Latest news with #CarletonUniversity
a day ago
- Business
Ottawa avoided a trade setback. But Trump could come for supply management next
Dreams do come true. U.S. President Donald Trump wished for Canada's tax on U.S. tech companies to disappear on Friday, and by Sunday, it had (new window) . Mostly, there was a sense of surprise that the federal government would play such a valuable card this soon. The digital services tax (DST), which Ottawa was supposed to start collecting on Monday, was unpopular with the U.S. government and the tech giants it targeted — Meta and Amazon, for example — and, conveniently, was not especially liked by business groups (new window) at home. By quashing it, Canadian negotiators paid a kind of toll on the road to a trade deal with the U.S. — in that it kept talks rolling. But the move could back Canada against the wall on the far thornier issue of supply management. I think we can expect that they will be coming after us on [supply management] as well, because it has been a longstanding irritant, said Fen Hampson, a professor of international affairs and a co-chair of the expert group on Canada-U.S. relations at Carleton University in Ottawa. Trump has long objected to (new window) Canada's supply-managed dairy system, complaining about what he characterizes as high tariff rates on U.S. dairy exports to Canada (more on that later). He made it an issue leading up to the 2018 negotiation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), but ultimately allowed that free trade deal to pass without addressing it. Now, Trump is back to making a stink about our cheese. He claimed on Friday that Canada has charged U.S. farmers a 400 per cent tariff for years on dairy products. WATCH | Why Trump hates dairy supply management: Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? How Canada's dairy supply management system works — and why Trump hates it Donald Trump is not a fan of Canada's dairy supply management system — repeatedly attacking it in his first term and going after it again as he prepares to return to the White House. CBC's Ellen Mauro meets concerned Canadian dairy farmers and explains why the system has the U.S. president-elect so riled up. But when it comes to dairy, Trump's wish won't come true so easily, thanks to the recently passed Bill C-202, which forbids supply management from being used as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations. The bill has been criticized because it potentially ties Ottawa's hands if the U.S. president issues an ultimatum aimed at Canadian dairy — by extension, threatening to disturb Parliament which has, since the federal election, mostly set aside partisan differences in the face of Trump's threats. The added difficulty has certainly registered with the White House, said Hampson. 'Tremendous' power Down south, the scrapped DST was hailed as a victory. Trump's trade representative Howard Lutnick thanked Canada for removing it, calling it a deal-breaker for any trade deal with the United States, while White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said removing the tax paved the way for to renew talks. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt seemed to gloat, saying that Carney caved to Trump's demands and that it was a mistake for Canada to promise the tax in the first place. WATCH | Carney says negotiations restarted: Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? Canada and U.S. restarted negotiations Monday morning, Carney says Prime Minister Mark Carney says he had a 'good' conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, and that the two leaders will keep working to reach a deal by July 21. The federal government scrapped the digital services tax over the weekend after Trump paused all trade talks. But if there was any indication of what's to come next, it was from Pete Hoekstra. The U.S. ambassador to Canada, speaking on CBC's Power & Politics on Monday evening, said he believes Carney would push Parliament to put supply management back on the table if a deal between the U.S. and Canada depended on it. I have a strong belief that if ... the prime minister and the president got to a trade agreement, and for whatever reason it included something that Parliament said 'You can't do that,' the prime minister probably could find a way to get Parliament to do [his] will, he said. Prime ministers and presidents, they've got a tremendous amount of power. If Trump really wanted to put economic pressure on Canada, he could try this exact same tactic and say, 'I'm going to walk away until supply management is gone,' said Asa McKercher, a professor at the Mulroney Institute at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.S. Trump's numerous claims about Canada's supply managed dairy systems are frequently inaccurate. High tariff rates on U.S. dairy only apply if exports exceed set quotas, and the U.S. has never come close to exceeding them (one U.S. dairy lobbying organization argues that this is because of the "protectionist measures (new window) " imposed by Canada). Below the quotas, U.S. dairy products are tariff-free under CUSMA. While Canada's dairy lobby welcomed (new window) C-202's passage, some agricultural industry leaders (new window) argue that it stifles their industries in favour of bolstering dairy, and gives the country little wiggle room (new window) should Trump come knocking for more concessions. I think