpower for jobs no Canadians want. We would also add that we have never exploited our much-needed helpers, nor would we ever do so. Carol and Keith Hult, Sherwood Park, Alta. Donald Savoie was right on when, in his interview with Amna Ahmad, he said we need more front-line government workers and they need to be given priority over behind-the-scenes bureaucrats dealing with policy and such. Example: the difficulty in contacting Canada Revenue Agency representatives by phone. One encounters full phone queues ('hang up and call again') or, if lucky enough to get in the queue, there is a long wait. Accountants report that contacting CRA is frustrating and greatly reduces their productivity. It's a national disgrace. Don Graham, Chemainus, B.C. Re: 'Mass immigration simply unsustainable' — Letters to the editor, July 27 Do we have a shortage of old people in Canada? Is that why the Liberals are trying to bring in 10,000 parents and grandparents of new Canadians into this country? Do we have a surplus of unused, under-utilized medical services or seniors' facilities that are sitting empty, to justify importing thousands of old people, who are likely never going to contribute in any meaningful way to the tax base, but whom that tax base will have to pay for? Can someone explain the logic here? Damian Kanarek, Whitby, Ont. National Post and Financial Post welcome letters to the editor (250 words or fewer). Please include your name, address and daytime phone number. Email letters@ Letters may be edited for length or clarity.
