The Monitor is a concise and insightful look at the U.S.-Canada business and economic relationship. This collection of news articles, scholarship and thoughts from leading economists, journalists, academics and members of the business community is meant to provide you with an overview of the various perspectives on the dynamic and interconnected nature of the U.S.-Canada economic relationship. Each month we focus on a core subject of importance to both economies; this month features a spotlight on Canada-U.S. competitiveness.
We welcome your feedback and hope to highlight some of your comments each month. Write to us and tell us what you think at: connect2canada@canadianembassy.org.
Regards,
The Monitor Staff
Voices "On the trade policy side, the significant competitive momentum that is felt among U.S. manufacturers in this survey is reflected by the surge in U.S. export sales that has stabilized the U.S. economy this year," said NAM Vice President, International Economic Affairs Frank Vargo. "This report is a clarion call to negotiate and approve free trade agreements that will knock down barriers to U.S. exports. Congress should heed the news in this report and vote to strengthen the ability of North American-based manufacturers to compete effectively in the global economy."
See the Made in North America report below
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Perspectives: Canada-U.S. competitiveness
Made in North America
What impact has globalization had on North American manufacturing productivity, competitiveness, and profitability? Deloitte surveyed 321 executives of leading North American manufacturing enterprises across product sectors to obtain their perspectives on their current and expected future competitiveness in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Canada's Engagement in Regional and Global Supply Chains
A new Conference Board of Canada report aims to shift Canadians’ thinking about trade to a supply-chain perspective more aligned with how global and regional production operates today. Instead of conventional trade analysis that tends to assume two countries trade in final goods, this report examines Canada’s trade with other regions through the eyes of the buyer’s supply chain.
In The News
Canada and Detroit's big three lobby to maintain free trade
Detroit News
June 16, 2008
The Canadian government -- backed by American businesses including Detroit's Big Three automakers -- has launched a lobbying blitz on Capitol Hill to defend free trade between the two North American economic superpowers. The Canadian effort stems from the fierce criticism the North American Free Trade Agreement came under during the Democratic presidential primaries and from threats made by likely Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. Barack Obama, to opt out of NAFTA unless it is renegotiated to strengthen labor and environmental protections.
Border "No. 1" Priority
Windsor Star
June 19, 2008
Calling it the country's "No. 1 priority" for transportation infrastructure, Canadian government officials unveiled long-awaited plans Wednesday for a new border crossing in Windsor's west end which they hope will help end the city's border truck traffic problems and improve the flow of the nation's trade.
Another dark year for forestry
Vancouver Sun
June 12, 2008
The Canadian forest industry is expected to lose $750 million this year with only a modest return to profitability in 2009, the Conference Board of Canada stated in its Canadian Industrial Outlook report on the forestry sector. The industry's troubles stem from the collapse of the U.S. housing market and the high Canadian dollar. On top of that, the mountain pine beetle infestation in B.C. is now impacting timber supplies by killing the equivalent of 15 years of harvests, which will limit production for the next decade. The Conference Board Summary can be read here.
U.S. senator says oil-sands won't face "dirty fuel" ban
Calgary Herald
June 12, 2008
American legislation to bar so-called "dirty" fuels doesn't apply to Canadian oilsands, a leading U.S. senator said earlier this month. Speaking to a forum of Canadian and American business people in Washington, New Mexico Senator Jeff Bingaman -- a Democrat who chairs the Senate energy committee -- said output from Alberta's oilsands doesn't qualify as dirty oil under U.S. law.
State leaders to strengthen Canadian ties in southeastern U.S.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
June 14, 2008
More than 260 business and political leaders will converge on Savannah on Sunday for a three-day summit kicking off an economic initiative between six Southeastern states and seven Canadian provinces. Georgia hopes the new initiative, dubbed the Southeastern United States-Canadian Provinces Alliance (SEUS-Canada), will strengthen an already close relationship with its No. 1 export partner.
Canada boosts business across border
Bismark Tribune
June 16, 2008
Divide County, which borders Canada, is enjoying a boom that might be about oil, but it's also about location. Taxable sales for 2007 were stronger than in any year since Canadian shoppers poured through back in the mid-'90s. And now those Canadians are back again. The State Tax Department reports that taxable sales and purchases for the year were at $9.6 million, more than a 4 percent increase over the year before.
Innovation
Charlottetown District Energy System
The recent upward trend in oil and gas prices has caused many Canadian business owners to reflect on the finite nature of fossil fuels and to take another look at renewable sources of energy such as the sun, wind, water, earth and biomass. They are discovering that renewable energy technologies such as biomass-fired district energy systems are well developed and reliable. Read about how Charlottetown, PEI has harnessed its own biomass to power much of its city.
For further reading click here.
Publications
Flagship Report on Investment in Canada
The Invest in Canada Bureau has released its 60-page Flagship Report to showcase Canada as an investment destination of choice. It offers a comprehensive snapshot of Canada's strong business environment and of the many business opportunities that exist nationally for foreign investors. It also promotes Canada's excellence through innovation. The Report highlights 13 leading-edge sectors and sub-sectors, which are part of DFAIT's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Strategy. Successful foreign investment cases and testimonies from leading firms have been added to the description of the sectors to provide examples of Canada's competitive advantages from a business perspective.
Blog
NAFTA and oil: Old ghosts and false fuel fears
To those that say NAFTA’s renegotiation could right a terrible wrong when it comes to energy, Peter Foster has a reply. Specifically, he says, individuals like Gordon Laxer, a professor of political economy at the University of Alberta, wrongly condemn the provision of “proportionality,” under which Canada is required to behave like a good neighbour in the event of major energy supply disruptions.