the Carney government is now getting into a position where the rubber is really going to hit the road, said McKercher. If you've given in on the digital tax, is that a concession that Mr. Trump will see as a concession and accept, or will Mr. Trump continue to push Canada and say, well, now what about supply management? WATCH | Supply management 'off the table,' says Leblanc: Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? Canada's dairy supply management 'not negotiable' in trade war with U.S.: LeBlanc Chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton speaks with Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc about Canada's response to the trade war started by U.S. President Donald Trump. Plus, B.C. Premier David Eby on how his province is driving efforts to buy Canadian, and the Sunday Scrum discusses what it all means for Canadian politics. 'Existential' issue for Liberals He says this is dangerous territory, for the minority Carney government, which needs the support of other parties to pass its agenda. If the current government looks like it's going to introduce a bill threatening supply management, this could create a lot of political headaches. Bill C-202 was sponsored by Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet as a nod to the party's base in Quebec where the dairy farming industry is heavily concentrated. The Conservatives are also looking to expand in the province, while maintaining their rural base in Ontario. This is where the issue becomes existential for the political fortunes of Carney's Liberal government, said Hampson. So that's going to be a tough one. And I'm not sure there's really any way to square that circle if the Americans decide to go after us on it. Trade talks with U.S. resumed on Monday morning, says Carney (new window) With three weeks left until the July 21 deadline for a new Canada-U.S. trade deal, it's possible that talks between Trump and Carney will reach the finish line, says Lori Turnbull, a professor of political science at Dalhousie University. But with Trump upset about supply management, it's a question of is this going to be enough for him for a little while? How long? she said. Now that we've made a concession and Trump sees that as a win for him, is there an opportunity right now in this short period of time [where Canada can] move some things through where Trump feels like … a real free trade relationship and a new economic and security pact for Canada and the US is in the American's interest too. Jenna Benchetrit (new window) · CBC News
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt, Canada FMs discuss bilateral ties, regional developments - Foreign Affairs
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand discussed strengthening bilateral relations and recent regional developments in a phone call on Tuesday, one day after a conversation between President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The call, initiated by the Canadian side, marked Anand's first engagement with Egypt since her appointment to the position. Abdelatty congratulated her on the new role and expressed Egypt's interest in expanding economic and trade ties with Canada. He invited Canadian companies to invest in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and water resources. According to a statement from Egypt's Foreign Ministry, Abdelatty outlined recent government efforts to support the private sector and improve the country's investment climate. He also stressed the importance of building on the 12th round of political consultations between the two countries, which included an Egyptian business delegation's visit to Ottawa in April. That delegation, led by Assistant Foreign Minister for American Affairs, Ambassador Sameh Aboul-Enein, explored opportunities for economic cooperation, including expanding trade and investment partnerships. During the visit, officials presented details of Egypt's investment incentives and measures aimed at attracting foreign capital and boosting exports to Canada. The delegation also met with researchers and academics at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. The two ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East, with Abdelatty highlighting the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. He outlined Egypt's ongoing mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire, facilitate the release of captives and hostages, and enable the flow of humanitarian, medical, and relief aid into the Strip. Abdelatty also referenced Egypt's plans to host an international conference on Gaza's early recovery and reconstruction once a ceasefire is achieved. He reiterated Egypt's call for a political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the 4 June 1967 borders and the creation of an independent Palestinian state, warning that without such a framework, cycles of violence would continue. Abdelatty also stressed the importance of both Israel and Iran adhering to ceasefire agreements and urged regional and international powers to help de-escalate tensions and pursue diplomatic solutions. He reaffirmed Egypt's support for renewed negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. The conversation also included an exchange of views on conflicts in Libya, Sudan, and Yemen and concerns over Red Sea security. Canadian Foreign Minister Anand, for her part, praised Egypt's role in ceasefire negotiations and broader efforts to promote peace and security in the Middle East, describing Egypt as a 'cornerstone of regional stability.' Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Ottawa Citizen
2 days ago
- Health
- Ottawa Citizen
Carleton researchers testing Rideau River water to fill in ‘knowledge gap'
Article content When Banu Örmeci was approached by community members about conducting more water quality testing in the Rideau River, she was more than happy to oblige. Article content The Carleton University researcher said the City of Ottawa typically does water testing only at a handful of beaches that are mostly along the Ottawa River. She said this left a 'knowledge gap' she was willing to fill. Article content Article content Article content 'I understand that (the city) focuses on the beaches,' Örmeci said. 'But there is a need.' Article content Article content Along with colleague Richard Kibbe, Örmeci has been conducting weekly water testing along the Rideau River until the end of the summer. The sites they're sampling have included Manotick Mill, Brewer Park, Windsor Park, Brantwood Park and Springhurst Park. Article content The first sampling of each location took place on June 26. Each sampling at these locations scored very low counts of E. coli and met provincial water quality standards. Article content To meet these standards, E. coli counts must be below 200 E. coli per 100 millilitres of water. The highest count from the researchers' testing was 80. Article content 'We simply measure the water quality but we do not make any recommendations about the recreational safety of the water,' Örmeci said. Article content In a statement to the Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa Public Health said they do water quality testing at Mooney's Bay. The city recently came under fire for making the controversial decision to reduce the number of times it tests the water quality at beaches to once a week. Article content Article content A few weeks ago, the National Capital Commission opened Dow's Lake to swimming for the first time in more than a century. That water will be tested five times a week. Article content Article content Local residents who live along Rideau River, however, would like to see testing at more points along the water way. Rick Burrowes, who lives near Springhurst Park in Old Ottawa East, said there are several access points along the 146-kilometre river that residents often use to go kayaking, paddle-boarding or even the occasional swim. Article content Burrowes said while he has enjoyed swimming in the Rideau River, he wanted to know how safe it was. He felt that others were hesitant to join him, but that they would be more likely to do so if they were aware of the quality of the water.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
‘One Canadian Economy' could end ‘balkanized' Canada, professor says
Getting rid of barriers to interprovincial and territorial trade and labour was on the new federal government's agenda for a while. It was part of Prime Minister Mark Carney's election campaign; included in the government's throne speech; and it materialized into Bill C-5, which passed quickly through the House of Commons and was approved in the Senate on Thursday. Bill C-5 actually has two parts: the One Canadian Economy Act, and the Building Canada Act. Here is what the new bill is set to do, and how it could affect Nunavut. Canada is 'balkanized' For years, the provinces and territories have imposed barriers limiting movement of professionals and products across their borders. That means, for instance, that Ontarians would have a hard time buying British Columbian wine and vice versa. And a nurse from Nova Scotia who wanted to move to Quebec to work would have to pay a $350 fee, fill out paperwork and go through a Quebec licensing exam. Similar rules apply to many other trained professionals across the country. Ian Lee, a professor at Carleton University's Sprott School of Business in Ottawa and longtime critic of internal trade barriers, that's a sign of a 'balkanized' Canada. Balkanization is a term that refers to the Balkan countries of central Europe and is used to describe a region divided into small territories that are often hostile to each other. 'Because the Balkans are balkanized into these tiny little postage stamp countries — Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, Macedonia and on and on and on,' Lee said, adding that the One Canadian Economy Act could be the first step in reversing that effect in Canada. The many rules that were meant to protect Ontarians, Quebecers, Albertans and others ended up hurting Canadians overall by making local industries and workers less competitive, Lee said. So what does the bill say? The second part of Bill C-5 — the Building Canada Act — is designed to streamline approval and development processes for projects deemed to be in the national interest, such as mines, ports, roads and pipelines. While it caused some controversy among Indigenous leaders, including Inuit Tapiriit Katantami president Natan Obed, who called for more consultation, the part relating to trade was an easier sell. It's called the 'Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act,' and it removes federal barriers to trade. Under the new law, 'a good produced, used or distributed in accordance with a provincial or territorial requirement is considered to meet any comparable federal requirement.' The same principle applies to services and worker mobility. Just removing the federal barriers will contribute $200 billion annually to the Canadian economy, Rechie Valdez, the federal secretary of state for small business and tourism, said in an interview Tuesday. She didn't have an estimate for the potential economic value in the event provinces and territories follow the example and also remove their barriers. Can Nunavut contribute to removing the barriers? Lee said the territorial governments have historically been less prone to protectionism because they have fewer industries to protect. 'They have very small economies. They don't have to worry about protecting an industry, because many of those industries just don't yet exist.' However, Nunavut, like other jurisdictions, does have licensing requirements for lawyers, doctors, nurses and teachers, and possibly eliminating that paperwork is one of the issues Nunavut is 'exploring,' Premier P.J. Akeeagok said after the Northern premiers' forum in May. 'The challenge we've always had is securing nurses or doctors, but the opportunity for the movement of the professions within this country might open up a lot more for us,' he said. He didn't mention other barriers the territorial government is eyeing to eliminate or how much economic benefit that might bring, saying that those conversations are 'very preliminary.' The Nunavut Department of Intergovernmental Affairs didn't respond to an enquiry from Nunatsiaq News on that. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
‘Dangerous predator' — 350 million years old — is new species in Canada creekbed
On an inner beach in Nova Scotia, layers of stone and sediment are battered by water. The area is susceptible to the extreme tides in the Bay of Fundy, pulling anything on the surface out to sea, possibly lost forever. For centuries, researchers, geologists and paleontologists have studied Blue Beach because of its abundant fossil record, and in recent years they have worked to start collecting, preserving and categorizing the bones found there. Researchers Chris Mansky and Sonja Wood founded the Blue Beach Fossil Museum as part of this mission, and now their work has led to the discovery of a new prehistoric species. Wood, who died last year, is credited with finding a jaw bone for a previously undescribed species in a study published June 18 in the peer-reviewed Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 'She (a wheelchair user) was out with Chris along the road at Blue Beach when she got a good feeling that a fossil would be found in the nearby creek,' Conrad Wilson, a Ph.D. candidate at Carleton University and lead author on the study, told McClatchy News in an email. 'She pointed Chris down the rocky embankment into the creek bed and that's where he found the fossil.' The jaw is long and curved and teeth protrude from the bone, according to the study. The teeth near the back of the jaw were conical and nearly vertical, while those near the front were strongly curved backward in a hook-like structure The jaw was identified as a species of actinopterygian, or predatory ray-finned fish, a group that is 'hugely important today,' Wilson said. 'Today, they include more than 50% of all vertebrates and pretty much any fish that is fished commercially, and range from sturgeon to tuna,' Wilson said. '... This one was close to 3 feet long and is strikingly different from its contemporaries because of the curvature of its jaws and the size and anatomy of its fangs.' Each type of tooth served a different purpose in making the fish a 'dangerous predator,' Wilson said. Hooked teeth at the front of the jaw would capture the fish's prey in their mouth, holding them in while the pointed fangs in the back could 'pierce' the creature and 'chop it up,' according to Wilson. This is the earliest record of this kind of dentition in ray-finned fishes, appearing about 350 million years ago, Wilson said. The species was named Sphyragnathus tyche, combining Greek words 'sphyra,' meaning hammer and 'gnathus,' meaning jaw for the genus, according to the study. The species name, Tyche, refers to the Greek goddess of fortune for 'the fortunate circumstances of the fossil's discovery.' Aside from a distinction as a new species, the hammer jaw fish also tells researchers about how all ray-finned fish fared after a catastrophic event. Lots of species were lost at the end of the Devonian period, which ended about 358.9 million years ago, to a mass extinction and the diversity of fish declined, Wilson wrote in a June 24 article published in The Conversation. 'One point of debate revolves around how actinopterygians (ray-finned fishes) diversified as the modern vertebrate world was born — whether they explored new ways of feeding or swimming first,' Wilson wrote. By noting and analyzing the unique teeth, researchers suggest the group of fish focused first on changing their feeding strategy evolutionarily, instead of adapting their swimming, according to Wilson. 'The fossils are telling us about what the fish existing right after a mass extinction looked like,' Wilson told CBC News. '... The beach where this fossil was discovered tells us … this is a group of animals that is doing well, pretty quickly, after a mass extinction.' Blue Beach is on the inner shore of Nova Scotia, on Canada's east coast. The research team includes Wilson, Mansky and Jason S. Anderson.
